Buying a mattress is like buying a car. Just as you look at the car’s performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety, you look at the mattress’s comfort, support layers, material, price and size.
That said, choosing a mattress that helps you sleep well isn’t just about looking at its features. There are many other important considerations that most buyers overlook, ending up with a mattress that wrecks their back and does more harm than good.
So, if you are wondering how to choose a mattress that lets you have restful sleep, we have compiled a list of eight steps you should take to select the best bed mattress. Let’s dive in:
Step 1: Determine Your Ideal Sleeping Position
Start your mattress search by considering your sleep position, as it can greatly influence your mattress choice.
Sleep position means whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. Let’s look at how these factors impact your decision when buying a mattress.
Each sleep position requires a different level of mattress firmness and support.
Back Sleepers: If you sleep on your back, you would benefit from a medium-firm to firm mattress with added spinal support. A soft mattress may cause the lower back to sink in deeply, resulting in misalignment and discomfort. You should look for a mattress with enough firmness to keep your spine in a neutral position while still offering some cushioning for comfort.
Side Sleepers: If you sleep on your side, you would be better off buying a softer mattress that contours to the curves of your body, specifically at the shoulders and hips. A medium to medium-soft mattress can help alleviate pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers benefit the most from a firm mattress as it prevents the abdomen from sinking into the bed, which may cause strain on the lower back. A medium-firm to firm mattress helps keep the spine aligned and prevent overarching of the lower back. If you sleep on your stomach, you should go for the top most comfortable mattress that offers sufficient support to keep the body afloat rather than sinking.
Step 2: Consider Your Body Type
Just as sleep position influences your mattress buying decision, body type helps you get the best mattress for your body needs. Body type includes factors such as weight, health conditions, and spinal alignment. It tends to affect how pressure is distributed on the mattress and how much support you need for an uninterrupted and comfortable sleep.
If you are lightweight: you may find softer mattresses comfortable as they provide adequate support and you would exert less pressure on the mattress surface. That said, it’s still important to ensure proper spinal alignment and support, especially if you are a back and stomach sleeper. So, choose a medium-firm mattress with superior contouring and back support.
If you’re average weight: you have a wider range of options to choose from when it comes to mattress firmness. Depending on your sleep position, you may opt for a medium-firm mattress that strikes a balance between support and comfort. However, make sure to consider factors such as back pain or pressure points.
If you are heavyweight: you should go for a firmer mattress with enhanced support to prevent sinking into the bed. A mattress with more reinforcement, such as pocketed coils or high-density foam, can offer much-needed support and durability. However, if you prefer a softer top feel, opt for a medium-firm mattress with sufficient thickness and density to support your weight without compromising comfort.
Step 3: Determine Your Budget
Once you have figured out your sleep position and body type, the next step is to set a budget. Mattress prices can vary depending on their type, size, quality of the material, brands etc. There are also budget-friendly options and high-end luxury mattresses, such as Sleepwell’s Nexa Mattress. Determining a budget will help you narrow down your options and save you from overspending. But make sure you prioritise your body type and sleep preferences over the price of the mattress so you have comfortable and restful sleep.
Step 4: Choose Your Ideal Mattress Type
Once you know how much you can afford to invest in a mattress, determine the mattress material type that suits your sleep preferences and needs. There are various mattress types available, including memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid. Each mattress type offers unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to do your research to find the one that fits your sleep style and preferences.
Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to contour to the body’s shape, providing superior pressure relief and spinal support. Memory foam mattress prices are usually affordable, but their price may slightly go up as you go towards high-end luxury mattresses, such as Sleepwell’s Nexa Mattresses.
Latex mattresses are durable, responsive, and offer natural cooling properties. They are the most expensive of all types, owing to their benefits and durability.
Innerspring mattresses provide strong support and airflow but have a short lifespan and may exacerbate back pain. They are more traditional and inexpensive of all types of mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses offer the best of all three worlds, striking a balance between comfort and support. Their price may range from medium to high depending on the materials used.
When deciding on the mattress material type, consider your budget, sleeping position and preferences, such as firmness level and motion isolation.
Step 5: Find the Mattress Size
It’s time to determine the appropriate mattress size for your needs. Mattresses come in different sizes, namely king, queen, and double king. Some brands also allow you to customise your mattress, including its size.
When selecting the mattress size, consider factors such as your height, room size, sleeping space requirements, and whether you share the bed with a partner or pets.
If you sleep alone or have limited space, a twin or full-size mattress should work. But, if you share the bed with your significant other or pet, you may find a queen or king-size mattress a better choice. If the standard mattress sizes don’t meet your needs, you can also customise your mattress from brands, such as Sleepwell. Bonus tip: consider any future needs or changes in sleeping arrangements, such as having a partner shortly and so on.
Step 6: Test Comfort and Support
At this point, you should have some options for the best mattress for your body. It’s time to test their comfort and support. Visit a mattress store and assess the firmness, support, and feel of the mattresses that fit your needs.
A good idea is to try mattresses from the best-quality mattress brands by lying down on them for at least 10-15 minutes to get a sense of their comfort level, firmness, and support. Pay attention to how they contour to your body and offer pressure points, particularly in areas such as the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Also, consider factors such as motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation to ensure they meet your specific needs and preferences.
If you are buying online, you can try a mattress for a certain period, known as the trial period, and check whether it is comfortable enough to sleep. Best-quality mattress brands such as Sleepwell are popular for their trial period facility, enabling sleepers to be fully satisfied before buying the mattress.
Step 7: Address Sleeping Hot Concerns
If you tend to sleep hot or experience night sweats, it’s best to buy a mattress that comes with temperature regulation and promotes superior airflow. A great example is Sleepwell’s Nexa Mattress. These mattresses help dissipate body heat and keep you cool throughout the night.
Step 8: Review Warranty and Return Policy
Before finally purchasing the selected mattress whether in-store or online, review the mattress’s warranty and return policy to ensure you’re covered in case of any issues or concerns. A good warranty offers peace of mind and protects you against manufacturing defects or premature wear and tear.
Most brands offer a warranty of 5-10 years depending on the mattress material and type. Make sure you go through the warranty policy of the brand you are considering and get your doubts cleared.
In a nutshell
Choosing the perfect mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It is just like choosing a car, considering you spend a third of your life in bed, similar to spending a significant part of your life driving a car. So, consider factors such as budget, mattress type, size, sleep position, weight, comfort, support, and temperature regulation.
By following these eight simple steps and taking the time to research, test, and evaluate different options, you can find a mattress that provides the comfort, support, and restful sleep you deserve. Remember to prioritise quality and durability to ensure your investment pays off in the long run. With the top most comfortable mattress, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the day.
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