Sleeping on the right mattress is a key factor in getting a good night’s sleep. However, choosing the right mattress can be challenging because there are so many different mattress types and options to choose from.
The best mattress for you depends on your sleep position and firmness preference. Fortunately, Box Drop Mattress & Furniture of Selah can help narrow down your choices.
Comfort
The comfort of your mattress is key to a good night’s sleep. The mattress you select should support your spinal alignment and relieve any pressure points that can cause aches and pains during the night. The best way to find out if your mattress is comfortable is to test it in-store, or shop online and chat with customer service representatives, who can answer any questions you might have about a specific mattress.
A mattress’s feel and materials are the main factors that determine its level of comfort. A mattress’s materials are usually comprised of layers that create softness or firmness, as well as support structure and foam. Traditional innerspring mattresses have a responsible, bouncy support system that provides a high level of comfort for most people. However, they may not contour as well to the curves of your body and can transfer motion to your sleep partner if you toss and turn during the night.
Foam mattresses have a soft feel and provide cushioning for most people, but they tend to retain heat during the night. Some have cooling gels infused into them, which can help dissipate the heat and make it more comfortable to sleep on if you’re a hot sleeper. Hybrid models, which combine foam and coils, often offer a more breathable and cooler sleeping surface than all-foam mattresses.
Sleeping positions are also important to consider when choosing a mattress’s firmness. Back sleepers typically prefer a medium-firm feel to promote healthy spine alignment. Side sleepers, on the other hand, need a softer mattress to alleviate any pressure on their shoulders or hips and to help keep their backs in a straight position. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need firmer support to prevent their spines from sinking into the mattress and leading to misalignment.
After narrowing down the options based on your body type and sleep position, you can choose a mattress that fits your budget. Ideally, you should visit several stores and spend more than just a few seconds lying on each mattress before making your final decision. If possible, shop during off hours so that you won’t be crowded and can focus on lying down and comparing how each feels.
Durability
The right mattress can minimize pain and aches and help you get a better night’s sleep. Choosing the right one can seem daunting, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. You’ll need to determine whether to shop in-store or online, prioritize budget-friendly options or splurge on a fancy model, and consider size, shape, material make-up, and design. It may take time to find the perfect mattress, but with the right research and some patience, you’ll be sleeping comfortably in no time.
The first step in determining the best mattress for you is to think about your primary sleeping position(s). Your choice of sleep position will influence the most appropriate firmness level, explains a certified sleep science coach. Back sleepers typically opt for medium-firm mattresses, while side and stomach sleepers prefer softer models that contour the body.
When deciding on the best mattress for you, you’ll also want to consider your body type and weight. Those who weigh less than 130 pounds can benefit from a softer, more cushioning mattress (3 to 5 on the firmness scale) that provides adequate support and reduces pressure points. Those who weigh more need strong, durable support, so a firm or hybrid model (6 to 8 on the firmness scale) is a good fit.
If you tend to sleep hot, look for a mattress with an innerspring core or that’s made of organic cotton and recycled steel coils, says a certified sleep science coach. Innerspring mattresses are inherently more breathable than foam, so they tend to keep you cooler.
Another factor is the mattress’ edge support, which should be at least minimal to prevent your mattress from sagging over time. A high-quality foam mattress usually has good edge support, but low-cost beds and mattresses that ship in a box may not.
A good mattress is worth investing in, but it’s also important to understand the warranty terms and return policies. Many brands offer generous trial periods and risk-free returns to give you the chance to see how a mattress works in your home before making a long-term commitment. The warranty should cover any issues resulting from the manufacturer’s original construction, such as indents or sagging. However, it’s not a substitute for regular maintenance and routine care to extend the lifespan of your mattress.
Support
Having the proper mattress support is one of the most important factors in a good night’s sleep. A supportive mattress should keep your spine in a neutral alignment so that no part of your body is sinking too far or rising too high while you’re lying in your preferred sleeping position. This is why it’s a good idea to test out different mattresses in-store or online before making a purchase.
The best mattresses provide a consistent, firm surface that doesn’t sink or give way when you sit on the edge of the bed or get in and out of it. Having reliable edge support is also important for those who tend to sleep closer to the edges of their mattress out of habit or due to a physical condition.
If you suffer from a back, neck, or hip injury, it’s important to select a mattress with adequate, targeted support. Some people prefer to use an adjustable base for their mattress, which can help with this. In addition to adjusting the height of the mattress, this type of base can raise or lower the height of the head section of the bed so you don’t have to bend over as far to get in and out of bed.
Many people who suffer from chronic pain or illness benefit from choosing a memory foam, hybrid, latex, or innerspring mattress with a medium firmness level. These types of mattresses are designed to keep your spine in a neutral alignment while providing cushioning to reduce pressure points.
In some cases, a softer or firmer mattress may be better for a specific condition, but only your doctor can tell you which type of mattress is right for you. In addition to your preferred sleep position, other considerations include your budget and any special needs or health concerns you have.
If you have a sensitivity to chemical fragrances, it’s a good idea to choose a natural or organic mattress. Many manufacturers prioritize sustainability and natural, renewable materials in their products. You should also pay attention to the product’s reviews, which often mention off-gassing. This is a normal process by which a new mattress will begin to release volatile chemicals, but it usually clears up in a few days.
Warranty
Choosing the right mattress involves factors beyond just comfort, such as weight and health conditions. If you’re overweight, you may be able to benefit from a firmer mattress to support your frame and alleviate pressure points on the joints. If you suffer from back problems or other pains, your doctor will recommend a mattress with good posture support to relieve stress on the vertebrae. Other sleep issues, such as vision or hearing loss, can also make it difficult to get enough rest.
You should also think about how much time you spend in bed, and whether your current mattress has a good reputation for lasting durability. All mattresses wear down over the years, and this is especially noticeable if you share a bed with a partner or have a habit of rolling around in your sleep. High-density foam and latex resist wear better than other materials, so they hold up well over time and offer a more stable sleep surface.
Firmness level also affects how well you sleep, and deciding which type of mattress to buy often depends on your preferred sleeping position. Back sleepers should choose a medium-firm mattress that supports healthy spinal alignment, while side sleepers need more contouring to ease pressure on shoulders and hips.
If you’re worried about back pain, one test recommended is to run a line of masking tape down the center of your spine while in a standing position. If the tape dips, your mattress is likely too soft and not supportive enough.
A mattress that conforms to the curves of your body, like a memory foam mattress, is highly recommended for back sleepers. Foam mattresses are known for good motion isolation, and most don’t cause jolting from tossing or turning by your bedmate. You should also consider an innerspring or hybrid model if you sleep hot since coils are inherently more breathable than foam. A mattress company, for example, has a luxurious quilted pillow top and gel-infused foam layers, and it is praised for both its durability and heat control. Many online mattress brands offer a sleep trial and warranty to help you determine whether their products are the best choice for your needs.