How to choose the right mattress for a good night's sleep
Author: Pia Sinha
If you aren’t getting the requisite eight hours of sleep each night, your mattress may be part of the problem.
So, if you’re headed out mattress shopping any time soon, be sure to read and bookmark this guide. You’ll learn about mattress types, budget guidelines and popular jargon, plus you’ll get shopping advice and more.
Why does the mattress matter?
We spend close to a third of our lives in bed and it doesn’t make any sense disrupting this experience by sleeping on the wrong mattress. “Wrong doesn’t just mean old,” says Mary Helen Rogers of the Better Sleep Council. “It simply means that your mattress isn’t providing enough comfort and support.”
But what does “support” really mean? “It means that your head, neck and spine are in alignment, almost as if you were standing with good posture,” she says.
How do you know it’s time to change?
A good, firm and well-made mattress will relieve you of any kind of pain in the joints or the back. “As your mattress ages, it loses its ability to provide support and your quality of sleep gradually declines. This happens so slowly that you may not even realise it,” Rogers says.
She suggests watching out for signs such as discomfort and exhaustion on waking. However, the biggest indication that it’s time to break up with your mattress is an aching back.
Allyn Beard, director of A.H. Beard mattress manufacturers, adds that it’s important to know when to replace your mattress. “The replacement cycle depends on the mattress’ quality plus factors such as how often it is used, and the type of foundation it is used on. We estimate that the average replacement cycle here in Australia is around 10 years,” he says.
Related reading: How to buy a bed that’ll last forever
Think about your budget
Knowing how much you want to spend is a good place to start. Generally, the price of a mattress ranges from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. By knowing your budget in advance, you will not only buy the best product in your price range, it will also keep you from falling for the extra fluff and accessories that mattress suppliers might try and entice you with.
Also, a mattress that comes with a warranty is a plus. According to Beard: “As a guideline only, we would recommend paying up to $1,000 for an affordable and basic quality queen-size mattress. The most popular price point, from $1,000-$3,000, would secure you a good-quality mattress. Mattresses above $3,000 would be a premium luxury product.”
Mattress firmness
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when selecting a mattress, and it would be incorrect to assume that a firm mattress is automatically better for your back. One of the sure ways to decide what mattress can work for you, and potentially your partner, is by assessing your sleeping styles.
For back-sleepers, medium-firm mattresses that support your spine, back and neck’s alignment will work well. Side sleepers will sleep best on softer mattresses because they work well to accommodate the curves of their hips and shoulders. For stomach sleepers, firm mattresses are ideal, as this helps keep the spine aligned.
If you suffer from health issues or have aches and pains, a very firm mattress could worsen your back pain while softer options will fail to support your bones and joints properly. At such times, it’s best to enquire with your retailer to know what your options are.
How to decide on the size?
The size of your bedroom will dictate the mattress’ size, so measure up. At the very least, you’ll want to maintain 60-90 centimetres of space on either side of the bed for access. Also, the mattress should be at least 10-15 centimetres longer than the tallest person sleeping on it.
Mattress lingo
Motion isolation: Motion isolation is the mattress’ ability to absorb movement. A mattress with good motion isolation will mean that if you sleep with a partner, it will absorb each of your movements without disturbing the other.
Responsive: Responsiveness in a mattress relates to how quickly the mattress adjusts to your body as you move on it. Quick response mattresses will make your sleep experience most comfortable.
Related reading: How to choose the best pillow for your sleeping style
Types of mattresses
Innerspring/open coil
These are among the more traditional style of mattresses. In these, metal coils are placed within the frame to provide support. These are then topped with layers of foams or fibres to cushion the body. These mattresses feel bouncy at best.
A traditional open-coil mattress will be composed of wire coils that have been bound together by additional wires or one continuous wire. Essentially, this helps the mattress retain its shape. Innerspring mattresses tend to be more affordable than most other mattresses, although premium models can be expensive. They’re durable and supportive too.
Tip: One of the pitfalls of using an open-coil mattress is that since it has poor motion isolation, it’s likely that if you share your bed with a partner, you will end up feeling each other’s movements.
Pocket spring mattresses
These mattresses work better in this regard. Unlike open-coil, pocket springs are independent from one another, and are housed in fabric pockets. This means that individual coils respond to load and movement, ensuring a more consistent support across the mattress. They are excellent for pressure relief, and durable too.
Tip: A mattress’ quality can be determined by wire gauge. With a low wire gauge, the mattress tends to feel thicker and firmer; a higher wire gauge means the mattress is thinner and easily compressed. People with heavier bodies will benefit from a thicker gauge’s support. Also enquire about the number of coils, as this affects support quality and the mattress’ ability to wrap itself around your body’s curves.
Memory foam
A memory foam mattress will distribute your body weight evenly and relieve pressure better than most other mattresses.
Samantha Clarke, marketing manager at Focus on Furniture says: “Memory foam provides additional comfort and moulds with your body to support joints. The mattress also gives a luxurious feel but can feel warm. Some mattresses feature other materials such as a breathable top layer to counteract this, so it pays to ask in-store”.
Tip: When shopping for memory foam mattresses, look for foam thickness and density. The foam’s thickness will determine how deep your body will sink in when lying on the mattress. In terms of density, a low-density foam can break down easily and may not be as supportive. A very high-density foam could mean the mattress is too firm.
Today, a gel-infused foam is also available to ensure a cooler experience.
Related reading: 10 beautiful white bedroom ideas
Latex foam
A latex foam mattress is similar to memory foam with regards to firmness, but feels springier. These mattresses (natural, synthetic or blended) are anti-microbial and resistant to dust mites and mould.
The mattress’ breathable nature helps reduce heat build-up, a common occurrence with other foam mattresses. On the flip side, it can feel solid and heavier and not ideal for someone who is looking for a more cushioned experience.
Latex mattresses are manufactured using two processes; the Dunlop and Talalay methods. Dunlop can be denser and the mattress feels firmer; Talalay is a better choice for a softer feel, and a more consistent cell structure throughout the mattress.
Hybrids
These mattresses use a combination of materials (innerspring system with memory or latex foam). They are designed to maximise the benefits of each material and minimise their pitfalls to ensure you have the most comfortable experience.
Adjustable air beds
Air beds are air-filled rubber or vinyl chamber mattresses. The air chamber can be filled depending on the firmness desired. Usually separate controls are available, so each occupant can decide how firm they’d like their side of the mattress to be. The top of the mattress is normally similar to an open-coil mattress; it is padded with foam or quilted fibre fill.
When you shop
“In-store, check out the various options of materials available as many mattresses feature a combination. Often this is where it can get confusing, which is why it’s important to do your research first so you know what you’re looking for before you start,” Clarke says.
Create a shortlist based on your needs. While brand names are great, it’s important to have tried the mattress at the store to get a better feel of it. Remember to wear comfortable clothing on the day. Try and negotiate a delivery and disposal of your old mattress for free with your retailer. You’ll also want to look for a good warranty.
Enquire about what’s inside the mattress. This will give you enough information to compare models and choose the best option. Take your time. Do your research. Read online reviews. Know what your options are.
If you’re buying a mattress for your child’s bed, remember to invest in a mattress that will be big enough to accommodate their growth in years to come.