Sleep is one of the most important facets of maintaining proper health. Getting a good night’s rest depends on a myriad of factors including the mattress on which you sleep.
If you are having sleeping issues, then buying a new mattress is a great solution. However, knowing which mattress to buy is more difficult than it seems.
You have a wide array of mattresses from which to choose. Different types of mattresses include foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, airbeds, and waterbeds.
Each type of bed has its pros and cons. If you are going to buy a new mattress, the following are the most important factors to consider:
The Lifespan of The Mattress
The first step in buying a new mattress is deciding how long you want to keep the mattress. Most people replace their mattresses every few years but the lifespan of a mattress depends on many factors.
The material, type, and usage of the mattress will all affect the mattress’s lifespan. Most mattresses have a lifespan of about seven years though others can last for up to a decade.
You should choose a mattress with the longest lifespan possible, considering all other factors. The longer you have the mattress, the longer you can enjoy quality sleep.
Memory foam, hybrid and innerspring mattresses have the longest lifespans.
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Have a Budget
Of course, the cost will be an important aspect when choosing a mattress unless you are very rich. If you go shopping for mattresses without a budget, you might end up spending a lot more than you want.
There are mattresses that cost up to $5,000 which is quite a sum. However, a quality mattress that costs between $500 and $1,000 should be just fine.
Moreover, just because a mattress is more expensive does not mean that it will be of the highest quality. It may be great for the first year only to sag and compress, diminishing your sleep quality.
Type and Material
As stated above, there are several types of mattresses you will find at stores. You should understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mattress.
The type of mattress will decide which material is used to make it and will also determine the brand, while the Keetsa product range shows how important it is to use quality materials if you want to have a long-lasting mattress.
The type of material will influence how comfortable the mattress is and how much maintenance it will require. However, it will also influence the cost of the mattress, with quality materials being more costly, but guaranteeing a longer lifespan.
Firmness
The firmness of a mattress is how hard or soft it is. A mattress’s firmness will substantially affect your sleep quality.
Most mattresses will have a firmness scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. The firmness level you choose will largely be a matter of personal preference.
On the other hand, your sleeping position will also significantly affect the firmness of the mattress you choose. Side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses.
Medium mattresses are great for side and back sleepers. The firmest of mattresses should be used by those that prefer to sleep on their backs and stomachs.
The firmness of a mattress will also depend on whether you have any chronic pain condition. Firmer mattresses are better for those with chronic back, hip, or neck pain.
Consider Your Weight
If you are going to be sleeping on a mattress for a third of your life, then your weight also matters in this regard. Most people maintain a particular weight for most of their lives but if your weight often fluctuates, you will have to consider that too.
Soft mattresses are best for lighter people who will not put too much pressure on the mattress. Anyone under 150 pounds is considered light and will only slightly sink into a mattress.
Anyone between 150 and 200 pounds is of average weight and hence should choose a mattress of medium firmness. The industry standard of mattresses particularly caters to this group.
Just like in boxing, anyone over 200 pounds is considered a heavyweight and should opt for firmer mattresses. Heavy people put a tremendous amount of pressure not only on the mattresses but also on their backs.
You should also note that your sleeping position will also affect how much pressure you apply on a mattress depending on your weight.
The above points make an adequate guide for choosing a mattress that enhances your sleep experiences. However, it is by no means a definitive guide.
The lifespan of the mattress, your budget, the type & material of the mattress, your sleeping position, and your weight are by far the most important factors to consider.
Ultimately your choice of mattress will depend on your individual tastes and preferences.
