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You don’t need a specialist to tell you that sleep is important – I mean you can see it by yourself when you’re easily irritated and cranky after just one night of bad sleep! But, if you need a scientific opinion, scientists have proven that sleep is the most important time for recovery and stress release during the 24h day.
Considering this, it’s no wonder that so many people are looking to find the perfect mattress! But how do you know what’s best for your habits? And how do you choose from a plethora of products each boasting impressive features and fantastic prices?
To put an end to the general confusion, below I listed 5 easy steps to follow to find the perfect mattress.
#1: Understand your Sleeping Habits
Each person is unique and this rule also applies to the way we sleep. For instance, I am a side sleeper (and so is over 40% of the world’s population), so I’ll need a bed to cradle my hips, shoulders, and neck in such a way that the spine is well-supported.
But there are people who enjoy sleeping on their back or their stomach. Furthermore, each position has its own variations, and there are people who move from one position to another during the night. Not to mention, children tend to toss and turn a lot until they find their own special sleep habits.
So, before you choose a mattress by its looks do a bit of sleep analysis and try to understand your favorite position and how it changes during the night.
#2: Find the Right Size for your Needs
There are 6 standard sizes on the market:
- Twin (38″ X 75″)
- Twin XL (38″ X 80″)
- Full (54″ X 75″)
- Queen (60″ X 80″)
- King (76″ X 80″)
- California King (72″ X 84″)
Now, the most popular at the moment is the Queen size (used to be the Full, back in the days) because it can easily accommodate a single sleeper and a couple. It also fits in most medium to big size bedrooms and it looks good.
Still, depending on your habits, needs, and preferences, the size you choose can be different. So, make sure to measure the bedroom and understand exactly the size that will best satisfy you.
#3: Learn how to Choose the Right Material
Modern mattresses will have you choose between four types of materials:
- Memory foam with cooling gel infusions
- 100% natural latex foam
- Innerspring designs
- Hybrid designs
Each material has its own special features, and it’s very important to read about them before settling on a product (I learned a lot by reading reviews about this topic). For instance, I like a memory foam bed because it is contouring and soft, but a person sleeping on their back may be more comfortable on a latex mattress (bouncier and slightly firmer).
#4: Beware of Allergens
In time, most mattresses will gather allergens (pollen, dust, bed bugs, dust mites, fungi, you name it). Still, the amount of allergens and their type is highly dependent on the material used to make the mattress.
For instance, natural fibers (such as latex or wool) don’t allow bed bugs or dust mites to set up shop in the mattress. However, latex can be an allergen in itself so make sure to test your allergies before selecting a design.
#5: Temperature Control
No one likes to sleep hot! Of course, I don’t like being cold and I’m sure you don’t either. A bed with good temperature control will keep the surface temperature just right, and if there’s good ventilation, the mattress will wick any humidity away.
The result is a blissful slumber that will provide you with plenty of energy for the day!
In Conclusion
I hope the steps above will give you an idea on the type of products to consider when you’re looking to find the perfect mattress, if not I suggest checking this buyer’s guide here. This way you’ll learn everything there is about materials, ventilation, and special designs that accommodate certain sleeping habits.
