Looking for a good night’s sleep? Whether you’re plagued by insomnia or if you wake up with body aches all the time, the issue could be with your mattress. It’s recommended to change your mattress every eight to ten years. In fact, a good quality mattress can literally be the foundation to undisturbed, restful slumber.
In celebration of World Sleep Day, here are six handy tips to help you choose the best mattress for your sleeping needs and to wake up happy:
READ MORE:
21 Simple Things You Can Do For Better Sleep This Year
All The Reasons You’re Not Sleeping Well And What You Can Do About It
Best Sleeping Masks That Will Nourish and Hydrate While You Snooze
Optimal comfort is the ultimate goal here, but there are other questions you should ask yourself, including:
– What’s my usual sleeping position?
– Does my spouse and I have different sleeping needs and concerns?
– How big is my bedroom?
– What’s my budget?
– Do I have sleep issues I want to correct?
There are four common ones: innerspring, foam (including memory foam), latex and air mattresses, all with varying degrees of firmness. Here are some general guidelines to help you out:
Innerspring: These bouncy mattresses provide support with the use of steel coils submerged under layers of comfort materials like latex, memory foam and pillow. Make sure to get good-quality ones as cheaper ones may not have enough cushion and you might feel the coils poking through over time.
Memory Foam: Made with different layers of foam, this mattress type actually reduces pressure points as they conform to the contour of your body as you lie down, which makes it great for relieving pain and provide more comfort. It also absorbs movement, so you’re less likely to be disturbed by your partner’s tossing and turning.
Latex: Made from natural or synthetic rubber, these mattresses are also good for relieving back aches and pains as they’re firmer than memory foam mattresses but provide similar body support. There’s a bit more “spring” involved.
Air: Not to be confused with blow-up mattresses, air mattresses contain chambers filled with air instead of coils. They’re typically used for those with spinal injuries and have to lie down for a long time, and the firmness can be adjusted.
Nowadays, many brands sell hybrid versions for greater versatility and target your sleep needs even better.
When you get to the store, make sure to actually lie down on the beds for at least 10 to 15 minutes each, and in your usual sleeping position. This will increase your chances of selecting the best bed for yourself.
It’s wise to shop with your partner or a trusted friend. Lie down on the mattress and ask them to observe the position of your spine – is it neutral, sagging or curved? Keep searching until you find one that keeps your spine in a neutral alignment.
Especially if you’re getting a really expensive one, you want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth when you get back home.
For added luxury and even better sleep, opt for a mattress topper that provides an extra layer of comfort, such as this one from IKEA (it’s the TROMSDALEN mattress pad, $399).
READ MORE: 10 Bedroom Must-Haves For Better Sleep
Now, check out five mattresses with advanced technology to give you a good night’s sleep:
The latest range of mattresses from Tempur features four distinct collections: Contour, Cloud, Sensation and Hybrid. There’s something for everyone – whether you need a firmer or softer feel, or a mattress that lets you toss and turn with ease. Available at Tempur boutiques and selected major departmental stores.
To celebrate World Sleep Day, the brand’s unveiled a limited edition mattress that features its signature Posturepedic technology for greater support and comfort. Available at all Sealy stores until 26 March.
If you’re looking for some relief from body aches, Simmon’s Beautyrest Silver Series has a unique AirCool Gel Touch Foam which promotes freedom of movement and pressure point relief that could help in relieving tense muscles. It also maintains exceptional airflow for a cool, comfortable sleep environment. Available at Simmons islandwide.
This Gaultier mattress provides even, high precision support for the body due to the excellent resilience of latex. It has an improved ventilation and shows a reduction in the risk of allergic reaction. Available at Home-Fix stores.
This mattress combines memory foam and latex to give ideal bounce and firmness. It’s also wrapped in cooling fabric to keep you comfortable throughout the night. Available at www.hipvan.com.
READ MORE:
Do You Have A Sleep Disorder? Answer These 6 Questions To Find Out
10 Best Sleeping Masks That Will Help You Wake Up To Beautiful Skin
Wake Up To Gorgeous Tresses With These 7 Overnight Hair Treatments