Queen-sized beds have been the most popular option on the market for several decades now. But knowing this fact definitely won’t help you choose the perfect bed for yourself. This article may, though. So, here are 5 essential tips on how to choose a Queen-sized bed.
Table of Contents
- №1 Know the Dimensions
- №2 Choose the Right Mattress Type
- №3 Consider Your Lifestyle
- №4 Think About Your Health Needs
- №5 Outline the Budget
№1 Know the Dimensions
Dimensions are probably what has made Queen such a popular size. Measuring 60 x 80 inches, it gives two people enough space to sleep comfortably and doesn’t consume too much room space.
But the standard Queen, like the top 2 brands, Casper and Leesa, isn’t the only bed configuration on the market. You may also come across one of the following:
- Olympic Queen. This mattress measures 66 inches wide compared to 60 inches in the standard Queen, but it has the same 80-inch length. This configuration might be harder to find in just any mattress store but it can be a good choice if both you and your partner love to stretch in your bed.
- California Queen. This mattress has the same width as the standard Queen, which is 60 inches wide, but it measures 84 inches long, meaning it’s 4 inches longer. A perfect fit for taller individuals who may need extra space for their legs.
Now, not only the mattress dimensions matter. It’s also important to check whether your bedroom can accommodate a bed with such dimensions and still feel spacious enough. After all, nothing looks more ridiculous than a monstrous bed packed inside a tiny room.
So, a Queen-sized bed is roughly 5 feet wide and 7 feet long. Depending on the amount of furniture in the room, you may want to have at least 2 feet of space around the bed so that you can get on and off comfortably. Thus, you need your bedroom to be at least 10 x 10 feet to accommodate your Queen bed.
№2 Choose the Right Mattress Type
The right mattress type can take your sleeping experience to a whole new level. But how do you determine which one is right?
Today, when choosing a good queen mattress, you will come across the four most common types:
- Innerspring. Traditional innerspring beds are pretty common today mainly because they can offer you a uniform surface with unbeatable edge support, which is essential if you share a bed with your partner. Also, the spring construction allows the air to circulate freely between the mattress layers, so it might help you sleep cooler. However, high motion transfer and excessive bounciness of innerspring beds might be a turn-off for restless sleepers.
- Foam. Foam models can be made of either memory foam or polyfoam, but their main properties don’t differ that much. They perform great in terms of motion absorption and pressure relief. But even the most innovative foams may have issues with thermoregulation and therefore make you sleep hot. Also, foams are more prone to mold and mildew development, as their structure doesn’t allow for proper moisture removal.
- Latex. Latex is the most eco-friendly option among all the mattress types. This natural material is devoid of most of the drawbacks of other beds: it is breathable, completely hypoallergenic, and incredibly durable. Plus, it offers close body contouring. But all this goodness comes with a price, which may easily be the highest in the store. Also, some users don’t like latex due to its bouncy feel, so it’s better to give your mattress a test before purchasing.
- Hybrid. Hybrid mattresses combine the best of all worlds, as their construction may include foam, latex, and coils in different configurations of layers. Thus, an average hybrid bed can give you a great balance between support and sinkage, as well as prevent you from dripping in your sweat during the night. But this type of mattress isn’t devoid of drawbacks either: since most of the hybrids are relatively new to the market, it’s unclear how they might perform in the long term.
№3 Consider Your Lifestyle
The way you live can also impact what bed will suit you best.
If you’re a travel devotee and spend more time in hotel rooms than in your actual bedroom, you certainly don’t need to spend all the money in the world to buy that $2,000 mattress made of high-end materials.
If you’re leading an active lifestyle or are an athlete, chances are that you might need a bed that will help you recover faster, so a good amount of cradling and pressure relief are key.
Those who share a bed with a partner or a pet may need a construction that isolates motion so that one’s movements wouldn’t disturb the other’s sleep.
The list can go on, but the bottom line is that you need to take your lifestyle into account when choosing your Queen bed.
№4 Think About Your Health Needs
Sleep is essential for your health. And since your mattress is your main ally in getting sound sleep, it just has to satisfy your body’s needs, especially if you already have some health issues.
So, here are some suggestions if you have the following health problems:
- Back pain. Depending on the localization of your back pain, you might need different firmness levels. For example, individuals with chronic lower back pain, according to studies, feel most comfortable on a medium-firm mattress. People with upper back pain, on the other hand, might need a firmer bed to keep their spine aligned without aggravating existing issues.
- Allergies. Dust mites are the most common allergen in American homes, and their most common habitats are mattresses and bedding. So, if you are prone to allergies, you need a mattress that will not provoke them. Beds made of natural materials typically are more dust-mite resistant, but they also are on the expensive side. A cheaper alternative is dense foam, as it’s harder for dust mites to get into.
- Joint pain. Joint pain typically means limited mobility, so your bed should allow you to move around on it, as well as get in or out of the bed, without effort. Mattresses with better bounce, such as latex or hybrids, might be the best option in this case.
№5 Outline the Budget
Now, with all the above-mentioned factors considered, you can outline how much your new Queen-sized bed may cost you.
The tricky thing here is that the possible range may vary a lot. For example, some low-cost Queen beds may cost $300-500, whereas more advanced models can go up to $2,000 and higher.
Note that when it comes to mattresses, being more expensive doesn’t always mean better. So, be careful and don’t fall for a higher price tag without researching what’s behind it.
