Choosing a mattress

Introduction: types of mattress

admin — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:43:34 +0000

Most mattresses on the market today are open or pocket sprung, although the last few years have seen rapid growth of memory foam mattresses such as the Tempur and Silent night memory foam mattress. The latest technology, high specification foam, offers the benefits of memory foam whilst overcoming a number of the drawbacks.

You will also come across latex mattresses, which can be a good choice for allergy sufferers, but are heavy, less environmentally friendly, and can lead to overheating.

Choose your size

lesley — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:55:24 +0000

Size matters in the bedroom - when it comes to getting a good nights sleep.

It’s recommended that your mattress is at least 4 inches longer than you are. If you sleep with a bed partner remember, more space means you’re less likely to disturb one another during the night. If you’re buying to fit your existing bed base it’s also worth remembering, what constitutes a double may vary slightly between manufacturers. Get the actual dimensions for a good fit.

Choose soft, medium or firm

lesley — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:53:08 +0000

Sprung mattresses come with varying degrees of firmness to provide optimum levels of comfort and support for people (who come in different shapes and sizes.) A firm mattress doesn’t necessarily mean a supportive one. Too firm and you are likely to experience discomfort at pressure points like shoulders and hips. These should sink comfortably allowing the spine to stay horizontal. Too soft and the mattress will allow your body to slouch or sink too far and won’t adequately support your spine

Foam mattresses, like memory foam and latex, provide support by moulding to the contours of your body. New generation, high specification foam mattresses also incorporate zones that give gentle support in vulnerable pressure points and firmer support elsewhere for the correct spinal alignment.

Consider the core material (the filling)

lesley — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:35:49 +0000

Sprung mattresses can look remarkably similar on the outside but feel very different depending on what they’re filled with. Coir (from coconut husk), cotton, and wool are all naturally durable and breathable materials which give a sumptuous feel. Unfortunately house dust mite also appreciate this comfortable environment. Some manufacturers of sprung mattresses now impregnate core materials with anti-microbial agents to help reduce the effects of mite and their highly allergenic droppings.

Latex and synthetic materials like memory foam resist mites, bacteria, fungal growth and are of benefit to those with allergies and respiratory problems. Unfortunately though, memory foam mattresses can lead to overheating and dehydration, and can be somewhat slow moulding to the body’s contours.

High specification foam mattresses offer the benefits of memory foam mattresses, but mould instantly to the body’s contours, and are made with ventilation channels that prevent overheating and moisture loss through sweating to give superior hygiene and microbial resistance.

Most manufacturers offer pocket sprung mattresses, well known synthetic mattresses include Tempur and the Silentnight memory foam mattress, whilst high specification foam mattresses are offered by Postura.

Consider the cover material (the ticking)

lesley — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:35:48 +0000

Cotton or poly-cotton is a popular choice because of its durability. The weave tends to be tight giving the mattress a firmer feel. Damask is softer and more pliable and is the covering of choice for mattresses at the top end of the market. It’s worth remembering that the covering layers are there for more than visual effect after all they will spend almost all of there life undercover. The surface material should be breathable and preferably have a two way stretch so that it can move with the mattress core, allowing it to adapt to the contours of your body.

Also, keep your eye out for mattresses with Coolmax or Outlast covers. Both help with overheating, whilst Outlast also offers excellent two way stretch capabilities.

Try before you buy

lesley — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:33:56 +0000

A little research will go a long way in helping you choose your ideal mattress but in the end the proof will be in the slumber. It would seem sensible to try out a range of mattresses in store but in reality, no amount of bouncing or rolling around in the showroom will give you a true reflection of how your mattress will feel after a night or a week.

For real peace of mind, choose a manufacturer, such as Postura or Tempur, who operates a try before you buy scheme or at least offers a robust satisfaction guarantee.