Make sure you test out the mattress before you buy it London - Arabstoday There is nothing more heavenly at the end of the day than sinking into a cushiony mattress and floating away into a cloud of dreams, ahhhh! Here’s our essential guide to picking the best mattress. Do you wake up stiff, achy or with any other type of pain? Does your mattress have lumps, or sag noticeably? Is your mattress five years old (or older)? Do you sleep better in a different bed, such as one at a friend's house or a hotel? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need a new mattress. However, buying a mattress can be a huge headache. What brand to buy, how much to spend, whether to buy an inner spring mattress or try something new like latex can leave you full of questions. Asking friends if they like their beds might help some, but personal preference (soft versus firm, for example) also comes into play. And even if you know what type of bed you like, manufacturers don't make it all that easy for the consumer, offering slightly different beds at each retailer so it is impossible to comparison-shop. Our Mattress Buying Guide will give you tips and advice on how to get the best bed for your needs. What's New? Companies now make hybrids that use memory foam and/or latex with the traditional innerspring There is an increase in green bedding options, such as foams that are made with soy and organic cotton fillings Before Hitting the Stores Visit the mattress brands' websites before you go shopping so you get an idea of what they have. Most manufacturers provide information about the different lines that they carry. For example, Simmons has designed its website so that a consumer can easily navigate its various lines and download or print PDF's of what you are interested in. Even though models will vary from store to store it's a good idea to have an idea of what you are looking for before you go to the store. Take measurements of where the bed will be going. Be sure to take into account the size of the headboard and footboard. Measure doorways and hallways to make sure bed will fit. Standard sizes are: Twin 39inch x 75inch Full (also called a double) 54inch x 75inch Queen 60inch x 80inch King 76inch x 80inch California King 72inch x 84inch Wait for a sale you should never pay full price for a mattress. Most sales associates will often negotiate, as well. When Shopping Compare models under the same brand. Because the shape, size and placement of coils can vary from brand to brand, it is better to compare a Serta to a Serta than a Simmons to a Serta. Check the return policy and warranty. Most stores have some sort of warranty, comfort guarantee, or return policy. While this may sound good at first, make sure to check if there are any additional fees you will pay if you decide to return the mattress. Most importantly, test the mattress in store for at least 15 minutes. Only you can know whether a mattress is right for you, so you need to lie down on the mattress to see how it feels and if it offers the right support. See if the sales associate can throw in anything for free. A lot of stores will waive the delivery fee, or throw in a bed frame or set of sheets if you buy a bed from them.