There is nothing more important than finding the perfect mattress for a peaceful night’s slumber. Did you know that we spend about a third of our life sleeping, or at least attempting to (hello endless nights spent mentally ticking off our to-do list)? That’s a lot of time! The right mattress can be key to happiness (and plenty of rest), so it’s important to do your research and choose wisely. Here’s what you need to consider when it comes to finding the right mattress feel for you, and all the factors that will help you drift off to a great night’s sleep.
Guide to mattress feel
Before we delve into mattress feels, it’s time to step back and think about how you sleep. Mattress feels an important factor to consider when buying a new mattress, as it can help determine whether you wake up feeling rested, and rejuvenated.
Of course, it all comes down to a matter of comfort. You want to replicate that hotel-feel everytime you pull back the sheets and sink into bed. While this guide can help you find a starting point, it’s up to you to decide which mattress feel is the most comfortable for your needs. If you’re not sure where to even start, head into the store and try for yourself! More on that below.
Choosing the right mattress
The right mattress all comes down to individual choice. What’s right for you, won’t necessarily be right for someone else. Here’s some of the key factors to take into consideration to help you find the perfect mattress.
A mattress is made up of two key sections – a support system and a comfort layer. The support system comes in three different variations:
- Coil spring – made from a system of springs and often feels a little bouncier.
- Pocket spring – made from individual springs and is often great for more motion control of the mattress.
- Spring free – as their name suggests, these mattresses are free of springs and are made from a range of materials.
The comfort layer is the top part of your mattress.. This layer helps to reduce the pressure of the mattress on your body as you sleep and can be made from materials like gel or memory foam.
Mattress size
Before you head out mattress shopping, it helps to know exactly what size you’re looking for. Whether you have an existing bed base that you are accommodating to, or starting from scratch in a whole new space, take a look at the different sizes and see what works for your room.
Ideally, you want to opt for the largest size possible that you can fit in your room, allowing for space to walk around and pop other furniture alongside.
Start with a king bed and work your way backwards through queen, double, king single and single, settling on the best size for your space. Make sure you work with your space. If you’re short on extra room, opt for a double bed instead of squeezing in a queen. Not only will it make your space feel bigger, but you’ll avoid an over-cluttered look.
Budget
It’s no secret that your mattress is one area you want to splurge. After all, you’re spending so much time in bed, it’s an investment in your wellbeing.
If you do have a budget in mind, it helps to do a little research beforehand to see just how easy it will be to stick to. It’s important to work out mattress feel, size and type first, then see what you can afford within your budget.
Mattress protector
The final thing to consider when buying a mattress is a mattress protector. This essential piece of your bedding set up will help create a barrier against allergens and other nasties that can accumulate in your mattress. Plus, it will help protect your mattress from stains and spills, so that you can enjoy your coffee in bed without worry!
There are plenty of materials to choose from, including memory foam, cotton, polyester and wool, so be sure to do your research to find the one that works for your needs.
Testing a mattress in store
Your mattress is a big investment and you want to get it right. There’s nothing like testing out a few beds to really narrow down your own comfort preferences. Here’s some tips to get the most out of your visit.
Toss about
When you hop on a bed to test it out, it’s essential that you move about to really get a feel for it. You don’t lie like a statue at night when you sleep, so be as natural as possible! Toss those arms, wiggle your legs and fling your body to get comfortable. Make sure you lie in the positions you sleep in at night. If you’re a side sleeper, focus on testing the mattress on one side before turning to the other. Try and spend at least 5 – 10 minutes on the mattress to understand how they conform to your body. This will really highlight whether that mattress is working for you.
Bring your partner
While mattress needs are individual, if you’re sharing a bed with your other half then you need to factor their comfort into the equation. Bring them along and see if you can find that all-important middle ground of comfort, so you both get the best night’s sleep. Can’t decide? Opt for a mattress that has a dual feel, catering to both your individual needs.
With these handy tips, you’ll enjoy a restful sleep each and every night. Who knows, with a comfortable mattress beneath you, there might even be hope of turning off your mental to do list and drifting off into slumberland even faster. It’s worth a try! Happy hunting…