Sweet Dreams: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Mattress for You

One of the best ways to wake up energised and stay focused throughout the day is to get enough sleep. The only way to do this is to have a suitable mattress. Something that will keep your spine in the right position, will give you enough support and space to move around. Everyone has a different body type and not all mattresses will fit every person. It's a matter of personal needs and preferences, and it's very important to choose the right one for you.

What to Consider When Buying

Source: emma-sleep.co.uk

Size Matters

The size of the mattress you choose is a very important factor to consider. Start your search by knowing exactly how big of a mattress you need. The two main components you should measure are the length and width. The height and thickness aren’t that detrimental but they matter as well. There’s not a universal mattress thickness. This depends on the manufacturer.

Basically, all manufacturers make six standard sizes. You can get a 92x188cm single-bed mattress if you want to sleep comfortably on your own. If you’re taller than the average, then go for a 92x203cm. There's also the single king which gives you more room to more around on your own. This one is 106x203cm.

If you’re sleeping with a partner or another person, you have several other options. You can get a 137x187 double mattress which will make things comfortable. This one is good for people who don’t toss and turn a lot during the night. However, if both of you need more space to move around you should browse for premium-quality queen mattresses online.

This is a very popular option among couples and even single people who love to have a lot of room to sleep in. Its 153x203cm dimension is spacious enough for two people so they don’t disturb each other during the night. It's also a good size that can fit into every bedroom, no matter its size. A queen mattress will fit bodies of all types. Even taller people won’t have a problem fitting in.

Pay Attention to Your Sleeping Position

We all feel comfortable sleeping in different positions. Some sleep on the side, some on their stomach and some are back-sleepers. There are people who change positions during the night as well. They will twist, turn and change from a curled up to a flat sleeping position. Consider your sleeping position when you're buying a mattress.

If you're a side sleeper you need something that will evenly distribute the pressure. The best way to do this is with a medium-soft mattress. If you sleep on your back a memory foam mattress will adjust to your back and spine and give you proper support. If you sleep on your stomach you may be experiencing some lower back problems. To prevent this, buy a mattress that has medium to firm softness.

Another factor that determines the firmness of the mattress is your weight. If you're 70kg or less, you're best fitted for a medium-firm mattress. If you vary between 70-90kg you'll benefit the most from a medium soft or a firm one. If your weight exceeds 90kg, you should get a firm mattress. You'll feel most comfortable because all of the weight will be distributed evenly.

Decide the Budget in Advance

Setting your budget in advance can help you a lot. There are thousands of options on the market and if you don't narrow it down in the beginning you'll have a hard time choosing. You'll make the whole process less stressful and less time-consuming. If you don't have a budget you might get overwhelmed and disappointed because you can't afford that one mattress that caught your eye but it's too expensive.

Setting a budget is easy. First, you have to make a list of the things that are your priorities. A list of the features you want the mattress to have such as height, material, size etc. Next, browse the internet, and look for reliable manufacturers and sellers. Read reviews, comments and experiences from other customers. This will help you narrow down your options.

You'll also encounter stores that offer great deals and have sales. Discounts can be a great way to get your desired mattress at a much more affordable price. It's always a good idea not to go with the cheapest option. It might seem a good idea now and save you a few dollars, but you'll have to replace it in several months because it's misshaped, has holes or dents, or doesn't give you the support you need.

Types of Mattresses

We all have different types of bodies and that's why we all have different sleeping needs. What type of mattress you choose will depend mainly on your body type, sleeping position, climate and possible medical conditions.

Memory Foam

Source: forbes.com

Did you know that memory foam was originaly designed by NASA for the needs of their astronauts? They were supposed to use it to make their life in space much more comfortable while they were in their seats. However, this wasn't implemented and memory foam didn't make it to space. Luckily, manufacturers found many different purposes for it and it's now one of the most commonly used materials for mattresses, pillows and footwear.

So, next time you're looking for your queen mattresses online, make sure you choose one made of memory foam. It's a very comfortable and soft material that will form around your body no matter what position you're in. It will give you proper neck, shoulder, back and spine alignment and will get back into its original shape once you're up. Plus, it's great with people with allergies because it's allergen-free and dust-repellent.

Innerspring

One of the things that makes innerspring mattresses so popular is their price. They're very affordable and won't break your budget. This was a design originally created in the 1900s and it consists of steel coils. It went through many changes and upgrades since its creation. Nowadays manufacturers use different materials which are of greater quality.

There are different types of coils and they vary in size and number. Just make sure you buy the ones made of high-quality materials so they can last for a long time. If you hear any squeaking, it's time to get a new mattress. There are 5 main types of coils you'll encounter. The first one is continuous coils. They're S-shaped and there's one continuous coil that shapes the whole mattress.

Next, is the Bonnell. This is a very common, hourglass-shaped coil. The third one is the Offset spring. It's also hourglass-shaped but more durable. It's also sturdier and quieter. The final two are the Marshal and the Pocketed coils. They're single, individual coils not connected in any way. If the coils are thinner, the mattress will be softer. If the coils are thicker, the mattress will be harder. These two are excellent for queen mattresses.

Gel

If you're overheating during the night, gel is the perfect material for it because it neutralises the heat you produce. It works by trapping it inside and keeps you cool and refreshed. You won't feel damp in the morning and you'll be grateful you invested in a gel mattress.

Latex

Latex can be synthetic and organic. Both are good choices because they'll contour around your body. They're not as strong as memory foam but they will do the job. Latex has the ability to retain less heat, relieve pressure and have more bounce to it. Plus, it's very durable and will last for many years.