Bed Mattress Size Selection Tips

When it comes to choosing a mattress, most folks will naturally consider the space they have available or want to fill. Nevertheless, some aspects of choosing a mattress size go beyond that practical rule. Buyers will want to take into account, for instance, that a certain amount of extra length and width is necessary for a comfortable sleep. That is obvious common sense, but it is often neglected when making a purchase.

The standard mattress dimensions are given in the table below:

One of the common complaints or requests of couples, for example, are that a mattress should not collapse or dip much in the middle of two sleepers. That causes them to tend to roll together. Although a pleasurable effect sometimes, it is not desired all the time.

Coil strength and number are only part of the solution to that goal. It is essential that the mattress simply be wide enough to provide a large enough space for that goal to be met. A set of coils, no matter how high quality, can only do so much when there are only so many of them to support you.

The aspect of length brings in new considerations since nobody will be comfortable having their feet hanging out the end of the bed. But even when the bed is just long enough, it's not really long enough, not for full comfort. In order to allow for movement in the night an additional twelve inches or so of length is required.

That same foot, or more, may be needed to accommodate the need for good heel or ankle support. Depending on the design a mattress may provide more or less support at the edge. Some have a steel wire wrapped in foam around the perimeter to keep the edge from collapsing when sitting on the mattress.

That same wire plays a part in keeping the feet and lower leg well supported when they are near the edge. The longer the mattress the less the edge plays a role.

Not surprisingly, cost is a factor as well. Even apart from the fact that larger mattresses are more expensive, they require larger sheets, comforter and bedspread. All those are more costly and they have to be replaced much more frequently than the mattress.

Cost or effort of maintenance can be a issue, as well. When a larger mattress needs to be cleaned, there is more of it to clean. That takes longer or costs more. Moving a larger mattress, whether for relocation, remodeling or just vacuuming is clearly, more difficult. That effort is only occasional under normal circumstances, but it is a aspect to be considered.

At the end of the day, selection is a personal choice. Individual circumstances will determine for each person whether large or small is best for him or her. Keeping in mind some of these guidelines will help inform that choice.