When Should I Replace My Mattress
Mattresses typically last 7-10 years, but how often you should replace your mattress depends on the type of mattress you have.
- Latex Mattresses: Latex mattresses hold their shape and stay comfortable the longest, lasting up to 15 years.
- Memory Foam Mattresses: Memory foam mattresses also have good longevity, lasting up to 10 years.
- Innerspring Mattresses: Innersprings have a coil system with a life span of up to seven years.
- Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrids that combine innerspring coils with foam have a generous life span of up to 10 years.
Keep in mind that rotating your mattress regularly has a significant impact on how long it lasts. Forgetting to rotate your mattress will cause uneven wear that can create lumps and sagging or hammocking.
Suitable For Heavy Sleepers
Those over 230 pounds will experience more sinking than a lightweight sleeper. If the mattress is too soft, a heavier person will sink too far and hit the harder support base on the bottom of the bed. Resting on the hard core of the bed could cause pain near the pressure points.
Additionally, sinking can cause the sleeper to feel stuck in the bed, making it difficult to change positions during the night. This restricted movement could also lead to poor circulation and trouble breathing. With a firm mattress, the lungs can expand and blood can flow freely.
What Makes A Suitable Mattress
Aside from personal preference, a main factor when choosing a suitable mattress is your spine health. The spine naturally has three slight curves, and they need to be supported even when youre horizontal.
A good mattress will hold your body in a neutral position. This means your spine will be held in its natural slight curve, and your head, shoulders, buttocks and heels are aligned. On a perfect mattress, you should feel no pressure at all, almost as if youre floating. Over time, the right mattress can relax muscles, encourage better sleep, and even improve posture. The wrong mattress could leave you waking up with back pain, particularly around the base of your spine, and can interfere with healthy sleep more generally.
Read Also: What Mattress Does Drury Inn Use
What Is A Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. It provides a very flat, even surface and great spinal support for stomach and back sleepers. Firm mattresses prevent your lower back from collapsing, potentially making it easier to breathe at night.
Firm mattresses provide extra support for plus-sized sleepers as they tend to sink into softer mattresses. On the other hand, a firm mattress is likely too firm for petite sleepers since they dont put as much force onto the bed. This results in pressure points and pain for petite sleepers.
However, firm mattresses dont conform enough for side sleepers to be comfortable. Side sleepers will notice pressure build-up and achiness in their hips and shoulders if their mattress is too firm.
Do I Need A Firm Or Soft Mattress
When you begin shopping for a new mattress, one of the first choices you will be faced with is how firm of a bed you want. Do you want a plush, soft feel that will closely conform to your body? Do you want a firmer feel that will support you, without allowing for too much sinkage? Or, like many sleepers, do you want something somewhere in-between?
Recommended Reading: Purple Mattress Financing
What Is Mattress Firmness
Obviously, the first thing youd like to account for is the essence of the characteristic. Believe it or not, there is a lot of misconception out there amongst potential mattress buyers. They tend to believe that mattress firmness ratings and support are the same things.
While the former directly correlates with the latter and they are mutually dependent, theres a difference. The firmness of the bed is its hardness, put in a very simple way. Is it soft or is it hard? Thats the type of question that you need to ask yourself. It’s subjective and different sleepers will have a different feel.
However, this has become a critical characteristic, and its an important metric which is accounted for by every buyer. After all, it determines the overall level of comfort as well as the support that the entire thing is going to offer. Have in mind that mattress size shouldn’t impact your overall firmness feel.
Plush Vs Firm Mattress: What Is Better For You
The firm vs. soft mattress debate has been going on practically since the beginning of time, or at least since the invention of high-quality mattresses, and will likely remain unresolved due to the subjective nature of sleep. So if youre asking yourself, Do I need a firm or soft mattress? the answer is neither.
Its not entirely about what you need, but what you want.
There is no universal need for a plush or firm sleep surface. There are, however, special considerations to be made according to what a sleeper wants based on their body type, sleep position, and individual characteristics. Below youll find some general recommendations based on the science of sleep and mattress construction.1
Consider choosing a firm mattress if:
- Youre a back or stomach sleeperor like to switch it up just about every night.
- You suffer regularly from lower back pain.
- You need some added mattress thickness to avoid sinking too deeply
- You run hot at night and are prone to night sweats.
Consider choosing a plush mattress if:
- Youre a side sleeper who will benefit from the cushion and support of a softer surface.
