There are so many options when choosing a new mattress, it can be an overwhelming experience.
So how do you know if it is the best mattress for you?
Our Chiropractors will help you through this process below.
Most quality mattresses have a lifespan of around 8-10 years. See the graph below for particular average ages for different materials.Â
Taking extra care of your mattress ensures it lasts the 8-10 years.
Signs that you might be due to replace your mattress can include:
– Sagging in the middleÂ
– Rolling into the middle
– Flipping the mattress doesn’t improve the feeling of it
– Feeling the springs when you lay on the mattress
– Having the mattress over 12 years (From a hygiene perspective)
– You are sore after sleeping on the mattress
– You cannot get comfortable on the mattress
Spinal Support & Type of mattress:
Spinal support means the spine is resting in a neutral or natural position whilst in the sleeping position. That way, there is no extra strain on the spine.
Secondly, if you are purchasing a mattress for 2 people, it is good to check for low levels of partner disturbance. This ensures there is low mattress movement when the other person is moving around.
Most mattresses should be in the range of medium to firm to achieve spinal support. Soft mattresses in hotels can feel excellent for a night or two but are not a long lasting solution.
Cost:
One major myth about mattresses is that the more you spend, the better it is! This is untrue.
Yes, there are cheap & nasty mattresses out there, and they are high end ones that fetch up to $30,000.Â
I’m sure they are comfortable, but it’s not a requirement to spend this much to get a quality mattress.
You can find a good quality, supportive & long lasting mattress in Australia in a range from $800-$5000 depending on your needs.
The 3 most important factors when selecting a mattress are:
1. Material
2. Spinal Support & Type of mattress
3. Cost
Material:
Memory Foam
– Popular choice
– Contours to your body
– Good for people with back pain
– Dense feel & absorbs energy
– Downside can be sinking feeling into the mattress & sleeping hot due to the type of foam
Latex
– Highly used and popular product
– Natural bounce and springs back (durable)
– Natural latex is from rubber trees (more sustainably produced and a good eco-conscious option)
– A lot cooler than its memory foam counterpart.
Coils/Spring mattress
– Now less popular due to more modern options becoming available
– The coils allow good airflow & enable a cooler sleep like latex.
– They contour the body in a similar way to the memory foam, but without the stuck feeling.
– Because of all the spaces in the mattress, they can irritate people with allergies due to dust depositing.
Pillow Top
– Combination of a base material (either Latex, Memory Foam or Spring) with a soft, fluffy topper sewn onto the top. This is for people who like the soft mattress feel but still need the support of a quality mattress.
There are a number of ways to extend the life of your mattress or ensure it lasts around 8-10 years.
– Use a mattress protector, wash bed linen regularly
– Flip or rotate your mattress regularlyÂ
– Take care when moving/storing the mattress (Cover/seal the mattress and stand upright/on side in transit
– Allow light/sun to contact your mattress every month or so – take the protector off & leave for a few hoursÂ
– Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for stains/general cleaning
We recommend the best free resource to help choose a mattress is Australian Review site Bed Buyer.
Why?Â
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