Is your bed causing you nightmares? Many people don’t know that improper sleep can directly influence their back pain, moods, energy levels, and general wellbeing. So, how can you deal with this? The solution is to invest in a quality mattress that matches your body size and sleeping habits.
But why is it important to get a good mattress, and which type will suit you best? Here’s all you need to know!
Make the Right Choice
While it’s a common fact that quality sleep leads to better health, a lot of people end up with big problems during bedtime. Work-related stress, anxiety, back pain, or even sleeping disorders are some of the most obvious culprits. However, we also neglect our mattress choices. Your bed actually plays a key role in your sleep cycles, along with the quality of your sleep and comfort. So, if you’ve got an old and dusty mattress, it could be the cause of many bedtime issues. But what should you do next, and why is it important to buy the right mattress?
Firstly, a good mattress can be costly, and the variety of choices could confuse you. Fortunately, there are only a few major types. That includes memory foam/gel, latex, spring, air, or water mattresses. All of them offer different qualities and advantages. They vary based on firmness, motion absorption, material, and price. Also, when choosing one, you must consider your weight, height, and preferred sleeping positions.
For instance, people who are heavier will need a tougher mattress. It should not allow them to sink, and it should minimize the risks of spinal misalignment. If you have any type of upper, middle, or lower back pain, you’ll also need to find the right firmness and support for you.
Memory Foam and Gel-Type Beds
Memory foam has been incredibly popular for the past few decades. It has revolutionized the mattress market. Many people use these types of mattresses instead of the traditional, innerspring variants. Essentially, memory foam mattresses are created from multiple layers of foam with varying densities. Those layers are responsive to your body temperature and weight. They can also contour to the individual’s body shape. That is one of the major benefits of memory foam, as it can eliminate pain while reducing pressure points. Since this soft mattress material absorbs movement, it’s a great choice for couples and those who toss and turn a lot during the night. Also, side sleepers will feel much more comfortable with it.
However, one drawback of this type is heat retention. Memory foam may not be the most comfortable for those with a higher body temperature. Its density actually traps heat, which can lead to discomfort. The solution? Gel foam mattresses that contain coolants that can improve heat dispersion. The cooling gel simply draws the heat away from you. Then, it’s distributed across the whole mattress to cool you down. Gel beds are an ideal choice for hot climates, and people who prefer to stay cool at night.
Water Bed
Despite their massive popularity in the 1980s (when 1 in 5 American households owned one), waterbeds have gone out of style. However, history shows that this type has been around for over 3,500 years, having been introduced in the Egyptian and Persian empires. Nevertheless, you can still buy them today, and they offer some advantages over other mattress types.
Primarily, waterbeds are made of vinyl. When filled up, they don’t require a separate frame. Some even have temperature control, allowing you to heat up the mattress if you’re cold. This also has a therapeutic effect since heat can relieve pain. They are also a fitting choice for the winter months.
Furthermore, since vinyl doesn’t absorb dust or debris, it’s a good option for people with allergies. And while it’s easy to clean, a waterbed requires a lot of maintenance. That includes filling/refilling, adding conditioner to preserve the vinyl, and even fixing leaks.
Air Bed
Inflatable mattresses use air for support and are usually made from PVC, rubber, or urethane. They include built-in or attachable electronic pumps/air compressors that enable you to quickly inflate/deflate the mattress. It’s an easy and portable sleeping solution, especially if you’re in need of an extra bed or if you’re camping out. Couples could enjoy this type, as some air mattresses allow them to set different firmness levels on each side.
Additionally, these beds are a comfortable and healthy choice for those who experience back pain. You can easily adjust the air pressure and accommodate the firmness of the mattress based on your weight and body shape. Plus, they don’t suffer from sagging issues that can occur in other mattress types. However, the external pumps could feel bulky and take up too much storage space. Air beds are also not very efficient for temperature regulation and motion transfer.
Know the benefits of using air mattresses.
Latex Mattress
When it comes to choosing the right mattress, it may be easier to just go for the most popular option. Latex mattresses have been used ever since the 1950s, and they are strong contenders to memory foam and other variants.
Typically, a latex mattress can mold to body shapes much better than memory foam or gel. It can also revert back to its original shape quickly. Since latex is a natural material, this choice is eco-friendly and incredibly durable. It has no chemical smell, which could appeal to some users. Also, you can expect a latex mattress to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Moreover, the material offers comfort and support. It can disperse heat much more effectively when compared to memory foam.
However, this type also has some downsides. It may not be the best choice if you have a latex allergy. Some people also consider them to be too firm. Nevertheless, this firmness is effective for relieving lower back pain and ensuring proper alignment of your shoulders and hips. It’s also great for stomach sleepers. What’s more, it contributes to effective motion isolation, which makes it a perfect choice for couples.
Spring Mattress
Finally, innerspring mattresses are the most common and most traditional option that has been around since the 1800s. This bed type is built with a metal foundation and a core support system containing multiple coils/springs. Some of these mattresses have a springy feeling, while others are firmer. The coils are effective for support, but they are not a smart choice for pressure relief and motion isolation.
Still, they come at a lower price point, which could appeal to those looking for an affordable solution. However, they may not match your body perfectly. Also, they could sag over time, meaning that you’ll have to flip them over to increase durability. Additionally, they are not easy to clean and will accumulate dust quite quickly. It’s possible to choose a hybrid mattress that utilizes the coil support system but adds a layer of memory foam on top. This can reduce motion transfer and make the bed more comfortable.
Summary
So, which type is best for you? Now that we’ve shown you the most common types, you can think about your preferences and invest in a quality mattress that will last you for years to come. Sleep tight!
