Whether it’s high time you replaced your old, mite-infested mattress or you’re simply moving into a new place, it can be a difficult and quite stressful chore to choose a mattress that perfectly fits your needs, from comfort to support.
In order to save yourself the torture that is mattress shopping and make all the right decisions that will have you sleeping like a baby for years to come, be sure to check out these experts’ tips on buying the perfect mattress.
Look for Proper Support
There are a number of mattress types, each with its specific purpose and level of support, which is found in its core. If you are a person who loves a bit of a bounce in their mattress, then you should probably opt for an innerspring mattress for that familiar bouncy feel. Springs of a different gauge provide a different feel. Naturally, you can choose between a tight and firm spring, which is a 12, or a far thinner and more compressible one, which is an 18. Typically, individuals with above average body weight prefer a tighter gauge, while thinner people prefer a compressible spring set.
Spring coils that are interconnected tend to be more durable, thus prolonging the mattress’s lifespan. However, individual coils that are covered in fabric prevent the ripple effect of the mattress when a person moves on one side of the bed. While you might be tempted by the soft feeling that a thinner spring set provides, you might want to opt for a firmer mattress as the thinner ones tend to wear down over time and become too soft.
On the other hand, if you prefer a firm base, then memory foam mattresses might be the right choice for you as they have much less spring than the rest. When you sit on this type of mattress, it doesn’t move or sink beyond its topmost layer, providing a lot of stability. You can determine the quality of this type of mattress by asking the salesperson the following questions:
- How thick is the layer of foam?
- What is the foam’s density?
Thickness will determine how deep you’ll sink and it can vary from 2 to 6 inches. A foam’s density of 5 pounds per cubic foot is considered to be of very high quality, while down to 3 pounds per cubic foot means less quality.
For those of you who prefer a more buoyant feel, latex mattresses have similar firmness as memory foam, but the spring-back is greater. There are synthetic and natural latex mattresses and while they can be pricey, they are a valuable investment as they can last up to 20 years and provide antimicrobial resistance, which means you won’t have to worry about mold and dust mites.
Finally, if you like customizing your mattress for various purposes, you could consider opting for an air-filled or rubber chamber mattress equipped with a remote that lets you control the amount of air inside. Most of the time, these mattresses have two separate chambers that allow you to separately inflate or deflate the mattress according to your partner’s wishes. The top surface will be very similar to an innerspring mattress with foam or quilted fiberfill.
Consider the Way You Sleep
Not all beds are created equal, just like each person is unique in terms of their traits and habits. If you are someone who sleeps on your side, it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to buy a firm mattress as it can result in waking up sore and tired. Instead, opt for a cushy memory foam or an innerspring mattress that will relieve pressure and shape towards the contour of your body.
On the other hand, stomach sleepers would never benefit from cushy mattresses, like memory foam ones, as it would feel too smothering. Instead, try a firm surface for best support, and also consider a dense innerspring, air-filled or latex mattress.
Sleeping on your back, while the healthiest option, could be the most difficult for finding a suitable mattress. You’ll need a surface that both supports and gives the spine some room to breathe in order to ensure proper body alignment.
If you have conditions like allergies or hot sleeping, each requires a specific mattress solution. For allergies, choose foam and latex mattresses because they are inherently antimicrobial and resistant to mold and dust mites. While they can be more expensive, you can look for best deals on top-rated mattresses online, and you’ll definitely have no problem finding a mattress that fits both your needs and your budget.
Hot sleepers, on the other hand, wouldn’t benefit from latex or foam because they hold body heat. For this reason, you would be better off with a fiberfill-topped innerspring mattress. As a pro tip, use a removable fiberfill or feather mattress top that you can wash when needed.
When You Simply Can’t Decide
Even if you can’t decide which element of a mattress is the most important to you, don’t worry, there’s always a solution. Be sure to test out the mattress and seek help from the experts. If that doesn’t help, savvy mattress manufacturers have made a hybrid style mattress type that combines the motion isolation of memory foam with the buoyancy that an innerspring core provides, so you could have the best of both worlds for you and your partner.
Hopefully, with these tips, you will have a more enjoyable time while picking out your new mattress that will serve you for years to come.
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