Going to the mattresses: how to pick the right bed

(ARA) - Creating a relaxing bedroom environment is essential for getting a good night's sleep, but many overlook the centerpiece of that environment: the bed. Unlike fresh linens, relaxing music and cozy pajamas, the mattress you sleep on can mean the difference between restful, rejuvenating sleep and fitful, frustrating nights. Now is a great time to evaluate your bedroom to ensure it is providing the peaceful retreat you need.

A recent sleep satisfaction survey from bedding manufacturer Tempur-Pedic gauged the perceptions and opinions of American consumers regarding their mattresses (covering everything from pillow-tops, innersprings and foam beds to water and air beds) and revealed 90 percent of consumers have gone to great lengths to get some much needed shut-eye, including everything from flipping their mattresses to sleeping in other rooms.

With most Americans spending one-third of their lives in bed, making sure you have the right bed - one that meets your personal needs and preferences - is crucial, but buying a mattress can be overwhelming. To ensure your mattress provides the best sleep experience for you, ask yourself a few simple questions.

First, evaluate your current mattress. What features do you like? Where does your mattress fall short? With so many options on the market, it's important to write your pros-and-cons list before you leave the house.

Second, how long do you want your mattress to last? Most consumers feel their mattresses should last at least 10 years, yet 82 percent of consumers who have owned their mattress for less than five years felt their mattresses needed improvement. Whatever you choose, be sure the warranty ensures the same level of comfort over the lifetime of the bed.

Third, ask yourself what kind of mattress you prefer. If you prefer a softer sleep surface, pillow-tops and innerspring mattresses have traditionally been the solution, but 85 percent of pillow-top mattress owners feel their beds need improvement. If you still prefer a softer mattress, some of the newer options on the market are worth your consideration. One example, the TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme from Tempur-Pedic, has the softness of a pillow-top mattress combined with body-conforming support that offers pressure relief. Its performance is backed by a 20-year limited warranty.

Finally, if you sleep with a partner, consider a mattress that absorbs motion to keep you from waking each other with every toss, turn and bathroom break throughout the night. This is also a great feature for couples on different sleep schedules.

Today, there really is a mattress solution for every sleep preference out there. As a consumer, you can afford to be picky, and as important as sleep is, you can't afford not to.

For more information or to find out if a Tempur-Pedic sleep solution is right for you, visit www.tempurpedic.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent