Mattress Buying Guide

We all know that sleep is easily one of the most important factors that contribute to good health and a balanced lifestyle but ironically, it is also one of the most neglected elements in our daily lives. Research has shown that have healthy sleeping routine can contribute to healthy weight loss, reduce stress, improve memory and reduce your chances of getting heart diseases, diabetes and mood disorders. And these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes with the health benefits of sleep.

With that in mind, it makes perfect sense to invest a little time and effort to make sure that our bedroom is conducive for a good night’s sleep. Buying the right mattress in easily the single most important element with that respect. Before you proceed to choose the right mattress, lets explore three of the most popular choices in the market today.

Spring Coil: Spring mattresses have long been a consumer favorite due to their comfort and durability. As a general rule, the higher the coil-count is the better. Higher the coil counts means that the mattress surface would have a higher level of versatility and flexibility to contract and expand to suit your body’s shape. Mattresses with pocket spring coils are well suited for couples as the bed would not move as much when the other person shifts or move during their sleep (motion seperation). Another important factor to consider is the construction of the spring coils. There are no practical ways for a consumer to determine good construction so the best way is to go with a reputable brand with a good track record.

Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses is a relatively newcomer in the industry but from the look of the sales figures, seems to be here to stay. This mattress type is extremely popular due to its ability to mould itself to fit the contours of your body when you sleep. This provides good support for the body that may result in a better night’s sleep. When testing out a memory foam mattress in a store, don’t be alarmed by its excessive firmness as it is probably caused by the cold ambient temperature in the store. The mattress will soften up as it warms up when it comes into contact with your body.

Latex Mattresses: This type of mattress is extremely popular as many consumers equate the word ‘latex’ with ‘organic’. While latex mattresses are the only type of mattress that can be 100% organic and be made from renewable materials, there are non-organic latex mattresses in the market out there. So be sure to look out for the organic certification if you are shopping for an organic mattress. Latex is naturally hypoallergenic in nature so it is an excellent choice for those that are prone to allergic reactions. They are also very comfortable to the touch and is one of the most durable mattress types out there where it can easily last 10 year or longer.

While I would love to allocate each mattress type above to certain consumer demographics, I am afraid the process is not that simple. Each of the mattress types from different brands vary so greatly in terms of comfort and quality that the only advice that we can give to consumers is to try out several mattresses out before you settle for one. In fact this is the first golden rule in mattress shopping: Never buy a mattress without trying it out first.

A good mattress store will allow its customers to freely try out their mattresses for as long as they want before making a purchase. When you visit the store, be sure to lie down on the mattresses to test them out. Lie down in the position that you would usually do when you sleep, and see if it the mattress feels comfortable in that posture.

As a general rule, if you are a side sleeper, you would want to get a mattress with a softer, plush top that allows your hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress when you sleep. In this position, you spine will be aligned correctly, avoiding any potential orthopedic problems what might arise in the long term. If you sleep on your stomach, or back, choose a firmer mattress for better support. Be sure to try all the mattress types from various brands before making your selection. For couples, do bring along your other half to the mattress store so you can both agree on the final choice.

Even after you have narrowed down your choices, it is best to purchase a mattress that you can return within a certain amount of time. This way, you can fully try out the mattress for a couple of days to see if you really like it or not. In the worst-case scenario where you have discovered that you have bought the wrong mattress several months down the road, you can always resort to buying a new mattress top (which is a fraction of the price of a mattress) of your choice.