Considering we spend a third of our lives on mattresses, it's remarkable how little we think about them. Buying a new mattress is one of the most crucial choices we make as consumers. Shopping for the right mattress is probably some of the most important browsing you will ever do in life. This is something that will be with you every night for the next few years, so make sure that is one that suits your needs, not necessarily the lightest and fluffiest mattress in the store.



While it's true that we spend around a third of our lives on our beds, don't convince yourself to buy one you can't afford. When you test a mattress in the showroom, stretch out and get comfortable. Other tips for shopping include:

1. Go straight for the mattresses on your list before being steered away to others.

2. Lay down on each mattress and really get comfortable. Don't be self-conscious about it; remember, you're in a mattress store.

3. When you find a mattress that makes you feel comfy, lay on it for at least 15 minutes - get the feel of it.

4. Don't make any hasty decisions. Find at least three satisfactory mattresses to compare, preferably at different retailers, before making an offer.

5. Regardless of the price, make an offer that's lower than what you're willing to spend.

6. If the salesman makes a counteroffer that's too high, tell him so. If he/she won't budge, just walk out the door.

7. If the price too high, just go on to the next retailer.

What should a good mattress do for you?

When the springs start to get old and the mattress begins to lose its shape, you can expect a great deal of restlessness in your future. A good and reliable mattress should somewhat cradle your entire body, all the while correcting posture and having a firmness to it to prevent the back from arching. This arching is often times the main reason why you have trouble sleeping because your body is in a very unnatural position, keeping you awake until you get settled.

Any chiropractor or orthopedic surgeon will tell you that back issues are predominantly caused by not sleeping in the correct position. The mattress type is quite important, but also the way in which you sleep can make all the difference in the world for comfort. It is encouraged to sleep on your side, particularly on the right side, with the neck slightly elevated, and the legs slightly bend. People make the mistake of using two or three pillows to sleep on, which arches the neck, and puts extra strain on the back. Sleeping on the stomach sometimes causes a curve in the upper back, while sleeping on the back is often too intense for the lower back.

Asking questions, requesting written product information and examining each mattress thoroughly will help you choose the mattress that is right for you. By following the practical guidelines for selecting a new mattress, you will be well equipped to find the best mattress for sleep comfort. If getting a good mattress and sleeping in the correct positions are the keys for ending insomnia, then you need to take heed right away.