Many people go for years without replacing their mattresses. This expense can be easy to put off, and the choice of a mattress can be surprisingly complicated. But there does come a time when you notice that you're not sleeping well anymore. You may sleep fitfully at night, or you may wake aching and tired in the morning. Sometimes the culprit is a mattress that is no longer providing the support you need.

It's easy to become overwhelmed when you begin to research beds. In the preliminary stages, ask friends about their beds, about how they sleep at night, and where they purchased their mattresses. You can also read reviews online, although, like the opinions of friends, the reviews are subjective and the reviewers' circumstances (size, physical condition, etc.) may be different than your own.

When you head out to the store, wear loose and comfortable clothing to simulate how the bed will feel when you're wearing pajamas at home. As you test various mattresses, pay attention to the amount of padding and support. Is the mattress comfortable when you're lying down and sitting up in bed? To test a wide variety of products, visit several different mattress retailers and try out at least a handful of different mattresses before making your decision, paying careful attention to the warranty that's offered.

Choose the mattress size you need based on your space limitations in the bedroom and the number of people who will be sleeping on the mattress. For two average-size people, a queen- or king-sized mattress is a must. When determining whether a bed will fit in your bedroom, remember to leave at least fifteen inches on three sides of the bed so you have ample room to move around.

Beds can be expensive, so pay attention to prices. One way to save money is by purchasing a floor model, which is often available for as much as 40 percent off of the retail price. Do be aware, however, that floor models often don't carry the same warranties as brand-new mattresses. Still, floor models are great for people who are seeking a high-quality mattress at a reasonable price. It is often better — in terms of life span of the mattress and comfort — to buy a top-quality floor model than it is to buy a cheaper mattress that has never been used.

When you buy your mattress, keep in mind that you often get a better deal if you buy both mattress and box spring together. Also, inquire about delivery charges. You might also be able to negotiate these charges. Find out whether there's an additional fee to have your old mattress removed and disposed of. Finally, don't rely on the sales pitch of any single salesperson. Instead, try beds for yourself in the showroom, and then visit other mattress dealers before making a final decision.

Understanding Mattress Options

You have a wide variety of options available when it comes to mattresses. Here are a few options to consider:

Innerspring Mattresses

These mattresses contain springs that are connected in various ways. Whatever the spring design, look for more than 100 coils in a crib mattress, more than 200 in a twin mattress, and more than 300 in a larger model.

The wire gauge of a mattress is also important. In this case, the lower the number, the stronger the wire. Thirteen is the heaviest gauge, while twenty-one is the lightest. You also want to pay attention to the layers of cushioning and insulation that are added to the mattress. The more layers, the more comfortable the mattress will be. If you'd like a cushy surface coupled with firm support below, look for a soft-top model.

Box Springs and Mattress Bases

Innerspring mattresses can be used on many kinds of bases and frames. Typically, the more solid the base is, the longer the mattress will last. A simple sheet of plywood or even the floor can provide adequate mattress support. Besides promoting air circulation, the only advantages of a box spring or other mattress base are the additional resiliency to the mattress and the additional height a second mattress can bring.

Foam Mattresses

A high-quality foam mattress can be just as good as a well-constructed innerspring mattress. The benefit of this type of mattress is that it can be manufactured to fit an odd-size bed. As a general rule, the higher the density of the foam, the better. Ideally you want a minimum density of at least 1.15 pounds per cubic foot in a crib mattress, or two pounds per cubic foot in an adult-size mattress.

Water Beds

Many newer water mattresses come with a solidly comfortable foam edge. Others use an air baffle or rows of springs along the mattress perimeter, and baffles of various designs inside some mattresses slow down wave motion. A polyurethane liner contains the water in case of a leak.

Air Beds

When you think of an air bed, you might think of the squishy pop-up bed used for guests. But there are other types of air beds that can be extremely comfortable. Intex makes a line of Comfort-Rest air beds that can be adjusted to each person's desired level of firmness. These beds are durable, comfortable, and flexible. They also generally have a much longer lifespan than typical mattresses, which last a maximum of ten years. With a high-quality air bed, you could sleep well for as much as twenty years without needing to replace your bed, and you never have to flip the mattress.

Memory Foam

These mattresses tend to be extremely expensive, but some people swear by them. They were developed for use in hospital emergency rooms where burned patients needed the lowest-impact mattress. These mattresses respond to warmth and contour to the shape of your body. While some people love them, others complain that they don't allow for enough mobility during the night, because you tend to sink into one position and stay there for too many hours. Some also say that these kinds of mattresses don't breathe as well as others. But it is certainly wise to try this option, especially if you struggle with back pain; some people have experienced great results through the use of these mattresses.

Protecting Your Investment

A mattress is an investment that should last anywhere from five to ten years, depending on the quality of the product. After the mattress is in place in your bedroom, use a cotton mattress cover as a layer of protection between your sheets and the mattress itself. You'll also want to rotate the mattress 180 degrees at least twice per year, even four times per year or every month. Check with the manufacturer of the mattress for the recommended rotation frequency.

If possible, allow the mattress to air out daily or at least weekly. When you wake up in the morning, remove the blanket and top sheets for at least thirty minutes before making the bed. Also, try to avoid sitting at the same place along the very edge of a mattress too often. Some people sit at the same place on their mattress every morning when getting dressed, for example. This causes sagging to occur faster.