When you’re dissatisfied with the quality of your sleep or awake with aches and pains, you begin to wonder about your mattress. Did you choose the right one in the first place? Is yours worn out and in need of replacement? Mattresses are a significant investment – it’s important to choose one that will provide you with many years of comfort and satisfaction.
A good mattress supports your entire body in proper alignment in a natural position. You’ll experience no points of pressure and feel as if you’re floating, totally supported, when lying on a good mattress.
Lumps or depressions are visual cues that your mattress has seen better days but the way your body feels is the surest test. So, if you’re not feeling like you’re floating on a cloud while sleeping or you wake up achy and with lower back pain, it may be time to begin the search for a better mattress. Here’s some information to help you choose your next mattress wisely:
The Issue of Firmness
The big decision in mattresses is firm versus soft. Mostly, it’s a matter of preference with these caveats: A mattress that is too firm will push back on your natural pressure points rather than support them. One that’s too soft won’t support them at all, putting the strain on the rest of your frame. Either way, you’re going to wake up hurting.
Mattress Types
Each type of mattress offers distinct features; knowing what they are will help you choose the right mattress to suit your individual needs and preferences. When shopping for mattresses, lie down on several to discover the differences among them and your preferences. Spend 10-15 minutes lying on a mattress in the position in which you sleep to determine if it’s really “the one.”
- Innerspring – Coil spring mattresses are the traditional ones, offering a plethora of choices in firmness and price points. The coils support the weight of your body from inside the mattress. The more coils, the more comfortable the mattress – up to a point. Above a coil count of 390, differences in comfort are difficult to perceive.
- Memory Foam – This “astronaut material” is gaining popularity as mattress material. Mattresses made of memory foam provide a comfortable sleeping surface by responding to the weight and temperature of your body, contouring to your specific shape. Because it molds to your shape, it relieves pressure points and can relieve pain. It also absorbs movement so a restless sleeper won’t disturb a partner. Due to their temperature sensitivity, however, they can create an uncomfortably warm sleeping environment.
- Latex – These mattresses are made from natural or synthetic rubber, providing very firm and bouncy support. Their comfort could be compared to that provided by memory foam but with a greater degree of support.
- Air Mattresses – These mattresses can be inflated or deflated according to the user’s preference. They look like an innerspring mattress but instead of springs, they contain air-filled chambers covered by foam. An important advantage of these mattresses is that each side can be adjusted individually, so they will satisfy couples who may have differing needs or preferences for firmness. Better air mattresses have multiple chambers for stabilization.
Mattress toppers are a separate pieces that can be combined with a mattress for added comfort or support. They can be pillow top, memory foam or latex and provide the same benefits as the mattresses made of these materials on any mattress.
This information will help you find the mattress that’s the perfect fit, providing you with the comfort you need to get your best sleep.
What’s the most important element for your mattress?
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