Once upon a time, getting a good night's sleep was a rather simple affair. Every eight to 10 years, you would go out and purchase a mattress, the firmer the better, and perhaps a box spring. In between these shopping expeditions you occasionally had to flip your current one, but that was basically the extent of it.

Things are a little more complicated these days. We have now learned that one mattress does not fit all and that a firm mattress is not the generic cure-all for restless nights and backaches that we once thought they were. In response to this newfound knowledge, the mattress industry has developed what it calls sleep systems.

A sleep system is defined as a mattress and foundation set that can be customized to meet your individual needs. Fortunately, there are a variety of sleep systems you can choose from. The most common types consist of a mattress that contains an innerspring, but latex and air bed sleep systems are definitely making an indelible mark on the industry.

The Right Sleep System for You
Some of the claims made by manufacturers of sleep systems include the ability to treat insomnia, alleviate back pains, and provide a little relief from allergies. Although there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, there are some bona fide benefits to investing in a sleep system. This is especially true for air bed sleep systems.

First and foremost, the majority of air bed sleep systems are adjustable, which means that you can make it as firm or as soft as you need. You can even purchase a sleep system that comes with a dual air chamber so you can adjust each side of the bed according to the individual needs of the person sleeping on it.