In a year, if you average 8 hours a night of sleep, that equals 2920 hours in bed every year! With this is mind and considering the cost that goes with a new mattress, it is a big and often daunting purchase for many! There are lots of things to consider, and our chiropractors cannot tell you how many times there are asked by patients ‘what mattress should I be buying’. It is a VERY individual choice, but below we have tried to put together our ideas of things to consider before you buy.
Do I need a new mattress?
The Better Sleep Council recommends getting a new mattress every 7 years. While some sources suggest that a good mattress could last up to 20 years some claim that a poor quality mattress may last you as little as a year?! Some indications that your mattress may need a change include:
– You wake up with aching, which subsides quickly after moving about a bit. You also note that when you sleep elsewhere in a different bed you have a better night’s sleep
– Your mattress has visible signs that it’s tired – sagging or uneven areas, worn material, holes or spring damage.
– Allergies are worsening. An older mattress may attract a bigger build-up of dust mites, which can cause allergies for some
I’m buying a mattress what am I looking for?
1. Go into the shop and lie on it. Often you can purchase things online and get a great deal. But for such a big purchase, it is worth doing your research. While a few minutes lying on a bed in a shop isn’t the same as spending all night on it, you can still get a fair judge of how it feels just by trying it out! Many companies also do a trial of 90ish days and if you’re not completely comfortable you can exchange the mattress – you would be mad not to take advantage of this!
2. Memory foam may not be the best. The material can feel hot, and they are prone to body indentations. It means that you can sag down in the memory foam, which could prevent you from turning over normally during the night. If your movement is interrupted or restricted, this could lead to aches when you wake up.
3. Size matters. With a larger bed, you are not as likely to disturb your partner. You should be able to lie side by side without touching each other. The length of the bed ideally should be a few inches longer than the tallest partner to stop your legs dangling over the edge. Consider investigating in a longer mattress if over 6ft.
4. Firmness ratings. One brand of ‘firm’ may be very different to another brand’s rating of ‘firm’. Hence, we suggest you try beds out.
5. Firm or soft. This is difficult because everyone is so different. It isn’t just a case of personal comfort, but also your build and weight. The mattress should be just firm enough, so it feels supportive. Too soft and you will sag down into the bed, which can cause back pain.
6. Read the instructions carefully. Mattresses come with suggestions for turning them every so often. This is important because it can stop parts of the bed from wearing unevenly and help to ensure that the design of the bed continues to support your body weight.
7. More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, have a budget in mind and stick to it. Look for brands that have good customer support ratings and reviews. If there is an issue, you will feel confident that it will be resolved quickly.
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