Never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Your mattress plays a huge role in making this happen.
But - what might be comfortable for someone else could feel completely different for you! When it comes to the surface you sleep on - it’s all down to personal preference.
So, with that being said, how do you find the right fit for you? We’ve got some tips and tricks in this handy guide. We take a look at how to choose a mattress.
Finding the Best Type of Mattress for You
From hybrid to open coil, there are a number of different types out there.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the ones you might have heard of.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
These are made from individual springs, each contained within its own pocket.
Pros
Pocket spring mattresses are known for being luxurious, supporting your weight evenly while you rest. They offer maximum comfort and support, great for those who suffer from particular medical conditions such as arthritis.
You can find soft, medium and firm variations - meaning you aren’t limited on when it comes to your personal preference.
These are an ideal option for couples with notable weight differences. The separate springs will prevent you from rolling into each other as you sleep, supporting your bodies individually.
Cons
The surface doesn’t offer body contours. You’d be better off looking at a memory foam mattress if this is your preference.
While you can find different firmness feels, this can be more of a ‘one size fits all’ type. Others have more variation.
Memory Foam Mattresses
These don’t spring, but mould to your body while you sleep. Spring vs. memory foam is a hot debate, but the winner is entirely down to you.
Pros
Few can rival the luxurious feel of memory foam.
Benefits include:
- Pressure relief
- Response to temperature and weight
- Maintenance of airflow
- Hypoallergenic qualities
- Weight absorbance
- High comfort levels
- Dust mite prevention
- Pressure points support
Anyone who suffers from back pain should give these types of mattress serious consideration. They align your spine and give you good posture while you sleep. This reduces the chance of you waking up with aches and sores. For this reason, they are also described as orthopedic mattresses.
As well as this, you won’t be limited when it comes to memory foam. From luxury quilted to medical grade, there’s a huge amount of variety found within this type. The choice is entirely yours!
Cons
The sinking feeling isn’t for everyone! Make sure you’ve given it some thought. Sleep is very personal, so ensure you’ve chosen right.
Hybrid Mattresses
Want the best of both worlds? Hybrids have a blend of both foam and springs to give you maximum benefits.
Pros
They can help reduce any pain while you sleep; responding to your behaviour throughout the night. This includes movement and heat.
Cons
Can be heavy and difficult to move, so consider your living arrangements and what works for you.
The contour feature isn’t for everyone, so you need to think this through. Test one out beforehand, if you can.
Coil Mattresses
These are one of the most common types, found almost anywhere.
Pros
The main advantage is the price tag: cheap and coil go hand in hand.
Cons
These tend to wear out and sag easily, becoming very uncomfortable to sleep on. They have poor weight support, meaning you’ll feel every movement you make. If you or your partner tosses and turns at night, these aren’t recommended.
While a memory foam mattress topper can provide high levels of comfort, it’s recommended to ensure what you’re sleeping on provides adequate support. A mattress protector can only go so far!
Where to Shop For a New Mattress
When it comes to choosing a new mattress, where you make the purchase is incredibly important.
As with many industries, advances in technology, as well as customer service and delivery times means you can now be fairly confident making a purchase over the internet.
If you still want to take the traditional route, heading to a local store or mattress outlet isn’t going to harm your decision.
What You Need to Consider When Choosing a New Mattress
By now you hopefully have an idea of the type different of mattresses available as well as the unique differences that sets the most common styles apart.
Much of the decision-making process you will need to go through when choosing your next mattress will be based on factors largely unique to you.
Let's expand on the considerations you need to weigh up on your road to choosing a new mattress, and ultimately a better night's sleep.
Mattress Foam Density
The rule of thumb is usually that the higher the mattress density, the firmer it is.
So, if you prefer soft mattresses, go for a lower density, which means you’ll be getting a higher air to foam ratio within the pockets.
Higher density mattresses also tend to be more durable, meaning they’ll last you longer on average.
To simplify, the softer a mattress is, the better it will be for those who change positions or move a lot at night.
Medium firmness is good for those who require additional back support while they sleep, or suffer from other aches and pains during the night.
A firm mattress is a better option for front and stomach sleepers, keeping you aligned and flat, more on this below.
