When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, the mattress you sleep on counts as much as the ambiance of the room. Studies such as this one have shown that back pain, stress and sleep quality are greatly improved after the implementation of a new bedding system.
In a recent poll conducted by the sleep council, 26% of the people surveyed stated that an uncomfortable mattress was the primary deterrent to their quality of sleep.
Low quality-mattresses have been linked to sleep discomfort and research shows that mattresses can even elevate chronic back and neck pain.
In this post, we’ll cover various parameters that you should look out for before purchasing a perfect mattress for the best night’s rest:
Type of Mattress
There are many types of mattresses available in the market. The most popular mattress types include:
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses offer a strong support system to the entire body by using special “memory foam” that envelopes the body, properly distributing body weight. They are snug as well as permeable. They are preferred by most people due to their ability to be both highly adaptive as well as energy-absorbent to heat and pressure.
InnerSpring Mattress
An innerspring mattress is more traditional and uses steel coils to balance pressure points and body weight. They are ideal if you prefer your bed to have a slight bounce and are effective for all types of body weights.
Latex Mattress
A latex mattress is made of latex, a naturally-derived product of the rubber tree. It offers superior comfort by providing better spine alignment and good postural control. Latex mattresses are available in firmness levels ranging from medium to high.
Air Mattress
Air mattresses can be customized to your needs since they are not built universally like memory foam or latex mattresses. An air mattress will be the best fit for you if you are looking for factors such as firmness, comfort, and motion transfer (required when a partner changes sleeping position).
Bottom Line:
In summary, a memory foam mattress helps to distribute body weight, relieving pressure and pain. An innerspring mattress gives you a choice of firmness and fluffiness to choose from while a latex mattress provides more firmness and support.
Sleeping Positions
The choice of mattress you decide to purchase can also vary based on the type of sleeper you are, i.e. either stomach, back or side sleeper.
Since stomach sleepers are more prone to stiffness and low back pain, choosing a firmer mattress such as an innerspring or memory foam mattress is better. An innerspring mattress, for example, helps in reducing pressure from the shoulders and joints while simultaneously offering firmer support to the body.
Back sleepers can choose mattresses that are not too soft or too firm, making latex a good mattress choice. Medium firmness is ideal for a back sleeper as it doesn’t cause excessive motion transfer or interfere with weight distribution. If you suffer from minor spinal problems, this type of mattress is a good choice for you.
Side sleepers require something snug that removes the pressure from their hips and shoulders. The right choice of mattress for side sleepers needs to have the ability to allow the body to sink in to avoid joint pain and reduce neck discomfort. Since a memory foam mattress adapts to the natural curves of the body, it is a good choice for side sleepers as it helps the body to relax without mistreating the spine.
Bottom Line:
It is important to first get conscious of your dominant sleeping position. If you are not sure, ask your partner. You could even be a mixed sleeper in which case you might have to experiment by trying out several mattresses by testing them each out at a mattress store.
Body Weight
You might think that body weight is not crucial or an important criterion when choosing a mattress. However, that is far from the truth since a mattress’s snugness, sinkage and support is affected both by your body type and by your weight.
There is no perfect formula or the “best mattress” for everyone based on their weight. However, a lighter or heavier sleeper can choose a mattress depending on if they want a medium or soft feel when going to bed.
One useful measurement is the body mass index (BMI), which is a standard measurement guide based on height and weight. When selecting a mattress, a rule of thumb that should be followed is; the higher the BMI the thicker the mattress.
For people with higher BMI, a firm mattress is recommended. However, if you prefer a softer feel, a surface topper can be added.
Bottom Line:
Sleep and weight management are closely connected. Mattresses are available in a range of thicknesses from 6 to 16 inches and you can choose the thickness as per your BMI, to best suit your needs.
Sleeping Habits
Many people take their sleeping habits for granted. However, sleep hygiene is an essential factor to consider when choosing the right mattress, so it is essential to know what kind of sleeper you are. Broadly, sleepers can be classified as active sleepers, early risers, and nap enthusiasts.
Active sleepers
Youth entering their teens or young adults can be classified as active sleepers. With age on their side, they have a higher metabolism and are not prone to excessive lethargy or conditions such as chronic fatigue. Additionally, sleep requirements in adolescents are higher as compared to adults. Therefore, a latex mattress is recommended which can support the entire body for long hours of sleep and aid in muscle soreness and relieving pressure off joints.
Early risers
Being an early riser is an indication that you have a demanding work life and have to accomplish multiple tasks that may drain you out of your stamina and energy. This implies that you are inclined to be more fatigued as well as physically and mentally drained by the end of the day. For an early riser, a foam mattress is recommended so that it can help in relieving muscle soreness accumulated due to any stress.
Nap enthusiasts
If you take naps during the middle of the day, it means you are suffering from lack of sleep and it could probably lead to sleep apnea and snoring. In this case, it is advisable to buy a memory foam mattress that can assist in proper alignment of your head and neck for a better night’s rest.
Our 3 Best Picks
Our top 3 best-recommended mattress brands include:
Casper: As one of the most popular mattress brands, Casper is known to give users luxurious support and ergonomic balance as they sleep.
Helix: Another popular brand, Helix, is known for its Hybrid mattress. It uses a mixed quality of coils and foams for support and pressure relief.
Layla: Layla is known for its luxurious memory foam feel and superior support. It is a great option for relieving pressure off pain points, and for spine alignment.
Want to see more? Here’s a recent list of the 12 best-rated mattresses.
If you are not sleeping well and are aware that your mattress is either old or sagging, it might be time to invest in a new mattress. Make sure to take the time to review each mattress type and preferably even get the advice of your doctor before finalizing on your choice.