Do you sleep alone or with a partner? How big is your bedroom? These factors determine mattress size. Being the most substantial item in your bedroom, its size plays a crucial role in the room’s layout, so getting a new one could be a good time for a makeover.

According to Simmons, the standard sizes popular in Singapore are:

• Single = 91cm x 190cm
• Super Single = 107cm x 190cm
• Queen = 152cm x 190cm
• King = 182cm x 190cm
• King Long = 182cm x 198cm
• US King = 193cm x 203cm

The international mattress industry uses a firmness scale ranging from one to 10, with one being the softest and 10 the firmest. As a general rule, the heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be.

Your sleeping habits also play a role. Side sleepers need mattresses scaled two to four, back sleepers and couples, five to seven, and stomach sleepers and people with back pain, eight to 10.

However, every mattress brand will define these numbers differently. As a result, the best way to determine which mattress is right for you is to visit a showroom and test them out for yourself.

“Don’t just sit on the mattress! Try it out lying down. Your body must feel balanced and aligned. The spine and other parts of your body should not be under any stress,” says Jenny Koh, the group COO and executive director of Matsushita Greatwall Corporation, the parent company of King Koil Singapore. “Spend at least five to 10 minutes or more on the mattress the way you sleep every night.”

TIP: FINDING YOUR FIRMNESS

While lying down on the mattress, slide your hand under the small of your back. The mattress is probably too firm if it slides behind your back easily, and too soft if it doesn’t move at all. Test it with a partner to check the mattress’ motion transferability to make sure you won’t be disturbed by their movements.

The most popular mattresses today are made of latex and memory foam. The former is hypoallergenic, made from natural materials, and has a low motion transfer, whereas the latter is best at changing with your body shape.

On a budget? Consider a hybrid mattress, which combines these materials with inner or pocket springs for comparable comfort.

A mattress’s price is determined by its material and its construction, and we’ve come a long way from kapok, goose down, and coil spring mattresses.

“An aspect that is often overlooked is the budget for mattress purchases,” says Michelle Anne Ng, senior marketing manager at Simmons SEA. “Don’t choose the cheapest mattress. Buy what is best for you.”

Your mattresses should last you between 10 and 15 years, and you should invest in the best ones. Spend some time figuring out your priorities and non-negotiables.

And be aware that poor sleep can negatively impact your health and cost you money in the future.

What is your plan for the mattress in your bedroom? Are you going to put it on a platform? Do you have a bed frame? Ensure the design of your mattress is compatible with the design of the foundation.

You should also consider the delivery method and whether your building’s elevator can lift your mattress to your home. Check the fine print on the warranty, delivery, and return policies, and protect your mattress from wear and tear with a mattress protector.

TIP: MATTRESS IN A BOX

It can be compressed and fitted into a box for delivery, which offers greater convenience and affordability. Simply unbox and lay it flat until it takes shape. The downside to this, though, is that you must research beforehand to make sure it suits your needs for comfort and support.

Text: Asih Jenie/Home & Decor

Read Next

For Optimal Rest, Choose A Mattress That Suits Your Sleeping Habits

10 Foods You Can Eat To Help You Sleep Better At Night

15 Gadgets, Supplements And Apps To Help You Sleep Better