As a general rule, you can always find an inexpensive mattress online or from a local retail store or outlet. Retailers and wholesalers advertise them for pennies on the dollar, and you can always find one cheap. The problem is, however, is that cheaper isn’t always better, and it pays to do some research before you run out and purchase a new mattress. Since you spend a good part of your life (eight hours a day in most cases), you need a quality mattress at an affordable price. When it comes down to quality of sleep, a superior mattress is always a key factor.

Searching for the best mattress can be a challenging task, however, the Internet offers the best way to do most of the work for you. Although most people like to “test drive” their mattress before buying one, you can still formulate an educated opinion by doing some research online. By entering the keyword, “mattress” from your favorite web browser, you can find a wide variety of mattress types, brands, and reviews. Performing a search on the Internet gives you an idea of available mattress prices and brands, and you can visit a retail or wholesale store and test-drive the one you choose. For example, if you see a Sealy mattress online that you like, you can visit a Sealy outlet and give it a test drive. People like to compare prices, so if you do a little research online, you can compare some competitive prices and use that information to your advantage when you go shopping.

The following are a few tips and ideas to help you choose a mattress that best suits your needs:

Choose the place where you want to buy a mattress (e.g., online, retail/wholesale mattress store, or yard sale). Although you can always find a good deal online, most people like to test mattresses out before making a final purchase. Once you find a mattress in which you’re interested, you are ready to make an informed decision based on price, mattress types, brands, and other factors. With so many different types of mattresses available on the market, we can’t cover them all, but the following are a few mattress types that are worth your consideration: Memory Foam Mattresses, Air Mattresses, and Futon Mattresses

Memory Foam Mattress

Created in the early 1970s, the memory foam mattress was originally created by a division of NASA. Researchers at the space company wanted to create a foam-like material that conforms to the shape of your body. It was formulated to relieve astronauts from the pressure of G-Forces during liftoff. That being said, the mattress offers a great deal of support to the body.

Air Mattresses

Possibly one of the cheapest mattresses available on the market, the air mattress is an inflatable mattress that you typically find in a sporting goods store. Air mattresses are durable and portable, but in most cases, you probably don’t want to use them as your permanent sleep solution. These types of mattresses are typically used for camping and sleepovers at friends’ houses.

Futon Mattresses

Futon mattresses were very popular in the 1970’s, but are still popular today. These types of mattresses offer comfort, affordability, and functionality. Futons have become the household standard in most European countries. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and they double as a nice couch or piece of furniture.