Has your mattress lost its feel? Looking to buy a new one? If so, you must approach the buying process in a measured and educated manner.
After all, a mattress is an expensive and long-term investment, one which has a direct effect on your health and wellbeing. For this reason, you have to get the purchase right the first time.
The question is: what do you need to think about when shopping for a mattress? Here are seven tips to ensure that you choose the best mattress for a good night's sleep.
First and foremost, you must have an understanding of the different types of mattresses that are out there. While one type of mattress might be ideal for one person, it might be an awful choice for another person. Each person experiences different issues (ie. injuries, sleeping problems, etc.), and has a different preference in terms of material and softness.
So, what are the different types of mattresses? In general, mattresses are broken down into 5 categories, each of which provides its own set of benefits and drawbacks. These categories include innerspring, memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, and air.
Before you hit the market, you're advised to read up on each type of mattress available to you. View mattress guides now in order to learn the ins and outs of these different mattress types.
Mattresses are not only available in a number of different types, but in a number of different sizes as well. Your objective is to choose a size which aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
The smallest sized mattress is the Twin mattress. Measuring in at 38 inches x 75 inches, it's ideal for kids and young teenagers.
Next up is the Twin XL. Measuring in at 38 inches x 80 inches, it's best used by tall teenagers and college students.
Full beds measure in at 53 inches x 75 inches. These are ideally suited to adults who live in apartments and sleep on their own.
Full XL beds measure in at 53 inches x 80 inches. They're best used by tall, apartment-dwelling singles.
If you share a bed someone else, you need to, at the very least, purchase a Queen sized mattress. These measure in at 60 inches x 80 inches, providing adequate width and length for sleepers of all sizes.
Next up are King sized mattresses. Measuring in at 76 inches x 80 inches, they're ideally suited to duo sleepers who are in need of a little more space.
Much taller than average? A California King will suit you well. These mattresses measure in at 72 inches x 84 inches.
Image Source: bestmattressuae.com
Though many have done it, you should never buy a mattress without first giving it a test run. That's right: you need to literally lay down on your prospective mattress before purchasing it.
Don't worry, this is standard practice. The mattress salesperson isn't going to admonish you for doing it. In fact, he or she will expect it to happen.
When testing your mattress, assess its firmness, in particular. Mattresses which are too soft can lack support, causing back issues over time. On the other hand, mattresses which are too firm can be uncomfortable.
Breathability is another important aspect to assess. Does the mattress trap your body heat, or does it keep you cool throughout the duration of its use? Unless you live on the North Pole, you're going to want a mattress that releases your body heat and keeps you cool.
While a test run will help you get a feel for your mattress, it might not necessarily give you the full picture. This is why many mattress companies offer trial periods on their mattresses. These periods typically run for around a month and allow consumers the chance to test mattresses in the throws of their everyday lives.
When purchasing a mattress, you're highly advised to choose one with such a trial period. You don't want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a mattress only to find out that it's not suited to your needs.
Image Source: businessinsider.com
At the present time, one of the most popular trends in the mattress industry is the trend of pillow-top mattresses. Pillow-top mattresses are mattresses with ultra-cushioned, padded tops, designed to provide extra comfort and relaxation.
While pillow-top mattresses are beneficial on the surface, when you look past the surface, you start to notice some problems. One such problem is that pillow tops tend to wear out within a few years of use, thereby limiting their durability.
Another problem is that, because they're so fluffy, they don't provide adequate support. As a result, they can actually end up causing back and neck pain to their users over the long-run.
For these reasons, it's usually best to avoid pillow-top mattresses. If you really want more cushion, you can just add a removable mattress topper.
Everything is sold online these days, mattresses included. And while buying a mattress online isn't for everyone, for some, it's the ideal option.
Why? Because buying a mattress online is cheaper and more convenient than buying one at a store.
Of course, there's a little risk involved with buying a mattress online. You might not be able to test it out in-person, for instance. However, as long as it comes with a trial period, you should be reasonably safe from financial harm.
Image Source: www.goodbed.com
Shopping for a mattress isn't exactly rocket science. As long as you utilize the seven tips discussed above, you should be golden. Now, it's time to get out there and start shopping.
Searching for more buying tips? Our website may be of some use to you. We cover products of all kinds, helping our readers to make purchases which are functionally and financially sound.