Once filled with grass and leaves, and covered by animal skins, the humble mattress has come a long way. Mattresses of today are sophisticated in design and produced for people of all shapes and sizes. But how do you choose the best one for you? Let’s find out:
How Often Should I Replace My Mattress?
The average mattress will last approximately seven to ten years. That said, there are factors that can impact on its exact lifespan. The brand or design of your mattress certainly plays a part, experts advise you seek out a high quality one if you’re keen to get a good night’s kip.
Your body shape and the way you sleep also plays a part – taller, heavier people inevitably place more pressure on a mattress, as do those who fidget a lot at night!
This may lead to your mattress needing to be replaced more quickly than normal.
The type of mattress you sleep on e.g. foam or latex, could also have a bearing on its durability. Foam mattresses are popular for their comfort and cosiness and usually last around eight to ten years. Latex mattresses are also a common choice, and are often considered to be highly durable – a synthetic latex could last you anything from ten to fifteen years, with a natural latex one lasting even longer.
These guidelines will give you an idea as to the average lifespan of your mattress, but you are best placed to decide when the time is right to invest in a new one.
Signs It Could be Time to Replace Your Mattress
Despite the reported durability of some mattresses, you should still check yours out on a regular basis: If your mattress has become overly soft or started to sag in places your body won’t be supported as it should be. This could lead to a poor night’s sleep and leave you feeling achy in the morning.
None of us like to think we could be sleeping on a dirty mattress, but over time, grime does build up. If you’re sneezing and waking up with sore eyes, you could be experiencing a reaction to the build-up of dust.
Check for lumps and bumps too. Depending on the quality of your mattress you might find that the filling moves around, this will cause the surface to become uneven and uncomfortable.
As a general rule, if you’re not sleeping well, finding it difficult to get comfortable and waking up in the morning feeling drained and achy it could be time to invest in a new mattress.
What Should I Consider When Buying a New Mattress?
There are so many different types of mattresses available it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a few things to consider, such as the size you need, how firm you would like your mattress to be, your usual sleep position and your budget. There are a number of different types available, let’s explore a few of the most popular:
Memory Foam
Offering support and comfort, memory foam mattresses mould to the shape of your body. Side sleepers will benefit from being “cradled” at the hip and shoulder. These types of mattresses also tend to be made up of a number of layers, which makes them less likely to sag.
Gel
Foam mattresses sometimes contain added gel, to provide additional support. They also prove to be effective in absorbing heat, so you won’t find yourself getting overly hot and bothered when you’re tucked up in bed.
Innerspring
Innerspring, or coil mattresses as they are sometimes known, have metal springs inside which conform to the contours of your body. When you lie on the mattress the springs constrict and when you climb out of bed in the morning the springs return to their original shape.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses offer a firm base on which to sleep – which suits side, back and tummy sleepers. Latex doesn’t tend to heat up too much, so you shouldn’t end up feeling too uncomfortably hot during the night.
Water Beds and Air Beds
Water beds can feel very relaxing to recline on. You adjust the settings to ensure the water supports your body shape, leaving you feeling extremely comfortable. Air beds are a useful stand by for when guests come to stay, but they are not really designed to be a long-term sleeping solution.
The Benefits of Investing in a New Mattress
Whether you enjoy late nights or you’re an early riser, you still need around seven to nine hours of sleep each night to safeguard your mental and physical health. When it comes to sleep, quality is as important as quantity. So, if you’re tossing and turning at night you may well wake up feeling tetchy, out of sorts and lethargic.
A decent night of rest provides many benefits. For a start, sleep allows your body to rest and rejuvenate. It helps to clear your mind so you can concentrate. Sleep can also help you to maintain a healthy heart health, robust immune system and a stable weight. Make sure you enjoy a night of top-quality shut-eye by creating a calm and restful environment in the bedroom, comfy pillows to rest your head on and a quality mattress to lie on.
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