What to Look for in a Mattress and What to Avoid. Top Tips and Helpful Guide

It’s hard to know where to start the search for your perfect mattress. It’s a big investment and as we spend a third of our lives sleeping, a comfortable bed is essential. Here’s a short guide of what you should look for and what you should avoid when buying your ideal mattress.

Let’s start with the types of mattresses available:

Open coil

These mattresses are sprung by a number of coils held by one metal wire and the structure comes from border rods. They don’t offer much support and should be reserved for occasional use.

Pocket spring

The springs inside this more luxurious mattress are housed in individual fabric pockets and they all move independently of one another offering good support. They come in a variety of firmness and are more breathable than foam or latex mattresses.

Continuous coil

Generally the cheapest option, these mattresses have just one wire which forms all the springs which results in lots of movement while you sleep and not much support. It is also prone to sagging and has a shorter lifespan.

Memory Foam

Made from a foam material that responds to temperature and weight, this mattress molds to the shape of your body offering all over support. It is hypoallergenic but can get warm which doesn’t suit those who prefer a cool sleep.

Latex

Generally considered to be the most durable and therefore the longest lasting, latex mattresses are filled with man-made or natural latex foam. Natural latex is better for the environment, good for those with allergies and cool to sleep on. On the downside, they are expensive, heavy and can initially feel very firm.

Hybrid

These mattresses are a mixture of materials but usually combine a layer of springs for support and a layer of foam for comfort.

Next, you should consider what level of firmness you are comfortable with. Generally speaking; if you move in your sleep, softer mattresses are better; if you have back problems, are over 210 lbs or sleep on your front you should go for a firmer mattress. There are varying degrees of soft and firm so try some out in store to see what level of support you need.

Top tips!

• Online or in store, try the mattress before you buy it. Online mattress companies give you the option to try your mattress at home before making your final decision.
• Read reviews to understand what is available, what consumers think and how well they are rated, see here for the most recent reviews
• Set a budget and stick to it. Prices vary hugely so only look and try mattresses within your budget.
• Check the mattress has a warranty, the longer the warranty the better.

Research and testing are vital. A short amount of time spent really understanding your options before you invest will pay dividends in terms of your sleep quality and general well-being.