In the market for a new mattress, but not sure where to start?
Here at thetrendybed.com, we know that buying a new mattress isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to buy a new mattress to ensure that you find the right one for you.
When You Should Get a New Mattress
Choosing the right mattress is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life. It’s not just about comfort, it’s also about health and sleep quality.
If you are looking for a good night’s rest, then you need to choose a mattress that provides all these things.
There are many different types of mattresses on the market today, but there are only 4 main categories you need to concern yourself with: memory foam mattresses, spring mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrid mattresses.
So, when is the right time to buy a new mattress? We recommend you buy a new mattress when you have had enough of sleeping on an old one, you have noticed that you are not sleeping as well as you once did, or if you’re waking up tired in the mornings or worse, with body aches and pains.
The reason why we say this is because if you are still using an old mattress, chances are that it has lost its shape or is too soft. This means that your body is no longer resting properly on the bed.
This can lead to back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, and even headaches.
You may be wondering what makes a mattress comfortable. The first thing to consider is how firm or soft the mattress is. A softer mattress is more likely to give you a better night’s sleep than a firmer one.
A mattress that is too hard will cause pressure points on your body which could result in muscle tension and soreness. You don’t want to wake up feeling stiff and sore.
A mattress that is too soft will allow your body to sink into the mattress, causing you to feel like you are sinking into a pool of water. If you find yourself sinking into the mattress, then you probably need a firmer mattress.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the mattress conforms to your body. A mattress that doesn’t fit your body correctly will cause discomfort throughout the night.
It is also important to look at the materials used in making the mattress. Latex mattresses are often made from natural materials such as cotton, wool, silk, and hemp. These mattresses tend to be very durable and long lasting.
Memory foam mattresses are usually made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam. They are great for people who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Memory foam mattresses provide support and help relieve pressure points. However, they do take some getting used to.
Spring mattresses are generally considered to be the best type of mattress. They are typically made from steel coils which provide support and bounce.
Hybrid mattresses combine both memory foam and springs together. They are great for those who prefer a combination of comfort and support.
So, let’s get into the different mattress types now in a bit more detail.
Mattress types
When it comes to choosing a new mattress, there are 4 different types of mattress you need to concern yourself with.
Here’s what you need to know about the 4 different types of mattresses.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most popular type of mattress available today. Innersprings consist of metal coils that are placed inside a fabric cover.
These mattresses are known for their ability to provide support and comfort. They are also known for being able to adapt to any size bed frame.
However, these mattresses are not without drawbacks. For example, they can become uncomfortable over time due to the fact that the coils lose their springiness.
Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are made from a special type of foam called memory foam. Memory foam mattresses have been around since the 1950s.
They were originally designed to help astronauts stay cool during space travel. Since then, they have evolved into a much more versatile product.
Today, memory foam mattresses are commonly found in hotels, hospitals, and other places where people spend a lot of time sleeping.
The main benefit of using a memory foam mattress is its ability to mold itself to the shape of your body. This means that you won’t experience pressure points while lying down.
This makes them ideal for back pain sufferers. They also work well for people who sleep on their stomach because they prevent the sleeper from rolling onto his or her side.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made from natural latex rubber. They are one of the oldest types of mattresses still in use today.
Natural latex rubber has many benefits when compared to other types of mattresses. It provides excellent support and comfort.
It also helps regulate temperature by absorbing heat and releasing it slowly. This means that you don’t wake up cold every morning.
Another advantage of using a latex mattress is that it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like other types of mattresses do.
Latex mattresses tend to last longer than other types of mattresses too. The average lifespan of a latex mattress is 10 years.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are an interesting option if you’re looking for something in between a memory foam mattress and an innerspring mattress.
A hybrid mattress combines the softness of memory foam with the support of an innerspring mattress to create a comfortable, supportive mattress.
There are two main types of hybrid mattresses: pocketed coil and viscoelastic.
Pocketed coil hybrids are similar to innerspring mattresses. They consist of a layer of coils surrounded by a quilted material.
Viscoelastic hybrids are similar to memory foam mattresses. They consist mainly of layers of viscoelastic gel sandwiched between layers of cotton batting.
Pocketed coil hybrids are less expensive than viscoelastic hybrids. However, they aren’t as durable as viscoelastic hybrids either.
Viscoelastics are generally more expensive than pocketed coil hybrids. But they are also more durable.
