10 things you must know before buying your next mattress

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:53 pm

If possible, we would spend our whole day on the bed. One may assume that mattresses are just a platform for you to lie down and you cannot be more wrong. Mattresses have the ability to determine whether your sleep will be good or bad. It’s the solution to waking up without having a back pain.

Finding the right mattress isn’t always about the most popular brand or most expensive, it’s about comfort and what suits you best. So before you head off to buy your mattress, make sure you know these 10 things first.

Firm mattresses aren’t always good
Howard Levy, MD, an Emory University assistant professor has said that too hard of a mattress will cause too much pressure on the sacrum, shoulders and on the back of the head. And too soft of a mattress will cause you to sink down. The best mattress to get would be a medium firm one as it provides your spine the right amount of balance and cushioning.

Consider adjustable beds
If you’re like me and you find yourself feeling more comfortable sleeping with your head propping up, try adjustable beds! They allow you to elevate your head and knees slightly, making it feel like you’re sleeping on a recliner. This also helps to relieve some pressure of your lower back.

Type of mattress
here are different kinds of mattress. Memory foam mattresses are known for their pressure relief and comfort due to their sponge like feel, while latex are more durable and natural with a springy feel. However, they are not known for their comfort. Innerspring mattresses would be great for those who like the bouncy feel. Do take note that innerspring beds will sag after a few years, resulting in a noisy and bouncy effect that can get uncomfortable. The best would be to go natural latex foam, or even hybrid beds.

Body Shape
If you tend to sleep on your side, you’ll want a mattress with a lot of pressure relief, so get one with a cushy memory foam. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, a firm matress would provide the best support. Latex and dense innerspring would be good. If you tend to sleep on your back, you want a mattress that’ll give you enough support but yet not too firm. For this, try out mattresses in store. And if you tend to sweat when you’re sleeping, don’t get mattresses topped with foam or latex as they hold in body heat.

Make sure it is allergen-free
Whether you have allergies or not, always make sure to check the label of the mattress and make sure the materials used are not allergen-prone. Or you’ll find yourself having to deal with dust mites and moulds residing in your mattresses. Try getting a mattress that comes with a removable and washable outer cover.

Right thickness
Nowadays, most people are going for thicker mattress as they seem more luxurious. But don’t be fooled. Comfort should take priority over looks. While a thick mattress may work for some, do know that it can be quite heavy, which will pose a huge problem when you’re flipping it to put your bedsheet covers. Also, your fitted sheet might not be able to cover your entire mattress as well, giving you the hassle of getting specialty sheets, whch will be an added expense.

Test the mattress
Before deciding on any mattress, test it first. Most shops would allow you to lie down on the mattress if you’re really looking to buy one. Don’t feel uncomfortable or shy to lie on them. After all, you’re paying for it so you have the right to be satisfied with the mattress first before buying it.

Ask about money-back guarantees.
Some brands such as Tempurpedic offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you’re not happy with your mattress within 30 days, you can send it back and be refunded. And trust me, 30 days will be more than enough for you to decide whether the bed is right for you.

Check the warranty
You wouldn’t want to buy a bed, only to find out that the warranty is only 3 year. A good mattress will have a minimum warranty of 10 years, including full replacement.

Brands
Some of the best and quality brands in Singapore are Sea Horse Matress, Silent Night Mattress (UK largest and best known manufacturer of beds), Max Coil Mattress, Sealy Mattress, and King Coil Mattresses.

Top Image: Dima Sidelnikov / Shutterstock.com