Sleep plays a vital role in your mental health, physical health and overall well-being. The damage from sleep deficiency can be devastating and can have a dramatic effect on your life. If you are finding yourself fatigued, waking up with aches and pains or being emotionally distraught, it may be time to replace your mattress. Typically, a mattress lasts 5-10 years, but what matters more than the years is your mattress comfort and the quality of sleep. Here are some of the things to consider when buying a new mattress.
Innerspring mattresses have traditionally been the bedding industry’s most popular type of mattress. They are composed of three components: the foundation (box spring), the body (springs & coils), and the comfort layer (foam). The foundation of an innerspring mattress is the mattress’s bottom part, which supports the springs and coils. The body consists of springs and coils, the sleeper’s primary support source. The number of coils and springs varies from mattress to mattress, but as a general rule, the more coils and the thicker the springs, the better the support will be. Finally, the top layer of the mattress is the comfort layer which is upholstered with a comfortable material like foam that guards the sleeper against the coils and springs below.
A pillow-top is an additional layer of cushioning sewn into a mattress’s surface, giving it extra comfort and padding for the sleeper to enjoy. Pillow tops can be made from various materials, including memory foam, wool, and more. Pillow tops are usually found on innerspring mattresses, as the sturdy support and pillowy top can make for a great combination. Pillow tops come in a soft, medium, and firm variety and can be a great option if this mattress type best suits your sleep style.
Memory foam mattresses are a newer technology than the traditional innerspring mattress and are composed of entirely different materials which serve different purposes. Memory foam mattresses are made up of viscoelastic material, a type of foam that forms around your body as you lie in it. This beneficial function of memory foam can help to ease pressure points and aching joints as it fits around your unique body shape. Memory foam mattresses also help to evenly distribute your body weight, improve sleep quality by reducing tossing and turning, and are helpful for those who suffer from allergies, as these mattresses are constructed with substances that are resistant to allergens.
Latex is one of the most popular mattresses because of its many benefits. It’s highly durable, provides contouring support, and is ultra-breathable. Natural latex offers even more advantages, including being hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. Latex foam conforms to the body by gently cradling heavier areas like the hips and shoulders; however, latex doesn’t sink below the weight of sleepers like memory foam. Instead, latex offers lifting and responsive support to reduce pain-causing pressure points. The high elasticity of latex also supports the neck and back to keep the spine in natural alignment. Sleepers with back or joint pain will significantly benefit from the cushioning and the buoyant feel of latex.
The term “hybrid mattress” refers to any mattress made up of two different types of mattress technologies. Commonly, hybrid mattresses combine individually pocketed innerspring and memory
foam, allowing you to enjoy the best of both mattress worlds. These mattresses offer the benefits of both the memory foam and innerspring mattress, using an innerspring system to support a comfortable layer of memory foam on top. Hybrid mattresses will allow the sleeper to enjoy the traditional feel and support of an innerspring mattress while benefiting from the memory foam as it relieves pressure on the body.
Innerspring mattresses are great for those who want a more traditional mattress feel. Hot sleepers can also benefit from innerspring mattresses, as these mattresses tend to keep you cool throughout the night. In addition, innerspring mattresses may alleviate moderate back pain and provide adequate spinal support for stomach sleepers. However, these mattresses are bouncier than other mattress types, disrupting light sleepers. Innerspring mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers due to the extra support that these mattresses provide.
Memory foam mattresses are a good option for sleepers who need extra support and pressure relief throughout the night. However, if you tend to sleep hot, the memory foam mattress might not be your best choice. However, a selection of Popular Mattresses memory foam mattresses contains cooling technology that will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits of memory foam without sacrificing sleep temperature.
The unique feel of a latex mattress can provide a restful night’s sleep. Natural latex is constructed from durable materials and maintains quality after years of use. Beds with natural latex are typically eco-friendly mattresses, hypoallergenic, and breathable. Latex is a great alternative to memory foam if you prefer buoyancy.
A hybrid mattress is another good option for side sleepers, as this type of mattress provides excellent support to the shoulders and the hips, which are the side sleeper’s two most compromised body parts during sleep. In addition, hybrid mattresses cut down on motion transfer, allowing you to sleep undisturbed by your partner’s movements.
Pillow-top mattresses are a good choice for those who want a softer and fluffier mattress feel but also want firm support. Since pillow-top mattresses are generally innerspring mattresses with a softer top, those who like the support and feel of a traditional innerspring mattress might also enjoy a pillow-top mattress.
An adjustable base allows you to elevate your head while you sleep. Elevating your head while you sleep will open up your airways, thus improving breathing issues related to sleep apnea, asthma, and snoring.
For those who live with edema in the legs, it is recommended that they sleep with their legs elevated above their hearts to help improve circulation and fluid retention in the legs. With the simple touch of a button, the adjustable base allows the sleeper to elevate their legs to a position that can help to reduce swelling and pain or discomfort.
If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, elevating your head at least six inches above your feet and body while you sleep can help to reduce uncomfortable symptoms. Adjustable bases make elevating your head easy and will have you on your way to better sleep, even if you live with acid reflux.
Insomnia can be due to many factors, including body pains as you attempt to sleep. An adjustable base will help you to customize your sleep position so that you find a position that suits your comfort, giving you the chance to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Adjustable bases can help to relieve arthritis by allowing you to customize your sleep position based on the pain points in your body. These beds also increase circulation and blood flow to affected areas which can reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Adjustable beds offer sleepers far more options than a traditional mattress when choosing their comfort and sleep position. For those with back pain, this can be beneficial, as the option to elevate the head and legs to suit the highest level of comfort is readily available.
