These six general steps complement the tips given in “Top Ten Must-Haves For A New Mattress." The steps are specially designed by bedding experts to determine the right support and comfort for your specific sleep needs.

1 - Choose Your Size

Are you buying a mattress on its own or a set? Mattresses and sets come in these basic sizes: Twin, Full, Queen or King. More on mattress sizes...

2 - Choose Your Comfort Level

Make sure you have good back support as well as your desired surface feel, or level of comfort. In order to determine your comfort level, use the scale of 1-10:

9-10: Extra Firm

7-8: Traditional Firm

4-5: Cushiony and Plush

- Keep your desired surface feel in mind.

- Don't forget back support, which comes primarily from the innerspring unit.

- Remember that the higher the number of coils and the thicker the padding, the better the mattress quality.

- Determine what you want, then focus on the models that fit that description when you shop for your mattress.

3 - Keep your height and weight in mind

If you are average height and weight, you may have an easier time determining desired firmness.

4 - If you suffer from back pain...

...you should go with better quality for optimum support. Check with your doctor for recommendations.

5 - Whether you sleep on your back or side

can determine how firm the mattress feels. Many of our customers have said their mattresses feel firmer when you sleep on your side.

6 - Consider your price range

A basic queen set will range from $99 to $199, and a better quality one will cost $199-399. Top quality costs upwards of $499. However, don't let price rule your selections. Focus on the models that suit your needs.

Once you've answered this checklist, you are ready to purchase your mattress. You may even be able to sleep on your new mattress set tonight!