Your future is not just dependent on your dreams. You must also have the drive and vigor to realize your ambitions. But if you can’t sleep well, you can’t dream or work hard to achieve your goals. Sleep experts believe that having a good night’s sleep is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health.
And guess what? Your mattress greatly influences your quality of sleep! However, many people need to be made aware of the importance of this and continue to use mattresses that provide insufficient support and comfort. You can wake up feeling tired and stiff. You may also begin to experience back, neck, and joint discomfort, irritation, exhaustion, and other symptoms of inadequate sleep.
Buying a new mattress might be an adequate expense, but it’s worthwhile if it improves your sleep. Want to know how your mattress affects your nightly sleep before you buy a new one? Here is everything you need to know before making a purchase.
5 Ways to Select the Best Mattress for Your Bed
Your health and well-being must choose the correct mattress. That’s why we’ve created this complete suite of health guides for mattress shoppers, so you have the knowledge to choose the best, most supportive mattress for your needs.
Types of Mattresses
First, determine your body’s requirements, then choose the appropriate type. You may easily find mattresses that are composed of latex, memory foam, innerspring, hybrid materials, and mattresses that can be adjusted in firmness.
Considerations for Firmness and Thickness
When buying a mattress, it’s critical to determine its proper thickness and firmness. The weight of the sleepers should determine the optimal thickness and whether they sit on the bed during the day or at night. The firmness of the mattress is decided by whether you sleep on your back, side, stomach, or combination, ensuring that your back and spine are straight when sleeping.
Temperature Regulation
Ensure your mattress choice accommodates your body temperature during sleep. Look for features like cooling technology or breathable fabrics to prevent overheating or feeling too cold.
Skin Sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to specific materials, be sure the mattress you purchase is constructed from organic materials. This will also assist you to sleep soundly through the night.
Addressing Back Issues
If you experience neck, shoulder, or back problems, prioritize mattress features that support spinal alignment. Orthopedic mattresses may be necessary for severe issues, while recommended thickness and firmness levels can help alleviate minor discomfort.
Warranty Consideration
You want to spend money on something other than a mattress that becomes mushy and retains its form after a few months. So, always check the product’s warranty before purchasing. The most popular and reputable mattresses have an 8-10 year warranty.
Review Evaluation
While individual preferences vary, reading reviews can provide valuable insights into mattress performance and customer satisfaction. Researching several brands and understanding customer comments can help you find the best solution.
6 Tips for Mattress Shopping with Back Pain
- Time Your Shopping Right
Schedule your mattress shopping trip later when back pain is typically more noticeable. This allows you to test the mattress under conditions similar to when you’ll be using it at home, increasing the chances of finding one that provides the support and comfort you need.
- Bring Your Pillow
Take your pillow or try out new ones while testing mattresses. Mimicking your sleeping setup at home ensures an accurate assessment of comfort and support levels.
- Bring a Friend for an Alignment Check
Bring a friend to observe your spinal alignment while lying on different mattresses. An appropriately supportive mattress should help maintain a straight spine when lying on your side.
- Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to pressure points and sinking sensations. Pressure points indicate a mattress is too firm, while excessive sinking suggests it’s too soft for your body’s needs.
- Consider Full Body Alignment
Ensure the mattress supports your back and adequately aligns your head and heels. Proper alignment of the entire body is crucial for managing and alleviating back pain.
- Opt for In-Home Trials
Shop exclusively at stores offering in-home trials of up to 100 days. With back pain, testing the mattress in your environment is essential. A reputable store should allow you to exchange the mattress for a different firmness level free of charge.
Types of Mattresses
- Memory Foam
Mattresses made of memory foam are well known for providing excellent pressure relief. They conform to your body shape, alleviating pressure points and providing a cozy, cradling sensation.
- Latex Mattress
Like memory foam but with more bounce, latex mattresses offer resilience and firmness. They provide a supportive surface that doesn’t allow excessive sinking, making them a preferred choice for those who prefer firmer beds.
- Innerspring Mattress
Featuring a coil-based support system, innerspring mattresses offer a bouncy feel with limited pressure relief and motion isolation. Budget-conscious shoppers favor them due to their affordability but may need more comfort features.
Different Levels of Mattress Firmness
- For Sleep Position:
- Side Sleepers: Soft to medium firmness mattresses are recommended to maintain proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure on hips and shoulders.
- Stomach Sleepers: Firmer mattresses are preferable to prevent excessive sinking and maintain proper support for the spine.
- Back Sleepers: Medium firmness is ideal to ensure proper spinal alignment and support for the back.
- Combination Sleepers: Medium-firmness mattresses accommodate various sleeping positions, providing adequate support throughout the night.
- For Body Type:
- Heavier Body Weights: Firmer mattresses are essential to withstand increased pressure and provide adequate support.
- Lightweight Sleepers: Softer mattresses offer better joint relief for smaller frames, as they exert less pressure on the bed.
The Bottom Line
The mattress you choose will eventually significantly impact whether or not your aches and pains worsen or improve.
The ideal mattress will adequately support your spine as you sleep and provide comfort tailored to your height and weight. Those with pre-existing aches or pains should exercise caution when researching mattress options.
Consider the ideal mattress’s durability, support, price, and material. You’ll want a mattress that is within your budget and allows you to obtain the finest rest possible.