The age of cyberspace provides us with seemingly unlimited amounts of information on every subject imaginable. Consumers can research products and services without ever leaving the comforts of home. When trying to make a decision about a major purchase such as an automobile or home appliance drives many folks go online. Online research can provide a wealth of information about available models, options and most importantly prices.

With commuting times getting longer and driving vacations still a popular option, we do spend an increasingly greater amount of time in our cars. The average American, driving to work, spends about 700 hours a year in the car. The fact is that we spend only a fraction of our time in our cars compared to the amount of time we spend in bed.

Whether we know it or not, we spend a significant amount of our lifetime in bed. On average, Americans spend almost 3,000 hours a year in bed. That is over 800 hours per year more than average American spends at work! That can add up to an astonishing 20 plus years in bed. So in the age of cyberspace, it pays to research your next bedding purchase with the same determination as you may spend in researching the best deal on that new washer/dryer, television or family sedan.

The most common sleep system purchase is still the traditional innerspring mattress and box spring or other foundation. Memory foam and latex sleep systems are gaining in popularity but the old innerspring stand-by still rules the mattress world.

Many consumers would do well to study up on modern sleep systems before they shop and familiarize themselves with the terminology associated with how modern bedding pieces are constructed and the types of material used.

The basic measure of a traditional innerspring mattress is the spring count. The spring count generally refers to the number of coil springs that make up the guts of the mattress. As a general rule of thumb the higher the spring count, the more expensive the mattress. The thickness of the spring wire is also an important consideration and should be no less than 14 mils.

The lower the number the thicker the spring wire. The thickness of the spring wire is very important in determining how firm or soft the mattress feels. Some manufacturers tout the spring count of their mattresses but all the springs in the world will not make up for too thin of a spring wire.

The traditional inner spring has also provided the basis for a new generation of hybrid mattresses, using a combination of inner spring durability and modern materials such as visco-elastic foam. These hybrid sleep systems offer consumers still another choice of ensuring quality sleep and good health.

The type of foundation is also important. A quality box spring unit can add live to the mattress and save money in the long run. Again the spring count and thickness of the spring wire is a key consideration since putting an expensive mattress on an inexpensive box spring can really defeat the purpose. Solid foundations are available as a good alternative to the traditional box spring.

So while the fabric may look nice and the price may be right, take the time to try out the mattress before you buy and are sure about your choice. Test drive that mattress with the same attention you would give to test driving that new car. Your may spent a lot of time in the car but time spent in bed is important for a good nights sleep and a healthy life.