How Do I... Choose the Right Mattress?
A mattress expert tells us to look out for these eight things before saying 'yes' to that mattress match
Shopping for a mattress is a big commitment. How, you ask? You’ll probably be sleeping on it for the next eight to 10 years and, as shown by statistics. And you’ve heard this many times – one-third of our lives is spent in bed. Like a long-term partner, you shouldn’t rush into settling for the first mattress you meet. Luckily, general manager Thijs Veyfeyken from European Bedding, a premium bedding store, helps us narrows down the search with these prime considerations.
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1. Comfort level
Many people evaluate comfort based on how expensive the mattress is or by brand name. Comfort should be about whether the mattress feels right to you and your body; where firmness, composition and the size of the mattress also play a part.
Many people evaluate comfort based on how expensive the mattress is or by brand name. Comfort should be about whether the mattress feels right to you and your body; where firmness, composition and the size of the mattress also play a part.
Heveya Natural Organic Latex Mattress
“Definitely take your time in the showroom,” says Veyfeyken, when testing out the mattress. “Try out the mattress in your favourite or usual sleeping positions. Also, pay attention to the bed base and the pillow; a sleeping system comprises the pillow, mattress and slatted bed base, which should work hand in hand to give you the perfect night’s slumber.”
2. Mattress types
From innerspring mattresses to non-coil types like memory foam and latex, there are also hybrid mattresses which combine coils with a foam overlay. Veyfeyken says: “A latex mattress provides better support and comfort as compared to a spring mattress due to its progressive support quality.” He adds: “It has a softer top layer that contours to your body and a firmer base to support your spine.”
From innerspring mattresses to non-coil types like memory foam and latex, there are also hybrid mattresses which combine coils with a foam overlay. Veyfeyken says: “A latex mattress provides better support and comfort as compared to a spring mattress due to its progressive support quality.” He adds: “It has a softer top layer that contours to your body and a firmer base to support your spine.”
However, he cautions that a latex mattress can be a very broad term these days. "We've seen mattresses that are supposedly latex, but when opened, it is made of spring coils combined with cheap foam and a five-centimetre thick layer of latex," he reveals. "Of course, these mattresses cannot be categorised under 'latex'. Another thing to note is a 100 per cent latex mattress doesn't equate to a natural latex mattress."
3. Organic composition
So, what is a 100 per cent natural or organic latex mattress? According to Veyfeyken, it has natural anti dust-mite, mould and allergy properties. He adds: “There is also no adhesive required to glue the different layers together and the cover can be unzipped for cleaning and extra hygiene.”
So, what is a 100 per cent natural or organic latex mattress? According to Veyfeyken, it has natural anti dust-mite, mould and allergy properties. He adds: “There is also no adhesive required to glue the different layers together and the cover can be unzipped for cleaning and extra hygiene.”
4. Durability
Remember that time you needed to flip your mattress because it was sinking in the middle? Sagging is a common wear-and-tear occurrence of innerspring mattresses and that said, a coil mattress should be replaced every 9 to 10 years. Without coils making up its main support system, a latex mattress can last double of that – up to 20 years.
Remember that time you needed to flip your mattress because it was sinking in the middle? Sagging is a common wear-and-tear occurrence of innerspring mattresses and that said, a coil mattress should be replaced every 9 to 10 years. Without coils making up its main support system, a latex mattress can last double of that – up to 20 years.
"When customers come to replace their latex mattress, I usually inquire about how long they have used theirs," reveals Veyfeyken. "Answers like 20 to 27 years are not uncommon."
5. Density
How soft or firm you like your mattress is another major factor in the decision-making process. A mattress that is too soft will not provide adequate support and this can result in poor sleep posture and back pain. A mattress that is too hard however, provides uneven support and this causes uncomfortable pressure areas. Therefore, you need to find a medium/firm support system that will cradle your spine in its natural position.
How soft or firm you like your mattress is another major factor in the decision-making process. A mattress that is too soft will not provide adequate support and this can result in poor sleep posture and back pain. A mattress that is too hard however, provides uneven support and this causes uncomfortable pressure areas. Therefore, you need to find a medium/firm support system that will cradle your spine in its natural position.
If you share your bed with a partner, finding the balance between firmness and comfort that is perfect for two individuals will be more challenging than for those who sleep alone. Look for options that allow customised densities – you can put two single mattresses together and envelop them under a queen or king size cover.
Veyfeyken says: “Within one king size cover, the wife may need one part in a softer density (since women are lighter in weight and perhaps a side sleeper), and the husband may need one part a little firmer (who could be heavier and a back sleeper).”
At European Bedding, pillow height and its density can be customised to match your mattress, and the bed base comes with adjustable slats that can become firmer or softer on the lower back level for that extra support.
Veyfeyken says: “Within one king size cover, the wife may need one part in a softer density (since women are lighter in weight and perhaps a side sleeper), and the husband may need one part a little firmer (who could be heavier and a back sleeper).”
At European Bedding, pillow height and its density can be customised to match your mattress, and the bed base comes with adjustable slats that can become firmer or softer on the lower back level for that extra support.
6. Back Issues
For those with weak backs such as the elderly, Veyfeyken says that a latex mattress with varied supports is the most suitable for them. He says: “Our mattresses are designed with seven comfort zones for maximum body support and comfort. Each zone conforms individually to the different parts of your body.”
For those with weak backs such as the elderly, Veyfeyken says that a latex mattress with varied supports is the most suitable for them. He says: “Our mattresses are designed with seven comfort zones for maximum body support and comfort. Each zone conforms individually to the different parts of your body.”
Heveya Natural Organic Latex Mattress
He adds: “ The shoulder zone needs to be slightly softer as our shoulders stick out more, while the middle zone should be slightly firmer as our lumbar area, where the heaviest part of our body rests, needs more support to keep our spine in its natural position during the night. A firmer middle zone also prevents the mattress from sagging and guarantees a longer life expectancy for your mattress.”
7. Sizes
Single or super single, queen or king? These are the common sizing questions you’ll ask yourself or your partner when mattress-shopping. It actually boils down to budget and personal preferences. If you prefer to have more room to yourself and if space permits, take the larger size.
Single or super single, queen or king? These are the common sizing questions you’ll ask yourself or your partner when mattress-shopping. It actually boils down to budget and personal preferences. If you prefer to have more room to yourself and if space permits, take the larger size.
8. Customised sizes
However, if the standard sizes can’t quite cut it – especially when you are dealing with an irregularly-shaped room – you can always opt for customised dimensions. Besides maximising the amount of space in your bedroom, these bespoke measures can also accommodate unique requirements like for someone who’s taller and therefore, needs more legroom.
TELL US
Have you had problems finding the right mattress? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
However, if the standard sizes can’t quite cut it – especially when you are dealing with an irregularly-shaped room – you can always opt for customised dimensions. Besides maximising the amount of space in your bedroom, these bespoke measures can also accommodate unique requirements like for someone who’s taller and therefore, needs more legroom.
TELL US
Have you had problems finding the right mattress? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.