Are you in the market for a new mattress? Here are some tips for choosing a new mattress that fits your budget and won’t break the bank.
Back pain is a leading cause of activity limitations and work absences in the world. in fact, 31 million Americans suffer from back pain daily. Think about where you spend one-third of your day. Is your bed a comfortable, supportive spot that allows your back to decompress?
Springs wear out over time, padding thins, and dust mites infest mattress covers. After around eight years, mattresses lose much of their ability to support your spine and may develop soft spots. It’s time for a new mattress to replace your dead springs and lumpy, spongy padding.
Read on to learn more about making the right choice.
1- Budget for a New Mattress
You can find a new mattress costs anywhere from around $200 to more than $5000. Give yourself a wide range, as there are many factors that will affect your price.
For example, a cheap new mattress made of foam is many times less expensive than a pure latex model of the same size. A pillow-top innerspring mattress can cost the same as a memory foam pad. A used mattress is far cheaper than a new mattress, but between bedbugs and dust mites, do you really want to take a chance?
2- Service Life
Mattresses have a fixed lifespan. On average, a pillowtop innerspring might have six good years. A high-quality latex mattress can go a decade or so before losing its supportive ability.
Look out for very cheap mattresses. You may find the springs breaking and foam breaking down in short order. It is not unusual for old mattress parts to find their way into new-looking mattresses.
3- Materials when Choosing a New Mattress
Do you like to fall asleep on a cloud? Or are you looking for more responses from your mattress surface?
Memory foam mattresses provide superior spinal support, even pressure, and conform to all body types. They also provide a comforting hug that reflects body heat. Some people find them too warm.
Latex foam offers a cooler surface, good bounce, and responsiveness. It is comfortable but does not have the enveloping hug of memory foam. Cell size determines firmness and longevity.
Innerspring construction in an affordable mattress is cool, has strong edge support, and has good bounce. The number and arrangement of the coiled springs determine price and quality. Pillowtop mattresses add a layer of soft material over the springs and stuff under the cover.
Hybrids combine two or more mattress types. They can offer comfort, longevity, and customization.
4- Define What Firmness Means to You
New mattress shopping can bring out a certain level of frustration. “Soft”, “medium” and “firm” are subjective. Mattress’s feeling is different from support. A mattress with good support keeps your spine in alignment without creating pressure points.
Your size, weight, and other preferences come into play when you select the most comfortable mattress. Try out your mattress in-store for several minutes to get a feel. For online mattress purchases, look for a mattress-free trial of several nights.
Side sleepers may prefer a softer surface and deep support, for example. Back sleepers may like a firm surface.
5- Check Your Sleep Position
Different mattresses offer differing levels of support and comfort for back sleepers or side sleepers. Support and pressure relief can be needed in different zones, depending on how you sleep when choosing a new mattress.
Don’t just count on support in the center of the mattress. People sleep in unique ways. Some need more edge support. Others might find comfort splayed diagonally across the surface.
6- Weight and Mattress Depth
Do you like the feeling of sinking into your mattress? Some people like a deep “hug” comforting while others find it unnerving. In general, a memory foam layer allows a person to sink deeply into a mattress where an innerspring provides a less enveloping feel.
When Choosing a New Mattress weight plays into mattress depth, as two 150lbs people on the edges will sink into a mattress differently than a 300lbs person in the middle. Mass-market mattresses are designed with 150 – 200lbs average sleepers in mind.
People on the lower end of the weight spectrum may want to try softer mattresses as their weight will not push down into the support layer. If you are on the heavier end of the spectrum, look for firmer mattresses with deep support layers as you will sink further into the mattress.
7- Motion Transfer
Remember the water bed of the 70s? Great comfort but awful motion transfer. Every little shift a partner made in bed meant a great wave to throw you out of sleep. In general, a memory foam top layer transmits little or no motion to another sleeper.
On the other hand, tied innerspring coils can share bounces even if you and a partner are several inches distant.
8- Allergy Considerations
Natural latex foam, 100% wool or down stuffing, and 100% cotton covers are the choices of many sleepers. However, sensitivity to one or all of these materials can make for a miserable sleep experience.
Hypoallergenic materials, down-proof covers, and dust-mite-proof fabric weaves are options.
9- Mattress Foundation
The type of support beneath a mattress affects comfort and wear. Typically, American beds use a box spring foundation, but other choices include solid platforms, rope, or net supports.
10- Special Considerations
If your mattress is for use with an adjustable bed or sofa sleeper, there are special considerations regarding mattress depth, weight, compression, and flexibility. Mattresses meant for this kind of use might be created in sections, for example, or extra shallow springs.
Find the Right Mattress
Your back will thank you for your switch to proper support. Good sleep is more than just a place to lay your head when choosing a new mattress. At any budget level, look for the best new mattress that meets your needs.
Remember that firmness and support are different. You want both comfort and proper spine alignment to allow your back to relax. Firmness is subjective and depends on how your new mattress feels.
Support refers to the gentle pressure relief that allows your spine to decompress. It promotes your spine’s natural alignment without creating pressure points. Your sleep position and weight affect both factors.
In-store or online, you will find mattresses of all materials and quality. Keep reading this blog for more helpful tips on finding the right furnishings for your lifestyle when choosing a new mattress.