Shopping for a mattress

When should you replace your bed? The lifespan of a high-end pocket-coil bed is 18 to 20 years, while a standard low-end open coil is only good for about five years. An average bed averages about ten years of life. If you are not getting enough support to sleep well, it's time.

Boxsprings have evolved into an important part of the bed, rather like shock absorbers in a car, absorbing motion so you feel less motion transfer; the other person turning over is less likely to wake you. A lower quality or used boxspring can reduce the life of a good quality mattress by as much as half; ideally, purchase your mattress as a set for best longevity.

Construction is more important than price, and is often not a good guide to quality. In pocket-spring mattresses (usually more expensive), each spring rests in its own fabric pocket and responds independently to the weight pressing from above. In continuous-spring mattresses, a single length of wire forms the springs. Consider coil count and the gauge of the wire in the coils as indicators of firmness (and often quality). Generally, the more coils, the firmer the mattress, although thicker wires can compensate for fewer coils. Lower gauge means the wire is thicker.

Consider your height, weight, sleep position and personal preference.

A proper mattress set will maintain the healthy natural curve of your spine. When you lie down on the bed, on your back, you should just be able to push your hand between the small of your back and the mattress; if there is a gap, it's too hard, and if your hand won't slip underneath, it's too soft.

If you share your bed, test mattress support with your sleeping partner by lying down on the bed, and roll as if asleep; you shouldn't roll toward each other and one person shouldn't feel the other getting up from the bed.

The bed should be at least 6" longer than the tallest person who sleeps there.


Tips for sleeping well

Regular
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
Routine
A bedtime routine might include a warm soak or read a relaxing book.
Calm
Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool during sleep.
Comfy
Sleep on a pillow and mattress that suits you, with covers that are the right weight; a blanket that is too warm will not allow the body's temperature to drop to the levels needed to fall into a deep sleep, yet one that does not provide enough warmth will disrupt sleep patterns by causing you to awake periodically; some find natural fabrics more comfortable (cotton, wool, linen, and lyocell).
Focused
Use your bedroom for sleep and sex; the TV and workspace go elsewhere.
Food
Finish eating two to three hours before bedtime; if you're hungry, eat something small, like a cracker, so your digestion doesn't get excited.
Exercise
Exercise early so your adrenaline can fade in the two to three hours before bedtime.
keep your mind active during the day so that it will let you rest at night.
Caffeine?
Have your last coffee or chocolate at least two hours before bedtime.
Tobacco?
Again, early before bed.
Alcohol?
Again, early before bed; it is a simple sugar that needs to metabolize before the body will rest.

For further information, check out http://www.sleepcouncil.com/.