Choosing the Perfect Mattress in 6 Easy Steps
A good night’s sleep starts with the right mattress. After all, we typically spend a third of our lives in bed, so settling for discomfort shouldn't really be an option! Choosing the perfect mattress is a process. It doesn't involve just grabbing the first one you come across. To be happy with your choice, you need to find the ideal match for your body type, sleeping habits, and bedroom.
At Bedpost, we've guided countless Kiwis toward their dream sleep setups. In this article, we share 6 easy steps to help you choose a mattress that ticks all the boxes.
Why It's Important to Get Your Mattress Right
Beyond giving you a soft place to land, a quality mattress offers your body support, aligns your spine and keeps your pressure points cushioned so you can rest optimally. Making the wrong choice when it comes to your mattress can result in less than great sleep, morning aches and pains, and even long-term health problems.
A mattress that’s too small for a couple, for example, might disrupt your sleep, while one that's too soft can leave your back unsupported. Similarly, a mattress that doesn't have adequate edge support can result in a surface that sags over time.
By selecting a mattress that's tailored to the way you sleep, your weight, and the size of your room, you can ensure the peaceful sleep your body needs while getting the most out of your investment.
How to Choose the Perfect Mattress
The good news is that giving your old mattress the flick and finding a perfect new mattress doesn’t need to be complicated! Below, you can find some simple steps to follow that can help you make an informed decision:
Step 1: Understand Your Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position and body shape hold a lot of clues to the type of mattress you need:
Back sleepers: A medium to firm mattress can help keep your spine aligned. Options like orthopaedic mattresses can be a great choice if you sleep on your back.
Side sleepers: If you sleep on your side, a softer mattress can cushion your shoulders and hips, reducing pressure points. For curvier body shapes, this is especially important to avoid discomfort in pressure-sensitive areas. A too firm mattress may cause stiffness or soreness upon waking.
Stomach sleepers: Firmer mattresses can be best if you like sleeping on your tummy, as they can prevent your hips (the heaviest part of our bodies) from sinking into the mattress. This can help you maintain proper alignment throughout the night.
Step 2: Know Your Mattress Types
There are a range of different mattress types which suit different needs. Here’s what you should know:
All foam mattresses: A foam mattress can be great for relieving pressure and isolating motion.
Innerspring mattresses: Offers a traditional feel with support and a little bit of bounce. Innerspring mattresses tend to be durable, and a popular, budget-friendly choice.
Hybrid Mattresses: These mattresses offer the best of both worlds, combining memory foam and springs. They're supportive, comfortable, durable, and cater to many sleeping styles.
Pocket sprung mattresses: Great for individualised support as the springs adapt independently to your body. They also reduce motion transfer, which can be helpful if you sleep next to a fidgety partner!
Latex mattresses: Made from natural or synthetic latex, these mattresses can be highly durable, hypoallergenic, and offer excellent support and responsiveness. A latex mattress can be a great option for eco-conscious sleepers or those with allergies.
Step 3: Consider Firmness Levels
When it comes to the mattress firmness of the mattress you choose, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It's totally subjective and depends on your personal preference, your sleeping position, and body type (as we discussed in step 1). Typically, the following firmness levels are available:
Extra plush mattress
Plush mattress
Medium mattress
Medium firm mattress
Firm mattress
Extra firm mattress
If you end up with a mattress that feels too firm or too soft, don't stress too much! A decent mattress topper can help tweak the firmness to a level that better suits your needs.
Step 4: Factor in Size and Bedroom Space
Obviously, you need to ensure that the mattress you choose fits your needs and your space!
Single or double mattress: Great for children or smaller bedrooms.
Queen mattress: The most popular mattress size for couples or solo sleepers who like space to stretch out.
King-size Mattress: Typically the go-to choice for couples who enjoy their personal space or families who have little ones or fur children that like to hop in.
When considering mattress dimensions, a simple rule to go by is to ensure that there's at least 60 cm of space to walk around the bed.
Step 5: Test Out Mattresses in Store
If you can, test a mattress before you buy it. By lying on it, you can get a firsthand feel for its comfort and support levels. Here's how to do it like a pro:
Lie on it for a minimum of 10 minutes in your standard sleeping position.
If you have a partner, bring them with you to make sure the size and mattress firmness is a match for both of you.
Aside from different sizes and firmness levels, be sure to try different types of mattresses, for instance, memory foam mattresses and hybrids, to see what feels best.
Step 6: Stick to Your Budget
A quality mattress is an investment. However, it's not necessary for you to blow your budget. Balancing quality and cost is doable. Here's how:
Look for sales or promotions from trusted mattress retailers.
Use a mattress protector to extend the life of your mattress.
Focus on durability and comfort, not just price. Though pricier mattresses tend to use superior materials, great mattresses exist at all price levels.
Shop Long-Lasting Mattresses in All Sizes
As you can see, choosing the right mattress doesn’t have to be too much of an ordeal. When you consider how you sleep, the firmness level you like best, and the size of your room, you can quickly narrow down your options. A key thing to remember is that a quality mattress is an investment in your health and comfort. Don't rush! Take your time and choose wisely.
At Bedpost, we work with some of the best mattress manufacturers to bring you a great selection of mattress sizes, types, and styles, which are available online or in-store. Our friendly and experienced team is here to help you find the perfect fit.
