Buying Guide: How to Choose a Mattress

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Mattress

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A good day cannot start without a good night’s sleep first. And there is no such thing as a good night’s sleep without the proper mattress. If you wake up feeling tired and achy, chances are that the culprit lies on your bed. When was the last time you took a good look at your mattress? If it is the same one that has been accompanying you since your first share house, chances are that it is time to find a new one. That's because you should not keep a mattress for more than 8 to 10 years. Even if your mattress is a recent buy, but you still have issues waking up refreshed or are having back pains, it may not be the right type for you.

Unfortunately, when it comes to mattresses, there are no one-fits-all solutions. Instead, you need to find the one that fits you best. So, how do you pick the perfect mattress? This is precisely the goal of this guide, so keep reading to find out!

 

Picking the Right Mattress Size

Choosing the perfect mattress for your home starts with finding the right mattress size. Although a massive super king bed sounds nice in theory, not everybody needs – or has the room – for the biggest mattress size available. But fighting for space every night with your co-sleepers is not exactly conducive to a restoring night either. So, how to choose the right mattress size? As a rule of thumb, your height will determine the ideal length of your mattress. Most sleepers find that a bed that is 10-15 cm longer than the tallest user is more comfortable. So if you're on the taller side, do not hesitate to invest in longer mattresses.

  • Twin-size beds are best for those who sleep alone, with children, or if you are short on space.

  • Double (or full) sized mattresses are a good option for couples living in a small space or for growing teenagers.

  • Queen-size mattresses are the most popular mattress size for adults and couples. It meets most criteria allowing comfortable sleeping space for each person while remaining compact. 

  • King-size mattresses are ideal for couples – especially if one partner tends to move a lot at night or is a hot sleeper – or if you need extra room to accommodate nightly visitors, such as your children (the human or the furry kind.) If you have enough space in your bedroom to accommodate a large mattress, it is usually your best bet for a restful night.


    Picking the Right Type of Mattress

    Long gone are the days when mattresses were made of the same materials. Today, a quick look at the list of mattresses available, whether it is the type of material used or the construction, can be head-spinning. Although a wide variety of choices is a good thing,  since each type of sleeper can get a more customised experience and have a better chance at a good night’s rest, it can also be overwhelming. For example, how do you choose between a pocket spring and a memory foam mattress?

    Here are some of the most common types of mattresses.

    Memory Foam Mattresses

    Memory foam mattresses have gained popularity in the past few years thanks to their high comfort level and ability to relieve pressure points, which may help with back pain. They are particularly suited for side sleepers. Memory foam mattresses give the sleepers the sensation of being cradled as it adopts the shape of your body and can help with motion isolation if your sleep partners are particularly active. However, memory foam mattresses have relatively poor circulation, which can be an issue for those who tend to run hot, especially if you live in a warm climate.

    Coil Mattresses

    Coil mattresses, or innerspring mattresses, are made of springs. They provide extra bounciness and can be a godsend for those suffering from back pain since they provide extra support in key areas – such as your shoulders and hips – to keep your spine aligned. Since they provide extra air circulation, they can also be great for those who tend to run hot at night. Coil mattresses are particularly suited for back and stomach sleepers and those who prefer a firmer sleeping surface. However, they tend to age faster, and there may be more motion transfer if your partner tends to move a lot in their sleep.

    Pocket Spring Mattresses

    Pocket spring mattresses are made of springs individually sawn in fabric pockets, which can help prevent partner disturbance, even if the people sleeping in the same bed are of different weights. The springs also allow for good air circulation, perfect for hot sleepers, and provide good support. However, they can be very heavy with the added material.

    Hybrid Mattresses

    If you struggle to choose between pocket springs and memory foam mattresses, why not pick both? Hybrid mattresses, like most of our Deep Dream mattress collection, combine the advantages of both types of mattresses. Our engineered DreamWave™ 5-zoned pocket spring system provides varying levels of support for different body parts and ergonomic spinal alignment, while the supportive memory foam prevents sinking and sagging. They are ideal for back sleepers as well as side sleepers.

     

    Picking the Right Firmness Level

    Another essential element to consider when choosing your mattress is the firmness level. While some love the cozy embrace of a surface you can sink in, others prefer a more supportive sleeping surface. Your favourite sleeping position and body weight can determine your desired firmness level, as will your body weight: heavier bodies typically sleep better or firmer mattresses. Do not hesitate to check out our Ultimate Guide to Mattress Firmness to learn more about this feature!

    Plush Mattresses 

    Plush mattresses feel like a warm hug. The cloud-like sleeping surface moulds to your shape for a comforting, extra snuggly sensation. Do you feel like sinking into a plush mattress at the end of a long day and hiding away from your worries? Try our Deep Dream Plush Mattress! Not only will you get the cozy sensation you long for, but our cooling gel and breathable cover ensure that you stay nice and cool all night long. Plush mattresses are best suited for tummy and side sleepers.

    Firm Mattresses 

    If you prefer a mattress to provide some bounce and support, then a firm mattress, like our Deep Dream Super Firm Mattress, is where it is at. Firm mattresses can help keep your spine aligned, providing relief from back pain in the process. They are an excellent choice for back sleepers who need extra support in the hips and shoulder areas, which are the heaviest body parts.

    Medium Mattresses

    For most people, the perfect mattress is a happy medium between the support of a firm mattress and the coziness of a plush one. They work for back sleepers, side sleepers, and anyone who tends to change position often in their sleep. This is why most of our Deep Dream mattresses offer a medium firm support level.

     

    Taking Care of Your Mattress

    Your mattress has a finite useful life, which is why it is so important to change them regularly. Mattresses have a lifespan of ten years at most but may show their age earlier if you do not take care of them. We recommend flipping your mattress from end to end every three to six months to minimise the chance of deep body indentations and protect it from sweat and spills with a mattress protector.