Shopping for mattresses, on the face of it, seems like a fairly simple task.
After all, what more does a mattress need to do apart from provide a comfortable place for you to sleep each evening?
The answer is quite a lot and shopping without a clear idea of what criteria your mattress needs to satisfy is likely to see you make a mistake and buy the wrong one – which can have consequences for your health over the long term.
Below, we look at some of the main points to consider that can help you select the right mattress, whether you have a wooden bed or a metal bed.
Comfort
Comfort is perhaps the most obvious criterion that needs to be satisfied.
The importance of good sleep cannot be overstated and central to a good night’s sleep is a comfortable mattress.
Comfort means different things to different people and it is important that you test any mattresses before you buy them.
Size
The mattress needs to be big enough to accommodate you and your partner if you have one.
Space is a key consideration when it comes to sleep. Some people are happy to sleep in close proximity to other people, while some are most comfortable with space of their own.
Again, it is vital that you try mattresses before you buy them so you can be sure that it fulfils your criterion of sufficient space.
Bed frame
It is all well and good wanting a sizeable mattress, however, you need to have a bed frame that can accommodate it.
You cannot invest in a mattress that is too big or too small for the frame it is to sit on. This is both from an aesthetic perspective and a practical one.
You therefore need to take the measurements of your bed frame with you when you shop and only look at mattresses that can fit comfortably within the frame.
Number of people
If you are buying a bed for yourself then you only need to consider your own criteria.
However, if you are sharing the bed with your partner, it has to be comfortable for them as well. That means you need to consider firmness, space and feel from both perspectives in order to get the decision right.
Health needs
If you have certain health conditions such as back ache, joint pain and similar afflictions, it is imperative that you choose the right mattress, as failing to do so could exacerbate your problems.
For those with joint pain, memory foam mattresses may be a wise choice, while pocket sprung mattresses can benefit those with back pain.
It is a common misconception that a mattress needs to be hard in order to benefit your health. This is not true.
What is essential is that it provides a good supporting structure – the amount of padding you need will come down to what is most comfortable for you and your partner.
Given the importance of sleep to your general health and the importance of your mattress to getting a good night’s sleep, it is important that you get the decision right.
You will spend a significant amount of time in bed, so you should test many mattresses thoroughly and select one that offers sufficient support, is comfortable for all parties and that fits neatly onto the frame that will hold it.