Since you will spend about one third of your life in bed, buying a mattress is a decision that should be carefully thought out. It's important to remember when buying a mattress that there is no "wrong" - but there is what's "right" for you. While subjective, comfort is the single most important factor to bed buyers. Support and durability rank close behind. Use these shopping guidelines to make sure you choose a mattress that works for you.

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Concerning comfort: the old thinking was that beds had to be hard to be good for your back. The truth is that the modern foams and fibers used in today's premium mattresses actually enhance the support of the mattress, and are more comfortable as well. But the best way to find out if a mattress is comfortable to you is to try it out in the store.

The best mattress for your back is one that supports your spine at all points while allowing it to maintain its natural curve. The thickness of coil wire in the innerspring and number of coils determine the surface coverage and support the mattress will offer you.

Today's sleep sets are more durable than ever before.But it's important to remember that mattresses today are designed as a set. Since it's the foundation that provides durability, you should look for a foundation with shock-absorbing support elements. Together, a new mattress and foundation will provide the best sleep set performance.

The proper size for you: considering that most people sleep better when a partner doesn't crowd them, you should buy the largest size mattress that fits in your bedroom and your budget. Mattresses come in four standard sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. View the actual measurements of each mattress.

Your investment deserves warranty protection. Make sure that your new sleep set comes with a warranty that protects you against manufacturer defects.

For an enjoyable, comfortable mattress shopping experience, consider the following tips: Mattresses by well-known manufacturers can be found in a wide variety of reputable retail outlets. By working with your retailer you can feel confident about the quality of the mattresses and the service.

Questions are common, so, if mattress specifics seem confusing, ask a sales associate or contact the manufacturer for an answer.

Sleep Debt

Depriving yourself of sleep night after night can cause you to accumulate a sleep deficit. Look for everyday lifestyle clues to determine whether you need to catch up on sleep. For example, is there a chance you might doze off while sitting in a car stopped in traffic, watching television or sitting and reading? The only way to reduce this debt is to get the amount of sleep that your body needs. If you feel you are chronically sleep deprived or may have a serious sleep problem, consult your doctor or a sleep specialist.

Because you can't always get all the sleep you need, you should strive to get the most out of the sleep you do get. An uncomfortable mattress can rob you of sleep, causing you to toss and turn and preventing you from deriving the full benefit of your time in bed. Sleeping on a mattress that best meets your main comfort needs - support and space - can help you sleep better.