We spend almost one third of our lives asleep so choosing the right, quality mattress is as important as investing in a safe and reliable car. Keep in mind the following rules to shop by and you’ll sleep soundly for decades to come. 

Size Matters

The size of your mattress (and naturally your bed) is a personal preference but there are a few guiding principles to help you choose. Both your size – your height and weight – as well as that of your partner will dictate the mattress dimensions. Couples may do perfectly well with a queen size, but co-sleeping parents with little ones will need more space in order to accommodate a few extra bodies – a King does the job well.

You won’t go wrong though with a simple double bed in a guest room. While it might be a slightly more limited option for a visiting couple, it will do nicely for a weekend and will fit the often smaller space of a second bedroom.

Comfort vs Support

You’ll know that the feel of a mattress differs from bed to bed and what suits one sleeper can be hugely uncomfortable and unforgiving to people with neck and back pain. Choosing the right comfort and support really is up to you and what you find supportive and relaxing, so ensure you spend some time trying out different mattresses in the flesh. 

• Plush Mattresses  As the name suggests, plush is the softest and gently conforms to your body, relieving you of any pressure points while you sleep. Side sleepers will enjoy the extra cushioning for hips and shoulders by the extra layers of foam and fibre in a plush mattress - it’s like sleeping on a cloud! 

• Medium Mattresses  If you find a plush mattress too soft and lacking in support, a medium mattress may be your best bet. A medium mattress offers support without being rigid, and also helps with weight distribution - which you will want if you’re sharing your bed with a tosser and turner.

• Firm Mattresses  The most rigid of all mattresses, firm mattresses are ideal for those who sleep on their backs. Because your body won't sink into the mattress you will keep your posture while you sleep, which can also help alleviate lower back pain. Firm mattresses help with additional airflow so they are well suited to ‘hot’ sleepers or sleepers who struggle with maintaining their body temperature throughout the night.

Take a Test Drive

Take the time to understand what kind of sleeper you are, but be sure to test out and compare mattresses of all comfort levels. Spend a few minutes on each and settle on a single comfort level. If you’re shopping for a bed to share with a partner, be sure to try out the bed together.

Narrow It Down

Identify your preferred comfort level, which will reduce the range of available options and brands. Now you can start focusing on the details, such as price, warranty, features and benefits. Don’t be afraid to come armed with a list of questions for the salesman! By the end of this process, you will want to have narrowed your choice down to two or three mattresses.

The Ten Minute Time Trial

The final test is a 10 minutes trial. Lie down, relax and let your body decide which is the best mattress fit for you!

Take Care

With all the time and money investing in a good mattress, it's important to keep it in tip-top shape. Make sure your base is providing the right support for the kind of mattress you have purchased. A memory foam mattress requires firm, solid support, but a spring mattress will need box springs to provide give and movement.

Frame beds need to be suitably weight bearing for the sleepers and the support structure (slats or springs) need to be checked annually to ensure they are sound and unbroken. 

Flipping the mattress will also help to prevent consistent wear and tear in the same spot and good old natural sunlight can dry out excess moisture, preserving the material. Just strip the mattress of all linen and allow a warm, dry day to air out the mattress.

Choosing the right mattress needn't be a daunting task, just be sure to understand your sleep style, do your homework on benefits and warranties, and don’t be shy to do the ten minute time trial. With that out the way, your new mattress from Freedom is just a few clicks away.