My back is killing me! I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I can’t get out of bed! – If you say these words more often than you want – it’s time for a new mattress.
Whether you are an Engineer, Teacher, or stay-at-home mother, most careers create some kind of stress. There is nothing that fixes this better than a good night’s rest. And the quality of your mattress is what will ultimately define whether you wake up rested or in pain.
Just exactly where do you start when looking for a new mattress? Do you need a king or queen size? Do you like firm or soft? Should you pick foam or spring? What are YOUR specific needs? – Let’s look at some important things when it comes to picking the right mattress that fits YOU.
Does Size Matter?
Who sleeps in your bed? Perhaps you live in a two-story home or an apartment. Maybe you have a family of two or four, we can’t forget about a little pup or kitten that might nuzzle under the blankets when it’s cold. If this sounds like you, a king-size bed is the way to go. To get an idea of what a king-size mattress is they are 183 cm L x 203 cm W. This mattress size is the same length as a queen size mattress with only a greater width.
But what if space isn’t on your side, a queen mattress is the best option for more families. They take up less space and can be used from teen years until adulthood. A queen size mattress is 153 cm L x 203 cm W allowing ample room for moving around.
A step down from that are double and single size. These are more for a temporary room like an office or guest room. If you want to fit two in a room for most guests a queen size mattress is the best. A traditional single size is 92 cm x 187 cm while a double mattress is a few cm more at 137 cm L x 187 W. These sizes leave plenty of floor space for a dresser or a play area even in a small space.
Firmness and Materials
The material will affect how firm the surface is. And your sleeping position is what ultimately determines what kind of firmness you need. If you’re a side sleeper, tummy or back sleeper consider the options below.
- A memory foam queen size mattress is great for a couple. This is the most popular bed as it best fits those who sleep on their side and have back problems. Memory foam allows you to get to the REM cycle we all so desperately want, deep, deep sleep.
- A close competitor to memory foam is gel foam. This material makes you feel like you’re on cloud 9 yet it still is not as soft with a medium rating in firmness. For those who may overheat while sleeping this mattress has built-in features to keep you cool.
- An innerspring construction is great if you’re looking for a firmer surface to sleep on.
Soft plush mattresses are for you if you like to jump into bed and let it take you away. The downside to this option is if your partner is heavier, you will sink. But if you like your body to stay in place a firm bed is for you. These don’t necessarily last longer than others but are very good for those with a heavier frame. A firm bed keeps your spine aligned so you can support good habits of taking care of your body.
Think about how you feel each morning. Is your body stiff? Do your legs hang over? Do you wake up when your partner does? Think about your needs and fill them.
Make It Last
Everything you own and which is important in your daily life, from your car to your house, needs to be maintained. Just how do you maintain your mattress? For starters, you should know that a quality one should last you 8-10 years, that’s if it’s cared for.
Investing in a mattress protector is investing in yourself. When we sleep we perspire and over the years this settles right down into our lovely new queen mattress that soon starts to look more like for a commoner than a queen.
If you are a sufferer from allergies, cleaning your mattress regularly is a must. One safe way to deodorize and clean it is with essential oils. Not only are oils powerful natural solutions to relieve stress but they also help rid of dust mites, germs, and allergens.
It is a good practice to keep your bed in an airy open environment. If your bedroom has mould hidden in many places it’s best to check your mattress. This is just the case sometimes in a hot and humid place. Can you clean the mould from your mattress? Yes, but not from the inside. This is why it is strongly suggested to get a new one. Some signs of mould are usually a foul smell of mildew or a strong stale smell.
Does All This Truly Matter?
Yes, it does. In a 24-hour day, you spend 8 hours sleeping. That’s if you’re not a mid-day napper. In that case, you have about 10 hours of the day sleeping. Life is hectic and can cause must stress that in turn goes right to the body. A good bed is always the last thing on the mind but it should be the first.
Sleep and food go hand and hand as essential parts of life. When we don’t eat, we suffer, and those around us. It is the same with sleep. The idea to improve your sleep with a new mattress sure sounds like you’re giving your body the love it needs. To be the best version of yourself.
And remember – if it starts to lump take it to the dump.
