Selecting the right mattress can be an overwhelming task. A mattress plays a significant role in achieving restful sleep.
Yet, many need to pay more attention to its importance and continue using mattresses that fail to provide sufficient support and comfort.
Investing in a new mattress may require a substantial financial commitment, but it can unlock the key to better sleep. As with any significant purchase, making an informed decision and choosing wisely is essential.
To help you navigate selecting a mattress, we have broken down the essential information into digestible pieces. With this comprehensive guide, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to find the best mattress that caters to your specific needs, offering the right firmness and features for a great night’s sleep, night after night.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Mattress
Before delving into the details of purchasing a new bed, it’s crucial to remember a few tips on what to avoid during the shopping process.
Different Mattress Types
Suppose you have just started your search for a new mattress. In that case, you may have already noticed the overwhelming number of options available. It’s helpful to begin by familiarizing yourself with the various types of mattresses to help you navigate this sea of choices.
Almost all mattresses can be categorized into five main types:
- Foam
- Innerspring
- Hybrid
- Latex
- Airbed
Innerspring mattresses are the most well-known and are traditionally famous for homes everywhere. However, in recent years, other mattress types have gained significant popularity.
These alternative mattress types have expanded their appeal by offering enhanced performance and have become more affordable and accessible through the growth of the online mattress industry.
Understanding the basics of each mattress type will serve as a solid foundation for your mattress search. Here’s a breakdown of each type:
Foam: These mattresses are composed entirely of foam, with no coils. They provide exceptional body contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation, making them an excellent choice for side sleepers and couples. The most well-known foam used in these mattresses is memory foam.
Innerspring: An innerspring mattress has a support system based on coils with minimal additional layers. While these coils offer some support, innerspring mattresses often lack sufficient pressure relief. They have a bouncier sleeping surface and limited motion isolation. Due to their affordability, they are more popular among budget-conscious shoppers.
Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses incorporate two key elements: an innerspring support core and a powerful foam comfort system. The comfort layers may include foam, latex, or even a shorter layer of coils (known as micro-coils). These mattresses blend bounce and contouring with low heat retention. Hybrids can cater to sleepers in any position, depending on their specific construction.
Latex: A latex mattress is one in which all layers are made from latex rubber. These mattresses offer excellent bounce and durability with moderate contouring. Natural and organic latex versions are highly favored by eco-conscious consumers.
Airbed: Airbeds feature an air chamber as their support core, with a built-in pump controlled via smartphone or remote. Sleepers can adjust firmness by adding or removing air with a button. Airbeds are particularly popular among couples since each side can be set to a different firmness level.
Determining Firmness
Comfort is subjective, so finding a mattress that suits your preferences is crucial.
Firmness refers to the level of hardness or softness experienced on a bed. To make comparisons more accessible, we use a 1-10 firmness scale. While it may not be a scientific measure, it provides a general understanding of how a mattress feels and who it might best suit.
Although the chart lists the typical beneficiaries of each firmness level, remember that comfort is subjective. Some individuals prefer a softer or firmer mattress, and other factors like back or hip pain can influence their preference.
If you’re uncertain about the correct firmness level for you, here are a few methods to help narrow down your options:
Consider your weight and sleeping position to determine a suitable range.
Reflect on whether you’ve desired a harder or softer mattress while using your current one at home or during hotel stays.
For reference, most hotel mattresses fall within the Medium to Medium Firm range, appealing to a broad audience.
Conduct research by visiting a local mattress store and testing out different beds. Spend 10-15 minutes on each mattress to assess your comfort level.
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Read more: How to Choose the Perfect Mattress – What is the Best for You?
