When you think of getting a restful night’s sleep, plenty of factors come into play — like the temperature of the room, noise-canceling elements and, of course, comfort. But for many people, owning the right mattress that supports them as they’re whisked off to slumberland is at the top of their list when it comes to ensuring a sweet snooze.
In fact, more than 90 percent of consumers who consult with a sleep specialist ask for a mattress recommendation to improve the quality of rest they receive.
But if you’re not seeking the advice of a sleep guru, how do you go about sorting through the seemingly countless options when it comes to finding the right mattress? For starters, follow our tips on picking the perfect bed topper.
BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATTRESSES
The mattress game has changed a great deal in the last decade. Indeed, you no longer need to visit various retail mattress stores to find your perfect fit — although you could, and many sleep doctors recommend doing just that. But with the proliferation of online mattress stores, you can also have one boxed, shipped and delivered to your doorstep to try out. With that being said, the two main types of mattresses sold today haven’t changed much over the years.
Innerspring
These traditional mattresses feature coils that tend to give your bed that bouncy feel. Now, the number of coils and their design can vary from one online mattress store to the next, but each coil or spring is covered with some type of fabric, like fiber or foam, to ensure premium comfort and less motion transfer. Innerspring mattresses are the most commonly known types of mattresses because they’ve been around the longest. They are also the most popular type of mattress, with more than 90 percent of Americans owning this model.
Foam
Foam or latex mattresses have spiked in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to online retailers. As you may have guessed, these mattresses are manufactured by laying several layers of foam on top of one another, with the heaviest foam at the bottom for more stable support and lighter pieces placed toward the top for proper airflow and cooling.
PICK THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
This is where finding the right mattress really comes down to individual tastes and needs. Everything from your body type, age, pre-existing health conditions and more all factor into the level of firmness you desire.
Traditionally, those dealing with any type of back pain or muscle and joint aches will achieve more peaceful sleep with a firmer innerspring style mattress. Some experts say the added bounce of the springs can make it easier for those who are heavier or with joint pain to get in and out of bed.
DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF COMFORT YOU NEED
Certain mattress materials are known for providing you a cool night’s sleep, while others can create a more warming effect. For instance, latex mattresses are known for their fantastic overall cooling properties, whereas memory foam toppers are much more temperature sensitive.
Memory foam is more likely to be impacted by body heat, causing these mattresses to soften and mold to you throughout the night. Finally, innerspring mattresses also offer a cooler night’s sleep for most, as the space between the coils allows for more air circulation.
Find Your Next Great Mattress
If it’s been five years or longer since you last purchased a mattress or you’re just not satisfied with your sleep, now is the time to get serious about finding your next great mattress.