There are so many mattresses on the market today, and each one’s different from the next. In fact, there’s so much choice that it can often feel overwhelming. Some people simply buy any old mattress to avoid having to look into the staggering number of choices that are now available to them!
But in terms of your sleep, your wellbeing, and your health, picking a mattress at random is one of the worst things that you can do. Considering all the options is always the best buying technique.
Why?
The reason there are so many different mattresses out there is because we all have different bodies, and different preferences. We all sleep differently. We all have different sleep needs. Each mattress is designed to meet a specific set of sleep needs, so if you choose the wrong one, you could be setting yourself up for years of discomfort, tiredness, grogginess, and potentially even pain.
Finding the right mattress can seem like a daunting task. And sometimes it is! But the truth is that it doesn't have to be. Especially when you know what you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn more about different mattresses, and the steps you can take to find the perfect mattress for your needs.
5 steps to success
Believe it or not, you can find the perfect mattress for your unique sleep needs in just 5 simple steps. Here are our 5 steps to success, making it easier than ever for you to get the greatest night’s sleep:
- Make a list of your own unique sleep needs and preferences
- Do your research to uncover more about different types of mattresses available
- Test out different firmnesses at your local showroom
- Match your individual sleep needs to the features, benefits and characteristics of a mattress
- Order your perfect mattress online, and have it delivered direct to your door
Let’s explore those steps in more detail…
How do you sleep?
First things first: what are your unique sleep needs? Determining that is the first step, making sure you’re selecting a mattress that’s going to address your own requirements and improve your sleep.
So… how do you sleep?
Well, there are three main sleeping positions:
- Side sleeping
This is the most common sleeping position, and fortunately, it’s also one of the best for the body. The position helps keep the airways clear and doesn’t put much strain on the back. However, it can put some pressure on the hips, especially if you tend to stay on one side for long periods at night.
- Back sleeping
This is far less common than side sleeping, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. On a positive note, back sleeping is great for the spine: it remains flat against the mattress and is well supported. On the other hand, back sleepers are more likely to experience breathing problems such as snoring.
- Stomach sleeping
Often said to be the absolute worst position to sleep in, stomach sleeping can cause the spine to curve as the body sinks slightly into the mattress. This is a major cause of back pain, and can create very restless nights. The only good thing about stomach sleeping? A lower risk of snoring & apnoea.
However, there are many subcategories within these common sleep positions, too. For example, a side sleeper could roll up into the foetal position, or a back sleeper may spread out like a starfish.
And assessing your sleep needs isn’t just about position; it’s also about considering any additional requirements you may have. Do you tend to get sweaty in the night, and need to stay cooler? Do you often suffer with hip pain, or feel you need more back support? Once you are clear about what you need, finding the perfect mattress to meet those individual and unique needs becomes much easier.
Mattress considerations
It’s definitely worth doing some research, reading some blogs, and examining the differences between the different options available to you. There are lots of things to think about when selecting a new mattress, with different types and different features aligning best with specific sleep needs.
- Mattress type
There are three main mattress types that are on offer today. The first is the spring mattress, which is more of a traditional type of mattress. These mattresses contain internal coils that provide a bouncy, flexible surface. They’re great for wrigglers, as they don’t limit movement. They make it easy for you to adjust your position and get comfortable, no matter how you’re sleeping or where your body is.
Foam mattresses are another type, made entirely out of foam. Imagine you have a piece of foam in your hand, and you gently press on it so that your fingers sink down into the foam. That’s exactly what happens with foam mattresses: your body sinks down as the foam naturally contours around your shape. They’re great for side sleepers as they can help to relieve pressure on the supporting hip.
The third main type of mattress is the hybrid or combination mattress. These combine both foam and springs together into one product. There are usually two layers of foam – top and bottom – and a layer of springs or coils in the middle. They create a ‘best of both worlds’ situation. They’re good for people who sleep in a variety of positions, and couples who both have their own unique sleep needs.
- Mattress firmness
Firmness refers to how hard or soft a bed feels, and there are three main categories of mattress firmness: soft, medium, and firm. Soft mattresses allow the body to sink in further, and are often recommended for side sleepers as they help to reduce the pressure on the supporting hip. Medium mattresses can be good for back sleepers as they’re more supportive. Firm mattresses often work for stomach sleepers as they prevent the body sinking into the bed and bending the spine.
Even if you’re planning to buy your mattress online, it’s always worth trying out different firmnesses in-store because comfort is subjective. Of course, there are some firmnesses that, in general, address different sleep needs better than others, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to be comfortable.
- Mattress features
Besides type and firmness, there’s one more factor that can impact a mattress’ ability to meet specific sleep needs: features. One of the most sought-after features today is a memory foam layer, which can be added to both foam and spring mattress types. Memory foam is well suited to those who experience pain during the night, as the foam reacts to the body’s heat by contouring and supporting you.
For hot sleepers, a cooling mattress can help. These mattresses feature advanced technologies which draw moisture and heat away from the body to reduce the risk of sweating and overheating. And for allergy sufferers, hypoallergenic mattresses make it more difficult for common allergens like dust or pet hair to settle inside the mattress. This helps to make night-time sneezing and streaming a thing of the past.
What’s best for you?
Once you understand more about how you sleep and what you need, and about the different types of mattresses on offer today, picking your perfect mattress becomes a much easier task. When you’re clear on what your own body needs in order to rest peacefully – all night long – you can order a mattress online to meet your needs precisely. And that’s where we come in. Take a look at the different mattresses we’re offering, and select your new mattress with complete confidence.