A mattress buying guide is always handy if you’re still struggling with what mattress to buy.
Bed Base
Consider all factors of your bedroom to see how your mattress will fit in.
You need to ensure your bed frame adequately supports it, preventing sagging and wear. Try and avoid a bed with large gaps between the slats, for example.
If choosing a heavy mattress, such as a hybrid, make sure your bed is sturdy enough. If it isn’t, this could negatively affect your ability to sleep in comfort and luxury.
How Much are You Looking to Spend?
Always have a budget and try to stick to it.
Price can be a determining factor for many when it comes to picking the right mattress. Some choose to go down a cheaper route and use a topper as an affordable alternative.
Others are willing to spend more now for a mattress that will last them a long time.
The choice is entirely your own, but it’s good to have an amount you’re willing to spend in mind.
How Much Do You Weigh?
Another significant factor in choosing the perfect mattress for you is to take into consideration your weight.
The quality of sleep you can expect to get from a new mattress will largely depend on the ‘feel’ you get from it, whether you sink in to it, or if it is offers even support across your whole body. As well as being decided by the firmness and density of the mattress, these factors also relate to your height and weight.
There really is no perfect ‘one size fits all’ formula or style of mattress, as you’ve probably worked out by now. What may feel like a firm mattress to a light sleeper may feel completely different to someone slightly heavier
Size Guide
There are a number of different mattress sizes to choose from. These include:
- Small single - 75cm x 190cm
- Single - 90cm x 190cm
- Small double - 120cm - 190cm
- Double - 135cm x 190cm
- King size - 150cm x 200cm
- Super king - 180cm - 200cm
These shouldn’t play any role in how firm or soft a surface is, you should have variety within this.
Firmness
From soft to firm, there’s plenty of variation.
The softer a mattress is, the better it will be for those who change positions or move a lot at night.
Medium firm is good for those who need back support.
Firm is better for front and stomach sleepers, keeping you aligned and flat.
What Mattress Should I Buy? Top Tips for Picking Right
Here are some handy hints for picking the right mattress.
1. Don’t Go With the First Option
Don’t rush into the decision and go with the first mattress you hear about. There are number of different styles, designs and sizes out there!
2.Test It Out
It’s handy to have a lie down if you can. This can help you rule out a particular firmness or material you don’t want.
3. Picture Your Bedroom
How will this mattress look at fit in the room it’s intended for? Keep this in mind while choosing.
If you’re short on storage space but want a big bed, why not double up? An ottoman bed can be a great place to store a number of different items, such as clothes.
4. Consider Your Partner
Are you buying a bed to share with someone else? Consider their sleeping habits too.
Look for a bigger size if one of you tends to move around a lot, or if you end up too close together at night. If you both overheat, look for a mattress that allows for airflow.
5. Think Long-Term
Are you planning to move home soon? Or, is this to be your mattress for the foreseeable future?
Consider all avenues. You may only require a single now, but will you want this later on down the line?
Take this into account when choosing.
6. Think of Your Body
Your mattress can help with any pains or aches you suffer from. So, make this your top priority.
7. Have Your Bed in Mind
Many choose to pair a spring bed with a spring mattress.
Foam mattresses tend to go with slat frames, as long as they aren’t too far apart.
8.Think of Your Personal Style
Design and comfort can go hand in hand - you don’t have to have one or the other!
So, does a mattress feel as good as it looks?
9. Keep Price in Mind
You might think quality means expense - but you’d be wrong. Moving away from some of the bigger, more well-known brands can result in some attractive deals!
For example, our essentials memory foam range is our most basic, offering high levels of comfort without breaking the bank.
Mattress Care Guide
To ensure your mattress lasts as long as possible, make sure to take good care of it. Learning how to clean a mattress is key to this! High-quality mattresses promise durability, but you still need to do your part too.
Some will need turning, some won’t. Always check to make sure you know what yours needs.
A topper can help it last longer, while protecting it from stains or other potential problems.
Plus, make sure to air your bed regularly.
Ready to Buy?
At Memory Foam Warehouse, we know what it means to create a good night’s sleep.
Everything in our range is hugely luxurious, while being affordable at the same time.
Tempted yet? Buy a mattress online here.