Introduction
Have you blamed your tossing and turning at night on your mattress’s material, thickness or airflow? From my experience, choosing the right size mattress is part of the process. In fact, it can be the difference between sleeping like a rock and getting almost no shut-eye.
Fun Fact: On average, people change their sleeping position 40+ times during the night. When you combine the factor of a sleeping partner, this makes it critical to make sure you have enough space to move (and turn) while sleeping.
I’ve also discovered that the ideal mattress size is also based on other factors. They include your bedroom’s dimensions and even how often you sleep in the bed. Let’s take a closer look at the situation.
The Importance of Mattress Size
When selecting the best mattresses, there are several factors to consider. Do you pick memory foam or latex? Is a foundation or topper mattress what you need? Do you prefer a soft, medium-firm, or hard-as-a-rock mattress?
Bedroom Size
This issue is one of the most practical ones, whether you’re sleeping on a small floor bed or a large bed frame. Find the right balance of mattress size and room size.
Fitting a Double Bed in a Small Room (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUuJM_Y-xKc
Sleep Style
Studies show that side sleeping is the most common position and includes almost two-thirds of Americans, according to Sleep Number.
However, a bigger issue is how much you move around at night. For example, on average, people do a full turn 12x while sleeping!
If you have health conditions that cause arm and leg movements while sleeping, this is another factor. This can prevent mishaps like rolling off the bed.
Sleep Partner
For example, if you or the other person is a “wild sleeper,” it’s critical to have a buffer between each other to protect the partner from running legs while dreaming, for example.
Buying a New Mattress
Lie on the Mattress
When you can, try out a test mattress at a department store or mattress store before purchasing the unit. Even if you know the mattress’s dimension and see the unit, there’s no substitute for lying down on the mattress, so you’ll get a sense of whether you need a twin, full, queen, or king-size mattress. More good options to look at iSense.
Bed Type
This can help guide which size mattress is right for you. For example, a storage bed is a big space-saver, while a sofa bed adds extra living space.
How to Buy the Right Mattress for Your Bed Frame (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTBfE9n3134
Set a Budget
The mattress size is directly related to the cost.
Bedroom Size vs. Bed/Mattress Size
Get Room Measurements
You might already know these figures but if not, then take the time to get the room’s precise length and width. Another key area to measure is the doorframe. This is important to make sure there’s enough clearance when the door opens.
Next, make sure to factor in the bed/mattress dimensions. This will help to determine how efficiently it will fit in the room. Just make sure there’s enough walking space around the bed. For example, if you are buying a mattress for your spare smaller room, go for a 3ft single bed mattress. It will be enough for your guest and you will not sacrifice space in the room.
Personal Preference and Comfort
Space to Spread Out
The idea of mattress comfort is different for different people. That said, you should still provide extra space so you can spread out. You’ll be comfier before you doze off and have space to move around while in dreamland.
Is bigger always better? A super king bed might be practical for two people who constantly move while sleeping.
However, one side sleeper, for example, would need less extra space while catching Zs. You should still consider a bed that’s bigger than a single for some elbow room.
Weigh Bigger Mattress vs. More Living Space
You should consider both factors and which one is more important to you. For example, is a big bed worth having less room to walk around it?
Mattress Look and Feel
Think beyond Size
Besides the mattress’s dimensions, you should also weigh other factors, including:
*Material
*Natural/Organic
*Airflow
*Height
*Topper/Foundation
If you’re trying to pick the right mattress for a good night’s sleep, then these factors can be as critical as the dimensions.
Health Conditions
If you have back pain, for example, then consider options like box spring mattresses. A lack of support could actually make back pain worse, which you’ll want to avoid.
Conclusion
When choosing the right size mattress, there are other factors to consider. They include the number of sleepers, sleeping style, and bedroom size.