How To Choose A Mattress [2020]

Buying a new mattress can be so overwhelming, it can cause you to lose sleep. There are so many options out there. We get it, so keep reading to know all the things you should consider when choosing a new mattress. These will help simplify the process and make it easier.

The type of mattress

The type of mattress includes the structure and the materials used in making the mattress.

The innerspring mattress

This is the most common type of mattress. They have metal coils on the inside of the mattress, and they are very supportive. Some examples of coils include Bonnell coils, offset coils, Marshall/Pocketed coils, and the continuous wire system.

Recommend for:  Back sleepers and Stomach Sleepers. They are also suitable for people who get hot when sleeping because coils give a lot of room for airflow, so it does not trap a lot of heat.

Not recommended for: Side sleepers and people who like to sink into their mattresses.

The memory foam mattress

This one is one of the most popular mattresses on the market right now. It definitely has that slow sinking feeling that takes the pressure off the body.

Recommended for: Side sleepers, back sleepers and is also a good option for people with joint pain.

Not recommended for: Stomach sleepers

The latex mattress

Most latex mattresses are made from all-natural latex, which means they are eco-friendly and biodegradable so better for the environment.  It is also very supportive, and it is very responsive, so it is easy to move around on top of it. It is very durable and allows more airflow than a memory foam mattress.  

Recommended for: Those that want an organic and natural option that will help with relieving pressure points.

Waterbeds

Hearing about water beds might make you think of the 1980s, where they were prominent in the market and pop culture. Even though their popularity has faded, they are still in existence today. Unlike other types of mattresses with coils or foam, waterbeds have a water chamber as their support system.  If you have always fancied a water bed and believe it will support you, you can find them in many mattress stores.

Air mattresses

In this group, we have inflatable air mattresses. These are very common compact beds that are also very affordable and easy to find.

Another set of mattresses in this group are sleep number beds. These are adjustable air mattresses. These beds do not look like inflatable mattresses, and they easily look like a standard mattress. The air chambers inside the mattresses are connected to a remote that allows you add or remove air in the mattress, which in turn dictates how soft or firm the mattress becomes.  It is very convenient, and you can change your comfort levels at any time you need it. The mattress often includes other upholstery or material, such as foam or natural fibers, for support and comfort.

Recommended for: Combination sleepers

The Hybrid mattress

This mattress has the best of both worlds. It has coils in the support layer and foam in the top layer.  With this mattress, you get the support of coils and the comfort of foam.

Recommended for: Hot sleepers who still want a firm feel with more breathability. Also recommended for people who need more support than foam provides. A good match for combination sleepers.

 

MATTRESS SIZES

Size is essential when picking a mattress that is going to be satisfactory.

The Twin (39” by 74”)

This is probably the smallest size available for adults. It is narrow and not too long.

Recommended for: Children, teenagers, and smaller adults. It is also great for adults who are working with limited space.

Not recommended for:  Larger or taller adults. More than one person.

The Twin XL (39” by 80”)

This is just like the twin but six inches longer, so you get a little more length.  That is the only main difference.

Recommended for: Taller children or teens or for adults who are working with a narrow bedroom.

The Full /Double (“54 by 74”)

It is 15 inches wider than the twin mattress, so you get more room

Recommended for: Better option than the twin for larger adults and for couples

The Queen (60” by 80”)

This next mattress has a lot more room

Recommended for: People who sleep alone but want a lot of room to move around. It is also a good option for couples as it is big enough for most couples to sleep together comfortably.

The King (76” by 80”)

The King is the same length as a Queen but 16” wider.

Recommended for: Couples. It is the best fit for couples or people who share a bed with their children.

Not recommended: For a single person, unless they are looking to fill up a huge master bedroom.

California King (72” by 84”)

The California king is four inches longer than a standard King but inches narrower in width. This mattress adds extra length to the bed while sacrificing some surface area.

