What Is Rightsizing? 7 Tips for Homeowners
Mattress rightsizing is the process of choosing a mattress based on the individual(s) who will be sleeping on it. A mattress can significantly impact your quality of sleep, mood, mental capacity throughout the day, productivity levels, and so much more. Understanding the process of mattress rightsizing can help you choose the best mattress for your sleep, well-being, and room design.
1. Know the Dimensions of the Room
Never bring a mattress into a room whose dimensions you haven’t measured. Fitting a twin mattress into a large bedroom may be a no-brainer, but if you’re considering a king or queen mattress, you need to know that it will fit through the doorway and occupy its space in the bedroom with room to spare.
2. Consider the Dimensions of Additional Furniture
Along with the room size, consider the furniture within the room, such as end tables and dressers. This is the case whether you’re putting the mattress in a studio apartment, a standard bedroom, or a space with an open floor plan, such as a finished basement or attic. Buying complete bedroom furniture sets typically simplifies the process because everything works together, but you still need to know the bedroom size and ensure all the pieces can fit.
3. Know the Types and Size of Mattresses
There are several types of mattresses you can buy, including innerspring, memory foam, air beds, eco-friendly, pillow-top, hybrid, and latex. While comfort is important for all of these, you also need to consider the size of the mattress. The typical sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king mattresses. Each comes at a range of price points, influenced by everything from its material and construction to where you’re buying the mattress.
4. Think About Body Types
It’s important to consider each individual’s height and weight and whether one or two people are sleeping in the bed. No part of a person’s body, such as their feet, should ever hang over the bed, so choosing the ideal size for sleep and health is essential.
For example, a child may easily sleep on a twin mattress, but a tall adult should consider a king or California King mattress. An individual adult may be comfortable on a full mattress, but couples will usually get a better night’s rest on a queen, king, or California king mattress.
5. Consider Sleeping Preferences
Most people have a preferred sleeping position, and when considering the size of a mattress, how much you spread out can also significantly impact how comfortable you are. Let’s say you tend to curl up in a ball when you sleep. A full or queen mattress may be ideal for you because you don’t need that much space. However, if you and your partner usually spread out while sleeping, a larger mattress would work much better so that no body parts are hanging off the bed, and you’re not jammed up against each other the entire night.
6. Evaluate the Bed Frame
If you already have a bed frame and don’t plan to replace it, you need to check the dimensions before buying a new mattress. The mattress needs to fit perfectly on the bed frame, not only for comfort and aesthetic purposes but also to ensure that it won’t slide or tip. It’s also vital that your bed frame holds up to the mattress you want to get. For example, if you currently have a flimsy bed frame but are getting a mattress that weighs much more than the mattress you currently have, the bed frame may break, especially if you consider the added weight of whoever will be sleeping on the bed.
The size and weight of the mattress need to correspond to the size of the bed frame and the weight it can hold. When in doubt, you may be better off replacing the bed frame so that its size and weight match the mattress you want.
7. Speak With Your Doctor
Many people don’t consult with their doctor before buying a mattress. However, it could be beneficial to do so, especially if you have certain health conditions, such as back pain, arthritis symptoms, or mobility issues. They can help you choose one that will work well with your specific body type and health conditions.
If you don’t choose the right size mattress, it could negatively impact your health, especially if you are scrunching yourself into an uncomfortable ball so that no part of your body hangs over the edge of the mattress. The best mattresses are the ones that do the most good for your body, your sleep preferences, and your overall well-being.
Start Shopping for a New Mattress Today
There are so many sizes and types available that it’s easier than ever to find a mattress that’s perfect for you — sleep-wise, health-wise, for your budget, and for the size of your room. It may take your body some time to get used to the new mattress, but when you choose the one that has the right size and material, you’ll love how much better you feel. If it’s been several years since you last purchased a new mattress, it may be time to make the change. Start shopping today for a new mattress that can make you feel happier and more energized when you wake up in the morning after a restful night’s sleep.
