Remember the Princess and the Pea? No matter how many mattresses she piled up, she could still feel that pod at the bottom. How about Goldilocks and the Three Bears? That blonde little girl tried out all of the bears’ beds. One was too hard, one was too soft, and one was just right.
What about your bed and mattress? Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether it’s time to buy a new mattress and box spring/foundation. It may be time to get a new sleep set if:
- Your mattress is five to seven years old
- You wake up with stiffness, numbness, or aches and pains
- You had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel or friend’s guest room)
- Your mattress shows signs of overuse (it sags, has lumps, etc.)
Evaluate your pillow too. In general, pillows should be replaced every year.
How big should your mattress be? There is no one answer for that, just suggestions and guidelines. There are many things to consider like the ability to get a large bed up the stairs and if it will fit in the room without taking up all of the space. If you sleep with a partner, your mattress should allow each of you enough space to move easily. A queen mattress is ideal for two people sharing a mattress.
Keeping in mind the space you have available in your bedroom, here’s a basic size chart of modern beds:
- A California King is 72” x 84”
- A standard King is 76” x 80”
- A Queen is 60” x 80”
- A Full size or Double is 53” x 75”
- And a Twin is 38” x 75”
If you have sleep apnea, the right CPAP or BiPAP machine will make even more difference than the right mattress. CPAP Central has experts in sleep apnea therapy, and we carry the best supplies from the best manufacturers. Visit our website and find the key to getting a better night’s sleep.
PS, we think Papa Bear used a CPAP too.