When it comes to getting quality sleep, your bed plays a starring role. From the mattress to the bed frame, the right choices can cradle you in cloud-like comfort, while the wrong ones might have you tossing and turning all night.
Let’s break it down and go over the key factors to consider when finding your dream bed setup.
Mattress Firmness: The Goldilocks Conundrum
You want your mattress to have that “just right” feel—not too soft that you sink straight through to the bottom and not too firm that it pushes against your pressure points all night.
The perfect mattress firmness depends on your sleep position and body type. Side sleepers tend to prefer a plush, conforming mattress such as a medium one, while back and stomach sleepers usually go for something in that Goldilocks medium-firm range.
If you share your bed, make sure you both test out the mattress first. Look for one that evenly distributes your combined weight and has enough give to relieve pressure without feeling like a deflated pool toy.
Motion Isolation: Keeping The Peace
There’s nothing quite like the rude awakening of getting catapulted out of dreamland because your partner rolled over. Poor motion isolation, where movements transfer across the bed surface, is a real sleep killer.
Foam mattresses generally outperform innerspring mattresses in this department, absorbing rather than transferring movement. Memory foam mattress excels at motion isolation, and pocket springs can also reasonably limit motion transfer.
Motion isolation is a must-have for blissful, uninterrupted sleep in a shared bed.
Secure the Perimeter with Edge Support
Edge support keeps the mattress feeling sturdy and uniform from edge to edge, so you can spread out and use every inch of that sleeping surface.
With reinforced edges, you won’t get that uncomfortable “sinking” or roll-off feeling when you snuggle up to the bedside. It’s also easier to get in and out of bed without feeling like you’re wrestling with quicksand.
Many mattresses struggle with edge support over time, so look for one that utilises a dense foam encasement around the perimeter for years of stable, consistent support.
Frame Height: Go Low or Stay Up High?
Once you’ve found your perfect mattress, it’s time to give it a proper home with the right bed frame. Platform beds sit low to the ground for an ultra-modern, minimalist look. You’ll have to do some careful manoeuvring to get in and out of bed, but sleek design lovers swear by the low-profile appeal.
More traditional frames with legs or a footboard provide a good 16-18 inches of underbed clearance, making it easier to get in and out. The added height can give the room an airier, more open feeling, too. Just be mindful if you have mobility issues and need a lower bed.
Slatted Support or Solid Foundations?
Most bed frames come with either solid wood slats or a rigid platform base to support your mattress.
Slatted frames allow for increased airflow underneath the mattress and have a touch more “bounce” or flexibility that can enhance pressure relief for certain mattress types. Some use metal slats or bars for extra durability.
Solid platform beds are sturdier and firmer, which works well with most foam and hybrid mattresses. Many modern frames use moisture-resistant wood or metal gridwork for the platform.
Adjustable bases are another solid option if one partner loves sitting up to read or watch TV while the other prefers lying flat. They let you customise your ideal position at the touch of a button for maximised comfort.
Don’t Settle for Second-Rate Sleep
Adding up all the hours we spend in bed over a lifetime is a considerable amount of time. Don’t settle for a so-so mattress and bed frame that robs you of rejuvenating rest.
Do your research, prioritise the features that matter most to your sleep needs and habits, and splurge a bit if you need to. With the perfect bed tailored just for you, that full night of deep, undisturbed sleep can finally be yours.