Choosing a Bed: Which Type is Right for You?
Grandma was right when she said a good bed is important because we spend one third of our lives in it. So we don’t want to scrimp on the amount of money we’re willing to spend on this all-important piece of furniture. But with so many types of beds out there–mattress and box spring, waterbed, and airbed to name three—which one is right for you?
Mattress and Box Springs
The secret to choosing this traditional type of bed is in getting a really good one. Check in to your local 5-star hotel to see how you enjoy sleeping on that bed. After all, for the past few years hotels have been engaged in a skirmish with each other, trying to win vacationers and business travelers alike with claims of the best beds in the industry. Then, if you agree, figure out what kind it is and where you can purchase one. Many believe that the “Heavenly Bed” at Westin Hotels lives up to its name. It may have been created especially for them, but it is a Simmons and that may be a good place to start.
Waterbeds
Waterbeds have been around since the 1960s but some still swear by them. They’ve improved since the original waterbeds consisted of one piece, called a bladder. Separate bladders have become popular and are more comfortable and easier to fill and maintain. So what’s so great about a waterbed?
A waterbed simulates the effects of weightlessness when you sleep and conforms to you, ridding pressure points and providing the best support possible for the human body. Such principles of flotation have been proven to be therapeutic in treating numerous conditions such as premature newborn development, orthopedic problems, paralysis, severe burns, trauma, auto accident injuries, plastic and general surgery recovery, cardiac rehabilitation, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy and other common conditions with musculoskeletal effects.
Airbeds
Airbeds such as Sleep Number by Select Comfort beds provide almost everything that a waterbed does, but you can adjust each side separately. The downside of a waterbed is the comfort is determined by the fill and it’s not so easy to adjust each separate bag and it’s a lot of work filling them and unfilling them. But a sleep number bed has a control where you set a number and the bed fills accordingly. So if your back is sore one night, you can adjust the number. One night you may want the bed to feel more firm and another night not so firm. Or you can find the one setting that feels right for you and leave it at that. No adjustments necessary.
So, whatever bed you choose, do your homework, try it out, and don’t be afraid to spend the necessary money on getting a good night’s sleep.