How to Choose the Right Mattress

Experts do agree that good quality sleep is essential to your overall happiness and health. Your sleeping environment and arrangement play a crucial factor in ensuring that you get the best rest you possibly can. 

People often make big decisions in creating that ideal environment. While it may be easy to choose the right style, pillows, or sheets depending on your aesthetics, many people tend to overlook the importance of choosing the right mattress during the process.  

A new mattress can be a considerable investment, which is why you need to choose wisely. Finding the right mattress can be tricky, especially if you don’t know where to start. To help you start with, here’s a round-up of the key information you need to know before buying the mattress that suits your need for a good night’s sleep. 

• Mattress Types
  

  If you have been searching for a new mattress, you may have noticed that there are a variety of options to choose from. Each has its own unique feature and offering, and deciding on the right type of mattress can be quite dizzying. One of the best ways forward is to breakdown each type of mattress to see which fits you best.

• • Memory Foam

    Memory foam was first developed by NASA as a seat cushion for pilots and passengers and has since blossomed into a popular material for every mattress manufacturer. Its popularity is mostly due to its superior comfort and support for the body. The foam is most popular for its ability to contour and conform to the body when pressed, providing pressure relief to sensitive body parts, such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Another unique feature is its motion isolation capabilities, which means your movement won’t transfer to the other parts of the mattress and disturb your partner. One caveat, however, is that its material absorbs body heat. If you are more comfortable sleeping in cooler temperatures, this foam may not be for you.

• • Innerspring

    Innerspring or coil mattresses are the traditional type of mattress. Made from different types of metals, springs are also able to keep their shape for years, allowing the mattress to last long. The space between springs allows for the circulation of air and keeps the temperature down. A more affordable option, coil mattresses do offer some body support but lack pressure relief. It’s also bouncier, which provides lesser motion isolation.

• • Hybrid
    

    A hybrid has two elements: the support of an innerspring and the comfort system of the foam. This option offers contouring, motion isolation, as well as support. It is important to note, however, that the combination varies widely depending on the desired firmness of the mattress. Some options may have less foam, resembling a spring bed more than a memory foam. For the optimal hybrid variety, choose a mattress that has approximately 3 inches of foam. Given the all-around feature of this mattress, it is also one of the more expensive ones in the market. Purchasing one can set you back a few thousand, but a worthy investment, nonetheless, if you’re thinking long-term.

  • Latex
    

    Latex mattresses are known for their bounce and durability. It has moderate contouring capability, which makes it comparable to a memory foam. Unlike memory foam, however, latex mattresses are naturally cooling, which is perfect for hot sleepers. If you are eco-conscious, it may interest you that latex is made from an all-natural material. It is a good option if you have allergies or asthma. The only downside of this mattress is that it offers little to no pressure relief at the shoulder or hips. Cheaper versions can also develop bumps and dents over time.

• • Bed-in-a-box
    

    Bed-in-a-box is often referred to as a game-changer as it revolutionized the way beds are purchased. The term refers to the way the mattress is delivered. It is usually compressed and rolled into a box. All you have to do is unravel the mattress and it will be ready for use after a few hours. Bed-in-a-box can be made entirely from foam or a hybrid between memory foam and coils. The great thing about bed-in-a-box is you can order it on the internet and just wait for it to be delivered to your home. No need for pivoting and heavy lifting to get it into position.

• Weight and Body Types

  
  Weight and body type are another important consideration when choosing the right mattress. The sinkage, comfort, cooling, and support of the mattress depend on how much you weigh. Since a lighter person (weighing under 130 lbs) doesn’t sink far into a mattress, a softer foam may offer better contouring. On the other hand, heavy-set people or those weighing over 200 lbs, tend to sink further into the mattress, affecting their spinal alignment. In this case, they need a firmer mattress to prevent that risk. Besides weight, different body types need a different type of mattress. People with broader shoulders or hips may need a mattress that offers better contouring for proper support. Taller people also have to ensure that their mattress dimensions allow them to stretch comfortably.

• Firmness

  How firm a mattress is can affect the quality of your sleep. Firmness refers to the hardness or softness of the mattress. The level of firmness depends on what type of sleeper you are. Just because you bought a soft mattress doesn’t mean it will be comfortable, much less suitable, for you.

• • Soft to Medium Soft
    

    Soft to medium soft mattresses are ideal for people who are lighter. It is also beneficial for side sleepers or those who often change positions overnight since the material can easily mould to the body’s position and relieve pressure from the spine.

• • Medium to Medium Firm
    

    Medium and medium firm is great for average-sized sleepers (150 lbs to around 200 lbs). It has the right balance of comfort and support layers that allows extra lower back support for back and side sleepers under 200 lbs.

• • Firm
    

    This type of mattress is recommended for people who sleep on their stomach, weigh over 200 lbs, or suffer from back pain. A firm mattress will keep your body in a stable position and prevents you from sinking far while you sleep, alleviating lower back pain.

• Sleeping Positions

  The position you sleep in can provide insights into picking the right mattress. Your sleeping position indicates which body parts may need more support to maintain spinal alignment.

• • Back Sleepers
    

    Back sleepers put most of the pressure on their lower back. To accommodate this, a medium firm to firm mattress with light to moderate contouring would be best. A too soft mattress will only sink the body further, straining your back, while too firm and there would be no support for the slight curve of the lower back.

• • Side Sleepers
    

    A side sleeper’s pressure points are usually where the body is the widest — the shoulders and hips. A medium soft to medium firm mattress is recommended; too soft and these points may become misaligned, too firm and there will be increased pressure at those points.

• • Stomach Sleepers
    

    Just like back sleepers, stomach sleepers put the most pressure on the lumbar. A firm mattress will prevent you from sinking and forming a U-shape. At the same time, you won’t feel suffocated when you lay face-down on the mattress.

• • Combination Sleepers
    

    Combination sleepers are those who usually find themselves in more than one sleeping position. Since they don’t have a primary position, a medium firm can offer the best support. It is also advisable to look for a responsive mattress to facilitate movements in bed.

• Pricing
  

  Like any piece of furniture, a mattress is an investment. You need to consider your budget when choosing the right one. The price range of mattresses can range from extremely low-cost, low-quality models to extremely expensive designer beds. Many factors affect mattress pricing:

  • Materials
    

    Some types of materials cost more. The use of high-end, bespoke, or organic materials can increase the price of mattresses.

• • Type of Construction
    

    How the mattress was made can affect its price too. Hand-crafted types and taller and more layered mattresses will be more expensive.

• • Brand
    

    Similar to any consumer products, branding is a contributing factor. Luxury brands charge more.

  Prices can be detrimental to the mattress purchasing process. Some may be forced to buy the cheapest version while others may be persuaded to believe that a higher price means higher quality. However, if you consider all other factors, you will find that there are comfortable options across various price ranges. It is possible to choose a mattress that’s both comfortable and suitable for your budget.

When selecting a mattress, one significant piece of advice is to focus on what you and your body need. Buying one is a personal journey. Pay attention to these factors, and you’ll no doubt finally sleep on the right mattress.

If you are looking for the right mattress, call Sleep Masters Canada at (416) 781-7441. We’ll help you achieve that quality sleep you’ve always been dreaming of!