Best Mattresses
In today's busy world, we all need time to take charge and reset, before taking on work, family commitments, or anything else challenging in our lives. Sleep allows you to feel recharged, alert, and ready to tackle the day ahead. Similarly, an ample amount of sleep can help you fight off life-threatening diseases.
But have you ever wondered how you could improve the quality of your sleep? Well, while there are many different types of science-backed methods you can try to better it, today we're going to focus on the simplest one, mattresses!
By simply having a good mattress, you can help better your body's comfort and truly make a difference between a night of disrupted sleep and a long smooth one. Plus, it can also help the curvature of your spine and reduce any aches or pains you have. However, not all mattresses are made for everyone; you need to pick the right mattress according to your bed size, age, comfort level, temperature, and much more. After all, having the right mattress that suits your needs the most can improve the quality of your life!
What is the Best Mattress?
To be honest, the best mattress can be completely subjective based on what you want in your life. Most of the time, though, many mattresses have fantastic qualities. To have an idea, we've curated a list of the best mattresses.
How you can find the right mattress for you
We know it may be a daunting experience going into a mattress store or looking at them online. You could be thinking, there are so many brands, types, sizes, and prices; which one do I choose? Well, to help you, we're going to give you an insight into the types, sizes, combination sleepers, orthopedic styles, and mattresses toppers.
Best Type of Mattress
Memory foam mattress
One of the more popular top-rated mattresses nowadays is often memory foam. What makes this mattress unique is because it contains no springs at all! The main material inside of it is a polymer which is known as polyurethane. You can commonly find this material in foam and inside sofas. When you lie on a mattress that contains this polymer, it will absorb your body heat, and the mattress will mold according to your body shape. This type of method truly optimizes your body and its sleeping position. If you suffer from joint pain, pressure, and restlessness, memory foam will help support your joints and temporarily reduce your pain. What's even greater is once you've finished sleeping and have left the mattress, it will rise very slowly—allowing the mattress to remember your body's sleeping position more easily over time and enabling you to feel more comfortable. Plus, most of these mattresses are densely discouraging allergens and dust mites, making them hypoallergenic. Therefore, if you suffer from a lot of allergies, this might be the mattress for you!
Air mattress
If you're looking for a mattress to accommodate some extra visitors in your home, or you want one that's portable for camping trips, then you may be interested in an air mattress. These mattresses are usually made out of rubber, plastic, or vinyl. The installation method for an air mattress involves it being inflated via a valve by air through hand, mouth, electric pump and can be self-inflating. Then when you need to, you can easily deflate this mattress and store it away. There are also permanent air mattresses that have air chambers inside them. When you sleep on the mattress, you can adjust the levels of air inside of them to benefit your comfort level. Plus, there are some which allow you to change the firmness of each side using dual-zone technology.
Hybrid mattress
What comes to your mind when you think of the word hybrid?
Perhaps it's a combination of more than one item, making it better than them on their own. A hybrid mattress includes several layers of spring, memory foam, gel, and other types of foam inside the mattress. The hybrid mattress is renowned for its following structure:
- Base layer: The bottom layer of the mattress usually has foam that is padded. This creates a sense of stability for your sleep.
- Support core: Coils and springs which make up the bulk of the mattress to provide support.
- Comfort layer: The layer you lie down on, and it's usually around 3-4inches thick. This layer can be made out of memory foam, gel, latex, and more.
- Pillow top: This is sewn into the top layer and is designed to give you extra cushioning.
The purpose of this mattress is to bring a mixture of an old-style with a new style. Therefore, the different layers will allow you to sink into the bed but not fully like a memory foam mattress would nor lie on the bed and feel springs digging into your back. Due to the coils in the mattress, they're highly breathable and often have cooling technology to allow your temperature to stay down when you sleep.
Firm mattress
Just like the name suggests, this mattress is firm. The purpose of this mattress is to make your bones support your body while you sleep and not your muscles. They tend to hold your body upright as opposed to letting you sink into the mattress.
Custom Size Mattress
You don't want to just buy any mattress on the market without looking at your bed size first. Therefore, you will want a mattress that matches the specific size of your bed.
Crib mattress
Good sleep starts when a baby is born, and it's essential that you get the best quality mattress for your baby's crib. Most of these mattresses tend to be firm so they can support a baby's growing bones. These mattresses should never be soft as they could easily suffocate the baby's face and put them at risk of infant death syndrome. Similarly, they should have a polyethylene surface or vinyl to make them waterproof, easily washable, and prevent mold.
King size mattress
This type of mattress is designed for two people to sleep in the bed together, most of the time for partners. A king-size mattress is usually 76 inches wide by 90 inches long. If you plan to buy this mattress for you and your partner, you should test it before buying it. Similarly, you should look for a large warranty period and reviews.
Twin mattress
This is the smallest type of mattress possible and is between 38 inches wide x 75 inches long. A twin mattress is created to go on top of a single bed. These mattresses are great for children and even adults. They're commonly found in hostels and dormitories.
