Looking for the perfect mattress can be a tricky matter. It’s not as simple as buying the first mattress you come across, and it’s definitely wrong to think that all mattresses are the same.
The fact is that there are so many different options for you to choose from, but finding the perfect one that will suit your unique needs is critical indeed. Remember that you will be spending approximately 1/3 of every single day sleeping in that mattress, so you better make sure it’s the best one for you.
When choosing your mattress, there are some questions you can ask yourself to guide you with your decision. Ask yourself these questions first before even looking at your options, so that you will end up with the right one.
1. How much sleeping space do I need?
Determining the space that you need is not as straightforward as some may think. It doesn’t follow that if you’re alone in the room, you automatically get a single mattress. First, consider your bedroom and how much space you actually have for the mattress. You can’t force having a king-sized bed if that will eat up 90% of your bedroom, leaving you no space for anything else.
You should also look at your sleeping habits. Do you like to toss around when you sleep? If so, you’ll probably need more room. If you want a mattress that visiting family and friends can also sleep in, then you’ll need the extra space. This goes the same if you have a sleeping partner, because you’ll need adequate personal space for both of you.
Buying with the future in mind is also important. If for instance you’re buying a mattress for your child, you need to consider that he or she will eventually get bigger and you’d want a mattress that still fits even if that happens.
2. What is my sleeping position?
How rested you feel when you wake up is greatly affected by your sleeping position and whether or not your mattress was the right one to support that position. If you’re a back sleeper, your spine is under considerable strain so you’ll need added support. Medium firm mattresses are recommended.
Side sleepers, on the other hand, tend to encounter aches and pains especially in the hips and shoulders, where the pressure or strain is concentrated. What you need is a mattress that can support these body parts as you sleep, and the good news is that there are actually mattresses specifically designed for side sleepers.
If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll need a mattress that’s not too soft but not too firm. Your spine has to be guided to its natural curve so that you won’t wake up feeling all painful.
3. Do I have other special needs?
Mattresses are made with all sorts of special features precisely because not all sleepers are the same. There are those with very unique needs that have to be addressed, and perhaps you are one of them. At this point, you must consider your sleeping partner and his or her respective needs as well.
If for instance you are very sensitive to allergens, you’ll need a mattress that’s hypoallergenic and you’ll need to know the materials this mattress is made of. If you have children in the house and your mattress is prone to spills, you’ll need one that comes with a mattress cover. Are you or your partner extra tall? If so, you’ll probably need a mattress that’s longer and bigger than the typical sizes.
4. How much am I willing to pay for?
When it comes to mattresses, you can go as basic and as luxurious as you want. There are so many options available in the market, but it naturally follows that the more features your mattress has, the more you’ll have to spend for it.
While mattresses are definitely an investment, there’s no need to worry. There are many options that offer great value for money, so you don’t have to empty your bank account just to get the perfect mattress to suit your needs.
That said, it would still be helpful to understand your budget threshold so that the searching itself becomes easier. If you know how much you’re willing to spend on your mattress, you can easily narrow down your options based on this variable.
5. Where do I live?
This may seem like a puzzling question, but what it means is you need to consider whether you’re in a tropical, warm, or cold climate. If it’s extra hot where you live for instance, you need a breathable mattress that really encourages air flow. During winter, there are ways to keep your mattress warm with extra insulation and layers for your body.