How to Choose a Mattress

A good night’s sleep reaps bountiful rewards for your health, including improved memory, metabolism, and mental outlook. Consequently, choosing the best mattress is an important decision not only for your bed but also for your body. The mattress-buying rule of thumb says to buy a new one every 10 years, but some won’t hold up for that long. If you haven’t hit the 10-year mark and aren't sure whether you need a new mattress, watch out for signs that tell you it might be time for a replacement: aching shoulders, hips, or lower back could mean the mattress isn’t supporting you properly, while lumps, bumps, and excessive squeaking might indicate the mattress structure is breaking down.