YOUR BEST NIGHT’S SLEEP

How To Choose A Mattress

By Alana Lauren

The average person spends one-third of their entire life spent asleep in bed! That’s about 26 years sleeping which equates to 9,490 days or 227,760 hours. Having a good night’s sleep is vital for overall health, tossing and turning on an uncomfortable mattress may result in poor sleep quality, even if you’re not consciously aware of it.

Waking up with aches and pains may be due to the layers in your mattress breaking down, causing pressure points when you sink onto the firmer support core. It may be time to replace your mattress.

Most mattresses should last between seven and 10 years. However, there are many variables that can influence mattress lifespan. The original build quality of the mattress, the materials used, and even the weight and sleeping styles of the sleepers can all influence a bed’s longevity.

There are any number of combinations of materials to be found in the various mattresses on the market, but in general the main types are memory foam, hybrid, latex and innerspring. Each type of mattress has its own likely lifespan; here’s a summary of how long you can expect each type to last, on average:

• Latex: 15 to 25 years

• Memory foam: 8 to 10 years

• Hybrid: 7 to 10 years

• Innerspring: 5 to 7 years

Choosing The Best Mattress For You

Experts generally agree people have been able to improve their sleep with different sleep surfaces. Beyond that, what’s comfortable for each person is subjective.

Side sleepers must be very careful to avoid mattresses that are too firm or too soft. Too much or too little sinkage in mattresses may not alleviate pressure points that build up around the neck, shoulders, and hips.

A mattress with multiple firmness options is a fine solution to such a dilemma. Retailers who provide multiple options often recommend a particular firmness based on the sleep position.

Typically, a medium-firm mattress is best for those who suffer from back pain or for those who simply prefer sleeping on their backs. Most importantly you need proper support. We’ll now expand on this topic.

The best mattresses for back sleepers are usually memory foam and latex mattresses. Both feature slow-response foams designed to slowly contour to the shape of your body. The end result?

A mattress that supports the natural curvature of your spine. Back sleepers are often worried about sinkage. But remember, a little sinkage is just fine so long as you get a mattress with highdensity foams designed to contour perfectly your body.

Most experts agree that sleeping on your stomach should be avoided when possible, as the natural curvature of the spine is not supported. This can add stress and discomfort to your muscles and joints. That being said, many still prefer this sleep position.

When shopping around for the best mattress for stomach sleepers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Typically, a firmer mattress is best since there will be less lumbar sinkage into the mattress. Most importantly you need proper support to help maintain the angle of your spine.

Visit The Experts

Be sure to seek the advice of an expert. Visit your local retailer and choose one that carries quality mattresses and reliable name-brands. Expect to spend some time trying out the various floor models. Be prepared to try different sleeping positions and get comfortable.

If you’ll be sharing your bed with a partner it’s recommended that both of you shop together.

Purchase the best quality mattress available that is in your budget. Remember, sometimes a bargain isn’t the best choice.