In order to end up with the mattress best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of mattresses are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a mattress.
Research the market: Mattress essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the mattress market. The range of options can seem overwhelming, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Mattress filling: There are several types of mattress filling, including inner springs, foam (polyurethane or latex) water and air. Generally, the filling is combined with some amount of padding - even some water beds and air mattresses are available with padding. Padding can be made from different materials such as cotton, foam, wool, and coir.
Spring mattresses contain coiled wire springs that provide support to your body. As the name suggests, foam mattresses are filled with foam. Basic polyurethane foam mattresses are much cheaper than spring mattresses but do not provide the same degree of support. Latex mattresses are constructed of layers of rubber latex and offer advanced features including memory foam and the capacity to absorb body movements.
Mattress covers: The mattress is covered to hold the many layers of filling together. Polyester and cotton are most often used for regular mattress covers, whereas silk, satin, or damask is used for added luxury.
Size: Mattresses are available in a range of different standard sizes to suit single, king single, double, queen and king sized beds. Custom mattresses can be made to order. Mattresses are also available in differing thicknesses or 'heights'.
Support: The different types of filling used and the addition of padding and other design features determines how soft or firm a mattress feels, and the kind of support it offers to various parts of the body. Many mattresses are categorized as to what kind of support they offer, from 'soft' through to 'extra firm'. However, the comfort and support offered by a mattress is subject to individual judgement, and it's a good idea to try a range of mattress types and a range of support ratings to determine which mattress is most comfortable for you.
Additional Features: Mattresses may have removable covers and additional padding layers, and may be treated to be stain resistant.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a mattress. For example, will you use the mattress only for a spare bed?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used a particular type of mattress before? |
| | If you have used a mattress, work out what you did or didn't like about the mattress. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What is the size of my bed? |
| | The size of your bed will determine the size of the mattress that you buy. Generally, you should buy a mattress that is at least 8-10 inches (20.3 to 25.4cm) longer than the height of the person who will be sleeping on the mattress. |
| Who will use the mattress? |
| | For adults, a firmer mattress is desirable whereas children should get a softer one. If the mattress is for a small child or an infant, you may want to choose one that has washable covers that will help to keep the mattress from getting soiled. |
| What position do I sleep in? |
| | Your sleeping position has a lot to do with the kind of mattress that you buy. If you are a back sleeper, you need a mattress that is neither too firm nor too soft so that it provides adequate support to your neck, back, and spine. People who sleep on their side need a soft mattress that adjusts to the curves of their body; whereas those who sleep on their stomach require a firm mattress that will keep their spine in proper alignment. |
| Do I suffer from any allergies? |
| | Allergies that cause headaches, runny noses, and breathing problems can be aggravated by a mattress that attracts dust mites and spores. Thus, if you have any kind of allergies, you should stay away from foam mattresses because they attract dust mites. A latex mattress should be your preferred choice. |
| Do I have any back problems? |
| | Orthopedic mattresses are great for people who suffer from back pain or have any kind of back problems. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of mattresses and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
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