Why is it so hard to choose a mattress?
Yes, the options are bountiful! It is so easy to get lost in an aisle full of mattresses, especially if you have no idea what you are looking for.
A cozy and comfortable mattress is the key to a good and restorative sleep. A restful night will certainly get you pumped up and ready for the following day.
Adults are required to at least have seven hours of sleep on the nightly, but this seems like an impossible feat, if the discomfort from sleeping on the mattress keeps on waking you up in the middle of the night. Even with sleep, quality matters more than quantity. So, you will not be as relaxed, even if you are getting eight to ten hours of interrupted sleep.
Factors You Need To Consider In Chossing The Right Mattress
Before wondering what are the proper steps on how to choose the right mattress are, you should first familiarize yourself with some of the following:
TIME: How will you know if it is time for a new mattress?
Has your mattress been around for more than eight years? If so, it may be a good idea to change it now. This is the standard lifespan of most mattresses. Of course, not all can withstand the test of time, some mattresses might fall short before it hits the eight year mark. This is when you should practice judgment call. You will know it is due for replacement if the lumps and un-evenness is bothering you from getting restful sleep.
TYPE: What are your options for the new mattress?
There is a huge variety of mattresses you can choose from. Here are some of them:
-
Memory foam mattress
These mattresses are known for their ability to adjust to the user’s body shape. But, it also helps spread the weight evenly making it perfect for those who have a hard time sleeping because of constant movements. Additionally, it is a great material for fighting accumulation of bacteria, mold, bed bugs, and dust mites.
-
Latex Mattress
Latex foam is a very durable and very comfortable choice. It is perfect in lessening the impact of movements. This is ideal for couples where one (or both) tosses and turns a lot during the night.
-
Innerspring mattresses
Probably the oldest type of all, this is a very sturdy and dependable mattress choice. However, if you are looking for a good cheap mattress, this will not do it for you. The steel coil support these mattresses have do give adequate assistance and comfort, but also increases the price tag.
-
Hybrid Mattress
One of the more modern choices, hybrid mattresses are the combination of two (sometimes more) types of support. It can be a combo of latex, memory, or innerspring mattresses. A good choice for those who want a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
-
Pillow top mattress
This is usually one of the mattresses above, but comes with an additional layer of soft materials sewn into the cover. This means additional cushion and comfort.
-
Adjustable mattress
If you are having concerns about why you should choose a firm mattress, you might be more comfortable with an adjustable one. You can adjust the firmness level depending on your preference.
SHOP LOCATION: Should you do it online or should you purchase at a physical store?
There are so many benefits about purchasing on a physical store, but purchasing a mattress online is a more popular choice. For one, retail stores offer mattresses at a much higher price – about an increase of 15%!
Additionally, shopping on a brick-and-mortar store is very time-consuming. And then, there is the chance that you might get pressured by a salesperson to make a purchase. Of course, the upside is that they are helpful to share vital information that you might need. However, you cannot always count on them. Do not forget they are trying to make a sale. With online purchasing, you can decide at your own pace. Your options are also much broader.
Trial periods are also being offered by most online mattress brands. Most times, if you are not fully satisfied, you can get a full refund.
A Simple Six Step Guide In Finding The Best Mattress For You
Step 1: Set A Budget.
Knowing how much money you can work on will narrow done your choices. You cannot purchase stuff that exceeds your budget, it will throw your finances out of whack. There are brands that provide cheap mattresses, but you need to find one that is worthy of the price. Most of the cheap ones are substandard. As mentioned, a lot of people get easily confused by many sales agents. But, almost every brand already has an online site you can check out. You can do your own research.
The quality of your mattress should never suffer. After all, you will be using it for the next eight years. Bear in mind that the price does not always guarantee quality.
Step 2: Find The Right Mattress Size.
