As a sleep scientist, I see how much sleep can impact the quality of life. Sometimes enough is not even close to enough, and you need the proper equipment and mattress to help you get a good night’s rest.
You deserve nothing less than the absolute best when it comes to your health and wellness, which is why I’ve created this guide for you. Let’s explore what’s out there in the market and which mattress is right for you.
Choose Your Budget
Mattresses can range in price from $500 to $5,000 or even $7,000. You can spend as much as you want, but it is more than likely that you will spend too much for not enough difference in quality.
For example, you can spend $5,000 on a mattress. You will get more comfortable, but the quality is only slightly better than one you could buy for $1,500.
A consumer can likely find a high-quality bed for under $1,000 and an even higher quality bed for $2,000. For those looking to spend more than that, you better be sure that you are comparing the best of the best with excellent mattress ratings and/or be sure that it is worth it to you by knowing exactly what you are getting and what makes it so special and worth so much extra money.
Consider Mattress Type
When it comes to choosing a mattress, there are many factors to consider. One important factor is the size of the mattress. Custom sized mattress is available to fit any bed, from twin to king. Another factor to consider is the type of mattress. There are many different types of mattresses on the market, from traditional innerspring mattresses to newer memory foam and latex mattresses. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do some research to figure out which one is right for you. Whatever mattress you choose, be sure to take some time to lie down on it and try it out before you make your final decision. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time on your mattress, so it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable!
Innerspring
A bed that is made up of springs and a frame. They are strong and durable but also heavy and sometimes can be noisy.
Latex
A mattress that is made from natural rubber. It is soft and cool to the touch, but it can cause an allergic reaction in people who have latex allergies and those who have asthma or sleep apnea.
Latex mattresses often incorporate memory foam as an inner layer for comfort. Some manufacturers will do this as an option, while others will make it standard in the design because it provides those extra benefits.
Memory Foam
A product can be made mostly or entirely of memory foam. These are very comfortable beds, though they have a strong odor when they are new. Some people have trouble sleeping on memory foam because it may feel too soft for them.
Typically, this type of mattress comes in two pieces, with a separate “topper” for extra cushioning. If you sleep hot, this is probably the best option for you because it will keep you cool throughout the night.
Hybrid
This mattress, sometimes called “all-in-one” or “no roll” mattresses, these beds offer an alternative to the traditional innerspring bed. The mattress is made of several layers of foam and wrapped in fabric. It has the benefits of the innerspring mattress but is much lighter. Some models have coils inside, which would be considered an innerspring bed.
Consider Body Weight
The weight of the user will play a big role when choosing the right bed for you. Suppose one user has a body weight that is significantly less than that of another user. In that case, you want to make sure that the beds are designed using higher density foams or even using different types of foams altogether to keep you from bottoming out while sleeping on them (sinking too far). If the bed is too soft for your weight, you will have a terrible time sleeping on it, no matter what type of mattress or bed you choose.
Some mattresses are designed specifically for those who have a higher body mass index. For example, Saatva is rated for 300 pounds per side. These mattresses use denser material to keep from sinking down too far and possibly bottoming out. If the weight of the user is much higher than average, then be sure to verify that the mattress can handle those extra pounds without breaking down over time, as this will cause immense discomfort as you sleep on the bed and may even lead to serious back problems if not taken care of soon enough.
Determine Your Sleeping Position
People sleep in a variety of ways. They may sleep on their side, on their back, on their stomach, or even sleeping in the fetal position. When you choose a mattress designed to fit each kind of body position, you will have the best experience from that specific mattress from a comfort perspective.
For instance, a bed designed for a stomach sleeper should have enough support so that your neck and back will not be strained. One designed for a side sleeper should have enough support to not turn into a sofa bed while you are lying down to catch some sleep. Beds designed for back sleepers should have enough support so that your spine is kept straight.
If you have an average weight, you may be able to select a bed that can handle many or all of the different sleeping positions. If you are heavier, then verify that the mattress will not bottom out at any point while bearing your weight.
The Bottom Line
You are now ready to make an informed decision about which kind of bed is right for you and your body. You may even want to try out a few different kinds before making your final decision, but this should provide you with enough information to get started on your way to selecting the right one for you. If you need more ideas on what type of mattress you’re going to buy it’s always best to check online resources and comparison guides like Sleepify to make sure you’re choosing the perfect one for you.