A mattress that gives you a restful night of deep, restorative sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being.
Good sleep can repair and rejuvenate your body, remove fatigue and stress, and improve your mental health. It can improve your concentration while fighting diseases like obesity and blood pressure problems, keeping you in better shape in the long run.
Considering the importance of getting a good night's sleep, you need to make sure you are investing in a mattress of high quality that can provide the comfort and support you need.
Choosing the perfect mattress for you can be a huge hurdle, with the many options available nowadays. If you are feeling confused and overwhelmed by the sheer variety of beds available in the market, here are some things you need to consider.
Mattress Types
Mattresses currently fall into any of the four categories mentioned below:
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses can be made from natural materials like latex foam, or synthetic substances like polyurethane foam.
Latex Foam Mattresses:
Latex mattresses have a firm texture, and bouncier surface, providing superior support while sleeping. Latex foam extracted as sap from rubber trees is processed to manufacture natural latex mattresses that are supportive and breathable.
Natural Latex Mattress:
Natural latex foam is used to make firmer mattresses that are ideal for eco-conscious people who love natural breathable materials that are free from synthetic substances.
If you love to sleep on a natural latex mattress, you cannot go wrong with the 2-Sided Natural Latex Mattress from Latex For Less.
The bed has two firmness levels on one mattress, providing superior comfort and support. It has a latex layer of medium firmness on one side to give a feel of the natural responsiveness of latex. The other side has a firmer mattress surface that provides more support, while molding your body to superior comfort.
The natural latex mattress is further enveloped in an ultra-soft organic cotton cover, and has a natural wool fire barrier that is nontoxic, and helps sleep cool, improving sleep quality.
Organic Latex Mattress:
Latex foam used to manufacture organic mattresses is derived from rubber trees grown sustainably, without chemical pesticides. These mattresses can be ideal for sensitive sleepers like the elderly and small children, as they are processed without using any synthetic chemicals.
If an organic latex mattress is your mattress of choice, you can invest in the Organic Latex Mattress from Latex For Less to have better sleep quality.
The organic mattress has three inches GOLS certified organic latex comfort layer that molds your body to provide unbeatable comfort. It also has a four inches GOLS certified organic latex core that offers superior support, with guaranteed anti-sagging quality.
The mattress has the finest quality organic cotton cover, and a natural wool fire barrier that cools down the body if you tend to sleep hot.
Memory Foam Mattresses:
Memory foam mattresses come in various styles, and are known for their pressure-relieving properties. Memory foam is typically made from polyurethane foam, with excellent cradling properties that snuggle your body, giving you that soft, comfortable feeling.
Memory foam has excellent motion-isolation properties that can help you get uninterrupted sleep, even when your partner tosses and turns at night.
A memory foam mattress can be beneficial for side sleepers, and people who suffer from back pain, as the mattress provides proper alignment of the spine, causing less stress on the hips and shoulders.
You can have multiple memory foam layers in your all foam mattress, with the firmer layers at the bottom providing support, while the softer layers at the top adding comfort to your sleep routine.
However, you must reconsider getting a memory foam mattress if you are a hot sleeper, as memory foam traps heat, making you sleep hot. To counter this problem, the mattress industry has come out with variations like gel memory foam that dissipates heat as you sleep.
Innerspring Mattresses:
Innerspring beds come with steel coils that make a firmer and more supportive mattress. Innerspring mattresses tend to be an excellent option for back and stomach sleepers who need more support to maintain proper alignment of the spine.
If you prefer to get a spring mattress, you can consider foam encasement of coils where each coil is individually-wrapped to provide targeted support.
Hybrid Mattresses:
You can invest in a hybrid bed if you want a new mattress with multiple benefits. Hybrid mattresses use a combination of memory foam, latex foam, or innerspring beds to provide balanced comfort and support.
Hybrid mattresses have become quite popular nowadays, especially with mattress shoppers who prefer to get their mattresses online.
Hybrid mattresses typically has individually-wrapped steel coils sitting in the mattress core, providing support, while memory foam layers are put on the top to provide comfort.
Adjustable Mattresses:
Although less common, adjustable mattresses come with built-in air chambers that allow mattress shoppers to adjust the mattress firmness, providing more control on improving their sleep quality.
Mattress Firmness
Based on their firmness level, mattresses can be described as firm, medium-firm, medium, or soft. While firm mattresses are great for supportive features, you can purchase soft mattresses, if you prefer to snuggle in the soft, comfortable mattress layers.
People who choose mattress firmness in between the two extremes can go for medium, and medium-firm mattresses.
Mattress Thickness
To get the best quality sleep, you need to get a mattress with a thickness that equals half of your body's diameter. You need to measure the widest part of your body to determine the diameter. Also, a heavier person would need a thicker mattress to support the weight, to avoid the body sinking in while sleeping.
Considering the fact that the thicker the bed, the more expensive it will be, you can decide on the thickness that works for you, depending on your personal preference and budget.
Mattress Size
If you are looking to buy a new mattress, you need to consider how much square footage you need in your bed. Mattress stores keep mattresses in the following sizes:
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (inches) |
| Twin | 39”x75” |
| Full/Double | 54”x75” |
| Queen | 60”x80” |
| King/California King | 76”x80” |
Before your mattress purchase, you need to consider the size of your room, and how many people will share the bed.
While Twin and Full mattress sizes are ideal for kids and teenagers, you can buy a Queen or King-size mattress, if you are partnered.
You can still get a Queen or King-sized mattress when you are single, if you want more room to sleep in, depending on your personal preference.