Mattress for kids
When you're looking to buy a mattress for children, you will have options of having twin xl, full, and twin size. The material of a mattress can depend on the age of the child. For example, if you have a toddler moving from a crib into a bed, you will want a firmer mattress to support their bones. Similarly, you may wish to opt for a memory foam or innerspring for older kids.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Have you ever had a conversation with someone about the way you sleep? Perhaps you sleep on your front, side, or even your back? Sometimes as we grow older, our sleeping preferences change, and as a result, we need the best mattress to optimize our sleeping habits. If you've found yourself sleeping on a mattress that you're not quite sure about, fear not; there are ones built for your sleeping habit.
Mattress for side sleepers
If you're someone who tends to sleep on their side regularly, you will want a mattress that supports the outline of your body. Similarly, when you sleep on your side, you tend to put extra weight on your shoulders and hips, and therefore you need a mattress that will provide an adequate amount of cushion and support. Most of the time, the top-rated mattresses for side sleepers are medium to medium-soft. Ultimately it depends on your weight! Similarly, many good mattresses for side sleepers are memory foam as they can support the pressure of their body.
Mattress for stomach sleepers
As a stomach sleeper, you need to look at mattresses to support your knees, stomach, hips, and chest. But you don't want it to be fully firm. Ideally, you should have a mattress with cushioning to make it comfortable for these areas to lay down on. Therefore, you should go for a medium-medium firm type mattress. Often innerspring and hybrid mattresses are the best for stomach sleepers.
Mattress for pregnancy
Pregnant women should always opt for a hypoallergenic mattress. In addition to their sleep, they will want to avoid any mites or anything that could irritate their skin. Therefore, a memory foam mattress is often the best type to support their bump and not contribute to any allergies.
Best Orthopedic Mattress
There are also mattresses made to help support weight, painful joints, and certain health conditions.
Mattress for back pain
To help relieve back pain while sleeping, you will want to get one that provides both support and comfort. Similarly, it should be the right balance. It can't be too firm or too soft. Therefore, latex or memory foam would be a good mattress to have as it can help the curvature of your spine and allow you to rest with little pain.
Mattress for heavy people
Coil mattresses are the best type of mattress for heavy people as they're more likely to keep them upright and support their weight. If you weigh over 230lbs, you will want to opt for a latex hybrid mattress as airflow is better regulated when you sink into the bed, allowing the bed's temperature to stay cooler, enabling a sounder sleep.
Mattress for sciatica
A latex or memory foam mattress is the most popular mattress for sciatica. They absorb the pressure when you move in your sleep and make it more stable for your spine.
Mattress for fibromyalgia
If you're a fibromyalgia sufferer, you will want to look for a mattress that relieves the pain of certain pressure points. Out of many available on the market, the one you should look for is an orthopedic memory foam. These mattresses are specifically designed to deal with pain in the joints and back.
Best Mattress Topper
Mattresses can be expensive, and not all the time do you require a new one. If you just want to upgrade your existing sleep, you can always get a mattress topper. This sits on top of your mattress and provides extra support.
Mattress protector
A mattress protector keeps your mattress from getting dirty, stained, stopping allergens and bacteria from getting on it. To find the best mattress protector, you will want a waterproof one, can keep out bed bugs, and is hypoallergenic.
Cooling mattress topper
If you produce a lot of sweat while you sleep or get hot easily, then a cooling mattress topper may be for you. These are around 2-4inches thick and are made out of different materials such as wool, gel memory foam, and latex. All of which are designed to regulate your body temperature and keep you cool.
Mattress pad
This is a thin sheet that goes on top of your mattress, and in between your sheet and the mattress, there is padding. Mattress pads also help keep the sheets of your bed in the right place.
Waterproof mattress protector
The whole point of a mattress protector is to prevent water or stains from getting on the mattress. The best waterproof mattress protectors have cotton as they're easy to wash, and the fabric is often thick to keep out water.
What to Consider Before Purchasing
To know the best type of mattress for you, you will need to take several things into consideration which are:
- Size: You will need a mattress that fits your bed size, whether it's a king, queen, twin, or crib.
- Comfort level: The mattress is designed to give you a comfortable sleep and to do this, you will want to try it out before you buy.
- Sleeping position: Do you sleep on your front, back or side? Determine what type of sleeper you are and buy a mattress designed to support your sleeping position.
- Temperature: If you sweat a lot when you sleep or have a high temperature, you will want to look for a mattress with good ventilation.
- Pain: Different types of mattresses are designed to support pain in your joints and provide you with optimum comfort.
- Reviews: You must read the best mattress reviews to understand what's popular and best for value. Similarly, reviews will help you filter out which mattresses are relevant according to your needs.
Overall, mattresses are something that can benefit your sleep and general health. There are many types out there, and having this background knowledge will help guide you for future shopping and help you have a better night's sleep.
FAQ
What is the most comfortable mattress?
The most comfortable mattress tends to be memory foam as they fit and remember the shape of your body. Plus, they are soft to lie on and don't have any springs or coils sticking into your back or other body parts.
How long does a mattress last?
On average, mattresses should last for 7-10 years. However, depending on what type of mattress you own, the quality and other factors will influence its life span.
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
The best time to purchase a mattress is in May. Most companies release their new line in June that later becomes popular in September. Therefore, when you buy in May, you often get better value for money.
How often should I replace my mattress?
You should replace your mattress every 7-10 years. However, it's up to you how comfortable you feel sleeping on it and the support it provides. Similarly, other factors like how you look after it and who sleeps on it can influence the replacement period.