Mattress Shopping Guide: How to buy a mattress in five easy steps.

1. Shop around: Most conventional mattress stores carry the same brands and styles and disguise them under different names. Ask for comparables. A sales associate with your interests at heart will give you the 411 you need to make the right decision.

2. Get comfortable: Go ahead, lie down. If you sleep with a partner, make sure that person is trying out the mattress on the other side. Remember to dress comfortably (women should avoid skirts for obvious reasons.) Remove your coat so you can truly get a real feel of the mattress.

3. Go with what your body is telling you. Mattress sales people can be pretty persuasive (they work on commissions after all). Since the mattress sales person will not be sleeping on YOUR mattress, make sure you go with YOUR gut. Comfort is a personal choice—listen to what your body tells you.

4. Read the fine print. Make sure you ask about a store’s return policy. Some stores charge expensive shipping and restocking fees.

5. Perfection is usually perfectly unattainable. Remember that there are SO many factors that affect your sleep. Your mattress is just a part of the puzzle. To learn more about how you can get a better night’s rest, visit The Sleep Foundation.

Organic Mattress Shopping

Green Living and Better Organic Sleep Specializing in the following organic brandsWJSouthard