Kirk
Choosing what mattress to buy is an important decision. We spend a third of our lives in bed, and the quality of our sleep has an impact on our general health and well-being, so researching alternative types and their costs is well worth the time. There are a lot of bargains to be had online, but how good an idea is buying an online mattress without testing in store?
In this article we’ll focus on why buying a good mattress is so important, the types of mattress available, and how to find the best mattress online.
The recommended life span of a mattress is approximately 8 years, and although we spend around 20,761 hours lying on top of one, we don’t always get a good night’s sleep, which is why choosing the right one is so important. During the life span of a mattress each individual will shed 4.83kg of dead skin cells and mattresses can be home to between 100,000 and 1 million dust mites and these can cause allergic reactions. All of this, plus oil and perspiration can also make the mattress heavier.
As mattresses get older the structure will begin to sag so that body and pressure points won’t be fully cradled which can eventually put strain on the back and the neck as well as disturbing a good night’s sleep. Old mattresses can also be home to bacteria and mould which can lead to skin infections and viruses.
Also, if we don’t get a good night’s sleep and wake up with aches and pains due to an ageing mattress it will negatively affect not only how we feel during that day, but if prolonged, could cause health problems. Sleep also allows our bodies to rebuild, with cells being regenerated and muscle tissue developed. That means that constant interruptions of our sleep patterns will mean we will not be able to recharge properly.
One of the ways to help choose the right kind of mattress is to work out which way we sleep, so we can establish what our pressure points are. These are areas on the surface of the body which are sensitive to pressure and will change as we move and different parts press against the mattress. For example, people who sleep on their sides will be best served by soft mattresses that allow the body to sink slightly into them and give more cushioning, whilst those who sleep on their backs require one that provides a strong core support for optimal alignment of the spine.
There are a variety of different types of mattress including pocket sprung, memory foam, open and continuous coil, latex and memory foam. Pocket sprung mattress have their springs sewn into individual fabric packets and although don’t mould into the body’s shape they can offer good support. Memory foam mattresses are topped with a layer of temperature sensitive material so that the mattress can change its shape to suit the body. Continuous coil mattresses are made from a single looped wire and open coil and are fixed together with one wire, and these tend to be cheaper than other kinds, whereas latex mattresses are more expensive but regarded as more resilient and better able to keep their shape than their competitors.
The best way to choose the right mattress is to visit a store, and test some out. However, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy online and so visiting a store, then researching the best prices of what’s been found later on the internet is a good idea. If visiting a store is not possible, then there are things that should be taken into account when buying an online mattress.
Firstly, research what are the most popular brands and look at their reviews. Also, ensure all the measurements are correct so when the new mattress is ordered it will definitely fit. Many manufacturers claim that by cutting out the retailer the cost to the consumer will be less and some online only mattresses retailers offer a sleep trial of around 10 weeks. During this time its possible to try it at home and send it back for a full refund if its not suitable. Check that it will be collected for free before you commit, just in case. There is also the option of the bed-in-a-box mattress which are vacuum-packed into a box and delivered direct to the doorstep.
If buying online is the best option, it’s very important to work out what the best kind of mattress is for individual requirements, research what’s available, and make sure the terms and conditions are checked before making this very important decision.
