How And When To Replace Your Mattress
- A longer warranty may not promise a certain lifespan. if you read the fine print. If the mattress is stained because you didn’t use a mattress protector, or if you don’t use a matching foundation beneath the mattress, it could invalidate the warranty.
- Mattresses last five to 10 years as a general rule. However, you should decide when it’s time to replace your mattress based off of other warning signs. Are you waking up sore? Is your mattress feeling lumpy? Do you sleep better on other mattresses, like at a hotel? These are all signs that its time to go shopping. Don’t forget to extend the life of your new pad by using a mattress protector, which can keep out keep out dust, allergens, spills, and other hazards.
How Firm Should My Mattress Be
Replacing your mattress can be exhausting. Navigating the stores and websites, debating between foam and springs, and determining the best mattress size and how much to spend can leave you feeling like you need a good nap.
One constant we can share is that firmness and support are not the same thing in a mattress! When we talk about support with our customers, we are referring to the feeling you have in a bed when your entire body feels comfortable, aligned and in harmony. You can have a soft bed and still be completely supported, allowing your body to relax and drift off to sleep.
Firmness is highly subjective based on personal preference and dictates how hard or soft a mattress feels. Whats firm for you may not be firm for others, and whats soft for others may not be soft for you.
How To Choose A Mattress For A Child
Good sleep is vital for children. Kids need more hours of sleep than adults, and sleeping well is important during all stages of childhood development. Outfitting their bed with a quality mattress is a central part of making sure that children get the sleep that they need.
Knowing how to choose a mattress for a child has quite a bit of overlap with choosing a mattress for an adult, but there are meaningful differences to take into account.
One key difference is that safety is a greater concern when shopping for beds for children, especially infants who sleep in cribs. Assuring that the mattress meets safety guidelines is of the utmost importance.
Another difference is the size of the bed. Unlike adults, children can outgrow a bed, so it is necessary to think about the most appropriate size mattress based on a childs age and their expected growth.
Depending on how old a child is, they may be able to use a smaller size of a bed designed for adults. In other cases, parents may prefer a mattress built specifically for children. Choosing from the pool of beds available to adults means a wider selection of mattress types, models, and brands.
The cost of a mattress for kids can be another point of divergence. Many beds for kids are smaller and thinner, and the reduced amount of materials can make them less expensive. However, there are some beds for children that are designed with lots of extra features and can carry a price tag similar to that of an adult mattress.
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Animated Mattress Size Comparison Chart:
Twin and Twin XL
Although you can certainly get smaller sizes , a 38×75 is generally known as a twin. Its among the smallest sizes of mattress. A twin is usually used for toddlers or children. Because of its small size and minimal space requirements, a lot of homes use twins in smaller rooms.
If you are looking for something that is narrow but doesnt compromise on length, then the Twin XL is a good bet. It matches the king size mattress in length, but has the same width as the twin. This makes the Twin XL a great choice for single people and places like dorms. You often see this size in summer camp mattresses found in cabins where space is often at a premium. You can even buy twin XXL mattresses which are perfect for tall people. These would fall under the category of extra long mattresses.
Queen
This is one of the most popular sizes of mattress. Couples often opt for the flexibility of this mattresss size. It can accommodate 2 adults. One added benefit of choosing a queen size is that because it is popular, sheets and toppers are often much less expensive and easier to find than they are for bigger mattresses.
For most couples, this is the ideal size for a mattress. It fits into most bedrooms, and depending on what materials are used when its made, its generally an easy size for moving around.
King and California King
Compare Prices And Dont Settle On The First Good Deal You Find
The mattress industry is one of the most competitive industries and you will find that you can get a quality mattress for as little as $250 or as high as $1000+. So, doing your homework on mattress prices may help you with your budget.
Other than the price of the mattress itself, you also have to consider other things like:
- Shipping, delivery and set up costs
- Materials used in the mattress
- Other accessories like a box spring or mattress foundation
- Pillows and bedding will also add to the cost
- Warranty fees
The best way to get good prices for quality mattresses will be to do the following:
- Shop online
- Take your time to compare prices and research the best brands
- Talk to the experts and connect with their customer service or sales team. They may be able to help point you into the right price points.
- Take advantage of promos and sales.
- Follow mattress brands on social media.
If price isnt an issue, then make sure you are really getting what you pay for. Check the label and add a bit of research into its materials and certifications to ensure you are really getting your moneys worth.
