What should you consider before buying a mattress?

Without a good night's rest, your body doesn't get a chance to recover, further affecting your energy, productivity, and mood throughout the day.

A good mattress is paramount to achieving quality sleep.

Sleeping Arrangement

The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a mattress is your sleeping arrangement. While the main purpose of the mattress is to sleep on, there are different sleeping arrangements that must be considered.

For instance, you may be happy with a single bed or need a king-size bed. Moreover, you might keep the bed for only sleeping purposes or use it as a workspace during the day. Before you make a purchase, be sure to consider your unique circumstances.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to find the right mattress based on your sleeping arrangement:

• Will you be sharing the mattress with someone? If yes, what is their preference?

• Are there children who co-sleep with you or have a habit of joining your bed at night or watching a movie together?

• Does your pet sleep with you on the bed?

• Do you or your sleeping partner suffer from any health issues, like back pain?

• Does your bed serve as a workspace for you?

Types of Mattresses

There is an extensive range of mattresses available in the market. Here are the most common types of mattresses:

Type: Innerspring

This type of mattress utilizes connected metal coils or springs to support your body weight. There is a top padded layer called the comfort layer, which offers contouring and cushioning without creating a sinking sensation.

This mattress offers sufficient edge support, has higher breathability, and is available in multiple firmness levels.

Type: Foam

The foam mattress is made with layers of foam, like latex foam, polyfoam, memory foam, or a combination of these foams. Each type of foam offers different densities, durability, cushioning, and support.

The all-foam mattress molds the body and allows a better spinal alignment, making them an excellent choice for those with back pain. This mattress also provides better motion isolation, reducing the chances of light sleepers waking up when their partner shifts at night.

Type: Hybrid

This mattress is created with different proportions of foam and coils. The hybrid mattress offers a different feel than other mattresses based on the model and brand you use. The pocketed metal coils in the hybrid mattress create the right balance between pressure-relieving and bounce support. Moreover, the foam layers offer additional cushioning and comfort without the sinking feeling.

Type: Latex

The latex mattress provides the best durability and bounces with moderate contouring. Many of these mattresses are made with organic and natural latex, making them a preferred choice for eco-conscious people. Research shows that latex mattress places less pressure on the body than memory foam without the sinking sensation.

Type: Airbed

Airbeds have air chambers as the main support system. There is a pump placed in the mattress to remove or add more air to the mattress based on your comfort level. This pump can easily be supported by a remote or smartphone. This is a great mattress for couples as both sides can be set to a different level of firmness.

Size of the Mattress

After determining how you will use the mattress based on your sleeping arrangement, you can shortlist multiple mattresses. Another major thing you need to consider is the mattress size based on your needs.

This can be decided by the size of your bed and the space in the room. Not every room can have a king-sized bed. If you have extra space, a king-size bed is a great choice, but it might not be the right option for smaller rooms as it will take up almost all of the space.

Consider the access points in the room, the other furniture in your room, and your bed frame preference. Typically, a queen-sized bed is suitable for a couple with average height and size.

Here are some of the common sizes of mattresses that you can consider depending on your preferences:

Twin Size Mattress

• This size of a twin mattress is usually 38" x 75," and it is ideal for kids who are moving up from the crib. It provides sufficient space for the baby to grow and sleep properly. Many adults with space issues also consider this size.

Twin XL Size Mattress

• This mattress is typically around 38” x 80” and is commonly used in many dorms as it can not only accommodate tall people but also saves space. This can be used for kids and single adults.

Full-Size Mattress

• This mattress has 54” x 75” and is ideal for couples who don’t have much space in the room for a bigger bed. This is typically the size used by single individuals or growing children.

Queen Size Mattress

• This mattress is usually about 60” x 80” and is the most popular option for both couples and singles. It provides plenty of space to relax and sleep while fitting in most normal-sized bedrooms.

King Size Mattress

• This mattress is around 76” x 80” and is ideal to fit in a large room and for those sharing a bed with a partner, pets, or kids. This is the biggest mattress most brands offer, providing luxurious space and comfort.

