Are your family members getting enough sleep? They’re not if they’re not regularly getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. Studies show that getting enough shut-eye can provide benefits related to energy levels, memory boost, and even appetite control. Improving your household’s sleep quality could be as easy as finding a comfortable mattress.
It’s important for every member of your family to have a sleep-friendly environment to catch zzz’s easier at nighttime. When selecting a mattress, you have several options, including memory foam, latex, and innerspring. There are also factors like overall comfort and support, which are similar yet different things.
I’d like to share some of the most critical issues to help everyone get a good night’s sleep regardless of whether they’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper.
Temperature
There are various factors that affect the mattress temperature. They include the materials and airflow. For example, latex mattresses are usually less warm than memory foam mattresses.
You can also pick mattresses that contain heating and cooling tech. These mattress models known as climate-controlled mattresses have a higher price tag. Are they worth it? If you have the funds for such mattresses, you can experience better temperature control at night while in dreamland.
Even if your mattress is somewhat warm, you can use some hacks to reduce the temperature. Avoid using a comforter since trapped air can increase the mattress temperature.
Support
If you want to choose the best mattress, then the mattress’s support is one of the most important factors. This is especially true if you have health relations related to your back, neck, shoulders, etc. In that case, it’s especially important to have enough support to reduce pain and tension in those areas.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, in cases like a bad back, a firmer mattress isn’t always the best option. Regardless of how soft or firm the mattress is, it’s still critical for it to provide enough support.
Firmness
This is a related issue for support since enough firmness is required to support various body parts, including the spine. While there are super-firm mattresses on the market, this isn’t for everyone–and could actually keep you from sleeping well at night. Such mattresses can prevent the spine’s natural curve and cause pressure points on the body.
What if the mattress is too soft? This can also cause problems. It might cause issues for the middle spine due to less support. That can lead to issues like back pain and bad posture.
In general medium-firm mattresses are ideal. When possible, try to lie down on a test mattress or buy a product that includes a “sleep trial.” Health experts recommend testing a new mattress for at least one month.
Type
Memory Foam
This is one of the most famous materials used to produce mattresses. It’s somewhat firmer than other options. For example, you won’t have to deal with issues like bouncy and squeaky spring mattresses.
There’s also more “motion isolation.” This makes it less likely you’ll wake up when your partner gets out of bed.
You have various issues to take up when picking memory foam mattresses. This includes the thickness and density. Another factor is memory foam tends to make people “sleep hot.” You can offset this problem by selecting hybrid mattresses that include memory foam and latex.
Latex Mattresses
This type of mattress combines latex foam with reflex foam or springs. It provides a durable and supportive sleeping surface. Those are both good things. Sometimes the natural latex is blended with other natural fillings to create Natural Mattress 2.0
However, on the downside, latex mattresses tend to be heavy. This is a drawback when you have to move the mattress to another room or home.
Innerspring Mattresses
These spring mattresses tend to be bouncy and loud, so it’s important to consider these factors. Many of today’s so-called “spring” mattresses actually include slats (connected bars).
However, spring mattresses also provide some major benefits. They’re generally very durable, so it’s quite likely you could use the same mattress for a decade. Look for an innerspring mattress with a foam outer layer for more comfort.
Size
This is one of the most important factors when purchasing a mattress that you should consider. In Yes, size matters. The sizes range from Twin/Single to King and Cal King. When selecting a mattress size, consider the available space in the bedroom, and the person who will be sleeping in the bed.
Try to create a Feng Shui balance with your choice. For example, a large bed can be the focal point of a bedroom. That said, there should still be enough walking space around the bed to make the area more comfortable. The bed’s position should make the door visible, while also not being in line with the room’s entrance.
There are various factors that can affect the mattress size you pick. How large is the bedroom? Do you have a sleeping partner and/or pet? Are you a “wild sleeper”? These are all important issues from sleep resources to weigh for picking the right mattress size.
Health Conditions
You should also consider any health conditions that could be affected by your mattress choice. For example, certain mattresses can reduce or increase pain your family members experience while sleeping.
It’s important that the family member has first been diagnosed with certain conditions. For example, if they have a condition that causes lower back pain, then a firm mattress can help to align the back.
Sleeping Position
You should consider whether your family members are side, back, stomach, or “combo” sleepers. For example, memory foam is a generally good option for side sleepers since it relieves pressure points. Back sleepers can sleep on basically any mattress that provides a good fit and enough comfort.
Finally, stomach sleepers should consider a spring mattress or air mattress. There’s a caveat! This is the least recommended position, while sleeping on your back is the most recommended option among sleep experts.
Conclusion
Purchasing a new mattress is something households should do every decade or so. It’s important to consider the above-mentioned factors like mattress material, size, and support. You’ll also need to take up issues like the sleeper’s weight/height, sleeping position, and health conditions. Here’s the thing. The process of selecting the right mattress for each family member might seem challenging or even impossible at first. They’re worth it though, right?
Leave a Reply