Sound Sleeping

Our Guide To Choosing The Right Mattress For You

Getting the right amount of sleep is imperative to having a healthy lifestyle. So many illnesses have their foundation in sleep deprivation that it is vital that we understand as much as possible the basics of a good nights sleep.

A disturbed sleep pattern can come in many forms of course but one of the most important ingredients to deep sleep is a comfortable mattress. The sleep council recommends that a person’s mattress should be changed at least every 7 years, but honestly how many of us consider it?

With so many different mattresses in so many different materials, it is sometimes difficult not to feel overwhelmed, and that is before even thinking about durability, edge support and spring density.

If you happen to be in the position of choosing a new mattress but are struggling to find a way forward, this article will hopefully lead you through and help you make the right decision. Read on as I point out the relevant things you need to think about to get a perfect night’s sleep.

Set Yourself A Budget

There are a large number of different mattresses on the market to choose from ranging from a couple of hundred pounds up to over £4000 and more. However, the old adage ‘You pay for what you get’ does not necessarily follow when buying a mattress.

Buying a mattress should be viewed as an important purchase but it is not advisable to purchase cheap just to save money. A good quality mattress can easily last longer than the 7-year recommendation by the sleep council. It is more important to obtain a product that creates a good sleep pattern for you.

A good nights sleep has the power to make us feel revitalized so it is important to focus on comfort as well as support for our muscles. A mattress that is too soft does not give the support the spine requires and can cause backache. A mattress that is too firm will aggravate any tender places and pressure points.

That’s the reason why it is a good idea to purchase a bed that may cost a little more but the savings are paid back in a happier lifestyle. The best options for mattresses can cost thousands but in today’s market somewhere between £700 and £1000 will get you a quality product that suits.

Your Sleeping Position

When choosing a mattress to purchase it is important to consider how you sleep at the moment. Most people have a favoured sleeping position and this must be taken into account. Many guides gloss over the importance of the sleeping position, but it can have a detrimental effect on joints and muscles and possible sustained back pain.

As a guide to comfort and the avoidance of future pain, a mattress should be firm enough to support the spine in a neutral position. If sleeping on one side shoulders should need to sink lower before reaching firm support. Hips and knees should feel supported.

Your sleeping position controls the amount of support you require to alleviate any strain on the spine and avoid pressure points on other muscles and joints. When choosing the firmness and support of a mattress your sleeping position is the controlling factor.

Selecting The Right Mattress

The most common question that is asked by most people thinking of purchasing a mattress is ‘How do I know the type of mattress I should buy?’ This, of course, is understandable due to the vast range available. To help you I have listed the five most common types.

Continuous Coil

This form of mattress is generally the most uncomfortable due to the continuous coil springs housed in cotton over sheet all move when you do. They tend to be less durable but this form of mattress is cheap but prone to being next to useless for support.

Pocket Sprung

The benefit of this mattress over the continuous coil is that each spring is housed in its own individual pocket. In a double bed, you are less likely to disturb your partner if you turn over in the night and there is more rigid support for your body.

The pocket springs don’t mould to your body as a foam mattress would do so they tend to be cooler and more comfortable than the continuous coil alternative. However, manufacturer claims regarding support and comfort can sometimes be exaggerated.

Memory Foam Mattresses

These foam mattresses have become popular recently due to how they mould to your body and also how cost-effective they are compared to alternatives.
Normally constructed in three layers with a high-density thick base below a medium depth cool layer and topped with 2-inch memory foam. This material contours as the heat from your body moulds to your shape. This means that every part of your body is supported which gives a comfortable feeling but is not for everyone due to the heat retention.

Latex

Latex is a material that is drawn from the milk of the rubber tree. This product is said to offer better comfort and durability than its memory foam equivalent. The latex mattress allows naturally better airflow than memory foam, so for sleepers who prefer not to be overheated this could be a good alternative.

The main drawback with the latex product is the price which can be significantly more than memory foam. To counter this Latex is recognized as being more durable with an almost instant bounce back to its original platform as a person gets up.

Hybrids

The most expensive of all the products as it strives to combine the benefits of the previous products into one comfortable and well-supported mattress. Hybrids are made with a combination using coils for stability and reinforced with memory foam and latex.

The end result is a product that is supportive due to the pocket sprung coils and the memory foam. Including a latex layer, this combination can include the benefits of a mattress that retains its shape and supports its user.