A comfortable mattress is the biggest factor in having a nice bedroom. If the mattress isn’t comfortable, why sleep on the bed? To make sure your mattress is comfortable, there are several things you can look out for when buying one. Let’s begin at the bottom of the bed and make our way towards the top.

- The most basic part is the frame. The frame needs to be able to hole the box springs and the mattress pad up off the floor without bending or breaking. This means the bed frame needs to be made of heavy wood, metal or a combination of the two. A good bed frame will have several rails running underneath the box springs; this will spread the weight of the box springs, mattress and you around. Often three or four is enough, but some frames will have more and some will have less depending on the size of the frame. Also, decorative wooden frames are just that: decorative. They have no bearing on the safety or sturdiness of the frame.

- If you’re buying a new mattress, keeping your old box springs isn’t recommended, even if you’re trying to save money. Manufacturers recommend buying a new set of box springs so that they will keep the same age as the mattress. This is because a mattress and a set of box springs are typically made together and are designed to be used together. If your box springs is old, chances are it’s started to sag, which can really make the new mattress feel uncomfortable. Imagine laying down in your bed and all of sudden feeling as if the center fell out! That’s not a very pleasant night.

- For the mattress itself, it’s pretty straightforward. No matter what the mattress is made of (air, water, metal coils, tempur memory foam, etc. ) it is basically a support system for your back, specifically your spine. It’s important for the spine to be kept in the correct position while you sleep. This is due to several reasons, but the biggest one is that your spine actually stretches while you sleep. When you are awake, your body weight gradually forces the spine to slowly contract throughout the day. At night, when you are asleep and off your weight, the spine stretches back out again. If the spine is contorted or in an awkward position during the night, it won’t make you a morning person at all.

There are several characteristics to consider when choosing the best mattress in terms of your spinal health. The type of mattress is the most basic, but there’s really no ‘best’ recommendation for this one. Experiment with the different mattress types if you can, and find the one that fits you the best. Firmness is the next quality, and be careful with this one because firmer isn’t always better. If a mattress is too firm the body won’t be supported evenly, and if the mattress is too soft sags and creates exactly the same effect. It’s important to find your own personal balance of firmness and softness. When you are asleep, your muscles work throughout the night to find the best position for you. That is why you often find yourself in a different position when you wake up then you were in when you went to sleep! The wrong mattress for you can throw this process way off, possibly creating a trip to the chiropractor.

There are easier ways to make sure your mattress is comfortable, of course. One of them is to turn your mattress regularly, both vertically and horizontally. This ensures that mattress lasts longer. Another way is to clean it on a timely basis. Take it outside and whomp it with a broom to get all the dust out. If it’s too soft, place a half-inch-thick sheet of plywood in between the mattress and the box springs. If it’s too firm, try a variety of soft mattress toppers. Tempur memory foam might work for you, but other options work just as well if not better. There are mattress pads made of egg carton, pads filled with feathers, etc. Try each one out and see what works for you.

The most important easy way to make sure your mattress is comfortable is to try it out before you buy it. Lie down on it in the store before you purchase it. This may just end up saving you all the time and effort you would have spent trying to fix it if you had bought it and didn’t try it out first. Sometimes the easiest way is the best way.

Don’t forget that your mattress will also have a longer life if you use it properly.

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  3. How Color Affects A Room

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