Advice on buying a mattress

 

With the average person spending over a third of their lives in bed it's of vital importance that you chose the correct mattress to give you a good nights sleep. While mattresses may all look the same it's really what's inside that makes the difference. And in this case the old proverb of "you get what you pay for" has never been truer.

 

A good mattress should last up to 10 years so it is advisable to stretch your budget and avoid the cheaper options as these are likely to be a false economy in the long term. Cheap mattresses (sub £150) are really only ideal for the occassional night's sleep meaning this type is more suited to the guest room bed.

 

Mattress Firmness

 

Old wisdom will tell you that the firmer the mattress the better however this is simply not true. While a very soft mattress will not give your back much support an extrememly firm mattress may cause just as much discomfort. Each individual is best suited to their own choice of firmness, but do remember that your partner may also have different needs. There are mattresses available that offer a different degree of firmness for each side, ensuring each partner gets a good nights sleep. As always if you have special medical needs then it is best to consult your doctor before investing in a new mattress.

 

Mattress types

 

Open coil spring mattress

The most common type of mattress containing a network of connected springs giving a consitant level of firmness across the mattress. Border wire gives the mattress a firm edge and helps retain it's shape. This type of mattress is less prone to sagging in one place however the compromise is that it is not so responsive to your body shape.

Pocket spring mattress

The next step up in the mattress world, pocket spring mattresses contain individual springs housed in seperate fabric pockets which work individually to give far more flexible support across the entire body. Ideal if there's a noticable difference in size and weight between you and your partner. This type of mattress also tends to be more expensive so try to avoid any cheaper pocket sprung mattresses as these are likely to give way much more quickly.

Memory foam mattress

This type of mattress has become more and more popular over the last few years and is a great option for allergy sufferers as it is hypo-allergenic. Memory foam mattresses are made from foam that moulds to your body shape when pressure is applied. Once the pressure is removed the natural shape of the mattress returns and the mattress recovers it's original shape. This gives a great compromise between support and comfort. These mattresses are not cheap so you may wish to consider a mattress topper as an alternative which will give a similar feel at a fraction of the price.

 

Mattress toppers

 

If your looking for the ultimate comfort then you may wish to consider a mattress topper for your new mattress. Mattress toppers add a further layer to your mattress, providing extra support and a more comfortable feel to your bed. Toppers are available in all UK standard sizes and come in a selection of materials including goose feathers, cotton based fibres and silicon polyester.