Not all mattresses are created equal; here are some ways to identify a good one.
You might be looking at online options to see what mattress you need to buy. When you browse through online mattress shops, you will see that many mattresses vary in size, materials, and price. From budget mattresses that are very attainable to high-end units, you can find a stretch of choices within a few clicks. But how can you spot a good mattress? Does the price entail quality? Is one material superior to another? Buying the right mattress for your needs can be very confusing, so here we are to the rescue.
Let's talk about the types of mattresses and quality indicators to find the best for you.
What Makes a Good Mattress
What are the features to look for in a high-quality mattress?
A Cosy Mattress Cover
The mattress cover is present to prevent you from sleeping directly on the foam. Some covers are stitched as a permanent part of the mattress, and some have zippers that make them washable. One distinction between cheaper mattresses and more high-end units is that the mattress covers of the latter are made with soft, higher-quality materials that are breathable and do not easily get damp from sweat.
Mattresses with natural-fiber covers are more expensive and designed to regulate temperature as the seasons change. For extra protection, look for a thicker mattress cover that can prevent your foam from absorbing all the fluids and dirt. Thicker mattress covers are also less prone to flattening.
Mattress Materials
When buying a mattress, whether online or in-store, the main focus is to look for inner materials suitable for your sleeping needs. The most common mattress materials are polyfoam, memory foam, and latex. Others come with innerspring construction, which is firmer and considered more breathable. High-end and more innovative mattresses combine multiple materials to personalise their benefits.
There is no best mattress material, but quality varieties are given more attention during the manufacturing process. Also, the best mattress material depends on your sleeping position and comfort preferences.
Mattress Support Layer
Mattress support layers are generally found at the bottom of the mattress. These firm layers are often made from memory foam, polyfoam, latex, or coils. The purpose of the mattress support layer is to stabilise the mattress to reduce motion transfer and provide additional firm support for the back, hips, and shoulders during sleep.
Mattress Comfort Layer
The comfort layer is located at the upper part of the mattress and is typically made with softer foams, latex, or gel materials. This layer is responsible for supporting your body's natural shape to alleviate pressure.
Mattress Spring
Mattress springs also vary. The traditional Bonnell spring mattresses come with coils that are wide at both ends and slimmer at the centre. The centre part conforms to the pressure once you lie down, while the ends support the mattress. Pocketed spring mattresses have individually encased coils that respond individually to movements, which many mattress sharers prefer. Because of its effectiveness in preventing disturbing movement transfer, this coil system is found in many hybrid mattresses. Offset coils are highly durable and provide the necessary firmness to the mattress to help target pressure points.
How to Find the Best Mattress for Your Sleeping Needs
Sleeping Position and Firmness
The firmness of your mattress is heavily influenced by your sleeping position. If you are a back sleeper, you will find comfort in a medium-firm to firm mattress. A medium-firm mattress will balance your weight distribution, reducing pressure on your shoulders and back. If you are a side sleeper, consider a softer mattress that will conform to your body's natural curves. A softer mattress will relieve the stress from your shoulders, neck, and hips. For stomach sleepers, we recommend a firm mattress that will prevent your body from sinking, reducing the pressure on your back.
If you're looking for a more versatile option, especially when two people share the mattress with different sleeping needs, go halfway with a medium-firm hybrid mattress. For less motion transfer, choose a pocketed spring mattress.
Mattress Size
Aside from firmness, mattress sizes also differ. When looking for a mattress size, assess your available space and requirements. If you sleep alone, you can upgrade from a single mattress to a super-single unit. If you have enough space, you can upgrade to a queen-size mattress. Many mattress sharers prefer a queen-size mattress because it provides ample space for two adults while saving significant room space. A king-size mattress is ideal for families with a small child or if a couple needs more sleeping space.
An important thing to note is that mattress and bed sizes differ in many countries. It means that a queen-size mattress from a local mattress outlet in Singapore may differ from other mattresses.
Mattress Material
Earlier, we discussed the common mattress materials: memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, innerspring mattresses, and hybrid varieties. Every material has its pros and cons, so looking for a unit that fits your needs highly depends on your comfort preferences. If you want a material that conforms to your body's shape, you will love a memory foam mattress. If you prefer the right bounce and something that is made of natural materials, a latex mattress is for you. If you're looking for a firmer and thicker option that gives you the "sleeping on top of the mattress" feel, go for an innerspring mattress. For less motion transfer, choose a pocketed spring mattress. If you can invest in a more high-end option, choose a luxury hybrid mattress.
Mattress Price
The price of your mattress depends on the quality of the materials, how it was built, and how well-known the brand is. If you are looking for a high-quality mattress, you will not want to go for the cheapest option, as it is made with poor materials compared to high-end mattresses. High-end mattresses are generally more stable and provide better features and material quality. If you aim for a good-quality mattress that will last longer, invest in a high-end option. When buying a mattress, it's essential to gauge your budget and look for the best option to fit your price range.
A mattress is a significant investment that will help determine the quality of your sleep for years to come, so it's crucial to choose one that will support your particular needs. But don't be daunted. While it's overwhelming to shop for a suitable mattress, we are here to assure you by offering our 100-day mattress trial.