Mattress shopping is no easy feat. Should you buy a mattress online or in-store? Do you choose an innerspring, memory foam, or hybrid? With so many options, features, and formulations available, deciding how to choose a mattress that’s perfect for you can be overwhelming and downright confusing. But it doesn’t need to be.
As trite as it might seem, we spend a third of our lives sleeping, and that’s just a fact. When we devote so much of our lives and energy to getting a good night’s rest, it’s important to ensure that your mattress is fit for the job. The last thing you’ll want is to waste your income on a lousy mattress that causes you to wake up with aches and pains.
The best way to combat this is by doing thorough research, and understanding can help you choose the best mattress for your needs. Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide how to choose a mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, and, most importantly, offers you the best night’s rest.
When is it Time to Buy a New Mattress?
One of the first things to consider when deciding how to choose a mattress is its age. While the lifespan varies depending on a number of factors, such as the build, quality, and materials, an average mattress can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years. If your mattress is significantly older, then it might be time for a replacement.
In addition to age, there are also other things that you need to consider. For instance, if your mattress is relatively new, but you still don’t feel well-rested after a night’s sleep, then it could be an indicator that your mattress simply isn’t well-suited to your needs. Not only that, but if your mattress has started to sag noticeably, then it’s also time for a swap. Sleeping on a mattress that’s well past its prime won’t help you experience the restorative benefits of a good night’s sleep, which is why it’s imperative to learn how to choose a mattress correctly.
Types of Mattresses
Long haul truck drivers always equip their trucks with truck mattresses. These mattresses can turn a truck into a comfortable house on wheels and they can do the same for your RV or van. So when you are looking for a mattress for your RV or van, make sure to check out truck mattresses as well.
Before you venture out to pick a mattress, it makes sense to understand the different types that are available so you can invest in one that perfectly suits your needs. Here are the three most popular types of mattresses:
- Innerspring mattress: Innerspring mattresses were initially the most common, but the rise of the bed-in-a-box industry has paved the way for memory foam and hybrid mattresses to shine. Innerspring mattresses are constructed of steel coils that offer a good amount of spring and bounce. However, this isn’t the best or most reliable mattress type because innerspring wears out faster than other materials.
- Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice because they cradle your body perfectly and are designed to relieve pressure points. Memory foam is also widely considered the best mattress for side sleepers because it provides extra comfort to the hips and shoulders.
- Hybrid mattress: A hybrid mattress has recently boomed as a popular choice because it offers the right level of support and comfort. In essence, a hybrid mattress is a cross between an innerspring mattress and a memory foam. It combines the support of an innerspring and the cushioning comfort of memory foam.
Considerations for a New Mattress
Now that you know the features of the three main types of mattresses, it’s time to take a look at some of the factors that can help you decide how to choose a mattress. Here are the essentials:
Sleeping position
Not all mattresses are built to adapt to every sleeper. To ensure that you learn how to choose a mattress, your sleeping position is an important consideration. Are you a back, stomach, side, or combo sleeper? The mattress you choose should be able to provide the right level of support, depending on your preference. Hybrid and memory foam mattresses are both great choices that adapt to all sleeping positions.
Firmness
Firmness can be a matter of preference, but it also depends on your sleeping style. Firmness refers to how soft or hard your mattress feels when you lie on it. Most people typically prefer a true medium-firm mattress that falls between 5-7 on the firmness scale. Medium-firm mattresses are a good choice because it’s firm enough to support the spine and keep it aligned, but also soft enough to be comfortable.
Budget
When deciding how to choose a mattress, your budget might be one of the first things you need to consider. A mattress can be a significant investment, especially if you’re shopping in-store, where markups are common. However, that’s not necessarily the case anymore.
Many online mattress brands have emerged, and they deliver top rated mattresses without the markups. This means you’ll likely be able to find a mattress that fits within your price range, and you don’t have to sacrifice quality. To ensure you pick the right brand, it’s essential to scour through mattress reviews to see what others have to say.
Deciding how to choose a mattress may seem like a complicated process, but all you really need to do is invest the time to research. Even if it takes some effort, the promise of a good night’s sleep is well worth it.