Do mattresses matter? Here’s what you need to know

Whether you’re moving into a new home or looking to upgrade your sleeping furniture, a mattress is an essential investment for everyone. It’s perhaps the most important piece of furniture around the house. Now, with all the options and models available in the market, mattress shopping can prove to be a complicated exercise. You’ll want to factor in everything from size, material, firmness level, budget and more.

To guide your next purchase, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you select the most adequate mattress for your bedroom. It’ll be the difference between a good night’s rest and feeling like you just slept on a bale of hay!

Prioritise comfort

Amongst all the criteria on this list, quality of comfort is a top priority. Your mattress’s comfort level will be determined by selecting the appropriate sizing, firmness and choice of material. You don’t simply want to rely on “the best model” at the store; instead, think carefully about these specifications to establish your own needs. Regardless of how expensive a mattress you can afford, it won’t satisfy your comfort requirement unless it’s a fitting choice.

Consider size

The first thing to pay attention to is what mattress size best fits your needs. Is it for a personal bedroom or a parent’s master suite? Single, double, king-size, the modern mattress industry caters to all profiles. In any case, it’s a good idea to proceed with some accurate measurements (width and length) beforehand. That way, you’ll avoid getting one that’s either too narrow or too large for your space.

Mattress types and fabrics

Mattresses come in many types, each with their pros and cons. Let’s review three popular mattress types to get a sense of what the market has to offer:

Innerspring

These mattresses are the most common and are typically your least expensive option. They yield great support and can accommodate different ranges of firmness. While ideal for romance, they’re not the most durable type out there.

Memory Foam

Usually more expensive but provide excellent cushioning for upscale comfort. These are often firmer, hotter and not very romance friendly. Latex foam is another option that offers a higher elasticity and bounce than traditional memory foam.

Hybrids

A hybrid mattress consists of springs and a foam overlay. It’s a superb choice if you want to get the best of both but come at a substantially higher price point.

Likewise, the material is as critical as the mattress type. They range from foam, polyester, wool, cotton and more. If you have a tendency to sleep hot at night, the professionals at SleepAuthorities recommend bamboo mattresses for their hypoallergenic properties; they’re made with natural materials that regulate temperature fairly well. Don’t hesitate to consult their in-depth consumer guide on bamboo mattresses’ unique properties and price tags. While on the subject, browsing the web for reviews is always good.

Try different models

In the same way, you wouldn’t buy a new couch without sitting on it first, a successful mattress purchase requires you to test out various models. It’s good to start with some knowledge but you’ll want to visit your local store and experience the feel of different mattresses for yourself. It’ll help you decide which type and materials you feel the most comfortable on. Also, don’t be tempted to purchase a mattress online – even if they’re on promotion or branded “Mattress of the Year”.

Have a comfortable budget

Naturally, everybody has their budget limitations. However, it’s important to allow yourself a sufficient financial margin for when buying a new mattress. After all, you’ll be using it every day, so you can’t skimp on comfort! While you may not be able to afford a $2,000 model, keep in mind that the higher the price tag, the higher your consumer satisfaction… provided you choose the right one!

Ask about conditions for return and warranty

Last but not least, mattress dealers will typically offer you a 30-day trial period upon purchase. This will allow you to gauge your level of pleasure and possibly return the product if it didn’t turn out as you’d expected. If your mattress shows early signs of a defect after just a few months, a good option would be to invest in a long-term warranty. Discuss these matters with your dealer before swiping that credit card.

All things considered, yes, mattresses do matter. A great mattress will provide adequate support and snug comfort and allow you to get a good night’s sleep after a tiring day. As with any major home purchase, you shouldn’t rush your decision, or settle for a cheaper model to save a few hundred dollars. It’s your wellbeing at stake here.

The editorial unit