How the right mattress can improve your rest | AD
*This is a collaborative guest post
A comfortable mattress is truly the solid foundation of the bedroom, helping you to relax and unwind to get a restful sleep. There’s nothing better than sinking into your mattress, surrounded by soft pillows and sheets, after a long day.
Often, buying a new mattress is a journey – there’s finding the right mattress feel, style and size… plenty to consider. If you’re looking to buy a new mattress, here are a few questions that can help guide you to find your perfect mattress fit.
When is it time to replace my mattress?
There are a few clear signs your old mattress has run its course. The first thing to ask yourself is how long you’ve had it. Generally speaking, most mattresses will last anywhere between 7 – 10 years, so if you’re outside of that time frame, it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Aside from age, there are a few other things to look out for, like:
- Whether it’s sagging or beginning to form uncomfortable lumps
- Any noticeable damage like wear and tear
- Noises like metal screeching (in coils)
- Your mattress has a musty odour
- It’s just not comfortable anymore.
How much should I spend on the right mattress?
A good night’s sleep is priceless, which makes finding the right mattress an important investment. Mattress prices can vary depending on their size, material and features.
There are no rules to how much you should spend. When shopping for your mattress, make a list of must-have features, like the ideal size and material, and then adjust your budget accordingly. If you’re after a mattress for the spare room, then you may be able to go down a size to a double or queen instead of a king. Looking for a little luxury? Your mattress is an investment in your sleep, so go for a premium mattress that will last you years.
What is my preferred sleeping position?
Knowing your preferred sleeping position (back, side, stomach, or combination) is crucial when you’re trying to find the right mattress, helping you to figure out what mattress feel you should go for! Consider how you sleep and what positions you tend to move between throughout the night. With this in mind, make sure you try out a range of mattresses, lying on them for 5-10 minutes to get the best feel for them.
What type of mattress should I buy?
After figuring out what your preferred sleeping position is and how firm your mattress should be, the next question to ask yourself is what type of mattress to buy. Before you look at the different types, it’s important to understand the two key parts of a mattress. A regular mattress is made up of two layers – the comfort and the support.
The comfort layer is the top layer of the mattress, responsible for keeping you comfortable throughout the night. They often come in three main materials:
Foam
Two of the most common types include gel and memory foam. These two materials are designed to conform to your body shape and provide pressure relief. They also isolate motion, so there is little disturbance, which is great if you sleep with a partner and they move around as they’re sleeping.
Pillowtop
Pillowtop mattresses are known for soft, cushioned comfort, leaving you feeling like you’re sleeping on a cloud. These materials give your mattress a soft feel and are often made from latex, cotton or foam.
At the core of your mattress is the support system. Responsible for supporting your body as you sleep, this system comes in a few different styles.
Coil spring
These systems feature single coils that are set out in a row. These springs often give your mattress a bouncy feel, while also offering a great level of support for your body as you sleep. There are two different types of coils – Bonnell Springs and Offset Coils.
Pocket spring
Unlike coil springs, a pocket spring system is made of individual springs that are sealed into pockets. These types of mattresses are great for reducing the amount of partner disturbance – if your partner rolls over, you’re less likely to feel it on your side of the bed.
Foam
While foam is typically used in the comfort layer, memory foam is also widely used for support systems. These mattresses will conform around your body, adapting as you shift and turn throughout the night.
Once you’ve found the answers to these questions, it’s time to start shopping! Remember that a mattress will support you as you sleep for years to come, so it’s worth spending a little extra time to make sure you find the right one.
