Getting a good night’s sleep begins with the right mattress. But finding the right mattress can be a matter of hit or miss. Especially so if you are going to shop around without the right information. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll break it down to the basics of mattress buying for you to make an informed decision.
The ‘Perfect’ Mattress
First and foremost, let’s get the number one misconception out of the way: There’s no such thing as the perfect mattress. What’s comfortable for you might turn out to be a not-so-impressive sleeping experience for someone else. So, you might hear a friend sing praises of their new mattress and think of buying the same one. It’s not necessary that you’d feel the same way and might even be disappointed.
Finding a suitable mattress is more than just the price. But the bitter truth is, we often tend to ignore the importance of a quality mattress unless back pain creeps upon us. It’s easy to fall for the cheapest option because, on the first few tries, a mattress might feel fine, great even. But only after repeated usage, can we know for sure if it’s for you.
Prolonged use of a mattress that doesn’t provide enough support and comfort can be detrimental to your health. It can lead to sleepless nights and achy mornings. You can avoid this by purchasing your mattress after careful consideration of a few vital factors.
1. Mattress Types and Materials
Mattresses come in a wide variety of types and materials. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mattress to decide the best fit for you.
Innerspring Mattress
Also known as spring or coil mattresses, innerspring mattresses have been an age-old standard of sleeping and remain a popular choice of buyers. These contain a long piece of metal wire coiled into different shaped springs, to provide varied support and comfort. These mattresses are light and affordable but less supportive than some other types. Some spring mattresses can be noisier than others, causing sleep disturbance.
Memory Foam Mattress
Made from mouldable memory foam, these modern mattresses can conform to your body and offer a cushioned feel. These have hypo-allergenic properties, can absorb your weight and ease isn’t for everyone. Plus, it can feel pretty warm. These mattresses are perfect for those needing back support as they help maintain posture while sleeping.
Latex Mattress
Filled with latex foam, latex mattresses are extremely durable and soft to touch. These are a bit on the expensive side because natural latex is an extremely breathable material and offers a cooler night’s sleep. The mattresses are usually heavy though, with the cheaper varieties, you may run into issues like the formation of lumps and dents with use.
Hybrid Mattress
Made from a combination of materials, hybrid mattresses usually have a spring or coil base with memory foam or latex foam at the top. Designed to provide a well-balanced sleeping experience, hybrid mattresses are preferred for increased comfort and support. A hybrid mattress like Eva Mattress Australia combines the best of both worlds – keeping you cool while providing the soft cushioning of a foam mattress.
Adjustable Mattress
These mattresses have adjustable bases and are designed to address sleep disturbances, pain problems, and other medical conditions. The angle and position of the mattress can be adjusted.
Bed-in-a-box Mattress
These ready-to-use mattresses are usually compressed and rolled into a box, ready to be unravelled and used in a few hours.
When it comes to using this type of mattress, opting for a high-quality bamboo mattress is the way to go. Not only it is eco-friendly, but it is also resistant to bacteria and dust mites.
2. Mattress Firmness
Your sleep depends on how firm your mattress is. Some people find firm mattresses more comfortable than softer ones. Your sleeping position, height, and weight usually determine what level of firmness is best for you – soft, firm, or somewhere in between.
Mattress firmness is measured on a scale from 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most people prefer mattresses in the mid-range from 3-8 that provide a good balance of support and comfort.
Soft: Soft mattresses are ideal for side sleepers or those who shift positions during the night.
Medium soft: These mattresses provide slightly more support, and is best suited for people changing positions during the night
Medium-firm: These are ideal for those who sleep on their back as it offers additional lower-back support
Firm: These are perfect for people who sleep on their front, are on the heavier side, or suffer from back pain. These mattresses help keep your back in a comfortable and stable position, reducing the chances of lower back pain.
3. How Sleeping Position Influence Choice of Mattress
The way you sleep can determine which mattress to buy. Different sleeping positions need different kinds and amounts of support. To find out which option is best for you:
Side Sleeper: Sleeping on your side means you need support around the curves of your body as you sleep. Softer mattresses with memory foam or latex can work well for you.
Front Sleeper: A firm mattress will help keep your spine aligned during sleep. Pocket sprung mattress or latex mattress can provide you support in all the right places.
Back Sleeper: A medium-firm mattress is best for you, though any mattress type can work well. Choose one with a good support core to keep your back, spine, and neck well aligned and comfortable during sleep.
4. Mattress Size
Size is another basic factor to consider before you purchase a mattress. Your ideal mattress size depends on your height, overall body size, if you sleep alone or with a partner, the position you sleep in, and the size of your room.
Don’t forget to measure your room before shopping around for a new mattress. While buying kids’ mattresses, factor in their growth over the next few years. It might be a wise decision to buy a size larger than what’s needed to avoid having to go up in size every couple of years.
Other Factors to Consider Before Buying New Mattress
Budget: Work on a budget for your new mattress. Make sure you have some room to stretch so you can purchase the best quality mattress without wrecking your budget. There are plenty of mattresses available online based on your budget so it's better to research and read online guides like the best mattresses this 2023.
Warranty: Check the warranty, the number of years it lasts, the manufacturing defects that are covered, and other relevant details carefully before making the purchase. Look for the best possible warranty from a reputable dealer.
Certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like GECA, CertiPUR-US, and OEKO-TEX as go-to-markers for verifying eco-friendly and chemical fee claims.
Buying a quality mattress is an investment that could make or mar your sleeping experience for the next 10-15 years. With the tips we’ve shared above, you can get your mattress shopping started on the right foot plus with the help of Sleepify guides and comparisons it will be easier for you to decide what type of mattress you need.
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