It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Choosing a mattress. According to some statistics, on average we spend about 34 days a year and 27 years of our life in bed. Your quality of sleep can affect your mood, your wellbeing and your relationships, and a big part of how well you sleep is likely to be determined by your bed and your mattress.
But with so many different types of mattresses and the many different materials used in them, we’re here to explain how to choose a mattress that is a perfect fit with you, your particular requirements and lifestyle preferences.
Provisional factors to take into account
Factors that you will affect your choice of mattress include your body shape and weight, how much you move around at night, how hot (or not) you get at night and your budget. Have these factors in mind as you decide.
Mattress type
Mattress type is about the materials and method used to make the mattress, and the level of comfort and support it provides. Mattresses are made up of several layers of material. These layers can be all-natural, all synthetic, or a varied combination of both. The differing properties and the way they are layered, have a huge effect on the feel, comfort, breathability, durability, and overall quality of a mattress. The main types of mattresses are pocket sprung, open sprung, natural latex and memory foam, or a hybrid mixture of these. Each of these types has different advantages.
Pocket spring mattresses
With a pocket sprung mattress the springs are each housed in individual fabric pockets that allow them to function independently of each other. This individual support results in a reduction of pressure points and minimises transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to another. The breathable spring casing encourages airflow throughout the interior of the mattress. When choosing a pocket sprung mattress you may come across the spring count (which could vary from 600 to 18,000). Although a higher spring count will often give you more support, the quantity and quality of mattress fillings are also important.
Open spring mattresses
An open spring mattress (sometimes known as open coil) is made from a continuous piece of wire that’s coiled into multiple springs. This type of mattress tends to be less supportive so is best suited for occasional use, a child’s bed or a budget option.
Consider natural fillings
When you choose either a pocket spring or open spring mattress, you then need to think about the filling. Filling options often include polyester, memory foam or natural fillings. Natural fillings will nearly always outperform synthetic fibres and offer the ultimate in comfort and support.
A natural mattress will be packed full of natural fillings that are supportive, comfortable and help regulate body temperature (meaning you sleep cooler for longer and wake up refreshed). Natural fillings used include wool, cotton, alpaca, and silk and are the go-to option for quality pocket spring mattresses.
Latex mattresses
Natural latex is a highly durable and versatile product derived from the rubber tree. It is less heat retentive than memory foam. It’s also hypo-allergenic so is a good choice if you have sensitive skin or allergies. A latex mattress is also a good choice if you like a firmer bed.
Memory foam mattresses
There is a huge variety in quality and price when it comes to memory foam mattresses. The foam is chemically produced and depending on the density of the foam it is known for quickly moulding to the shape of the body. Memory foam has come a long way in the last few years and hybrid ranges use cooling gels, aeration layers and innovative foams to provide a cooler night’s sleep. Memory foam can also be used with pocket springs which are an ideal base layer for the mattress, but also encourages airflow to circulate throughout the mattress too.
Mattress feel
Once you have chosen your mattress type, you then need to think about the feel. This relates to your sleeping position and whether you prefer a soft mattress (best for side sleepers) through to medium, firm and very firm (recommended if you sleep on your back). This is a very personal choice and it’s important to go into a store and try out a few mattresses to get a feel for what suits you.
Mattress size
Choosing the size of your mattress is perhaps the easiest part of your mattress choice and will probably be determined by the size of your bed. But it’s still worth some thought particularly if you’re buying a bed at the same time.
For example, if it’s a single bed, do you need to allow for a child to grow, particularly in those early teenage years? If it’s a double bed you’re buying, there is a huge variety of sizes from small double to super king. Think about your lifestyle. Do you have children or grandchildren who like to snuggle in between you and your partner? Do you like room to spread out or are you happy being close together with your other half?
Jones and Tomlin pride themselves on helping you find that perfect fit. Their customer service is second to none and their showrooms have plenty of choice. If you’re looking for a mattress, why not visit a Jones and Tomlin store, and try the extensive range.
Contact them online at: https://www.jonesandtomlin.co.uk/ Or visit one of their showrooms in Worthing, Horsham, Bosham and Guildford.
