If you can’t get a good night’s sleep, because you’re tossing and turning through the night, or you wake up tired and with pain in your back, it’s time for a mattress shopping! Sleeping on a mattress that isn’t suitable for your spine or on an old one that has springs sticking you in the back can cause some serious health problems. Therefore, take some time to find out what types of mattresses there are, which one will meet your needs and then, go shopping.
The Importance of Your Sleeping Style
Your sleeping style can significantly affect the type of mattress you choose, so make sure to consider this factor before making your final decision. If you enjoy sleeping on your stomach, opting for a memory foam mattress isn’t probably a good idea, since it will wrap around you and you’ll feel as if smothering. Latex, innerspring or air-filled mattresses might be a better solution in this case.
However, memory foam and innerspring mattresses or ones with a fluffy covering are more appropriate for the individuals who usually sleep on their sides. They will provide enough pressure relief which is exactly what you need if you tend to sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back requires a mattress that is somewhere in the middle, which any type can provide – just try them out to see which one feels right to you.
Different Types of Mattresses
Depending on your personal preferences when it comes to the firmness of your mattress, you can choose between four different types, each one providing you with a different kind of support:
- If you like bouncy mattresses, then you should opt for an innerspring one. Innerspring mattresses consist of metal coils that can either be interconnected or placed in individual pockets. Although the interconnected ones last longer, the ones with individual coils, which are covered with fabric, are more suitable for couples, since they minimize the ripple effect when someone moves. These mattresses are typically covered with an outer layer of foam or quilted fiberfill, but don’t be misled by a puffy outer layer, since it’s likely to sag. Going with a firmer mattress that is well-quilted, and then covering it with a pad is a much better option.
- Another great solution, if you share your bed with a partner who doesn’t share your mattress preferences, is a customized air-filled vinyl or rubber chamber mattress. The ones with two side-by-side chambers will allow you to adjust the firmness on both sides. These mattresses are covered with quilted fiberfill or foam, similarly to innerspring mattresses.
- Memory foam mattresses with polyurethane core are usually extra firm and have less spring. Depending on the foam thickness and density, the quality of these mattresses varies, so make sure to have this in mind when purchasing a memory foam mattress.
- Latex mattresses can last up to 20 years, or even more, so they’re a long-term investment. When it comes to firmness, they are quite similar to memory foam mattresses, but they have more spring-back. If you opt for a natural latex mattress, you don’t have to worry about mites and mold, since these mattresses are antimicrobial.
Additional Considerations
There are other factors that can determine which type of mattress is the best for you. If you are allergic to mites or mold, you should consider opting for a latex or memory foam one – not only is one such mattress the best value for the money, but also antimicrobial and resistant to these allergens.
As already mentioned, an air-filled mattress with double chambers is a good choice if you’re sharing your bed with your partner who doesn’t like the same type of support. Latex, dual-chambered air-filled and innerspring mattresses with pocketed coils are another great solution for couples, in case one of you tends to toss and turn too much – these types of mattresses have good motion isolation.
Investing in a high-quality mattress will truly pay off in the long run. Not only will you have it for the years to come, but you will also be able to rest and wake up without pain in your back.