According to "Better Homes and Gardens," most of us replace our mattresses every 8 to 10 years. Trying to pick the right mattress for you, one that you want to sleep on for the next 10 years, can seem like a daunting task. You spend 1/3 of your life sleeping, make it a comfortable 1/3.

The next factor to look at is the mattress comfort level. Of course, each individual has their own preference and you must decide upon a setting that is most ideal for you. Generally, comfort level is graded on a scale of 1-10. A level 1-2 is considered firm, which means there is very little cushion. A setting of 5-6 is considered medium, soft comfort. The highest level is 9-10, which is considered ultra plush. Also, choosing a mattress with a high innerspring rating will have less wear and tear over the long run.

Something you need to consider all the people who sell the mattress will tell you are the ones that do not have spring coils. They are not a totally bad thing if you know what you are looking for, but many do not know. They often do not ask for help either.

Another type of mattress is latex which has been gaining quite a good amount popularity as well. These latexes may come in natural or artificial form and are usually produced to provide a stronger support base for mattresses. These beddings are also commonly mixed with other materials so it shouldn't be a surprise to find these combinations. If anything, the combination is intended to improve the features of the latex mattress and also to contribute significantly to the support that it offers.

The level of choice available now extends far beyond just picking the mattress size, in fact there seems to be a manufacturer out there producing a mattress for every possible niche. This is where doing your homework can be particularly important! Like pretty much all industries, mattress manufacturers are more than a little fond of making extravagant claims about the quality of their mattresses.

It can range from super firm to super soft. So you need to think in terms of your comfort you are seeking whenever you are doing research for the mattress you plan to buy. A good thumb of rule is to pick something that you are used to. For example, if you have been sleeping in a firm foam mattress, changing to a latex one may be too uncomfortable for you.

Experts recommend that you take your bed for a test drive, so to speak. Try lying in the bed while you're in the store. Ask yourself if you can imagine sleeping in it every night. In fact, don't be afraid to take a little nap. Grab a pillow and get a feel for the bed. You may even want to bring your own pillow.

When it comes to things like coil count and wire gauges, don't let the numbers fool you either. Usually the difference there isn't that grand either. Each company uses different configurations, so any standard can be misleading.