Recommended for: Taller individuals or couples with taller individuals

 

SLEEP POSITIONS

In addition to mattress sizes and the type of mattress, you have to consider your

sleeping position. It will guide you in picking the very best mattress for you. The comfort levels or range of firmness of a mattress are essential when considering the sleeping position. The comfort levels start from extra-plush, which is the softer side and end with the extra firm, which is on the firmer side. The firmness of a mattress is usually rated on a scale of one to ten. The average firmness is considered to be between 6.5 to 7.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers do best with mattresses that have an average firmness. That is between 6.5 to 7 on a scale of one to ten. Back sleepers need support but also need some comfort to relieve pressure, so a mattress that falls in the middle firmness will be just right.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need much more support, so they will do better with mattresses on the firmer side of the comfort level spectrum. Plusher mattresses are not the right choice because it can cause sinking of the hips while sleeping, and this can cause spinal misalignment.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping puts a lot of pressure on shoulders, hips, and knees. Therefore, a mattress on the softer or plusher side of the spectrum will relieve the extra relief from pressure and more contouring support.

Combination Sleepers

Here, choosing will require some experimentation. If there is a sleeping position that you are primarily in, use that as a guide. Otherwise, you might have to try a few comfort levels to find the perfect one.

 

SPECIFIC NEEDS

If you have specific needs, you will want to shop for a mattress that particularly suits your needs. If you are currently under the care of a medical professional, consult them for what you might need and not rely solely on a sales representative. Some cases that might have specific needs include but are not limited to the following: people who sleep hot, people who are recovering from an injury, people who have a chronic injury, those who are pregnant, or have clinical medical needs.

 

DURABILITY

For most people, a mattress is a significant investment. That means it's crucial to think about how long one wants a new bed to last. Mattresses made with high-quality materials and proper construction will easily outlast cheaper options. This means it won't be necessary to buy a new mattress as frequently. There are plenty of options out there, so it's possible to find something that meets your needs without going into debt.

This easy guide will help you with selecting a mattress that will make you genuinely happy. If you consider the type of mattress, size of the mattress, specific needs, durability, and sleep position you are soon to get your perfect mattress.

source https://gottasleep.com/blogs/sleep-talk/how-to-choose-a-mattress

Tips For Choosing The Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress In 2020

Soft Memory Foam Mattresses

When many people think of the perfect mattress, they imagine something that is comfortable, something that lets them sink in and soaks away the pressure and worries of the day. Basically, they want to sleep on the cloud, in achievable words, a soft mattress.

The best soft memory foams in the market could provide exceptional pressure relief with unrivaled soft comfort (Nolah Signature 12); kill bacteria naturally and extend its lifespan (Layla), or could even do as much as absorb your body heat to keep you cool at night (puffy lux).

Arguably the most desired trait in a soft memory foam mattress is its ability to contour and respond to any sleeping position and body type. The downright nature of soft memory foam mattresses is to accommodate a person's way of sleeping by adapting to different body shapes and movements. Whether you are searching for the best soft memory foam mattress in the UK, the best soft foam memory mattress in Canada or elsewhere, these are things you should look for when shopping for the best soft memory foam mattress for you.

 

Foam Density

Be sure to pay attention to the density of the foam. The foam density does not contribute as much to how the foam feels, as to how durable the memory foam mattress will be. Higher-density soft memory foams tend to last longer than lower density ones. You will find that many top-brands have higher density foams. They are built to last. If you find options that have densities lower than 5 pounds, they may not be worth your time or money.

It is also essential to consider mmHg. It is a measurement that determines how the foam mattress deals with pressure points. Ideally, mattresses that have a 32 or lower mmHg value reduce the pressure placed on your joints. The pressure relief prevents you from waking up with pains and aches after a long night's sleep.

 

How much do you weigh?

Soft memory foam mattresses are a fantastic choice for sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds and prefer a soft plush memory foam experience. The soft feel allows sleepers to sink in more, providing extra conforming that can help relieve pressure points.

A mattress can also be too soft and may allow a sleeper's hips and shoulders to sink in too deeply, causing an over-compression of the foam, and creating more pressure points around the hips and shoulders. A foam that is too soft can also lead to improper spinal alignment, which may place strain on the spine. Relying on the 10-point firmness scale is the easiest way to judge whether a mattress is too soft, or it matches your firmness preference.

 

What kind of sleeper are you?

