Shopping For A Mattress
Shopping for a mattress may seem like a daunting task, but it doesnt have to be. There are many different sizes and types of mattresses on the market, but its not difficult to learn the differences between them.
The most important decision to make is what size of mattress you will buy (twin, double, queen or king). This decision should be dictated by the size of the bedroom and how many people will be sleeping on the best. The next decision youll have to make is what kind of mattress to buy. Before you make that decision, familiarize yourself with the most common types of mattresses:
Innerspring mattresses. These are the most common type of mattresses. Their support comes from the metal springs (or coils) that are inside. The thicker the springs, the stiffer the mattress. When shopping for an innerspring mattress, remember that lower gauge numbers mean thicker springs (for example, a 12-gauge coil is thicker than a 14-gauge coil).
Foam mattresses. These mattresses are less common and more expensive than conventional innerspring mattresses. Instead of metal coils, they provide support by using a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
Pillow-top mattresses. These are a variation on normal innerspring mattresses. They are the same in almost every way, except that they have foam padding on the top. Because of this, you shouldnt really flip a pillow-top mattress (despite the fact that experts recommend that you flip your mattress every few months).
Box springs. These arent actually mattresses, although they resemble them. Box springs are used to extend the life of a mattress. They sit underneath the mattress (directly on top of the bed frame) and serve as a shock absorber for the mattress.
Mattress Maintenance
In order to get the most out of your mattress, youll have to take good care of it. Remember to flip it over regularly (every three months is a good goal to set). Doing so will minimize the extent that your body changes the shape of the mattress (which can lead to discomfort). Also, never eat, drink or smoke in bed. You dont want to stain your mattress. Finally, and this should perhaps go without saying, dont jump on your mattress!
The most important decision to make is what size of mattress you will buy (twin, double, queen or king). This decision should be dictated by the size of the bedroom and how many people will be sleeping on the best. The next decision youll have to make is what kind of mattress to buy. Before you make that decision, familiarize yourself with the most common types of mattresses:
Innerspring mattresses. These are the most common type of mattresses. Their support comes from the metal springs (or coils) that are inside. The thicker the springs, the stiffer the mattress. When shopping for an innerspring mattress, remember that lower gauge numbers mean thicker springs (for example, a 12-gauge coil is thicker than a 14-gauge coil).
Foam mattresses. These mattresses are less common and more expensive than conventional innerspring mattresses. Instead of metal coils, they provide support by using a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
Pillow-top mattresses. These are a variation on normal innerspring mattresses. They are the same in almost every way, except that they have foam padding on the top. Because of this, you shouldnt really flip a pillow-top mattress (despite the fact that experts recommend that you flip your mattress every few months).
Box springs. These arent actually mattresses, although they resemble them. Box springs are used to extend the life of a mattress. They sit underneath the mattress (directly on top of the bed frame) and serve as a shock absorber for the mattress.
Mattress Maintenance
In order to get the most out of your mattress, youll have to take good care of it. Remember to flip it over regularly (every three months is a good goal to set). Doing so will minimize the extent that your body changes the shape of the mattress (which can lead to discomfort). Also, never eat, drink or smoke in bed. You dont want to stain your mattress. Finally, and this should perhaps go without saying, dont jump on your mattress!
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