You will know if it’s already time to replace your current mattress. Through a system of pains, stiffness, and muscle aches, your body won’t fail to keep on bugging you regarding the matter. And so the next problem you’ll face is the tedious process of mattress shopping.
You may encounter brand names and mattress types you probably never heard of before. There’s a way to avoid all that confusion, and that is by listing essential questions before shopping for mattresses. But what are those questions? Learn more about it here:
Which Mattress Type Do I Need?
Most consumers don’t have a single idea of what mattress type they prefer. For someone like you who has been using their bed for over a decade, a lot has changed in the industry already. That is why you must make yourself familiarize with the standard mattress types and their respective construction.
- Pocket Spring
The best mattress to buy can be a pocket spring mattress if you prefer a more traditional bounce over newer technologies. They may be old-fashioned for some people, but this bed type still provides adequate support that made consumers fall in love with them in the first place.
- Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are known for perfectly contouring the body, ideal for pressure relief reasons. Thanks to this feature, this mattress type can put additional pressure on your sensitive areas. But memory foam might not be an ideal option when you are a hot sleeper because it’s made of materials that trap heat.
- Latex
Latex mattresses offer users better response and more bounce compared to the latter options. They also have cooler materials, making them a fan favorite during the summer season. This mattress type is also known to have a longer lifespan.
- Hybrid
Nowadays, most hybrid mattresses combine memory foam or latex layers with an innerspring’s coil system. This is a perfect choice if you sleep with a partner who has a different sleeping preference. Its construction consists of two sides with varying levels of firmness.
- Air
This mattress type uses air pumps to inflate depending on the user’s preferred firmness level. Like hybrid mattresses, it has two separate air chambers to house two sleepers with different sleeping preferences.
How Soft or Firm My Mattress Should Be?
Firmness levels typically differ among users. There are three common types of firmness, namely soft, medium, and firm. Recent studies found that most consumers find medium-firm mattresses the most comfortable among the other options.
Although there is no standard categorization for mattress firmness levels, soft can be rated from 3 to 4. They are ideal for side sleepers. Medium is 6 to 8, perfect for side and back sleepers, too. And lastly, the firm sits at the last level of the scale and has a low-sinking capacity.
What Mattress Size Do I Need?
When considering mattress sizes, you have to check your bed frame’s length and width first. This is so you can match these measurements with the mattress that you’re planning to buy. You can use the following list as a shopping reference:
- Twin: 39 x 74; can only fit a child
- Twin XL: 39 x 80; can accommodate a child and an adult
- Full: 54 x 74; can hold a person with enough space for movement
- Queen: 60 x 80; can fit two people with little room for movement
- King: 76 x 80; can accommodate two people with enough space for movement
- California King: 72 x 84; can fit two or more people with enough space for movement
What Is My Sleeping Position?
Your sleeping positions and habits are among the critical factors you need to consider when shopping for mattresses. This will help you determine which areas of your body need the most pressure. For starters, here are some of the common sleeping positions:
- Back Sleeper
If you normally lie on your back, you may want to purchase a mattress that can alleviate pressure points on your lower back. Medium-firm beds with excellent spine support are the best pick for you.
- Side Sleeper
If you like sleeping on your side, you will need a mattress to put proper pressure on your shoulders and lumbar. Beds that will keep your body from sinking in are the best choice for you.
- Stomach Sleeper
If you are the type to sleep on their stomach, a mattress that puts enough pressure on your neck and back is what you need. You should pick the one that can prevent your stomach from sinking too much into the bed.
How Much Is My Budget?
Prices among mattresses differ based on their construction, material, size, and firmness level. If you have a lower budget, there are still good-quality beds in the market that come at a lower price. The same goes for luxurious mattress choices. However, you must remember that expensive mattresses don’t always guarantee satisfying comfort.
Takeaway
As you shop for mattresses, it will always be a good idea to consider your sleeping habits and preferences. Knowing what you like based on the firmness or softness, size, and price can narrow down your choices.