Also Check: Casper Mattress Foundation
Here Are Some Guidelines For You:
- Don’t always go with the cheapest option you find This is a rule of thumb for most products you buy online. Spending less than $500 for a queen mattress simply because it means lower durability, more toxins and lower sleep quality in general.
- Higher Price does not mean Higher Quality I bet you know this one, but its worth mentioning.
- Go with $1000 range for Queen size This is usually where you will find the best bang for your buck.
- King / Cal King will cost slightly more I would increase the budget for King and California King to $1400-1500 as you will have many more choices in that range.
- Now that you have your new budget set, Im guessing you are asking yourself what type of mattress is best for me? Lets dig in.
Need more details? Check out our guide to top online mattresses.
How To Choose Mattress Toppers For Support And Pain Relief
Memory foam and latex are the most effective materials for providing support, firmness, and pain relief. They provide comfort and reduce pain by acting as a cushion for different pressure points in your body.
Side sleepers should consider buying thicker options, of at least 3 inches, to provide more support for your back and limbs. Weve written a detailed article on selecting a mattress topper for back support and back pain relief and choosing a mattress topper for a side sleeper.
Natural latex is a good option for pregnant women as it prevents heating and remains cool when body temperature increases. A big advantage that latex has over memory foam is that it does not adjust to your bodys weight and bounces back up when it is not in use.
Memory foam mattress toppers are the best choice for elderly people who often do not get the desired level of comfort while sleeping. Memory foam removes all pressure points and distributes body weight evenly, eliminating pressure on various areas of the body.
These articles on mattress toppers for reducing shoulder pain and choosing a mattress topper to help hip pain may also be valuable for you. Did you know that choosing the right mattress topper can also help reduce neck pain? You may find this article valuable as well.
Alternatively, for additional information on how to choose the most suitable mattress and topper for your needs, check Sleep Foundation.
A 7cm thick mattress topper. Image source: Fabrea Home.
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How To Choose The Right Firmness
Even the nicest mattresses wont be comfortable if its the wrong firmness for your needs. A mattresss firmness affects pressure points and your spinal alignment.
Mattress firmness runs on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Finding the right mattress firmness comes down to your primary sleeping position and how much you weigh as they impact the level of cushioning youll need.
What Are The Benefits Of A Thinner Mattress
Just like thicker mattresses, there are several reasons why a thinner mattress could be more suited to your specific sleep needs.
Reviews from many people with limited mobility say they find that a thinner mattress is easier to get into and out of regularly. If you are short in stature, a thin mattress may also be beneficial.
Additionally, easily being able to sit on a bed instead of having to exert effort makes a world of difference for sleepers with injuries or other conditions which make movement more difficult.
The weight of a thinner mattress is also lesser and it is easier to move. If you plan to move a beds position frequently or dont have someone to help you, a thinner one may be a good choice. For example, you may have a Murphy bed, which is a regular bed that can fold up to the wall. Lori Wall beds are well-known for this, and they recommend mattresses with a maximum thickness of 12 to ensure the bed can properly close. Also, remember that the lighter the mattress is, the easier it would be to pull up.
As mentioned above, thinner mattresses often cost less. When planning to buy, if you are on a strict budget or simply cant afford a big purchase right now, a thinner mattress could also be the right choice for you.
Also Check: Drury Inn Mattress
Do You Really Need A New Mattress
Many people change their beds after just a few years, and thats perfectly fine if you can afford it. The fact is, its not a small investment, so take a moment to determine do you really need a new.
Generally, after seven or eight years you will most likely need a new mattress. Of course, it depends on the quality and material . And if you feel back or neck pain it might, your bedding is a good place to start.
More Reading:
Here is the average mattress lifespan in years based on material and type:
How To Choose The Right Mattress For Your Body And Sleep Style
If you’re wondering how to choose a mattress that suits you, there are several key things to keep in mind. We cover the basics in our best mattress guide, so here well go into more detail for different sleeping styles and health needs.
Whether you need extra support for your back, something to cushion your pressure points, or something to help you sleep comfortably when hot, here we give you the insight you need.
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Compare Pros And Cons Of Mattress Types
One of the first places people tend to get stuck in the buying process is determining which mattress type is best for them. There is no single type of mattress that will satisfy 100 percent of people. However, comparing the pros and cons of different materials before you start shopping can give you a little insight.
For example, innerspring mattresses are more widespread and familiar, basic models can be fairly cheap and initial comfort is often good. However, these types of beds tend to be more prone to sagging and pain, while also having a lower average owner satisfaction according to review sites like Sleep Like The Dead. Many innerspring mattress manufacturers offer pillow top mattresses to increase comfort, but some sleepers find they still dont experience enough pressure relief.