California King Size Mattress

• This mattress is about 72" x 84" in size and is a little narrower than the King sized mattress but offers more length for those with exceptional height. This size mattress is offered by some brands and can be custom-made for taller individuals.

Understanding the different sizes available can help you determine the one that is right for you.

Consider the Size of your Room

A significant factor to consider before purchasing a mattress is the size of your bedroom. The size of the room will also help you determine the right mattress size. While sleeping on a massive bed sounds amazing, it might not be feasible for your bedroom. You must leave sufficient space to move around comfortably in the room.

Therefore, make sure you know the dimensions of the room and the bed frame. This will further clarify the ideal size of mattress for your space. You can use painter's tape to mark the floor where you want to place the bed. Remember to leave a minimum of 3 feet around the bed so you and your partner can easily walk around it.

If there are closets or cabinets nearby, open the doors and pull the drawers out to ensure enough room. No one wants to be in a claustrophobic room as this could further disrupt your sleep and overall wellness.

Therefore, take the correct measurements so that you can find a mattress that can comfortably fit in your room.

Firmness Level of the Mattress

Mattresses are usually described as firm, medium-firm, medium, and soft. Medium-firm and medium mattresses are the most commonly used ones as they cater to the needs of a wide variety of people.

So, how do you know the right firmness level?

There are two factors that can help you determine which firmness level of the mattress is best for you:

1. Sleep Position

Your sleep position can play a significant role in helping you decide on the best mattress. Here are the most common sleep positions:

Side Sleepers

Most people prefer to sleep on the side, and even the expert recommends this position to relieve back and neck pain. The right mattress for this position has a medium or soft level of firmness as it helps keep the spine aligned. A mattress that is too firm could place a higher amount of pressure on the shoulders and hips, making the pain worse.

Stomach Sleepers

A medium-firm to firm mattress is the right type of mattress for those who are stomach sleepers. It helps avoid sinking the pressure points too much, allowing a more comfortable sleep.

Back Sleepers

Mattresses with medium firmness are ideal for back sleepers. Too firm or too soft a mattress could negatively impact the spine alignment.

Combination Sleepers

For this sleep position, medium firmness is ideal for those who shift their position frequently during the night, as it supports multiple positions.

2. Body Type

The level of mattress firmness can also be decided based on your body type:

Lightweight Sleepers

• A softer mattress is better suited for those with a smaller frame, as there isn't much pressure on the bed. When the mattress is too firm, it won't sink enough for the lightweight sleepers to relieve joint pressure.

Heavy Body Weights

• A medium-firm and firm mattress is ideal for those with a heavy body as more pressure is placed on the bed. High pressure could result in the mattress sinking in and impacting the spinal alignment, which leads to back pain.

It is essential to consider both your body type and your sleep position to determine the right firmness level of the mattress. For example, a medium firmness mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers who are lightweight to create a balance between firm and soft.

Another thing that could help you in deciding the firmness of the mattress is the rating each brand gives all the mattresses. Most brands rate the mattress firmness between 1 to 10, where ten is the firmest, and one is the softest. Checking these ratings can make it easier for you to compare the level of firmness among your shortlisted mattress and make the decision easier for you.

When is the Right Time to Replace the Mattress?

A mattress has no set expiry date, but typically, a good quality mattress can last at least eight to ten years. The more important thing to consider is the warning signs. These signs can help indicate when your mattress needs replacement.

Here are some telltale signs that it is time to replace your mattress:

• Indents or lumps in the mattress

• Waking up with aches and sores

• Difficulty sleeping

• Feeling hot and sweaty

• Discoloration and stains

• Allergies are worsening

Adding a mattress topper is the best and quickest way to upgrade or fix your mattress. While this adds a layer of support and comfort, replacing your old mattress with a good-quality mattress is better to prevent further issues.

Wrapping Up

Purchasing a mattress that is ideal for your sleep position and other factors is one of the best investments you would make for your mental and physical health. It is important to note that one size certainly doesn't fit all, meaning what works best for someone might not be the right mattress for you.

Consider the mentioned factors to enhance your understanding of a good mattress and how to find the right one. Moreover, always check the mattress reviews and compare the mattresses to have more in-depth knowledge to make an informed decision.