You wouldn’t conquer a mountain without the right gear. And yet, despite the fact that we spend a third of our lives asleep, most of us haven’t invested in the right bedtime gear; especially mattresses. Although you may blame budget constraints for continuing to use an uncomfortable or old mattress, don’t forget that using the ideal mattress will help you sleep longer, which in turn boosts your productivity, sharpens your memory, and improves your mood.
Using the wrong mattress can harm your physical and mental well-being. Apart from giving you lower backaches, neck pains, and allergies, it can cause chronic sleep deprivation, which can increase your stress levels, affect your judgments, give you mood swings, and put you at risk of obesity. If you want to get a decent shut-eye every day and fend off any sleep-related health issues, you need to get the right mattress.
Signs That Your Mattress Needs A Replacement
If you want to improve the quality of your life, it’s time to take a second look at your mattress and consider when is the best time of year to buy a mattress. Here’s how to tell when you need a mattress replacement.
- Your mattress has been used for ten years or more. Mattresses have a lifespan of 7-10 years. If used past that, it no longer offers the right comfort and support.
- Your mattress is no longer comfortable. If you are struggling to find a perfect sleep position in your bed, then it’s time to look for a new mattress.
- It is lumpy and sagging. If your mattress is developing an uneven surface, it soon won’t support your body equally. It’s just a matter of time before it starts to interfere with your sleep.
- You wake up with back and neck pain. This is a sign that your mattress isn’t supporting your back adequately.
- You always wake up with a stuffy nose. This a signal that your mattress has collected dirt, dust, dust mites, and other microbes that are making you sick.
Now that you know when to replace your mattress, now let’s look at how to shop for a perfect mattress.
Types Of Mattresses
First, you need to understand the various mattresses available. Once you have decided the size you need, for example, whether twin mattress or full, you can check on the types available. Basically, there are three mattress types. They include;
- Specialty Foam Mattresses. They are three types; memory foam, foam latex, and polyurethane foam. Memory foam mattresses are responsive to pressure, and they are often incorporated with gels to regulate heat.
- Inner Spring. This mattress contains metal coils, which are surrounded by foam and fibers. The foam above the coil varies in density, depending on the manufacturer’s design. Individually wrapped coils, which are the modern version, provide enhanced body contouring, thus giving better support and less pressure.
- Hybrid. These mattresses are a blend of two materials, e.g. memory foam and latex, or foam and coil. They combine the advantages of each and try to eliminate any disadvantages.
What to Look For In A Mattress
When scouting for the ideal mattress, there are some major factors you need to consider. Click here to know more about what’s the best mattress and what should it include:
Support
Support is the most important criteria when choosing a mattress. The mattress should align your body from head to toe. This doesn’t mean that it should be as hard as a rock, or too soft that your whole body sinks in it. Instead, it should dip where your body has curves such as your shoulders and hip, and keep the spine in proper alignment.
Comfort
Comfort in a mattress is delivered by the soft materials on top of your mattress. The best materials conform to your curves and relieve any pressure. An uncomfortable mattress cuts off circulation, pinches nerves, thus causing restless sleeping. To test a mattress in the store for comfort and support, you need to lie on it for at least 20 minutes.
Motion And Separation
If you share your bed, you will need to look for a mattress that offers minimal motion transfer. This ensures that your sleep isn’t interrupted when your partner changes their sleeping position or wakes up. Luckily, you can find mattresses that suppress motion.
Temperature
Nobody wants to sleep in a bed that is too hot or cold. If a mattress traps too much heat, or losses all heat, it may cause discomfort. If you want a mattress that offers some form of ventilation, make sure you check whether the mattress material is breathable.
Edge Support
If you frequently find yourself sleeping near the edge of your bed, you need to ensure the mattress you buy has strong edge support. Quality mattresses have dedicated edge support. This means that the edges are reinforced to allow you to sit and sleep on them without affecting the structure or shape of the mattress.
Check The Warranty And Return Policy
The standard warranty is ten years, however, the policies aren’t created equal. It’s important you go through the details before committing. Mattress trial periods vary between 30 to 90 days, and most companies allow you to return them if you aren’t satisfied after testing it. However, go through the return policy to know how it is removed from your home and the amount you will be refunded. A great company to check out is SleepMasters.
Bottom Line
There is no one size fits all when it comes to mattresses. Instead of being swayed by what’s fashionable, first, ask yourself what your sleep preferences are. A good mattress should align your body perfectly, be comfortable, and offer the right temperature. With the right mattress, you will always wake up feeling fresh, happy, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer the day!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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