4 Key Questions To Ask Before Buying A New Mattress
1. Why do you need a new mattress?
When do we decide that it's time to buy a new mattress? Sometimes it can be a gradual decision - you'll notice it becomes less comfortable over time, and those lumps and bumps become more difficult to flatten out. It could even be an overnight decision when you've frankly had enough of interrupted/uncomfortable sleep and realize that a high-quality new mattress could make a major difference.
Depending on which expert you believe, for hygiene reasons alone we should look to change mattress every 7-10 years or so. Even the most meticulously well-kept mattress is going to degrade slowly as time goes by - just like a favorite pair of shoes or a long-loved family car - sooner or later the time comes to just throw out the old and bring in the new!
Perhaps you are moving home and looking to upgrade your sleeping arrangements? There are few better ways to enjoy your first night in a new property than with a brand new mattress. Or maybe your current mattress is causing you some back pain or aches elsewhere that simply seem to just be growing worse? Whatever the reason why you decide it is time for a change, it is important to take a moment to consider these questions when choosing which mattress is going to best suit your needs.
2. Why Firmness Matters to you?
Firmness should be the first matter to consider when choosing a replacement mattress. It is important to remember that by no means should firmness be thought of as uncomfortable! According to best mattresses consumer reports , an ideal mattress should be firm enough to support the whole body but not overly hard. A good tip here is to pick a level of firmness that matches your 'typical' sleeping position. Here are some examples of the most common:
Back Sleeper
Congratulations! Most Chiropodists agree that this is the best position for your back - but you need a mattress that provides plenty of support for the lower back as it will experience greater pressure compared to most other positions. Avoid spring mattresses at all costs as you'll sink too deep and place undue strain on your back. Look for medium-firm options that offer consistent support along your entire spine.
Stomach Sleeper
Plenty of people prefer to sleep on their front - and you'll once again need to look for a mattress that provides that medium-firm balance while allowing the hips and shoulders a little space to sink in. Memory foam can be a solid choice here - it will 'remember' where your joints stick out and allow for a perfect sleeping posture.
Side Sleeper
Once again memory foam tends to be a dependable choice here as it allows for that additional sinkage around protruding joints while also providing a solid yet comfortable overall base. You should try out a few different styles and look for mattresses that provide that essential support along your entire spine.
3. All Of The Above?
Let's face it - many of us wake up and wonder how on earth we ended up sleeping in this bizarre position! People do move about in their sleep and while it's all well and good picking a mattress based on your 'standard' sleeping posture, those which provide a little wriggle room are often the best choice. Gel memory foam allows for the more fluid and flexible sleeper to adjust their posture without any lumpiness or discomfort. They should still be able to provide that essential firmness.
4. Which kind of Layer is suitable to you?
The mattress market is dominated by three particular kinds of mattress layers - memory, latex, and hybrids. Not every style (or brand for that matter) suits all people, so once again it is a sensible idea to try out a variety of potential options when making your decision. Here are the basics you should be aware of when making this decision:
Memory Foam
Nowadays these tend to dominate the superior end of the market, and you'll find that they are particularly popular with couples as they reduce the motion made by the other person when changing position or getting up/settling down during the night. Originally designed by NASA back in the '60s to provide essential additional support for astronauts heading into orbit, they are now used so widely because they really can match anyone's sleeping style. Broadly speaking these mattresses start at about $600 although those prices can rise quite steeply on higher-end models.
Latex
These mattresses are sometimes considered the most comfortable mattresses as they allow for more sinkage and bounciness that a typical memory foam mattress. That being said - they are not always the best choice for your back and can be quite awkward to share as the movement is rather noticeable. Anyone looking for a comfortable mattress that provides a good general base may find these a good option (they are quite commonly used by hotels). Just remember that they tend to be quite expensive - with prices broadly starting at $900+.
Hybrid
While at heart these are spring-based mattresses, the difference is that they use a thick layer of memory foam around the surface to provide that additional layer of support while maintaining a sense of cozy comfort. Although they are a little larger and higher than a typical mattress, they can be very good quality and a handy option if you are not looking to spend a great deal of money. Quality does vary although you'll discover good-enough mattresses in the $400-500 range.
4. What is the size of mattress that you need?
Pairing your mattress to your room size is now quite as straightforward as it sounds and can be a very personal decision. Don't just remember to factor in the dimensions of the actual room - but also include whether you'll be sharing the bed with a partner (and/or pet) and that you'll need space to actually move around too! How much this will matter depends on how much time you'll spend in your bedroom when not actually sleeping or in bed.
When choosing your mattress size remember that these are not really very standardized and dimensions will tend to vary between brands. These are the most common:
Twin
A twin mattress tends to measure about 39X75 inches - about enough to comfortably fit a single grown adult. Handy for smaller spaces and growing kids, these are not always available in more 'deluxe' styles.
Twin XL
These mattresses are just a little longer than a standard twin (80 inches) but the same width. As you'd expect these are a good match for taller adults who require a little added length.
Full
Probably the most common starter mattress of all and just the right size (54X75) to fit the 'average' bedroom or studio. A single adult will have enough room the stretch out comfortably, although they can be a little too snug for couples to share on a regular basis.
Queen
Typically measuring 60X80 inches these are the go-to size for most couples and the best selling mattress size of them all. Couples will enjoy plenty of space and any room of 10X10 feet or larger should be easily able to house a mattress of these dimensions.
King
These beds are considerably wider than a typical Queen Size (76X80 inches) so remember that you'll need a larger room to fit these comfortably. Allow for at least an additional extra 2-3 foot for these mattresses as they take up more space than many people assume. If you allow your pet to share the bed too, then this ought to be the go-to option.
California King
If you need additional length but not so much extra width then these mattresses are a perfect choice. Typically narrower and longer than a standard King (72X84 inches) they are great for taller couples.