It's a fact that one shouldn't compromise on their sleep—both quality of sleep and number of hours—and one of the ways to ensure you get a proper night's rest is investing in a good quality sleeping mattress. In my 20-something years, I hadn't realised that finding the right mattress can be a challenging task—there are a bunch of options in the market for various types of mattresses, and it can often be a difficult decision to know which one is the best for you. After a lot of research, I've come to the realisation that there is no best type of mattress, it all really depends on what your needs are. So keep reading to know everything you should consider before buying a mattress and all the different types of mattresses to make your decision easier!
Find The Perfect Mattress: The Ultimate Guide to Ensuring a Good Night's Sleep
Things To Consider
Sleeping Position: Take into consideration factors like your sleeping position, body type and any specific concerns you might have such, as pain or allergies. For instance if you're a side sleeper you might benefit from a mattress that offers pressure relief for your shoulders and hips. On the hand, if you sleep on your back you might prefer a mattress that provides support for your spine.
Mattress Firmness: While some people prefer an soft surface to sleep on, others may find comfort in a firmer mattress that offers better support for their back and spine.
Size of Mattress: The size of the mattress you choose will depend on your individual needs and the space available. In general, you find twin mattresses (36″ X 75″) for one person, queen size (60″ X 78″) and then king size (72″ X 85"). Apart from these standard sizes you can also get a mattress customised according to your bedframe.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are the traditional go-to. They are constructed with a core of coils or springs, topped with padding and fabric. These mattresses provide excellent support and durability. Plus, the open structure of coils allows for good airflow, making them suitable for those who tend to sleep hot. While these mattresses are on the affordable side they may not offer the best pressure relief or motion isolation compared to other mattress types.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses have gained immense popularity. They are made of layers of memory foam that contour to your body's shape, providing exceptional pressure relief. These mattresses are known for durability, resisting sagging and indentations over time. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for those with back or joint pain. However, they can retain heat, which might be a downside for those who prefer cooler sleep.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are available in two types: natural and synthetic latex foam. They provide support and pressure relief for different sleeping positions. These are on the pricier side, but that's also because they tend to last longer compared to other mattresses. These mattresses offer support with a bounce while also being resistant to dust mites and mould, making them a great option for people who are prone to allergies.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are a fusion of innerspring coils and layers of memory foam, latex, or other materials. They aim to balance the support of coils with the comfort and pressure relief of foam or latex. Hybrid mattresses offer good durability and support, making them a popular choice for a wide range of sleep preferences. However, depending on the design, they may still allow some motion transfer (the measure of how much movement is shared from one part of the mattress to another).
Pillowtop Mattress
Pillow-top mattresses come with an extra layer of soft padding on the mattress surface, providing enhanced plushness and cushioning. They offer a luxurious feel and varying levels of support, depending on the mattress's core construction, be it innerspring or foam. However, keep in mind that pillow-top mattresses may require regular rotation to prevent sagging.
Airbed Mattress
Airbed mattresses feature adjustable air chambers that allow you to control the mattress's firmness. This customization is a great feature, especially for couples with differing firmness preferences. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the airbed's consistent firmness, making them a versatile yet slightly high-maintenance choice.
Waterbed Mattress
Waterbed mattresses are a unique and unconventional choice in the world of bedding. These types of mattresses are essentially large, water-filled chambers encased within a specialised fabric or vinyl covering. There are two types of waterbeds. Hard-sided waterbeds have a sturdy wood frame surrounding the water chamber, and soft-sided have a flexible foam or fibre frame that resembles a traditional mattress. Waterbeds are quite high maintenance; although modern waterbeds are durable and leak-resistant nowadays, there's always a possibility.
Pro-Tip
Next up, pillows! Read our pillow buying guide to help you find the best pillow for you.
