Why Is Choosing a New Mattress Such an Important Decision?
Buying a new mattress is a big decision because this is not something you purchase daily. Even the most affordable mattresses cost at least a few hundred dollars. If you want a high-end mattress, you can easily pay over $2,000. So, you want to make sure the investment is worth it. Therefore, you should spend some time weighing the different options. Make a decision only after you learn enough about the qualities and advantages your future mattress should possess.
How Many Types of Mattresses Are There?
There are several types of mattresses, and they can be divided according to their material, size, or qualities. Read on and learn more about different types of mattresses from each category. The Different Types of Mattresses by Material
- Foam mattresses: a foam mattress is usually made of polyfoam, a material that ensures good pressure relief, isolates motion, and is usually affordable. An advanced alternative is the memory foam mattress. This mattress adapts to the sleeper’s body shape to ensure the sensation you’re ‘sinking in.’ These mattresses offer excellent cushioning and support and can be suitable for people with chronic pain.
- Natural mattresses: a natural latex mattress is made from the material obtained from rubber trees. Natural latex ensures excellent breathability. An alternative to this material is the more affordable synthetic latex. Latex mattresses also offer good pressure relief and contouring.
- Organic mattresses: these are made of safe materials that meet specific standards to ensure there are no dangerous toxins in the product. They are ideal for people with allergies.
- Coil mattresses: these are also called innerspring mattresses, and they are designed with a coils system that offers support. A coil mattress is usually a cooling mattress that doesn’t allow heat to accumulate. It is therefore ideal for people who tend to sweat a lot in their sleep or those who like to keep the bedroom temperature relatively high.
- Hybrid mattresses: these models are quite popular as they combine the benefits of different types of mattresses since they are made of a combination of materials. Usually, they have a coils system and a layer of latex on top. Others are made of coils, memory foam, and a layer of gel or open cell foam on top to provide more breathability.
- Airbeds and waterbeds: these mattresses are filled exactly with what their name suggests: air or water. With a water mattress, you’ll feel like you’re floating on a lake. With an airbed, you can inflate the mattress as much as you want to reach the desired firmness.
How Do Mattress Sizes Differ?
There is a mattress for every exigency, whether you’re looking for a mattress for plus size, a model for single people, or a standard two-person bed. Here are some of the most common types of mattresses according to their size:
- Small single size (30’’ X 75’’): these mattress models are ideal for kids’ beds.
- Twin size (38’’ X 75’’): These are the smallest standard mattresses. They can accommodate most adults, are perfect for kids, and can fit in any room.
- Twin XL size (38’’ x 80’’): with one of these, you can sleep quite comfortably if you are alone. These mattresses are ideal for teenagers or young adults.
- Full size (54’’ X 75’’): this size corresponds to what is known as the double bed. It is a standard mattress that can accommodate two adults or offer plenty of room for singles.
- King size (76’’ X 80’’): this is one of the most popular standard mattresses. It is considered extra comfortable and luxurious and has a square shape.
- Queen size (60’’ X 80’’): smaller than the King size, this mattress is ideal for couples and can adapt to just about any bedroom size.
What Is the Best Mattress for You?
The best mattress for you is one that satisfies your personal needs and preferences. For example, if you want to feel like you’re diving into bed each night, look for an ultra-plush mattress. Many mattresses offer extra cushioning for increased comfort. On the contrary, if you like to feel your bed is firmer, you might want to choose a mattress with enhanced support and less cushioning.
What if your doctor recommended a mattress for lower back pain, or generally, a mattress for chronic pain? In this case, you need a model that provides pressure point relief and good spinal alignment.
As a couple, you might want to choose a mattress that offers extra motion isolation, such as one with encased or pocketed coils. This way, if your partner moves a lot in their sleep, the likelihood of waking you up is reduced as the mattress isolates motion.
What Are the Best Mattresses for Different Sleeping Positions?
There are different types of mattresses when it comes to your favorite sleep position. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Back sleepers: back sleepers adopt the healthiest sleeping position as the spine is aligned. The ideal mattress for them offers good support for the back, so it ensures pressure relief. In terms of softness, the choice depends on the person’s weight. For example, people over 230 lbs need a firmer mattress that provides enough support.
- Side sleepers: these mattresses should provide extra cushioning since you will be sleeping on one side, and you want to avoid feeling pain in the shoulders or hips. The ideal mattress for side sleepers is a memory foam, latex, or hybrid one that can contour to the body’s shape.
- Stomach sleepers: these sleepers also need a firm mattress because a soft one allows the spine to lose the proper alignment, which could cause back pain.
- Multiple sleeping positions: if you don’t have a specific sleeping position, you should look for a mattress that combines support and comfort. The way to go about it is to seek a mattress based on your weight.
Mattresses are also divided according to their softness levels, which generally range from three to eight as follows:
- Soft mattresses (level 3): people under 130 lbs
- Medium soft (level 4/5): people under 130 lbs
- Medium firm (level 6): people between 130 lbs and 230 lbs
- Firm mattresses (level 7/8): people over 230 lbs
What Are the Best Mattresses for Back, Hip, Joint, or Neck Pain?
The best mattress for back pain can support the spine by allowing it to align correctly in its natural position while you sleep. If you’re looking for a mattress for arthritis or a mattress for joint pain, you should choose a model that helps you feel comfortable and relieves the pain thanks to its enhanced pressure relief capacity. Such a mattress can be a latex or memory foam model that makes you feel like you’re ‘sinking.’ A mattress for shoulder pain can be a traditional innerspring one. These offer good pushback and maintain your shoulders and spine aligned. Those who need a mattress for neck pain should also look for models that offer the right balance between support and comfort, such as firm memory foam mattresses. The most adequate mattress for neck pain should promote good spine alignment. A mattress for hip pain can be made of memory foam as this material contours to the person’s body, reducing pain. The ideal mattress for hip pain absorbs the body’s weight and pressure, which means it has high responsiveness.
Why You Should Buy a Mattress Online in United Kingdom
Buying a mattress over the internet can make some people feel uneasy. These are significant purchases you don’t make every day. So, you might not be ready to go out on a limb. However, despite not being able to see or touch the mattress, there are different other ways to make sure of its quality.
First, you can find a wider array of products online than in stores. Then, there are customer reviews you can count on. These tell you how others feel about the product you want to purchase. Customer and expert reviews are a good starting point to look for a quality mattress. On many e-commerce platforms, you can filter the products by their ratings or reviews and make sure you only choose from the best.
Secondly, buying a mattress online in UK is more convenient than going to a brick-and-mortar store. It is faster. You can look for products at any time without having to make arrangements to get to the store, especially if you’re too busy for this.
Besides, shipping can be included in the price. You just have to place an order, and the mattress in a box can reach your address even in a few hours.
What about returns and refunds? Many manufacturers allow you to return the product for free and get a full refund if you decide it’s not the best match for your tastes.
Moreover, some manufacturers offer free trials, not only for a high-end mattress but for all their models. This allows you to test the product for a few days or even weeks before you decide if you want to buy it. The seller usually covers the shipping and return costs.