The whole point of sleep is to rest your body and mind from all the activities you had during the day. You want to feel rejuvenated after a good night’s sleep and wake up rested. Satisfying this basic human need is only possible if you have a good mattress.
Considering how much time of our lives we spend sleeping, it’s not only desirable but extremely important to choose a bed that meets our personal needs. From the firmness to the materials used in its production, what fits your preferred sleeping position and the right size – these are all factors that can influence the quality of sleep you get and in turn your general well-being.
What to Consider in Choosing a Mattress?
Size
One of the first things you need to know is what size is best for you. The standard Australian sizes for mattresses are generally seven different types, plus a couple of more variations.
Whether you are buying one for a kid’s bedroom, a spare guest room or you simply live alone, a mattress for single bed can be an effective solution, both financially and space-wise.
The mattress for single bed comes in 3 varieties with different width and length sizes:
• Single (92 x 188 cm) – Perfectly suited for children and young teenagers, especially if they share a room, compact for studio living.• Long Single or Single XL (92 x 203 cm) – Ideal for teenagers, individuals, or guest room beds, providing extra length for taller people.• King Single (107 x 203 cm) – With more width and length for growing teens and single sleepers who want more space.
The larger-sized beds, also known as full beds, come with the following dimensions:
• Double (138 x 188 cm) – Very roomy for one sleeper, young adults with first apartments, cosy for two, if you don’t need a lot of space.• Queen (153 x 203 cm) – The most popular size for couples and individuals who want to sprawl.• King (183 x 203 cm) – The largest traditional-sized bed for couples, ideal for undisturbed sleep.• Super King (203 x 203 cm) – A level up from the king bed for those who love to stretch out.
Sleep Position and Body Weight as Factors
One of the more important factors when choosing a mattress is your sleep position. For the side sleepers, a softer model will provide more cushioning for their shoulders and hips, whereas those who prefer to sleep on their back or stomach will benefit more from firmer mattress that will support their spine.
Combination sleepers might have to test different firmness levels to find the best fit, but they usually tend to benefit mostly from medium or medium-firm mattresses. Responsive or bouncy options also make it easier for them to reposition without waking up.
Weight can play a big role as well, so consider your body weight together with your sleep position. Lightweight people usually sleep better on soft to medium-firm model, whereas a heavier person needs a firmer bed for better support.
Construction and Materials
The firmness depends on the construction and materials. Understanding the pros and cons of each of the types will make the decision easier.
Memory Foam
Memory foam contours to your body shape and provides pressure relief. It regains its original form when you lift your body from the material, which makes it suitable for every body type. Another property that makes it unique is the motion isolation. This means that the movements on one side of the bed are not transferred to the other, so it is ideal for couples, especially if one of the partners is a light sleeper.
Because the memory foam doesn’t have sufficient breathability to regulate temperature and retains heat, look for options with implemented cooling features or a combination with other materials.
Latex
Latex mattresses are also soft to the touch, and they are known for their cooling and dust-resistant features, a good choice for people with allergies. You can choose between the natural and synthetic versions of latex, but both offer responsiveness and bounce.
Innerspring
Innerspring has been used in mattress production for a long time and is still a popular choice. The coils can have various shapes and patterns, providing different levels of support and comfort. The space between the coils allows air to circulate and ensures a cooler night’s sleep. They offer durability, bounce, and strong support, but might not have as much cushioning as the foam ones.
Hybrid
Hybrid models are a combination of innerspring and foam layers, thus providing the best of both worlds. This option offers the support of the springs paired with the pressure relief of the foam layers. This enhanced design, although on the more expensive side, delivers extra airflow and makes sleeping better, so it might be worth the money.
Adjustable
Adjustable models are designed to fit adjustable bases. They have the unique feature of customizing the position you sleep in. You can have your head or feet elevated to a desired angle, which helps people with back pain, medical conditions, sleep disturbances, sleep apnea, or simply reduce snoring problems.
Some models of adjustable beds have the option of two single mattresses joined together but with the ability to regulate each one separately. This is ideal for partners with different individual needs and preferences.
Final Tips
There is no expiry date on mattresses but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t replace your old one every 8 to 10 years or if you have noticed lumps and indents. If yours is causing you difficulty sleeping or you wake up with stiff neck and backache, then it’s time to get a new one.
With a bit of research, comparison shopping and when possible – testing, you can find the right bed mattress to support your overall health goals. A high-quality, comfortable mattress that enables you to have a restful night is a huge part of achieving those goals.
