You may be putting off choosing a new mattress because you’re unsure where to start. There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect mattress for you, and there is something for everyone — side sleepers, back sleepers and those of us that wake up with aches and pains.
Choosing a mattress that suits you means increased support, comfort, and a good night’s sleep.
Signs you need a new mattress
Mattresses can be a pricey investment, so it is easy to see why a lot of us put off buying a new one for as long as we can! But this can have a detrimental effect on your body and the way you sleep. When mattresses begin to wear, they can’t provide the support that our bodies need, and we may struggle to get to sleep or find ourselves waking up in pain.
Some of the signs to look out for when it comes to identifying a worn-out mattress is when it sags — when this happens it is likely that your mattress is not giving you sufficient support. You may also find it lumpier in certain places, or you may even notice tears. Sleeping on a worn-out mattress means that your back and limbs will not be supported correctly, leading to mornings of stiff limbs and back pain, as well as the inability to get a good night’s sleep. You should look at replacing your mattress every 8-10 years.
If the time has come for you to replace your old mattress, read on to find out how to choose the perfect mattress for you in 5 easy steps.
Sleeping position
Your sleeping position is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding on a new mattress. There are three main types of sleepers: the back sleeper, side sleeper and stomach sleeper. Identifying which of these you are the first step to choosing your mattress.
Stomach sleepers are those of us that prefer to sleep on our front. If this is you, you should choose a mattress with medium-firm support, so that the pressure on your back is alleviated. You should also steer clear of memory foam that makes you feel like you’re sinking.
Side and back sleepers also need support. Sleeping on your side places pressure on the shoulders and hips, choosing a mattress that is supportive, yet cushioned which is offered by OMF can be advantageous. Back sleepers should also make support a priority — a mattress too soft can mean your body becomes misaligned and you’ll wake up with back pain.
Pain
If you suffer from chronic pain from a condition or injury, choosing a mattress that can help with additional support can be beneficial. Lower back pain is common as it can be strained and stretched easily. If you suffer from a sore lower back, medium-firm mattresses are often best to help support the problem areas. Look for a mattress that is going to comfort pressure points — a mattress too hard and you’re going to be uncomfortable, and you’ll be putting pressure on your joints, too soft and your body won’t be supported.
Budget
Mattresses can be pricey, but we spend a lot of our time in bed, so it’s important that we choose something that will help us to get a good night’s rest. There are mattresses available for all price points depending on the model and material you choose. If you’re looking for one to suit you that won’t cost you the earth, you could look at a pocket spring, a traditional mattress. They can also come with memory foam additions for extra comfort.
The more luxurious the design, the more expensive the mattresses become, for example, latex mattresses are eco-friendly and modern, and therefore the price is likely to be higher. The same goes for memory foam mattresses, made up of a comfort system specifically to suit the contours of your body, they tend to cost more but are worth it for the product.
Material
Knowing your preferred type of material for your mattress is helpful when choosing a new product. For example, memory foam mattresses are one of the most popular due to their ability to adapt to the shape and weight of your body. However, a lot of people don’t like the feeling of sinking into their mattresses during the night.
Maybe you’ve had an innerspring mattress your whole life and you’re looking to find something new? Looking at different materials and choosing the best for you can help you to narrow down your search for your next mattress. You can try them out and see how they feel to work out your material preference.
Comfort
When you’re narrowing down your search, it is also worth thinking about some additional comfort features that you may find useful. For example, do you suffer from allergies? If so, you should look for a mattress that is hypoallergenic and won’t leave you waking up feeling stuffy. You should also think about whether you’re a warm or cold sleeper. If you frequently wake up too warm during the night, choosing a mattress that is breathable, and cooling could be beneficial.
Another key factor to consider when choosing your mattress is whether you sleep with a partner. If you’re often woken up by movements made by your other half, choosing a mattress with motion isolation would be best.
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