There are many factors in getting optimal sleep, but sometimes we overlook one of the most obvious – the mattress that we spend a third of our life on! I admit that I, too, tend to downplay the importance of having a comfortable mattress, though I also remember some of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever slept on – as well as some of the least comfortable ones!
In general, if your mattress is more than about 8 years old – or if you are experiencing pain, it's time to buy a new one. Most mattresses aren't designed to last longer than 7 years – and bargain mattresses are unlikely to make it so long. I'm guessing that most of my readers know they need a new mattress, but have been putting it off because it's a big undertaking to learn everything you need to know about making this investment towards your sleeping future... yet, learning is essential to making the right purchasing decision.
Here are some of the things you need to know about choosing the right mattress.
Mattress differ in many ways, but can be boiled down to three main factors: firmness, structure and materials used. These, in turn, depend on several factors including the body size/shape of the sleeper, the sleeping position and whether or not the sleeper shares the bed with another person. Any medical conditions that require special consideration is also vital in your selection process.
Firmness
Many of us came to grips with the idea of hard or soft mattresses when we learned about Goldilocks and the Three Bears – Papa Bear's bed was too hard... Mama's bed was too soft... and baby bear's bed was just right.
I remember this with my own grandparents. My grandfather (who suffered from a lot of back pain) slept on a super firm mattress with a piece of plywood underneath it for additional support. My grandmother slept next to him, but on a super soft mattress.
The nicest mattress I remember sleeping on belonged to my ex-brother-in-law when he was a youth – it was super soft and super comfortable – much nicer than my ex-husband's youth bed! Contrarily, the firm mattresses of Motel 6 and the like give me very poor sleep... I sleep better in a sleeping bag on the ground than I do on those things!
Firmness ranges on the scale from extra soft (1) to extra firm (8-10) with 5-6 representing the average medium-firm mattress. But keep reading to get an idea of which one is best for you based on your body.
Body Size
Most mattresses are rated for the average sleeper of about 180 lbs. If you are between about 150 and 200 lbs, then you can be more flexible regarding your mattress, so you can skip to your preferred sleeping position or other features or designs.
People lighter than 150 lbs (especially under 130). You don't sink into a mattress too much, so might benefit from the full contouring of a softer mattress, even more so if you sleep on your side. Innerspring is likely to feel too hard for you, but foam or a hybrid mattress might be a good option. 5-6 on the firmness scale would be good, but 3-4 if you are a side sleeper and/or like it softer. Perhaps a “plush” option would be great for you.
People over 200 lbs. You tend to have better sleep with firmer mattresses since sinking too far can mess up your spinal alignment. A good bet would be a responsive latex or hybrid mattress. A thicker comfort system with high-density materials can improve durability as well. Innerspring mattresses give cooling and good support – including at the edge. A 12” or more thickness will also help.
People with broader shoulders or hips. You might find that a softer mattress will give more contouring and comfort.
People over 6 feet tall. You might prefer a longer mattress.
Sleeping position
Whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach or a combination of positions is very important for determining the type of mattress that might most benefit you.
Back sleepers. You put the greatest pressure point on your lower back. You will create strain on your back if you sink into your mattress too much, but also if it's too firm. Medium-firm foam (5-7) with light to moderate contouring might be a good bet.
Side sleepers. Your pressure points are at the shoulders and hips. When too soft, your mattress can cause these points to dip out of line with your spine... Too firm, you also feel the impact and can become misaligned. Try a medium-soft mattress (3-6)
Stomach sleepers. You put a lot of pressure on your lumbar spine. Similar to back sleepers, you might find that medium to medium-firm (5-7) will keep you out of the U-shape.
Combination sleepers. Start with a medium-firm responsive mattress (5-7)
Back pain. If you're experiencing short-term back pain, you might be able to get by with some pillows or an adjustment in your sleeping position. But if you experience chronic pain, you might require a firmer or softer mattress – or analyze your sleep position. You will benefit the most from a new mattress... and might even prefer an orthopedic mattress to help with your spinal alignment and recover from back or joint issues.
If you are still in doubt...
One way to gauge how firm to go is to recollect the last time you stayed at a motel – who often opt for a medium to medium-firm. Did you wish for a harder or a softer mattress? (I swear that many motels I have stayed at opt for firm mattresses – which are far too hard for me!)
Also, check out the guide at https://www.sleepadvisor.org/mattress-firmness-guide/ for further advice to “how soft is soft”. Spending some time at a mattress store would also be wise. Invest 10 to 15 minutes per mattress to fully evaluate what is comfortable for you.
Type of mattress and materials commonly used
Modern mattresses can be made in a wide variety of designs with many different materials present. Seemingly, the only true requirement is that they have flame retardant materials to protect sleepers in the event of a fire.
The main types of mattress available at this time include: foam, innerspring, latex, airbeds and hybrid mattresses. Some of these will be futons, pillow-top, waterbeds, adjustable or even orthopedic beds (though the last one should be carefully evaluated as there are no legal requirements for these ones.) Additionally, mattresses might use materials such as polyester, cotton, bamboo, hemp, flax, wool, feathers, coconut coir and adhesives somewhere in the construction.