If you want to learn more about how to choose a mattress, check out our guide here.
How To Choose a Mattress
Choosing a mattress isn’t easy. There are so many different options available.
However, there are some things you should consider before making your purchase.
First, make sure that you know what kind of mattress you need. You might be surprised at just how many different kinds of mattresses there are.
For example, you could get a traditional mattress, a pillowtop mattress, a waterbed, or even a memory foam mattress.
Second, think about your budget. If you can afford to buy a new mattress now, great! Otherwise, you may want to wait until you’ve saved enough money first.
Third, decide whether you want to go with a brand-name mattress or a generic mattress.
Brand name mattresses are usually more expensive than generic ones. But they come with warranties and customer service.
Fourth, look into the materials used to make each type of mattress. Some mattresses have toxic substances in them. Others have dangerous chemicals.
Fifth, find out which type of mattress will best suit your needs. For instance, if you suffer from allergies, then you’ll probably want to avoid allergen-filled mattresses.
Finally, take a good look at the warranty on any mattress you’re considering buying. A good warranty will protect you against manufacturing defects.
You should also ask yourself these questions when choosing a mattress:
What’s my sleep style?
Do I prefer firm or soft beds?
Is my bed partner important to me?
Are there any health issues that I’m concerned about?
What else am I interested in knowing?
Mattress Firmness
When it comes to the firmness of your mattress, there are three basic levels: soft, medium, and extra firm. However, it’s important to know that many mattress companies also offer ranges in between, such as medium-soft, and medium-firm.
Typically, mattress firmness is graded from 1-10, 1 being very soft, and 10 being very firm.
Sleeping Positions
There are 4 main sleep positions that people adopt during the night, and your preference of sleeping position can largely influence which mattress you buy.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back then you need to choose a mattress that is comfortable for this position.
The most common mistake that people make when purchasing a mattress is buying one that is too firm. This makes it difficult to roll over onto your side.
However, if you choose a mattress that is too soft, then a back sleeper can literally wake up in the morning with a bad back.
Side Sleepers
Most people know that it’s important to maintain proper spinal alignment while lying down. But what about the rest of our bodies? What happens when we sleep on one side more frequently than another? A recent study found that side-sleepers tend to have a different set of body mechanics compared to those who spend most of their nights sleeping on their backs. Side-sleepers tend to experience pain in their hips and shoulders due to poor alignment, according to the research published in the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies.
The researchers surveyed over 200 people who reported sleeping predominantly on one side, including both men and women, ages 18–65. They asked each person to stand up straight, put his or her arms along his or her sides, and look straight ahead. Then, the participants took pictures of themselves from behind.
The photos revealed that many of the side-sleeping subjects had a misalignment of their hip joints, causing their legs to bend inward. This puts extra strain on the muscles around the hip joint, leading to tightness and soreness. Additionally, some of the side-sleepers experienced neck pain because their heads were tilted forward, putting stress on the cervical vertebrae.
Experts say that side-sleepers need to pay attention to how they position their head and torso during sleep, especially if they use pillows to prop themselves up. Sleeping on your side without adequate support can cause your spine to become unstable and lead to pain and discomfort.
Stomach Sleepers
if you sleep on your stomach then it is important not to choose a mattress that is too firm. Doing so will result in uncomfortable nights, and you may even wake up with abdominal, neck or shoulder pain.
If you sleep on your stomach then you will most likely prefer the feel of a medium or medium-soft mattress.
Combination Sleepers
If you are a combination sleeper, that is, a person who likes to sleep in a variety of positions, then you will likely do best with a good all-rounder mattress. This is a mattress that is around the medium firmness range.
Body Types and Mattresses
When it comes to choosing your mattress, your body shape and weight makes a difference.
For example, if you are a large-framed person, then you will not want a mattress that is too soft, or too hard. You will most likely benefit form a medium-firm mattress.
Bear in mind that if you weigh more than 230 lbs, then you might want to choose a mattress that has been especially made for larger people.
Pricing
Pricing is, of course, another important consideration when buying a new mattress. It is not advisable to buy the cheapest mattress you can find simply because it’s cheap. Likewise, just because a mattress is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best one for you.
Be sensible with your budget, and try to get the highest quality mattress you can afford. You will likely use your mattress for at least 5 years, maybe longer, so make sure it’s made of good materials, it’s durable, and it provides the right level of support and comfort that you need.