Mattress Layers
A high-quality mattress usually has the following layers or components.
- The bottom layer or mattress core: The bottom layer of a mattress is usually made from high-density foam. It can also have innerspring and steel coils to provide adequate support to alleviate lower back pain issues.
- The middle layer:The middle layer of the mattress can have medium to medium-firm latex or memory foam padding that supports, and provides a comfortable base layer to have a good night's sleep.
- The top layer or comfort layer:The comfort layer of a mattress usually has a layer of memory foam that provides a snuggling effect with pressure relief.
Unlike traditional mattresses, some mattresses are constructed entirely of foam like memory foam or latex foam that can be purchased in varying densities. All foam mattresses can have multiple layers of foam with a central foam core.
Sleep Position
You can buy a mattress based on your sleep position to get the one that is perfect for you.
Side Sleepers:
If you are a side sleeper, the right mattress for you would have firmness levels that range between soft to medium-firm to ensure proper alignment of your spine. Sleeping on a firm mattress would put too much pressure on your hips and shoulders, causing discomfort and pain.
Stomach Sleepers:
Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress that supports their body, and prevents the body sinking in too far while sleeping.
Back Sleepers:
Medium-firm mattresses are best for back sleepers to maintain proper alignment of the spine, and ensure comfort to the rest of the body.
Combination Sleepers:
Combination sleepers would sleep well in medium to medium-firm mattresses that allow motion isolation, while providing support in different sleeping positions.
Body Weight
You can choose a mattress based on your body weight to get adequate support as you sleep.
Sleepers with Heavier Body Weight:
People who weigh 250 pounds and over require a firmer mattress to support their body weight to prevent sinking in the bed while sleeping.
Lightweight Sleepers:
People with smaller frames and lighter weights can invest in a soft mattress that will cradle their bodies, while relieving pressure on the joints.
Lightweight sleepers must avoid a firm surface, as it would not provide adequate pressure relief while sleeping.
Mattress Pricing
Mattress companies make mattresses available at various price range right from the most affordable to the most luxurious. Depending on the mattress pricing, you can get the following mattresses types:
Economy Mattress ($200-$600):
You can get the most affordable mattress under the economic range. The economy mattress can be good quality, although not as durable as the expensive mattresses. Most affordable mattresses are coil mattresses that have a lighter gauge innerspring with thinner mattress padding.
The best affordable mattresses usually have memory foam layers with innerspring core, and provide a stable surface for all kinds of sleepers.
Premium Mattress ($600-$1000) :
A premium mattress would have a thicker innerspring and heavier padding, with a softer luxurious comfort layer as the mattress topper. You need to research and look around for mattress features to make the most of getting an expensive mattress.
Luxury Mattress ($1000 and above):
You can get a luxury mattress at the highest price point to get a wide range of features. Make sure to research the elements that would make the mattress the right one for you before you splurge, and line the wallets of the mattress store.
Other Features
Here are some other features you can consider before you buy a mattress that can improve your sleep routine.
Durability:
The durability of your mattress will depend on the mattress materials, and the method of construction. While expensive mattresses can last long, the cheaper beds will probably not be as durable.
Odor:
A mattress with many synthetic components, shipped in a box, usually has strong off-gassing odors that can take some time to disappear. Beds made from natural and organic materials like latex foam can be nearly odorless, making them an excellent option for sensitive sleepers.
Edge Support:
Mattresses with edge support can keep you from rolling over while you sleep. It also helps in getting in and out of bed comfortably.
Motion Isolation:
Motion isolation is essential if you sleep with a partner that tosses and turns in bed, disturbing your sleep. Softer mattresses have better motion-isolation properties than firmer mattresses, and help you get uninterrupted sleep during the night.
Temperature Regulation:
If you are a hot sleeper, you must buy a mattress with temperature-regulating properties. Natural mattresses from latex foam have pores that help release trapped body heat, allowing your body to remain cool, while improving sleep quality.
On the other hand, memory foam mattresses are known to trap body heat, and are best avoided if you are a hot sleeper.
However, if you have set your eyes on a memory foam mattress, and are bothered because of the lack of temperature regulation, you can get a gel memory foam mattresses with cooling beads that release trapped body heat, helping you sleep cool at night.
Huggability:
Most soft mattresses mold your body, providing a snugging effect that is hard to resist. You can get a softer mattress, depending on your body weight, sleep position, and personal preference.
Sex:
Your mattress's responsiveness, support, and construction all play a part in your bedroom activities. Choose a mattress that meets your and your partner's preferences for a better sex life.
Health Concerns:
- Back pain: People with back pain need to choose a firm and supportive mattress for pressure relief and proper spine alignment. The right mattress with medium-firm support can reduce back pain, and help improve sleep quality.
- Sensitive sleepers:The elderly, small children, and people with asthma or other breathing issues need mattresses free from harsh chemicals and pesticides. Getting a natural or organic mattress would help them sleep better, reducing their health concerns.
Plan Your Mattress Purchase
Whether you are planning to get your mattress online, or want to try and test a mattress before buying in a brick-and-mortar store, choosing a mattress involves careful planning.
Make sure to research the mattress types available, the deals and discounts you can get, and your budget before deciding on the mattress of your dreams.
You can even try spending a few nights in a hotel that have your favorite bedding to get an idea about the type of mattress you would love to have in your house.
Takeaway
There can be several parameters that can help you decide on a quality mattress. The perfect mattress for you would be the one that matches your requirements based on your personal preferences, body type, budget, and sleep position.
