Table of Contents
Intro
The Dalai Lama once said that “sleep is the best medicine.” Sleep can cure a multitude of ills and gives our bodies time to heal and reset for the day ahead. This is why finding the perfect mattress is such a significant feat. With the right mattress on your side, a good night’s sleep is guaranteed, and the therapeutic benefits of shuteye can be enjoyed. Some of these therapeutic benefits include:
- Boosted immunity
- Reduced stress and enhanced mood
- Better mental clarity
- Lowering the risk of serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes
- Maintaining a healthy weight
While the advantages of sleep are undeniable, finding the right mattress is a hugely personal decision. Much like shopping for clothes, it isn’t a one size fits all product, and different people will have different needs when it comes to mattresses and comfort levels.
When it comes to buying a new mattress, there are a few essential things to keep in mind. We spoke to Mike Jan of Mattress Timea UK manufacturer and he outlined these top tips.
1. Think about the size
When purchasing a mattress, the first thing you will need to think of is the size of your bed. Mattresses come in an array of sizes to compliment your chosen bed. Mattress sizes can come in the following:
- Small single
- Standard single
- Large single
- Small double
- Double
- Queen
- King size
- Super-king size
Before choosing your dream mattress, it is a good idea to measure the size of your bed. This will ensure that your mattress fits your bed perfectly. If, however, you’re looking to purchase a new bed too, you might consider upgrading the size of your bed and the mattress if the space allows. A mattress is undoubtedly an investment, and choosing a quality product will offer many years of fantastic sleep.
2. Sleeping position
Another huge determiner when it comes to buying a great mattress is to consider your sleep position. Sleep position can guide you on the softness or firmness of your mattress. As a general rule of thumb, the following sleeping positions will enjoy these types of mattresses:
- Side sleepers: Side sleepers are usually best suited to a soft or medium mattress. These designs can easily conform to the body’s curve without placing too much pressure on the hips or shoulders. This will support the lower back and trunk, all the while resulting in a quality night sleep. Lighter individuals might opt for even softer mattresses.
- Back or stomach sleepers: Back or stomach sleepers will usually benefit from a slightly firmer mattress than side sleepers. A medium-firm mattress offers fantastic support to the back and spine, alleviating potential aches and pains the next day. Latex or memory foam options are a popular choice for back and stomach sleepers, offering ample support.
- Combination sleepers: If you change positions throughout the night, you might want to go with a reliable middle-road option and choose a medium-firm mattress. These models can easily accommodate different people and are a good choice if you are sharing the bed with someone. Pocket spring or memory foam models are also a great choice if you are a light sleeper and are easily woken by a partner.
3. Materials and design
Not all mattresses are made equally, and as such, they come in an array of materials and designs. Popular mattress designs include:
Memory foam: Memory foam effortlessly conforms to the body’s shape, offering ultimate comfort. It’s a fantastic choice for side sleepers, offering ample support.
Latex: Latex foam offers a good level of firmness yet retains a plush finish. These options are well-suited to those who sleep on their back or stomach. Since they are not as dense as memory foam models, they also retain less heat, making them a good choice for warmer climates.
Open coil: Open coil mattresses are one of the most popular designs, and they are made with a specialised inter-connected spring system. Standard models usually contain around 300 springs, and since they are quick and easy to manufacture, they are often sold for an affordable price.
Pocket spring: Known for being more supportive than open coil models, pocket spring mattresses utilise individual springs rather than a connected system. These mattresses might have up to 600 springs, and spring count correlates with comfort levels. These are also good options for couples, especially those with different weights.
4. Medical conditions and orthopaedic options
Orthopaedic mattresses can offer fantastic relief and support for anyone prone to backaches and pains. Those living a sedentary lifestyle or with joint pain can benefit from orthopaedic options, and they are available in an array of styles and designs. A fantastic quality orthopaedic mattress has a few brilliant advantages, including:
- Relieving aches and pains
- Improving posture
- Correcting spinal alignment
- The even distribution of weight
- Excellent comfort
5. Budget
Part of finding the perfect mattress is being realistic about your budget. While a mattress is certainly an investment in your future comfort and quality of sleep, your budget will determine what type of mattress you buy. Whether you are looking for a luxury design or a budget-friendly option, choose a reputable supplier with products in your price range.
The Takeaway
Buying the perfect mattress is a hugely personal decision and will be determined by a few lifestyle factors, including sleep position, space, medical issues, materials, and budget. If you are unsure of what mattress will best suit your needs, it is advisable to test them out before the purchase. Take some time out to test various options and spend a good few minutes lying on various options. Always wear loose-fitting comfy clothes when you are testing out mattresses, as these will most likely mimic sleepwear and give you a real feel of the comfort levels.
When in doubt, chat with the professionals and work with a reputable team with a wide range of products.