Deciding the mattress for you should start with the comfort you need or desire, but other factors might include cost, environmental concerns and allergies. My daughter developed asthma symptoms after several nights of sleeping on a memory foam mattress in a motel. (She had never had asthma before – and has never had the symptoms since.) Her symptoms improved immediately after shifting to the floor! So, attention to your health is of utmost importance.
Let's start with the most common types of mattresses currently on the market.
Foam – probably the most common type of new mattress right now. A good foam mattress should last around 10 years and provide above-average contouring to the body along with pressure relief (alleviating pain) and motion isolation – meaning that when your partner tosses and turns, it shouldn't affect your sleep. It is also a good choice for side sleepers due to its responsiveness. Foam mattresses are generally made from a petroleum base such as polyurethane and generally regains its shape after you get up. These should all be aired out for 24-48 hours before use to reduce any risk from smelly, flammable VOCs (volatile organic compounds) before use. This kind of mattress is middle-ground for price at around $900-1300 or $90-130 per year of expected life.
Kinds of foam include:
- Memory foam – this is the type well-known for its ability to bounce back to its original shape. It also retains heat well – ideal for sleepers who need extra warmth at night.
- Gel Memory foam – made from polyurethane and gel beads, these mattresses redistribute heat, remain cooler and more breathable.
- Viscoelastic foam – known as rebounded foam – generally made in the egg-crate shape. This is more responsive and distributes weight better than thick foam with better cooling.
- Hybrid – can combine foam with springs for the benefits of both.
Innerspring – with either open or “pocketed” wrapped coils, this is the more common mattress over the past century, and still the budget option that many go for. This kind of mattress offers great support – even on the edge, but not so much pressure relief. The surface is bouncier and has some motion isolation. It has better air circulation, meaning a cooler sleep for those preferring to sleep cooler. It gives the best balance of comfort and support, especially for more heavy-weight sleepers. This mattress should last around 7 years and costs around $600-1100 or $85-157 per year of expected life.
Latex – Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, whereas synthetic latex is made from petroleum (but is less hazardous than polyurethane.) This kind of mattress is more expensive than the ones previously mentioned, but is top-notch for bounce and durability with moderate contouring. It also features excellent cooling and all-around comfort. Natural latex is also hypoallergenic with no off-gassing or odors. The natural/organic version is frequently chosen by the health-conscious or eco-conscious shopper. This mattress will last you a long time – more than 15 years. As such, though the initial cost is $1600-2000, the annual cost will be less than $106-133 per year of expected life. It could easily be the cheapest overall mattress if you do your research well.
Hybrid – This kind of mattress is meant to combine the best features of the different kinds of construction into one, high-quality mattress. Generally, it will combine innerspring support plus foam or latex for comfort. It has a blend of bounce and contouring – and low heat retention. Of course, as well as combining advantages, it can also combine the disadvantages – notably the need to air it out if it has synthetic materials in its construction. They can be fairly expensive at around $1500-2000 or around $150-200 per year of its expected 10-year lifespan.
Airbed – Built with an air chamber, this mattress uses a pump to add or remove air. It gives the best firmness flexibility, especially in that each side of the mattress can be set differently – which might have been a good solution for my grandparents. This mattress should last more than 7 years, and is expensive at $2000-2400 or $285-342 per year of expected life.
Happsy - The Greatest Mattress That Happens to be Organic
Pillow-top – this is basically a mattress plus topper in one. This option is available on any of the basic bed types and are usually more pricey. They do add padding and softness though, so might be worth the investment. However, one disadvantage I found on the pillow-top mattress that was given to me – the topper made it so that most standard sheets didn't fit properly! (There are probably solutions to this dilemma that I didn't look into at the time – and maybe I'll discover on the future article about sheets and bedding.)
Waterbed – apparently, they are still made, which surprised me. My aunt and uncle had one – as did one of my best friends. These are good for backache, arthritis and even people with allergies. However, you might find that some apartment complexes will not allow them.
Futons – These mattress can be made from cotton, wool, plastics or latex materials and then bound within a quilted exterior. Futons can double as seating, making them very convenient, but they might not work for sensitive sleepers. I didn't like the one I had when I first got married as it would settle between the slats and I would feel this wood... Adding a topper could solve this problem though – and was what I did to make it tolerable. The main advantage of futons (besides the seating option) is that they are available for budget prices making it a great option for someone just starting out.
Adjustable and Orthopedic – This kind of mattress is designed to elevate the head or feet for medical needs such as chronic lumbar pain or snoring. The main disadvantage of these is that they don't tend to be very attractive. But if you need it, you need it... However, do your research as there is no set standard for orthopedic mattress. Some are very good while others are... disappointing.
