Your sleep patterns have a massive impact on your overall productivity. Good sleep allows your body to recharge before embarking on your daily responsibilities. Among the main factors that determine the amount of rest you get every night is the quality of your mattress.
Unfortunately, though, many people don’t put enough seriousness into their mattress shopping process.
If you follow this route, you might end up with a not-so-comfy mattress, which could be the root cause of many regrets in the future.
So, what are some of the factors to consider when looking for a mattress in Australia or anywhere in the world?
Read on to learn more!
Know the available options
There are many types of mattresses currently on the market. However, not all of them will meet your needs. As such, it’s important that you understand the pros and cons of all the options.
Although there are various brands in stores, almost all fall into three main categories: foam, hybrid, and innerspring.
What are the distinguishing features of these varieties? Here’s an overview of each of them:
Foam mattresses
As the name suggests, these mattresses are made with layers of either latex foam, memory foam, or a combination of the two. They’re designed to relieve pressure from various parts of your body and ensure a restful night.
Some users claim the materials in these products also generate warmth.
Innerspring mattresses
Unlike foam mattresses, innerspring use metal coils to provide support to the users.
They generally have a bouncing feel, which might be favorable for you.
The materials used for cushioning come with different levels of firmness, giving you a wide range of options within one category.
Hybrid mattresses
This is another trendy category of mattresses that continues to attract positive feedback. It’s basically a combination of innerspring and foam designs.
The springs or metal coils relieve pressure and, at the same time, offer a comfortable bounce. Foam layers, on the other hand, are meant for cushioning.
Many people who aren’t sure about their preference usually go for hybrid mattresses because it offers a combination of both foam and innerspring benefits.
As you’d expect, though, you might have to spend more money to acquire this type of mattress.
Consider the firmness
You might think that the firmest mattress around will provide the best support to your body, but it’s more complicated than that. Just like a bed pillow, everyone has a level of mattress firmness that’ll make them comfortable and allow them to rest the way they like. Therefore, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to this subject.
But how will you know whether a given mattress fits your needs? First, it’s worth noting that the firmness levels range between one and ten.
The first range, 1-3, refers to some of the softest mattresses, while level 10 is used for the firmest ones you’ll find in the market.
Most people, however, prefer anything between 4-6 because it offers optimum support for both light and heavy bodies. Take note that not all manufacturers use this 10-point range in their user manual, but the idea behind the scales is pretty much the same.
If you’re still not sure about exactly what you need, then you might want to consider your sleeping style. Plush or soft beds are ideal for those who like sleeping on their side because they contour to the user’s body curves.
Medium range (usually between level 4 to 6) is the best option for those who love something between plush and firm. Firm mattresses, on the other hand, are suited to those who prefer sleeping on their stomachs.
What size do you need?
Another important factor you should keep in mind when shopping for that new mattress is the size. To make the decision-making process a lot easier, you’ll need to know your needs.
Why do you need a new mattress? Will you be using it alone or as a couple? What’s the size of your bed and bedroom? The answers to these questions should give you an idea of which mattress size to choose.
Keep in mind that there are five popular sizes of mattresses, each one of which is designed for different users. Single and long sizes are ideal for those who like sleeping alone.
If the bed is meant for two people, king single, double, and queen are your best bets. It’s also worth noting that a queen-size mattress is the minimum recommended size for an average-sized couple.
What is your budget?
Even after considering all the features mentioned above, it all comes down to how much you can afford. In fact, it’s always recommended that you set your cost parameters before visiting the store. Doing so won’t only help you avoid any rip-off, but it’ll also ensure that you keep your account balance in check.
However, how will you set your price range if it’s your first-time shopping for a mattress? Conveniently, modern technology has simplified things for you. You can always visit various online stores and compare the price tiers of your preferred mattress tiers.
This will give you an idea of what to expect from a product that falls within a given price range.
Once you have this sorted, you can then go ahead and find a mattress that matches your needs. Of course, you can order this product online, but that might not be the best option if you’re not sure about your favorable firmness level.
In this case, it’s recommended that you visit a physical store where you’ll be able to test the mattress and see if it gives you the comfort you need.
Conclusion
Are you planning to shop for a new mattress? Among the main factors to consider are the types of mattresses currently available in the market and the size. You should also research the mattress firmness range that best fits your needs.
While deciding on all these factors, make sure to keep your budget in mind. Doing so will help you avoid spending more than you can afford.
