As the key contributor to a good night’s sleep, your mattress is an essential long-term investment. Choosing the best mattress that suits your needs will also prove to have positive repercussions on your health in the long run. Here are some of the most common mattress types to choose from — and a few things to keep in mind when picking your own.
- Spring mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most common, providing acceptable support and firmness while being relatively cost-efficient. Generally, the more coils the mattresses contain, the more support they are able to provide. However, their durability is often questionable, and springs may become “squeaky” when worn out. An upgraded alternative to the innerspring mattress is the pocket spring mattress. With each coiled spring in the mattress wrapped in an independent pocket, you can roll over in bed comfortably without your partner being disturbed by your movements — especially ideal for light sleepers.
Image courtesy of Haylee
- Latex mattresses
Made from rubber and available in a variety of firmness, latex mattresses can adapt well to your body contours regardless of your sleeping position. Soft and pillowy, this type of mattress lets you gently sink in while offering good back support. A good latex mattress will also absorb moisture and not trap heat, while remaining resistant to dust mites, mould, and mildew. It’s an especially optimal choice for homeowners with allergies. - Memory foam mattresses
Expensive but highly sought after by homeowners, memory foam mattresses are great for cushioning sore joints and aching muscles, as they mould to your body contours and don’t transfer motion. However, memory foam mattresses tend to retain heat, making them less favourable for Singapore’s weather.
Image courtesy of Haylee
- Hybrid mattresses
As their name suggests, hybrid mattresses are a combination of both spring and foam models. Hybrid mattresses are generally capable of providing good support and weight distribution, but without the hefty price tag of foam mattresses. - Air mattresses
These versatile mattresses allow you to adjust their firmness according to the preferences of you and your partner, making them super ideal for couples.
Image courtesy of King Living
Choosing the right mattress
- Don’t be shy to try
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what materials the mattress is made of, or how expensive and high-quality it may be, if it doesn’t feel comfortable to you when you lie on it at the end of the day. And the only way to gauge if it’s the best mattress for you is to try it. While it may seem embarrassing, you really do have to lie down and give the mattress a good try before sealing the deal. Lie down, give a good stretch, roll over and curl up in your favourite sleep positions to get a sense of the mattress’s overall firmness and comfort. - The size is right
Consider the length, width, and depth of the mattress. Not only should it fit your bed frame and room size, it must also be able to accommodate the height of you and your partner, as well as give both of you enough space to sleep comfortably. You can refer to these general universal dimensions when shopping for your mattress: Single 190cm x 91cm, Queen 190cm x 152cm, King 190cm x 182cm.
Image courtesy of European Bedding
- All firmed up
There are no fixed standards when it comes to measuring the firmness of mattresses, and they generally tend to vary according to the mattress brands. However, it is important to make sure that the mattress you buy is not overly firm or too soft.A too-firm mattress will make you feel like you’re sleeping on a flat surface, with your entire body being supported by only two pressure points — the head and hips. This can strain your neck and back tremendously, resulting in sores and pains when you wake up. Conversely, a mattress that is too soft may be comfortable but harmful in the long run. A way to tell if your mattress is too soft is if it sags when you lie on it. Your hips will tend to sink in deeper than the rest of your body, resulting in your spine having to strain to accommodate this comfort.The best mattress will be one that can provide support, but not at the expanse of health and comfort. When lying down, your entire body should be sufficiently supported, with your head and hips cradled in the mattress, and the rest of your body well propped up.
This was adapted from an article originally published in the 2020 issue of Key To Your Home. Featured image courtesy of King Living.
