Top tips for buying the mattress of your dreams

We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it is vital we are comfortable and able to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

The quality of our sleep makes a big difference in our health, attitude and wellbeing — and when it comes to getting a good night’s rest, your mattress makes a difference.

If you are in the market for a new mattress, take your time, do your research and don’t jump into bed with the first one that tickles your fancy.

A decent mattress should last between seven and 10 years, depending upon how much use it gets, so you need to try to get this purchase right.

Remember, you will have to live with it for a long time.

Here are some tips to help you find your dream mattress.

Know what suits you and what your needs are.

Buying a mattress is a personal choice as the need for comfort and support varies by individual.

Consider your sleeping position — do you sleep on your back, your side or your stomach? Does your partner keep you up by tossing and turning? Some experts say that people who sleep on their back usually benefit from firm mattresses that offer support to fill in the gaps in the contours of the back.

Just make sure it provides enough comfort so that you do not feel like you are sleeping on a board.

Side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress to minimise pressure to the smaller areas of the body.

Before you purchase your new mattress, evaluate your existing one.

Is it comfortable? If you are sharing, is it big enough?

Determine what works or does not work and use this information to gauge what you will need as a replacement.

While a mattress will not cure any back ailments, the right one may provide optimum support.

Evaluate your back issues and do your research on which type of mattress is right for you and what your comfort preferences are.

Consider getting a hypoallergenic mattress if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

Try it out first.

Do not be afraid to physically try out a new bed and dress in clothing that is similar to what you would wear to bed.

I am not suggesting wearing your pajamas while mattress shopping, but do wear comfortable clothing.

Shoes that are easy to take off and put back on, loose fitting shorts or jogging pants and a comfortable t-shirt. Trying out a mattress in a work dress or suit will not give you a full appreciation of what you will experience when trying to sleep.

Relax and try out a few sleeping positions.

Take at least 10 minutes to test the mattress.

If you share your bed, take your partner along with you so that you can both test it at the same time — you will sleep better if you are not crowded and if you are both comfortable.

Finally, do not buy a mattress without first being aware of the warranty and carefully reading the fine print.

Lie on your new mattress while you go over the details of the warranty at the same time — killing two birds with one stone.

Honey Adams is the education officer for the office of Consumer Affairs within the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation’s Department of Human Affairs. For more consumer savvy advice, visit www.ca.gov.bm.