One of the most common problems when purchasing a mattress is getting an incorrectly sized one. Whether or not you are sleeping alone or with your loved one (including your kids), always consider the size of the mattress. Below are mattress size information you might find useful:
| This can accommodate one child or an adult. Suitable for areas like the condominium and apartments. |
||
| A twin XL mattress is perfect for tall people. The added length can provide more space. | ||
| Also known as double mattress, is perfect for college graduates and young adults. It is wider than twin mattresses. | ||
| This is probably the least popular mattress size because it is almost the same size as the queen size. | ||
| Perfect for individuals who like bigger bed space, but do not want the bed to occupy the whole room. It is also good for couples. | ||
| For couples who enjoy really big spaces, this is perfect for those who own big master's bedroom. You can even share it with your pets or small kids. | ||
| The biggest mattress choice. It is also the longest one in the market. |
Pro Tip: Check the width and the length of the bed. Think also of the space you like to consume inside your room.
Step 3: Find What Support Works For You By Knowing Your Weight And Body Type.
Your body weight has a direct link to the support you will need for your mattress. Obviously, the more heavy-set, the more support you will need. Here is what you will need to know.
| (3 – 4) Soft Level: You can sleep on any mattress type and not have to worry about it hugging you too tightly. (5 – 7) Medium Level: This body type does not sink deeply, so dense mattresses will not be too comfortable. (8 – 9) Firm Level: You might get a sense of just floating on top of a slightly thick surface, which can either be comfortable or not, based on your preference. |
||
| (3 – 4) Soft Level: Since you are slightly heavier than lighter body types, you might experience increased feeling of being hugged. (5 – 7) Medium Level: Most mattresses are designed with this body type in mind, universal mattress type will benefit you greatly. (8 – 9) Firm Level: You might get a sense of just floating on top of a slightly thick surface, which can either be comfortable or not, based on your preference. |
||
| (3 – 4) Soft Level: Not really an ideal combination because soft mattresses cannot provide enough support this body type needs. (5 – 7) Medium Level: Since this weight creates more pressure onto the mattress. You mattress level should have a comfort layer of about 4 inches. (8 – 9) Firm Level: Going about 8.5 to 9 is good for sleepers of this body type. Beyond that, it is like you are sleeping on top of a wooden table. |
Step 4: Confirm Which Firmness Level You Are Comfortable With.
This pertains to the softness or hardness of the mattress. It depends on personal preferences. Comfort and support are mostly determined by firmness. Of course, you will want to consider size, type, body weight, and the mattress material.
Most sleepers prefer the firmness level of somewhere in between 4 to 7, which is why most mattresses are made according to that firmness level. However, if you are a stomach or a back sleeper, going for a firmness level of more than 7 may turn out to be more beneficial for you.
Step 5: Consider Your Sleeping Style.
Every person is accustom to one sleep position. Some people easily fall asleep on their backs, while others prefer to catch some zzz’s on their sides or stomachs. Your personal choice on sleeping style will affect which mattress type will do you good.
- Side sleepers always lie on their sides, but they do not always remain in that same spot. These people are notorious at tossing and turning. The best mattress choice would be one that is soft (around 3 to 5 firmness level will do) but offers enough support.
- Stomach sleepers benefit from a 4 to 7 firmness level range because they need a mattress that is stable enough so their torsos will not sink so low or arch so high. Also pressure should be evenly distributed to the entire body.
- Back sleepers also need enough firmness and support. Soft mattresses will be a really bad idea.
Step 6: Know Which Mattress Type To Go For.
The available mattress types in the market are provided above. The deciding factor is which one would you prefer?
When choosing a mattress, the choice usually boils down to foam or coils. To summarize, foam provides contour and enough hug complimented with a very unique and comfortable feel. Meanwhile, traditional people tend to go for coiled mattresses because of the bouncy feel it provides.
Generally, sleepers benefit from foam mattresses. But, for people who are heavy set, the traditional coiled mattresses can provide the increased support needed.
Conclusion
Looking for the perfect mattress is always a challenge for many people. With the number of options in the market, a “how-to” guide may just be what you need. A well-informed decision will help prevent any future regrets you might encounter, if you do not perform sufficient research.