How to Choose a Mattress

Tips to Help you Choose a Mattress for the Best Sleep Possible

Since we spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping in bed, the type of mattress we use is an important consideration. Quality sleep is essential to maintaining health and wellness and, as a result, impacts all aspects of our lives. Sleeping on a comfortable bed that provides excellent support facilitates deep, restful sleep and enables you to wake up refreshed.

If you roll out of bed in the morning with back pain or a stiff neck – or find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night– it is likely time for a new mattress. Moreover, if your mattress looks saggy, lumpy or dented, replacing it is in order. As you examine your options, you may want to consider the possibility of needing to replace both the bed and mattress.

When you begin to look for a new mattress, you’ll find a wide range choices and a wide range of prices. That's why it is important to visit a number of retailers during your search and look at the choices available. And, don’t let price dissuade you. You may discover that more expensive mattresses may not feel the most comfortable to you.

So "test" a number of mattress types in a variety of price ranges. Lie on your back and each side to determine which mattresses feel the best and provide you with the greatest support.

It is important to take your time to shop for a new mattress. Do your research and search stores for the best possible price, quality, and comfort. After all, good mattress is a worthy investment and should last at least 10 years."

Types of Mattresses

Open Spring Mattresses: The most popular type of mattress sold, open spring mattresses are constructed with rows of connected springs that are covered with dense padding. The construction provides a firm, consistent-level sleeping surface that many prefer over other options.

Pocket Spring Mattresses: These mattresses differ from open spring models in that each spring is individually housed and responds independently to support body weight. Some people find pocket spring mattresses more comfortable than open spring types because of the way weight is distributed during sleep.

The first pocket sprung mattress was invented and patented in 1899 by an English engineer named James Marshall. The introduction of his "Marshall Coil’ mattress was considered groundbreaking at the time and paved the way for innovations in the bedding industry. Marshall's company, Marshall Sanitary Mattress Company, is now known as Vispring.

Memory Foam Mattresses: These mattress have no springs and are manufactured using dense synthetics foams and chemicals. Memory foam reacts to body heat and is highly effective at distributing weight. These mattresses are recognized for exceptional comfort and relieving pressure points during sleep.

While memory foam is considered the latest in sleep technology, it was originally developed in 1966 by Charles Yost for the purpose of improving seat cushioning and crash protection for airline pilots and passengers.

Latex Foam Mattresses: Made from rubber tree sap, latex foam mattresses offer many of the same benefits of memory foam mattresses. Some individuals choose a mattress made of latex over memory foam because of the natural material that requires fewer chemicals in the manufacturing process. In addition to excellent comfort and support, latex foam is hypoallergenic and provides better airflow compared to memory foam, making a bed feel cooler during sleep.

Latex is derived from the Hevea Brasiliensis plant, commonly referred to as the rubber tree or rubberwood. It can take between six and ten years for the plant to mature for harvesting latex .

Futons: Ideal for students and guest rooms, these lightweight mattresses are manufactured using a variety of materials including cotton, foam, wool and/or synthetic filling. Futon mattresses are relatively inexpensive compared to other mattress types. They are typically used with a futon bed frame, providing comfort and flexibility.

For more detailed information on mattress types, click here: choose a mattress.