3 Questions To Ask Yourself When Shopping For A Mattress

Posted on: 27 July 2022

If your sleep is unrefreshing and you feel achy, you may need to consider the age of your mattress. On average, mattresses last between seven to ten years. Some mattresses may be able to be flipped or rotated to extend their lifespan, but if your mattress is sagging or providing less support, you'll want to reach out to a mattress dealer. When shopping for a mattress, it's often best to go to a physical location to try out the mattress. You'll also want to ask yourself the following questions to narrow down your search.

What is Your Sleeping Position?

Do you sleep on your back, stomach, or side? Your sleeping position can determine which type of mattress is right for you. For example, back sleepers may benefit from medium-firm to very firm mattresses that provide a good amount of support for the spine.

A memory foam-type mattress is a good option for side sleepers since it conforms to the body and takes pressure off your knees and your shoulders.

Stomach sleepers usually need a medium level of firmness in their mattress. If a mattress is too soft for a stomach sleeper, it will dip and place more pressure on your spine and neck. But if your mattress is too hard, this can place more pressure on the chest.

Are You Sleeping Alone or With a Partner?

If you are sleeping alone, you obviously only have to keep your preferences in mind. If you share a bed with someone, it's important to bring them along while shopping since their sleeping position and preferences may differ. There are dual mattresses and air mattresses that allow each side of the bed to be adjusted to different firmness levels for each person. These dual-type mattresses are also beneficial if there are weight differences between two individuals. For instance, a lighter person may be fine with more cushioning while a heavier individual may require a firmer support layer and a higher coil count.

Will Your Mattress Impact a Health Issue?

Do you have asthma or any allergies? If so, you should look for mattresses that are made with hypoallergenic textiles. Latex mattresses can be beneficial too as they are resistant to mold and dust mites.

Do you have a health issue that causes back pain or muscle aches? Do you have a sleep disorder, such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea? A review of clinical trials found that custom-inflated and medium-firm mattresses were optimal for promoting comfort and sleep quality.

Do you experience hot flashes or temperature dysregulation? Look for mattress materials that wick away moisture. Look for cooling materials such as copper/graphite and gel-infused memory foam.

These are just a few questions to keep in mind as you shop for your mattress. Reach out to a mattress store for more details.

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