How to choose a mattress that fits you
A mattress is a mattress is a mattress – right? Wrong! A mattress can make or break you – not literally, of course! So, consider this. What do you look forward to the most at the end of the day? Resting your tired limbs? A good nights’ sleep? Or something way beyond that – like sinking into a cocoon of luxury? And how do you want to be when you wake up – bright eyed and bushy tailed? Rested and energized, ready to face a new day?
Unfortunately, not everybody can say they had a great night. They may have had their eight hours in bed. They may even have slept through the night. And yet, so many people wake up stiff, with a back ache, or a niggling pain in the neck. Why do you think this happens? More often than not, they’ve slept on a mattress that wasn’t right for them – and they didn’t know it. This is because most people don’t realize the importance of sleeping on a mattress that is the right fit for them, in terms of contour and fit.
So, it’s really important to know how to choose a mattress that fits you.
Life can be cushy with the right mattress
First things first – throw out that old mattress! Now you’re ready to take on the world, one mattress at a time. So how do you go about it? Don’t just walk into a store and get the first mattress that looks good and is within your budget. The mattress market today is bursting at the seams with myriad options in terms of:
- Manufacturer/brand
- Type
- Material
- Price
- Period of longevity
You need to remember that although many people do change their mattresses every so often, everyone can’t afford to. Mattresses are not cheap, so wouldn’t you like to buy one that lasts and lasts, and is good for you? It is a fact that mattresses generally need to be replaced at least after seven years, but what if you choose one that lasts longer without the quality being diminished? Or one that really works well for you, for a long time to come.
You can start your mattress-buying process with a few basic steps. The first one is research, research, research. Visit the mattress stores – both online and offline. Check out the products. Look out for reviews. Ask friends and families for recommendations. Ask people for feedback on which one’s they’ve used themselves and have been happy with. Would they buy a similar one again? Which are the reliable brands? Who manufactures them? What guarantees/warranties do they carry? What are they made of? What specific promises do they make that would suit your requirements? And how long are they supposed to last?
Also, do consult with your physician before buying a mattress. You may not have a specific health issue, like sciatica or spondylitis, and your physician may not be an expert on mattresses, but s/he will be aware of your medical history and can give you some useful advice.
Knowing all this is crucial in helping you make the right decision when you choose a mattress. Once you buy it, you can’t afford to wake up one morning aching all over because the mattress was not a right fit for you. After you use it, you may not be able to return it and get a refund. As we’ve already said, you need to research, research, research. Here are some facts about mattresses you need to check out first:
Manufacturer/brand – to name a few:
- Sealy
- Simmons
- Tempur-Pedic
- Restonic
- Spring Air
- Serta
- Stearns & Foster
- Corsicana
- Nature’s Sleep
- Tuft & Needle
- Casper Mattress
- Posturpedic Hybrid
- Beautyrest
- Scott Living
- Marshall Mattress
- Vispring
Types of mattresses:
- Inner Spring
- Memory Foam
- Adjustable
- Gel Foam
- Hybrid
- Tempur-Pedic
- Bed in A Box
- Double Sided
- Latex Foam
- Natural
- Copper Infused
- Hotel
In terms of comfort you can choose from:
- Plush
- Firm
- Pillow Top
- Euro Top
The type of mattress you choose will depend on various factors. For instance, are you a side sleeper or do you sleep flat on your back or on your stomach? If you are a side sleeper, a Pillow Top may be the best option for you. You also need to figure out whether a soft, medium or hard mattress works for you.
Material (some options):
- Memory Foam
- Latex
- Hybrid Foam
- Spring Coil
- Organic Latex
- Open Cell Foam
- Coil Spring
- Hyper-Elastic Polymer
- Foam Latex
- Foam-encased Spring
- Traditional Spring
- Natural Talalay Latex
Price:
Do keep in mind that price of a mattress is influenced by the type, size, material and brand. Mattresses can range from anywhere between $500 to over $12000 in the luxury range. Don’t choose the cheapest mattress – it may be sub-standard. On the other hand – the most expensive may not be a guarantee of quality.
Period of longevity:
Points to note
Most important: Always check out a mattress physically. When you’re in a store, make it a point to lie down on the mattress to test it for at least 10 to 15 minutes. See how it feels. Is it too soft or too hard? Remember, a firm mattress isn’t always good for your back. A medium firm mattress may be better. Pillow Top mattresses are better for larger or heavier people. If you’re the type of person who prefers to sit in a recliner and not lie down, then may be an adjustable bed would be more suitable for you. And always buy a mattress from a store that only stocks mattresses and has expert staff.