If you haven't had a good night's sleep in a while, sleep experts recommend looking at your mattress. A good mattress can make all the difference to your sleep quality, and not getting enough sleep can lead to health concerns, irritability, fatigue, and other issues.
So how can the right mattress help you sleep?
Avoid Sleep Disturbances From Sagging or Unsupportive Mattresses
A low quality or old mattress doesn't provide adequate support, and you can find yourself rolling into sunken areas, springs sticking into you, or just general discomfort, which can disturb your sleep. Cheap or old springs make irritating noises, which doesn't help, either.
Be Supported for Better Posture and Reduced Aches and Pains
You can tell your mattress isn't supporting you properly if you wake up with aches and pains; however, poor mattresses can lead to posture and body issues even if the symptoms aren't as noticeable. An effective mattress supports the neck, back, hips, and the rest of the body fully. Orthopedic mattresses maintain a good body alignment for better comfort and reduce stress on joints. This helps sleepers keep good posture for better health, as well as for better sleep.
On the other hand, when a poorer or older mattress has inferior coils or foam materials that don't support your weight, the spine is misaligned, for an uncomfortable, disturbed sleep and aches in the morning.
Over time, these pains become worse, leading to chronic back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. The pain and discomfort these bring lead to even more interrupted sleep and frequent tossing and turning - which can also impact how much rest you or your sleep partner gets.
Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
Old mattresses, or certain types of mattresses, can aggravate allergies and asthma. While cleaning and using an allergy mattress cover can help, dust mites build up over time. Certain types of foam mattress are more prone to allowing dust mites to flourish, but any mattress will accumulate them as they age. Dust mites are not only unpleasant to think about, but they cause health concerns like dry skin and acne, a runny nose or nasal congestion, sneezing, and more. They can cause significant inflammation.
Cheaper synthetic foam and latex mattresses contain materials and irritating chemicals that can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. A mattress protector may help, but choosing a better mattress with hypoallergenic materials is best.
These allergic responses and aggravation of asthma interfere with how much sleep you get, and how well you sleep.
Finding the Right Mattress
Given how much of a difference a mattress can make to your sleep quality, getting the right mattress is important. Your mattress should support your back in a healthy position while being comfortable enough for you to fall asleep. Newer mattress materials are carefully chosen to not heat up, staying cool to the touch, which is also more conducive to a better night's sleep. Your mattress should be large enough, as well as feel right to you personally, for you to sleep comfortably in your favourite sleeping positions. Don't forget to get a good pillow to make your sleep even better.
Personal Preference for a Perfect Match
In general, a medium-firm mattress is recommended, but it is important to try out mattresses in person to ensure they are comfortable for you. There is no single, perfect mattress for everyone, although you should select from reputable brands to get one that won't sag or have other issues.
It's important to note that personal preference and comfort has a big role in whether certain mattress types are right for you. Even if you get a new mattress that seems like it should be good, if your mattress selection is not right for you, you can find it hard to get to sleep. For example, if you prefer a soft mattress, but buy a stiff one, it is going to impact your sleep.
Replace Regularly
Remember to replace your mattress regularly. Depending on the type you have, most last about seven to ten years before they lose their supportive feel and create allergy risks.
Upsize to a King or Queen Mattress
Make sure to get a mattress big enough for you and your sleeping partner. Even single people may benefit from queen size mattresses to provide enough room to move in the night. Being unable to move freely while sleeping or being cramped against your sleeping partner can create sleep disruptions.
Memory Foam Mattress or Another Type?
Memory foam has become very well known and popular in recent years, and for good reason. Many people find medium firm memory foam mattresses comfortable and conducive to sleep, as well as reducing aches and pains. Modern foam materials help sleepers stay cooler, while maintaining a good sleeping position.
However, there are many good options that provide the support and comfort you need. It is worth trying a variety of types, including high density foam, a mattress with pocket coils, a pillow top or plush mattress, and others, when you are looking for your new bed. Side sleepers and back sleepers will find different mattresses more comfortable, plus you may have other considerations, such as allergies, that will affect which mattress is best for you.
Again, as long as you are getting a reputable brand-name mattress, your mattress is comfortable to you personally, and it meets your other individual needs, the specific type of mattress that is right for you will vary.
At Smitty's Fine Furniture, we have a range of mattresses, so you can find the perfect mattress to get a good night's sleep.
Smitty's Fine Furniture is a family-owned furniture store specializing in Canadian made furniture and customized solutions. Visit our locations in Kitchener and Hanover: