A restful sleep on a suitable mattress is for many people only a dream – insomnia as well as sleep disorders are not uncommon. Many a person tosses and turns in bed sleepless half the night or wakes up in the morning feeling cranky. In addition to stress or even everyday worries, an unsuitable mattress can also be the trigger for poor sleep. Mattresses are ideal if they can adapt to the body as well as the body shape. But how do you find the right mattress and what should you consider when choosing one? You can find out here.
Wrong mattress: what are the consequences?
Sleep is important for us humans, even life-sustaining. Because during sleep, the body can recover from the stresses of everyday life and recharge its batteries. However, a poor lying position can lead to insomnia as well as physical pain, such as back pain. Also, problems with the intervertebral discs (herniated disc), muscle tension or painful pressure points from sleeping can possibly be avoided by choosing the right mattress. So choosing the right mattress is also crucial for your health.
Which mattress is suitable?
When buying mattresses, it is not only important to choose the right material for one’s individual sleeping needs, but also the quality as well as the size of the mattress can be crucial for the highest level of lying comfort. Anyone who wants to decide on a new mattress should, above all, allow time. Because a hasty decision is not recommended, especially with mattresses. After all, mattresses are used for about eight years, for this relatively long period of time, the mattress should be a perfect fit for the body to prevent problems with sleep or back. For the selection of a suitable model, it can also be helpful to read appropriate test reports, in addition to advice and test lying in a specialty store.
The right slatted frame
Note that the mattress must fit your slatted frame: Not every type of mattress can be combined with every slatted frame. In addition, the slatted frame – if possible – should be individually adjusted to your needs. So-called box spring beds consist of several types of mattresses stacked on top of each other and do not require a slatted frame. However, experts sometimes doubt the suitability of such beds. It is best to get detailed advice on this and, if possible, talk to people who have already had experience with this type of bed.
When should you buy a new mattress?
The mattress should be changed after eight to ten years at the latest. This makes sense both for hygienic reasons and from an orthopedic point of view. Incidentally, it is recommended to turn the mattress regularly (preferably every time you change the bedding), that is, to swap the top and bottom sides, in order to achieve an even use of the mattress. At the same time it is advisable to turn the mattress, i.e. to swap the head and foot ends. By turning it over, it is possible to avoid the formation of recumbency cavities, which means that the material becomes tired or worn out.
Mites in the mattress
A large proportion of all mites found in the home are found in the bedroom. Since mites are dependent on warm and humid climate, they mainly cavort in comforters, pillows as well as mattresses. There they feed on our skin remains and sweat. Allergy sufferers with an allergy to house dust should therefore pay attention to a mattress that is suitable for them. Ideal for allergy sufferers are mattresses with a good micro-climate. In addition, the mattress should have an easily removable and washable cover. Special mattress covers for allergy sufferers can help keep mites at bay. From a hygienic point of view, it is also advisable to turn the mattress over regularly. Turning the mattress over allows the mites to reach the less moist or warm, but better ventilated underside of the mattress. There they lack the basis for life and they can no longer reproduce so well or even die.
Pollutants in the mattress
It is important to also pay attention to the pollutants contained in the mattress. Because these can possibly lead to the triggering of further allergies. Even for non-allergy sufferers, these factors can be central when buying a mattress.
Body zone support and bending elasticity.
Important criteria when choosing the right mattress are also the body zone support as well as the bending elasticity:
- A body zone support included in the mattress can ensure that the body lies optimally during sleep, as well as relieved. Experts recommend mattresses that have three such differently hard lying zones.
- The bending elasticity allows the mattress to adapt to the different curves of the body, so that it is ergonomically bedded and no back pain is provoked.
Mattresses and their degree of hardness
Mattresses have different degrees of hardness. From H1 to H4, that is, from extremely soft to extremely hard, the degrees of hardness range. However, it should be noted here that a degree of hardness can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, since the divided degrees of hardness do not correspond to any fixed standard. The degree of hardness to be selected also depends on the weight and size of the individual person. Therefore, especially for couples with different weight or size, two individual mattresses are often more suitable than one joint one. In order to find the right material for the mattress, it is important to know your own requirements as well as your own physical problems (back pain, slipped disc, etc.).
Types of mattresses
Mattresses can be made of different materials. Which type of mattress is suitable depends, among other things, on the sleeping position. Thus, someone who sleeps on his side has different requirements for his mattress than a back or stomach sleeper. In any case, the spine should lie straight in the usual sleeping position – it should neither sag nor be curved. The mattress should ensure that the spine is supported either flatly or precisely. As an example, we present the following three types of mattresses:
- Spring mattress
- Latex mattress
- Cold foam mattress
In addition, there are other types of mattresses, for example, visco foam mattresses (with memory effect) or pocket spring mattresses.
Innerspring mattresses
Spring core is an absolute classic among mattresses. Innerspring mattresses consist of a large number of metal springs inside, which are connected to each other. The material is characterized by the following properties:
- Cheap
- Robust
- Dimensionally stable
- Ideal for people who sweat heavily
- Suitable for higher body weight
- Can easily give way
Such mattresses are particularly suitable for the prone or supine position and usually cause you to lie a little firmer without sinking in.
Mattresses made of latex
As a rule, latex mattresses are made of a mix of materials, consisting of natural rubber as well as synthetically produced rubber. These materials are beaten into foam and then vulcanized. Typical of latex mattresses are the following properties:
- Extremely point elastic
- Ergonomic
- Good regulation of humidity as well as heat
- Well suited for allergy sufferers
- Quite heavy in its own weight
- Usually rather expensive to purchase
Latex mattresses are popular with side sleepers who like to lie rather soft and want to be cuddled by the mattress. They can provide relief for tension or if the arms or legs often fall asleep at night.
Cold foam mattresses
Cold foam mattresses are made of cold foamed polyethane and are comparatively light. The higher the density of the foam in this mattress, the more robust it is. Recommended is at least 40 kilograms per cubic meter. The following characteristics are typical for the type of mattresses:
- Perfect for those who freeze quickly
- Durable
- Mostly more suitable for low to medium body weight
- Good point elasticity, therefore highly recommended for people with back pain
- However, contained plastics can possibly cause allergies
Cold foam mattresses are also suitable for a frequent change of sleeping position. The sleeper lies on such mattresses medium soft to medium firm.
Test the mattress in advance
Who has decided on a material, should also pay attention to the different quality levels when buying within the choice of material, in order to really acquire a suitable mattress. If you choose a new mattress, you should try it out for at least five minutes and also test different sleeping positions. Also make sure that you have the right to exchange the mattress if necessary.Ideally, test the mattress in combination with your pillow, because this can also change the feeling of lying.
