With so many bedding options on the market today, deciding what is best for you and your family may seem like a hard decision. While it is important that you choose the right mattress for your needs ? after all we do spend one fourth to one third of our lives in bed ? there is no reason to let mattress shopping be a stressful experience. Here are some basics to consider while you shop.

1.When buying an innerspring mattress do not be overly concerned with the actual coils. Some models will use more coils or coils with a thinner gauge. Sometimes the configuration of the coils is a big selling point. Keep in mind that although there are numerous mattress companies in the world ? manufactures of coils are less numerous. Chances are cheap brands are using the same coils as the expensive brands. Lie down and see if you can tell the difference in the coils between models. If you do not find a noticeable difference, you might be better off focusing on other features.

2.Decide what type of firmness you like best. In general the choices are soft, medium, and firm. It is a common misperception that a firm mattress is better for your back. Although you might be suffering from a particular ailment that would benefit from a firmer mattress, many doctors recommend a medium firmness mattress that allows the natural curve of your spine when standing to remain the same while lying down. This means avoiding a surface that is too soft (which allows for exaggerated curvature of the spine) or too hard (which cause the spine to over straighten).

3.In addition to the mattress itself there are additional options you might be faced with while shopping. Pillowtops are basically a thin layer of foam or other material that is sewn to the top of the mattress. Although popular, pillowtops will add several hundred dollars to your final bill. They add an extra layer of padding which feels noticeably softer. If you like the feel of the foam pillowtop, you might want to explore other mattresses that are not innerspring mattresses before buying.

4.A box spring is designed to allow for extra give and sits under your mattress. Some people prefer just to put the mattress directly on a platform bed. Try both options and see if you can notice a difference. Some salespeople will tell you box springs can extend the life of your mattress.

5.There are several options other than an innerspring mattress on the market today. Viscoelastic foam mattresses mold around you body when you lay down allowing for a perfect fit to the natural curve of your spine. Many people with chronic back pain or back injuries report decreased pain after switching to a foam mattress. Waterbeds, although having waned in popularity, are still the best selling specialty mattress on the market. The give of a waterbed can be much more than a regular mattress and entails more upkeep and maintenance. Futons are also an option ? but the material used for the stuffing can quickly become compacted and firmer than you might want.