As with any mattress type, the way soft memory foam mattress responds to each person depends on several factors, but of note is the sleeping position. Many mattress manufacturers have worked on their memory foams to suit as wide a range of sleepers as possible. Still, each mattress works more favorably or less favorably for certain positions.

Back Sleepers: Back sleepers fare rather well on memory foam. A significant thing to look out for is making sure the foam isn't too soft, or you may find that your bottom half sinks in a little more than you’d like. A good number of mattress companies are creating foam that will fill in the space at the lower back. This close contouring will keep you very supported.

Side Sleepers: If you are a side sleeper, you have a lot more preference than any other sleeper when it comes to memory foam. If you happen to be someone who likes a close "hug" feeling, you can look for a higher quality contour when shopping. You may want to steer clear of very high-density foam, as it may cause some jamming on the shoulders.

Stomach Sleepers: It is all about the hips for these sleepers. You should be able to tell pretty quickly if a mattress works for you, based on how well and how fast your hips start to sink. Pay careful attention to how brands talk about the pressure on the hips, and find out if any reviews say things like "the sleeper's hips may sink". Sinking hips is something you will want to avoid as it can gradually throw your spine out of alignment.

Combination Sleepers: The feeling of being "stuck" in a memory foam mattress is the primary concern for combo sleepers. Please pay close attention to the responsiveness of the mattress and how it adjusts for your dominant sleeping position. If it talks a lot about being "in" and "sinking" in the mattress, kindly look away and continue your search.

 

How much do you have?

It always comes down to this—the same old budget tale. Memory foam mattresses prices run the gamut, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Unlike any other mattress, there are a few things that determine the cost of memory foam, such as, thickness, density, where it is made and unique features to name a few. The memory foam mattress feel will be different depending on these factors as well. Usually, if a mattress is made in the US, it will be a little more expensive than a memory foam mattress that is manufactured in Canada or elsewhere.

When the layers of memory foam are thicker, they tend to be more comfortable but more expensive. With memory foam, you get what you pay for. A more expensive, or thicker layered mattress with special features will last longer and will more likely cause you to sleep a lot better, whereas a thinner layered model may not be as comfortable or last as long.

 

How Long Will My Soft Memory Foam Mattress Last?

As regards memory foam mattress, durability is the foam not performing at its best. This underperformance is usually revealed in the foam as sagging. When shopping for memory foam mattresses, it may seem like all foam is the same. However, a thicker (often more expensive) foam mattress will likely last longer than a thinner, bargain counterpart. It is also essential to do some research about the best types of foundations and bed frames and for your memory foam mattress to ensure they are adequately supported and able to withstand nightly use.

 

Sleep Trial Period

A smart thing to consider in choosing the best soft memory foams should be finding out if the seller offers a trial period. Most brands offer a free trial for their customers to see whether or not they like the mattress or not. It takes 30 days on average to break in a new mattress, so keep that in mind as you set out to purchase one.

 

Off-Gassing

Okay, so, you should know this. When you buy a memory foam mattress, especially from an online bed-in-a-box retailer, you are likely to experience a smell when you first unbox your mattress. It is called off-gassing and is entirely normal. The process of making memory foam or polyurethane foam involves various chemicals. As a result, that "chemical" smell tends to be released after being folded up and compressed in a box. This smell is safe for consumers and should not alarm you too much. If the odor does not go away within a few days, you may want to give the seller a callback.

 

Can a Soft Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Back pain is a spanner in the sheets for quite a lot of sleepers. Even though many attributes back pain to the sleeper's sleeping position, it could occur for any sleeper regardless of the sleeping position.

As already mentioned earlier, a softer memory foam that lacks the necessary support and sinks in too much could easily cause back pain. Of course, this is different based on the sleeping position you prefer. For example, if you like sleeping on your back or stomach, you may want to limit sinkage more than a side sleeper to prevent spinal misalignment. Hopefully, with these tips, you can get the best soft memory foam mattress that works for you. Get a soft memory foam mattress that suits your needs just fine today!

source https://gottasleep.com/blogs/sleep-talk/best-soft-memory-foam-mattress