Memory foam mattresses, the second most popular type, rate highest in average owner satisfaction and is associated with good pain and pressurerelief, longevity and motion isolation. Not all brands are equal though, as some are prone to heat and odors than others, and quality can vary widely.
Latex mattresses have a similar feel to memory foam beds, offering a full-body contour with a hint of bounce. Many shoppers seeking an organic or hypoallergenic mattress gravitate toward a natural latex mattress.
Dont Forget About Bedding
If theres anything Ive learned on my sleep journey its that the mattress isnt the only thing you need to worry about. Pillow selection makes up for a lot of mattress inadequacies and a premium comforter with duvet makes you feel like royalty. If theres ever a place to pamper yourself its in bed. With the amount of time we, as humans, spend there its imperative to get it right. Its something youll never regret.
Also Check: Do You Need A Box Spring With A Casper Mattress
How To Test For Comfort In A Mattress:
The second most important criteria for selecting the right mattress are comfort . If a mattress is too hard, it can cause pressure to your body. This cuts off circulation and pinches nerves , and will cause you to change positions frequently.
If youre frequently changing positions, your sleep is fragmented and you dont get into the deeper stages of sleep . This means youll wake up tired, even if you thought you got 8 hours of sleep. When youre trying out the mattress, you should be able to lie in one position without moving around for at least a few minutes. If you can do that, youve found a good mattress.
Those are the two main criteria. If you find a mattress that keeps you in proper alignment which doesnt cause pressure to your body, youve found a great mattress for you. To help fine-tune it from there, there are a few other things to consider.
No : Know Your Needs & Preferences
Out of all the steps here, this would probably be the easiest one to determine. Still, its an important factor to help you pick the right mattress. So, what are the preferences you need to consider? Weve compiled a quick checklist below:
Do You Need a New Mattress?
Possibly one of the most important factors when assessing your needs and preferences is to actually make sure youll know when to replace or to change your mattress.
To give you the best information, here are some FAQs that may help you determine if you need a new mattress:
The benchmark longevity of most mattress types will be anywhere from 5 to 10 years for average mattresses made with mid-range materials and construction. Premium latex, hybrid and innerspring mattresses are known to last 15 – 20+ years.
However, there is really no one-size-fits-all for mattress age. You can find expensive mattresses bought 5-odd years ago beginning to show signs of deterioration while some have lasted 20+ years without visible signs of wear and tear.
- Eco Institut Tested Product
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Solutions For Sleeping Hot
If you sleep hot at night, be sure to choose a mattress thats designed with cooling technology.
Temperature plays a big role in your nights sleep and if you naturally sleep hot, your choice of mattress can help with that. If you tend to wake up drenched in a sweaty stream, a cooling mattress can make all the difference.
How To Pick The Right Mattress
Choosing the right mattress can be challenging. Fortunately lying down in the store isnt necessarily the only way to shop anymore. As we know, new mattress-in-a-box companies have won over thousands of customers with very convenient shipping and free trial periods.
There are a couple important questions to consider when buying a new mattress to make sure you get the right one according to your needs.
Luckily, there is a way to find out exactly how to pick a new mattress and the most important features to consider before buying it. Here are some elements we gathered to help you out!
Value for money
Most brands are established online nowadays which gives you the opportunity to compare the different prices efficiently.
We do not recommend going with the cheapest option you find, but to aim for a range that will fit your budget and standards.
On average, for a standard quality Queen Size mattress, prices will vary from $700 to $1200. Spending less than $400 might be disappointed in the end.
Look for companies that waive shipping fees and middlemen/retail markups, to avoid unnecessary extra charges.
Stay aware of the different sales going on throughout the year. There are always the most popular ones around the end of the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day, but some companies will have sales all year long, which will result in additional savings.
Choose Your Ideal Type and Material
Innerspring
Determine Your Ideal Sleeping Position and Firmness
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Memory Foam Mattresses
People have fallen in love with memory foam mattresses primarily because theyre affordable and conformable. The material yields to a sleepers body within seconds, supporting all the bodys curves and providing excellent amounts of comfort. Most shoppers can afford a memory foam mattress, with the average queen size memory foam mattress costing around $1000.
What keeps many people from sleeping on a memory foam mattress is heat retention. Traditional memory foam was a dense material, absorbing heat faster than it releases it. However, many mattress manufacturers have added heat-wicking materials like graphite and copper to increase heat dispersion. At Amerisleep, we made a more breathable material by substituting select ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