Sweet Night 100 Days Trial Period
Other material considerations
Adhesives – along with quilting, adhesives are used to strengthen the bond between layers of materials and seams for various parts of the mattress. These can have odors and bother some people.
Polyester batting – is often used in pillow-top mattresses or mattress covers. As a type of plastic, it can contain remnants of the manufacturing chemicals and is highly flammable (probably the main reason why flame retardants are required.)
Bamboo – can be infused into memory foam for cooler sleeping. The memory foam can be prone to off-gassing, especially if it's lower quality.
Coconut coir – is a natural fiber from coconut husks. It can be added as an all-natural, non-toxic, hypoallergenic filler for the middle or upper layers of a mattress. It provides support and responsive softness, but can often be mixed with other materials, so make sure you know what you are buying. Good craftsmanship can create a really comfortable mattress, but poor craftsmanship can make an uncomfortable bed.
Cotton – often used both inside and on the outside of a mattress. It is breathable, durable and naturally dust-mite resistant. Just remember that non-organic cotton may have been treated with chemicals.
Feathers – obviously a very natural source of material, often found in mattress toppers. Usually, it will be a blend of feathers and down from geese. It is soft and warm, but it is difficult to prevent feathers from poking through the cover. (And then it sheds feathers! Yes, this is the voice of experience.) Some people are allergic to the feathers.
Flax – (the source of linen) is often combined with hemp and wool, it creates a soft, natural and sustainable filling for mattresses.
Hemp – grown without pesticides, it is a healthy, all-natural, environmentally-friendly option that boasts absorbency and strength. You can find mattresses, toppers and bedding made from hemp – or blended with other natural materials for a bed you can feel good about.
Wool – another natural material used for extra padding and temperature regulation. It's insulative, but also water resistant and a natural fire retardant. Non-organic wool might be chemically treated.
Other Factors to Consider
Here are a few more things to consider in your next mattress.
Organic – Many people like the idea of not having chemicals off-gassing around them as they sleep as well as being more ecologically sound. Yet, as the marketing of these products is not regulated, it's a bit of a mixed bag as to whether something marketed as “organic” truly is. Certain labels can help such as: Global Organic Textiles Standard, Global Organic Latex Standard and CertiPUR-US for polyurethane foam). Beyond that, research into the company, including product reviews, is essential for the conscientious consumer.
Ease of Cleaning – This is super important if buying a mattress for a child. Traditional mattresses are so unforgiving!
Weight – if you are likely to have to move your mattress on your own, you may want to skip the latex and go with something lighter instead. Otherwise, if you have plenty of help or don't anticipate a future relocation, then go ahead and get the heavier model.
Pillow Cube can help side sleepers be more comfortable.
Biting the Bullet
Any way you slice it, buying your next mattress is a huge investment that is worth doing right. Spending a third of your life on an ill-fitting mattress can harm your sleep and your health, so cutting corners to save a few bucks might not be a good trade.
You can (possibly) postpone the purchase by buying a good-quality mattress topper made of memory foam, polyfoam, latex, down, cotton, polyester or wool, but this should be considered a temporary solution while you continue researching and saving up for your new mattress.
You can also cut out the middle-man by ordering online – which is part of the point of this article. (I will cover some companies next.)
Don't be tempted to go with a cheaper, less durable mattress with more toxins and lower sleep quality in general. Instead, remember that buying a good quality mattress should pay off in the long run and give you years of good sleep in the meanwhile.
There are many aspects to putting together the perfect bed, such as the frame, pillow, blankets and sheets, but the mattress is the most significant (and expensive) part of this project and definitely the part that should be addressed first. In future articles, I will cover the other pieces as well as take a closer look at some companies that I am affiliating with to help you find your perfect sleeping habitat to help you make getting perfect sleep a routine thing!
Resources:
Sleep Foundation - https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-choose-a-mattress
Sleep Advisor - https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-choose-a-mattress/
Furniture.com - https://www.furniture.com/mattress/guide/composition
Mattress Firm - https://www.mattressfirm.com/blog/mattress-obsessed/what-is-in-a-mattress-anyway/
Slumber Search - https://www.slumbersearch.com/mattress-materials
Spink and Co - https://spinkandco.com/mattress-material-types/
Images:
https://picryl.com/media/detroit-michigan-selling-mattresses-at-the-crowley-milner-department-store
https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1431749
https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1556809
Crossposted on my Wordpress Blog. Contains affiliate marketing links.
Join shareasale.com, Earn Cash! (Affiliate link)
Freya Domestica is my new brand - on Wordpress and RedBubble - addressing the needs of the modern (aspiring) domestic goddess. Please come for a visit. Also visit Freya's Moods on YouTube for help with relaxation and sleep! Help me have time for writing again!
Previous Posts from Freya Domestica
Sleep Deprivation: A Common Problem - Best Methods for Better Snoozing
Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
(Buy my work at RedBubble, TeePublic, PicFair and DeviantArt.)
verified author on Goodreads
(Buy my books at Books2Read and at LBRY)
find me on Twitter
