Not every person is born with the same, or similar, sleeping patterns. While some may have it easier, there are also those that, unfortunately, feel as if their sleep quality is just the worse – they twist and turn at night, resulting in waking up feeling tired.
These are potentially serious problems since sleep deprivation does have severe consequences as well. If you want to wake up the next day feeling refreshed and re-energized, good sleep is essential.
Have you been waking up in a fog recently? You may need a new mattress. Yes, the quality of your mattress has a direct relation to the overall quality of your sleep. After all, it’s on your mattress that you place your body in a position of rest for at least eight hours. At the very least, the mattress should be able to hold and support the entirety of your body, such that you feel comfortable throughout the whole night.
A Quick Background On Sleep Deprivation
Did you know that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep? There are a variety of reasons why this statistic is so high. But, one reason is that some people just can’t get relaxed. Others may have this inherent problem within them. But, there are also those that are, unfortunately, sleeping on a poor quality mattress.
The foundation of a good night’s sleep is a good mattress. If you’re losing sleep regularly, it may be because your mattress has lost its luster. Looks like it’s time to go shopping!
Thus, before you make any drastic changes in your health and be dependent on sleeping pills, for instance, give your mattress an overall check. Especially when you’re sure that it’s been around for more than eight to ten years since the mattress was new, then that’s a sure-fire sign that you absolutely need to buy a new one.
Choosing a new mattress is a challenge in itself. The huge mountain of options available can make you feel dizzy! Plus, because it’s also quite an expensive investment, you’ll want to assure yourself that the mattress you’ll be taking one is, in fact, the one that meets your needs and preference. Buying one, therefore, should be well-thought of, not just something you decide about in a blink of an eye.
But, there’s no need to lose sleep over it. We’ve done the research. Here’s all you need to know for finding that perfectly firm mattress.
1. A Budget for Your Firm Mattress
When beginning your search for an extra firm mattress, it can be tempting to Google it and see what comes up to be the best firm mattress. But, before you click search, you need to know your budget. Chances are, there are going to be so many options that’ll pop up to the point that you’ll only be more confused. When you have a budget in mind, you also have a basis as to how to narrow down the possibilities of mattresses to purchase.
Additionally, if you find a super cheap deal, it’s probably too good to be true. Spending a small amount on a full-size mattress will give you a mattress that probably isn’t durable. And in a couple of years, you’ll be back again searching for a new one.
But a higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality. It’s always important to do your research and read legit reviews before you make any expensive purchases.
2. Do Your Homework
The type of mattress you choose is up to you (and your budget). But, some mattresses are specially designed to give extra comfort to people with specific needs. For instance, when you’re pregnant or expecting, you have special needs with the back pain that you’ll normally feel. Apart from a good mattress, therefore, you may also need to couple it up with the best pregnancy pillow. So, factor in your personal needs when you research on mattress stores and the companies to buy from so that everything that you need will all be there.
That said, let’s take a look at the most common types of mattresses:
Spring Mattress
Spring or coil mattresses are the most common. The mattresses have layers of coils inside that provide bouncy support. A large number of coils creates an extra firm mattress.
Spring mattresses are cool, durable, and the edges are strong. On top of that, technology has advanced over the past few decades, and the standard is higher than it used to be.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are extremely supportive and are well known for pressure relief and body contouring.
Older memory foam mattresses have a bad reputation for being hot. But newer designs incorporate advanced cooling properties.
Latex Mattress
Latex foam mattresses are cool and comfortable. They are well known for their bounce and responsiveness. They are more firm than a memory foam mattress as they don’t contour the body.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of memory foam, latex, coils, and other materials. They are usually designed to maximize the strengths of each mattress type.
For example, a latex and memory foam combination. This will give you great bounce, responsiveness, and keep you cool due to the latex. But the memory foam will provide extra support and pressure relief.
The best of both worlds!
Pillow-Top Mattress
A pillow-top mattress adds a layer of soft material onto the mattress. It is either stuffed or sewn into the cover. This adds an extra cushion of comfort for the sleeper without losing any support.
Adjustable Mattresses
These mattresses can change according to your preferences. For example, elevating the feet and inclining the back. Some have extra features such as massaging or heat pads.
These mattresses are best for sleepers with specific needs. Such as medical conditions, snoring or chronic back pain.
Air-Filled Dual Mattresses
If you and your partner’s preferences don’t match, you can buy an air-filled mattress with dual chambers. Each side is customized to suit your unique preferences.
3. Know Your Preferences
Now you know what’s what in the mattress world, you need to evaluate yourself. What are your preferences?
How do you sleep? On your side, stomach or back? Your sleeping position will affect where your body needs support.
Do you have back problems? Mattresses that contour to the shape of your body may be more comfortable.
Do you have allergies? Foam and latex are antimicrobial and resistant to mold and dust mites.
Do you become overheated while sleeping? Some mattresses may feel cooler than others. Have all these things (and more) in mind before you start shopping!
4. Size Matters
Size matters when choosing your mattress. But it doesn’t matter if you choose a twin mattress, queen mattress or memory foam mattress. That part is up to you.
What IS important is weight. Mattresses will feel different to people of different weights and body types. There is no perfect formula, but here is a general guide:
- Below average body weight – Softer and thinner comfort layering. Support layers can be average or soft, not overly firm as there will be a small amount of sinkage.
- Average body weight – Average comfort layer softness and thickness. Average firmness. Most mattresses are designed for the average sleeper, so you’ll have a variety of choices.
- Above average body weight – Thick and firm comfort layers. Thick and firm support layers.
It may be taboo to talk about weight. But it’s important, as it will affect the sinkage, the feel, the temperature, and the support of the mattress.
Shop till You Drop
Now you know WHAT to buy, it’s time to ask WHERE can you buy from? In-store or online?
Pros of shopping in-store:
- You can try before you buy (don’t rush around. Make sure to recline at least 10 minutes on each potential mattress)
- A salesperson may be able to assist and advise you
- Many stores will remove your old mattress for free
Cons of shopping in-store:
- The choices can be overwhelming
- It can be harder to compare prices
- You may feel pressure from salespeople
If you’re shopping in-store, always wait for the sales. And don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with the salesperson, they may be able to give a considerable discount.
Another option is shopping online. The pros of shopping online:
- Fewer options to worry over
- No salesperson pressuring you
- Many online stores offer free delivery and a money back guarantee
The cons of shopping online:
- You can’t test it out before you buy (although some companies will allow you a few months to test out the mattress and send it back if it’s not right for you)
- You can’t negotiate the prices
- You have to deal with removing your old mattress
There are pros and cons to both traditional in-store and online shopping. Just make sure that wherever you buy from they have great reviews and a sturdy warranty.
Sleeping Beauty / Final Word / Conclusion
If you follow these buying tips, your comfy new firm mattress will be too enticing to ignore. And, after a good night’s sleep, you’ll feel like sleeping beauty. More than just the aesthetic value of it, you’ll also start to wake up feeling more refreshed and energized than you have ever been before. With your new mattress, you can now finally feel your sleep doing all its wonders for your health.
But, wait a second. How do you know when it’s time to upgrade your mattress? Find out all you need to know right here.
