There is no perfect mattress that fits everyone. The best mattress is the one that offers you optimum Support, Comfort and Feel. Therefore the first question when buying a mattress is what is your sleeping habit? Your requirements? And what extras do you need? Different technologies offer different kinds of comfort and there are lot of options available to choose from. Mattresses that look alike at first sight may be different.
Why it is important to test a mattress in the store and how should it be tested?
One should spend at least 15 minutes testing each mattress in the store. By spending 15 minutes on back and both sides, one will be more likely to determine which mattress is suitable for his/her sleeping habit & body type. While resting on your back try to slide your hand under the contour of the back, if the hand slides-in easily and you feel discomfort on hips and shoulders, it means that the mattress is too hard for you. And if it takes lot of efforts to toss and turn on the bed, then the bed is too soft.
What level of firmness is recommendable and are firmer mattresses generally better than Softer ones?
There is no standard definition to define soft, medium or hard mattress as it totally depends upon one’s comfort preferences. It is crucial that you test yourself what level of firmness fits you the best. You cannot generally say that firmer mattresses are better than softer ones. The degree of firmness needed depends on the sleeper’s body, shape and weight. Usually people who are short and slim need and prefer softer mattresses than people whose body weight is higher. Quality mattresses offer different zones supporting your body in different areas with adequate strengths.
Do different sleeping positions require different levels of mattress firmness?
Yes, they do. Studies have shown that various sleeping positions require different levels of firmness. A back sleeper needs a mattress that offers enough support to fill in the gap in the contour of the back, while at the same time providing enough comfort. Side sleepers will probably want a softer mattress, as it will support the body‘s curves to minimize pressure points, especially if they have a more rounded figure. A pillow pulled under the shoulder will support the neck. Stomach sleepers probably need a firmer mattress to keep the spine aligned and to prevent spinal distortion that can result in back pain when waking up.
Which criteria of comfort should a new mattress offer?
There are four basic requirements for a good mattress to enhance the quality of sleep. In order of importance: maintain spinal alignment, reduce surface pressure, regulate body temperature, and resist nasty allergens.
A new mattress should be designed to conform to the spine’s natural curves and keep the spine aligned when lying down. It should conform to the shape of our body and distribute weight evenly on the mattress surface and eliminate high-pressure areas. Sleeping too hot or too cold will also cause tossing and turning. While we sleep, our bodies give off moisture, which gets trapped in our bedding. This dampness interferes with our body’s ability to regulate its own temperature. Depending on your individual needs you can choose between different mattress types and different mattress covers affecting your body temperature while sleeping. Some mattress materials have anti-microbial feature, so that dust mites will not reside in these mattresses as easily as in others. These mattresses offer a certain protection for those who struggle with allergies.
Which criteria of comfort should a new mattress offer?
There are four basic requirements for a good mattress to enhance the quality of sleep. In order of importance: maintain spinal alignment, reduce surface pressure, regulate body temperature, and resist nasty allergens.
A new mattress should be designed to conform to the spine’s natural curves and to keep the spine in alignment when lying down. It should conform to the shape of our body to distribute weight evenly and eliminate high-pressure areas. Sleeping too hot or too cold will also cause tossing and turning. While we sleep, our bodies give off moisture, which gets trapped in our bedding. This dampness interferes with our body’s ability to regulate its own temperature. Depending on your individual needs you can choose between different mattress types and different mattress covers affecting your body temperature while sleeping. Some mattress materials have anti-microbial value, so that dust mites will not reside in these mattresses as easily as in others. These mattresses offer a certain protection for those who struggle with allergies.
Why is it recommended to buy a bedding system instead of just a mattress?
A good bedding system consists of a good mattress and an appropriate bed base. The mattress and bed base should be chosen together to complement each other giving you a comfortable night’s sleep. Mattress and bed base are engineered to work together as a set. The base takes a lot of the nightly wear and tear and contributes to the overall comfort and support of the bed.
Putting a new mattress on an old bed base, pairing it with a base which was not designed to work with or adding a board between the mattress and bed base will impede comfort and reduce the useful life of your new mattress. A proper bed base is definitely necessary!
