There are many things that contribute to a good night’s sleep. A healthy diet, a stress-free lifestyle, and the arrangement of your sleeping environment.
Your bed is ultimately going to be the thing that seals the deal. Because everyone has specific needs, you can’t go for the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Furthermore, many people don’t realize that mattress technology has improved drastically in the recent decade. Now, depending on your sleeping style and bedroom, there are mattresses available to suit your comfort needs.
Here are some key points to bear in mind when choosing your new mattress:
Types of Mattresses
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Innerspring – Innerspring mattresses are a good choice because they have a long lifespan and are among the most widely sought-after mattress types.
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Memory foam – Memory foam reacts to body weight and temperature, always adapting to whatever position you’re sleeping in.
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Latex – Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic rubber, providing very firm, albeit bouncy support.
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Gel – Often used as part of memory foam mattresses, gel mattresses help to dissipate your body heat, thus allowing for a cool, relaxing sleep
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Eco-friendly – Designed with our environment in mind, eco-friendly mattresses are built using organic materials such as cotton and wool.
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Hybrid – These mattresses combine two or more support systems, the most common example being an innerspring system with layers of memory foam or latex, offering a classic feel as well as pressure relief.
Consider Your Positioning with Mattress Firmness
Variations in firmness are classified as follows:
Soft – Good for side sleepers who change their positions regularly during the night, relieving pressure from your spine.
Medium-soft – These mattresses adjust to your body type and sleeping position but offer a bit of firmer support.
Medium-firm – A gentle firmness that offers good back support.
Firm – A good mattress for people who sleep on their stomachs, offering much-needed support to prevent lower back pain.
We all sleep in different positions. Some of us sleep on our backs and others on their stomachs or sides. Or perhaps you’re one of those people prone to tossing and turning. If you know your preferred sleeping style, you can find a mattress well-suited to your needs such as a twin memory foam mattress.
For instance, if you sleep on your side, choosing an innerspring mattress, a mattress with poor conformability, will be less comfortable than an alternative. This is because the springs resist the position of the body while another mattress, such as memory foam, will adapt to the pressure points of the sleeper’s body.
Mediating Any Physical Ailments
According to research, 20% of Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, which is all the more reason you need to choose wisely when deciding on your perfect mattress. Some sleepers suffer from chronic pain, so lying down to sleep is easier said than done if you feel a sharp pain running through your back. According to Savvy Sleeper, finding the most comfortable mattress can be a great reward, alleviating physical pains.
Memory foam mattresses are notable for their famous adaptability; regardless of what position you are sleeping in, it can be replicated. Whenever you climb into bed, you will have a sense of familiarity to ease you to sleep.
Work with the Temperature
The changing seasons will play a role in your choice of mattress. For example, if you prefer a cooler mattress, latex is a good option because it’s naturally cooling, allowing for a more comfortable night’s sleep. On the other hand, if winter is settling in and you’re worried about getting chilly, you would do well with a memory foam mattress to help retain the heat.
Sustainability
If you are concerned about the environment, you may wish to buy a mattress that is environmentally friendly. Fortunately, these are becoming more widespread and available. The foam of eco-friendly mattresses is plant-based and mattresses will be made from organic wool or cotton covers, with all-natural flame retardants.
Sense of Calm
The right mattress can do wonders for your mental health. A small study was previously carried out in which 59 people slept on their regular mattress for 28 nights in a row, before switching to a medium-firm mattress for another 28 nights. This shake-up in their night-time routine resulted in a significant decrease in stress. Getting a good night’s sleep will boost your mental wellness so think about the various comforts on offer.
Allergies
Many people are prone to allergies, and some mattress types have a way of bringing said allergies to the fore. The most common symptoms of a bedtime allergy include watery eyes, itchy nose, and excessive sneezing. Dust mites are a notable culprit, with 20 million Americans said to be allergic to them. Dust mites can be particularly harmful to people who suffer from asthma. Fluffy pillow tops can also be a breeding ground for dust mites. The mattresses most resistant to dust mites and other allergies are memory foam and latex ones due to the solid core structures that make it increasingly difficult for dust mites to settle in.
Age
If you’re lucky, you should get 8-10 years out of your mattress. The longer you hold on to your mattress, the less resilient it becomes—offering poor support and making it vulnerable to dust mites. Make sure your chosen mattress has a long lifespan and find out how you to care for it. Then, when it’s time, replace your old mattress with something new.
Test the Mattress
Online mattress retailers are known for their generous at-home trial periods. Due to a mattress being a decade-long investment, companies want to make sure you’re happy with the product. Be sure to consider various manufacturers to find out which will allow you the most appropriate time to test your potential mattress.
Budget
Not necessarily the most enjoyable issue to think about, but one that deserves consideration, nonetheless. While some mattresses may seem costly, remember what an important role sleep plays in our lives, as well as how much use you will be getting out of the purchase. A third of your life is spent sleeping, and it should be spent in comfort.
If you can go mattress hunting with all of these points in mind, you will certainly come back with a mattress that will satisfy both your physical and mental needs.