MATTRESS 101: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATTRESS
Having to go out and choose a new mattress can be quite a daunting task. There are thousands of different models to choose from, all with different specs. But basically, it all comes down to personal preference, what one person believes is luxurious could be someone else’s cause for back pain. After this comes the matter of cost. We’ve seen mattresses go for as high as $20,000 sometimes! Here are the things you need to really consider when deciding which mattress to go for...
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Research is everything
Firstly, do some research and know how much you’re willing to spend, so you can get a good grasp of what awaits you and what to expect. A mattress is a major purchase and sometimes we can spend a little too much if we don’t have a clear budget in mind. This will ensure you are getting the most for what you can afford. Check out any sales that might be going on by visiting the stores’ websites.
Understand what type of mattress is right for you
Once you've done your research and know what you’re looking for, don't hesitate to seek advice from the experts - on or offline. Do you want something that will keep you nice and cool, something that is really soft, really firm or something that will be perfect for a couple that wildly vary in body type? This is where choosing a mattress comes down to personal preference, don’t take anyone else’s word for it.
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Consider Your Lifestyle
From sleep style to body type, to negotiating with a partner, your lifestyle can help you make the best choice:
If you are a side sleeper, you’ll definitely want a mattress that’s not too hard and provides you with pressure relief. Look for something that contours and conforms to your body shape, while providing you with all the support you need.
Soft, cushioned memory foam or a mattress with a fluffy topper will give your body the most pressure relief, while a mattress on the firmer end will offer much less. Pocket spring mattresses may have more pressure relief than a solid foam or latex mattress. Test out the mattresses you are interested in lying down as if you were at home, to get a good feel for it.
If you’re a notorious stomach sleeper, the last thing you probably want is a mattress that envelopes you in warm memory foam every night. This is guaranteed to make you feel smothered. Instead, go for something with a firm top surface that will provide the best support. Think about a dense pocket spring, air-filled, or latex mattress.
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If you tend to sleep on your back...For a regular back sleeper, you're going to want something that fits in somewhere right in the middle, a supportive surface, but has a softness to it so your spine is always aligned and healthy.
If your partner tosses and turns all night, go for a mattress with individually wrapped pocket spring mattress, or a dual-chamber air-filled mattress. These will have extremely minimal partner disturbance. The dual chamber mattress will also be perfect if you and your partner don’t have the same needs and wants in a mattress. Or you can get a mattress with two different firmnesses.
If you are a hot sleeper, some of these mattresses can be an issue. Mattresses topped with foam or latex can trap body heat, especially if they're very soft and a lot of your body sinks in. For this reason, you may prefer something with a tightly quilted top or something that uses layers of gel infused memory foam. Gel infused memory foam is designed to dissipate heat, meaning even if you are a hot sleeper it will keep you cooler for longer, so you don’t have to compromise comfort for coolness!
If you suffer from allergies, foam and latex are both inherently antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites and mould. If you decide on a pocket spring or air topped with fiberfill, make sure to put a waterproof, dust mite and allergen resistant mattress protector over the top.
