‘One size fits all’. It’s the ultimate in convenience, isn’t it? The thought of being able to walk into a store and select something that’s guaranteed to fit, without worrying about sizing and measurements… it's the dream! However, while the ‘one size fits all’ magic may work for things like hats, gloves, and scarves, there are some purchases where a little more effort can go a long way.
Like mattresses.
Did you know that the mattress your friends swear by for the best night’s sleep could be the same mattress that’s keeping you awake? Or causing your aches and pains? There’s no ‘one size fits all’.
The ‘universal’ mattress doesn’t exist
Think about buying a new pair of jeans. You wouldn’t just pick a random pair from the shelf, would you? Of course not. Because our bodies all come in different shapes and sizes. Without considering what you’re buying, you could end up with a waistband so big that they don’t stay up. Or material that doesn’t quite make it down to your ankles. We know that we must buy for our own body type.
So why don’t we think to do the same for our sleep type?
We all come in different shapes and sizes, and we all have different sleep habits. The problem is that many people think that ‘fit’ is all that matters. If they physically fit onto a mattress, then it’s all good. But it’s not quite as simple as that.
You might have a T-shirt that technically fits you, but you never wear it because it doesn’t feel good on your body. It’s exactly the same with mattresses. One might ‘fit’, but it’s not the right option for your particular sleep habits.
Some of us may be wrigglers, which means we may sleep better on a mattress that ‘hugs’ the body to keep it calm and still. Others may be side sleepers, meaning they may feel more comfortable on a mattress that cushions the hips. And back sleepers may have completely different requirements.
The idea of a universal, one-size-fits-all mattress is certainly nice. But it’s not realistic.
Why the right mattress matters
When we think about mattresses, we often think of comfort. We lie down and think, ‘Ooh, this feels nice’. And this is, of course, really important. But what we often overlook is the fact that a mattress shouldn’t just be about making us feel comfortable; it should be about helping us get a good rest. And that doesn’t just come from comfort alone. It comes from our bodies having what they need.
For example, you might relax on a super soft mattress and feel snug as a bug. But if you’re a back sleeper, a soft mattress can cause your spine to sink into the bed, curving as it does. You likely won’t notice this at first, but over time this prolonged curvature can cause pain in the back and neck. For someone who’s a side sleeper, however, this same soft mattress can feel like all their sleep problems have been answered. The softness cushions the hips, reducing the risk of aches in the joints.
It’s clear that we’re all very different, and what’s best for one may not be right for another. We can’t simply buy whatever’s on offer. When we have a mattress that meets our own needs, we’re more likely to get a good night’s sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
So just how do you choose the right mattress? Well, we need to learn more about ourselves…
Beyond mattress testing
There’s a common misconception that testing out mattresses in-store is the best way to find a mattress that’s best for you. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Plonking yourself down for 2 minutes on a showroom bed doesn’t tell you anything about how a mattress will help you sleep.
The best way to choose a new mattress involves understanding your own personal sleep needs.
Here are 6 top questions to ask yourself:
What size do I need?
If you tend to move around a lot, a larger mattress can give you a bit more wriggle room.
What firmness do I need?
For side sleepers, a soft mattress cushions hips. A firm mattress supports the spine in back sleepers.
Do I have any sensitivities?
Hypoallergenic materials can reduce common symptoms which can make it difficult to sleep.
Am I a hot or cold sleeper?
Temperature-regulating materials can help keep you comfortable all night long.
What type of bed do I have?
If you have a special type of bed – e.g. an adjustable bed – you should buy a compatible mattress.
What’s my budget?
Buying for your sleep habits is important, but so is considering your overall budget.
Personal recommendations from trusted friends and family can be so valuable when making big purchase decisions. But when it comes to buying a new mattress, it’s time to ask yourself what you need. It’s time to ask yourself what you want. It’s time to enjoy a custom fit, perfectly suited to you.
Remember: if it sounds too good to be true… it probably is!
The allure of ‘one size fits all’ is difficult to ignore. It calls to us. And we’re tempted to answer. We desperately want to buy into the promises that there’s a magic solution out there that suits us all.
But while it may be possible to develop a mattress that meets a lot of requirements and suits various sleep habits, there’s nothing that fits everyone. Choosing the right mattress for you is important.
Is it a little more effort? Sure it is. But the fact is that, if you buy well, you should only need to purchase a new mattress once every 7-10 years. That doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
And don’t forget that choosing a new mattress is even easier at Memory Foam Warehouse. We bring you a diverse collection of great options, with something to suit all sleep habits.