If you’re getting the right amount of sleep, you’ll likely spend about a third of your life in bed, which is why choosing the right mattress shouldn’t be a decision you take lightly. There are a number of mattress options out there – memory foam, latex foam, innerspring, hybrid, air-filled – it’s enough to give anyone a sleepless night. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your new mattress
Sleep position
The position you sleep in will play a huge role in how firm your mattress should be. If you regularly wake up feeling achy and recover within half an hour of getting up, your mattress is likely the culprit.
Side sleeper – If you sleep on your side, a firm mattress is going to put too much pressure on the points of your body that are in contact with it. Something with a fair amount of give, like memory foam, may be the best choice. You need a mattress that will give you the pressure relief you need to make side-sleeping comfortable, while still supporting your bodyweight.
Stomach sleeper – While bouncy, cushy mattresses are alluring in the store, if you sleep on your stomach, a mattress that’s too soft will feel smothering. Opt for something firmer, like a high gauge innerspring (the firmest innerspring option).
Back sleeper – If you sleep on your back, you’ll need just the right compromise to keep you supported, but with enough give to keep your spine aligned. This will differ from person to person, so try a few options – spend at least a few minutes on the mattress in-store to make sure it’s the right fit. A latex-memory foam hybrid may be the right choice, as it gives a firm base, but will also fit the contour of your body just so.
Partner Preference
If you’re sharing a bed, you and your partner will likely have different mattress requirements. This could leave one of you feeling achy or ill-rested. It is important to make sure you go mattress shopping together so that you can choose a mattress suited to both of you.
Restless Bedfellow
If you have a partner who tosses and turns – or if you’re the guilty party – you’ll need a mattress that isolates movement. The best options here are memory foam or an innerspring with individually pocketed coils.
Other Factors
Foam and latex are both antimicrobial, so are great options if you have allergies. Though both tend to hold body heat, so if you sleep hot, you may want to avoid them in favour of a fiberfill topped innerspring.
The true test of the perfect mattress, however, is lying on it, so bring your pillow along to the store and spend a few minutes on your dream bed.
You could always come along to either our Springfield, Cornubia or Craighall Park stores and visit our Sleep Laboratory, where we will map your body, identify your pressure points and recommend the perfect bed for you, eliminating the guesswork.