- Youre a petite sleeper who wont sink too deeply into a softer mattress.
- You suffer from chronic joint pain and need help alleviating pressure and soreness.
Regardless of what seems to suit your preferences on paper, look for a company that offers a trial period so that you can test out a new mattress properly before committing to it long-term.
Read Also: Dreamcloud Unboxing
Company Reputation And Transparency
At Healthline, we look at the following criteria to determine a companys reputation and commitment to transparency:
- Does the company make unproven claims about health benefits the mattress offers?
- Have they been involved in any lawsuits in the past 3 years?
- Have they recalled any products in the past 3 years?
- Do they have a C rating or better from the Better Business Bureau?
- Does the mattress meet United States federal flammability standards?
Along with the companys business reputation, we also consider whether they provide clear, easy-to-find information about the materials they use in their mattresses and where theyre made. Youll typically find this information in the FAQ section of the companys website, if not directly on the product page.
If you like the mattress and the price, you may want to go for it regardless of what you find about the mattress companys reputation. But at the very least, its always best to check whether the mattress meets flammability requirements.
Which Firmness Is Right For You
Plush and firm mattresses are merely the two ends of the firmness spectrum and most people opt for a mattress somewhere between these two extremes. However, the most noticeable differences between plush and firm is the amount of contouring from their comfort layers. Plush mattresses conform to your body, while firm mattresses are more sturdy and have less give.
If youre ever uncertain what mattress firmness to choose, most mattresses nowadays come with extended sleep trials, meaning you can test for your mattress at home for between 30 to 365 nights depending on the company. Its always best to test your mattress out for at least 30 nights to get accustomed to your new sleep surface before deciding whether or not to return it.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
Michelle Zhang, Wellness Writer
Michelle Zhang is a regular contributor to our Zoma blog and is our go-to sleep researcher. In her time with Zoma, Michelle has researched and published many articles on widespread sleeping habits and troubles. In her time outside of Zoma, Michelle is an occupational therapist and long-distance runner. She believes leading a healthy lifestyle is the key to getting better sleep at night. Michelle’s work has been featured on Men’s Journal, The Frisky, and The Mighty.
You May Like: Can You Finance A Purple Mattress
When To Replace Your Mattress
If none of the above tips provide relief, you may want to consider replacing your mattress to find something more comfortable. Its also a good idea to replace your mattress if its getting near the end of its lifespan . Another reason to say goodbye to your mattress is if its showing signs of wear like tearing, broken springs, or sinkage. Any structural damage to your mattress means that your body isnt being properly supported.
One easy way to solve the soft versus firm dilemma once and for all is by investing in a mattress that gives you both. The Layla Hybrid Mattress, for example, marries memory foam technology with individually-wrapped spring coils and offers sleepers a soft and firm side. In turn, you can choose if you prefer a little extra cushion or a little extra support.
You can also opt for the Layla Memory Foam Mattress, which also boasts flippable firmness, so you can always sleep with the amount of support and cushion you want and need. All of Laylas mattress models are crafted from copper-infused memory foam and designed to cradle your body no matter your preferred sleeping position.
If youre tired of choosing mattresses that are too firm or too soft, Layla offers the all-in-one solution so you can get your perfect firmness level every night.
Benefits & Drawbacks Of Soft Mattresses
Pressure relief is really where soft mattresses shine. They allow side sleepers to sink in a bit more and reduce pressure felt on the shoulders and hips. Also, people generally describe soft mattresses as more comfortable.
While they are very soft and pressure-relieving, soft mattresses are usually lacking in regard to support. They are not usually able to handle heavier weights and they dont always provide enough support for back sleeping and stomach sleeping.
Also, when people sink into a soft mattress, they might have more trouble moving around and switching positions at night. Sinking in, they might also complain of sleeping hot because a good portion of their body is not exposed to the bedroom air.
You May Like: Can You Finance A Purple Mattress
Larger Or Heavier People:
Sleepers who are tall and heavier usually need a mattress that provides better support than a soft mattress. Firmer mattresses offer more support and dont sink, which makes them ideal for handling higher body weights. If youre looking for the best mattress for heavy people, check out the best mattresses for heavy people here!
Reasons To Choose Sleepwell Dignity Mattress
Sleepwell does not give one but three reasons to buy their product, i.e., Sleepwell Dignity Mattress. They are:
Read Also: How To Return My Pillow Mattress Topper
Neck & Shoulder Pains
The most common pains that side sleepers suffer from are neck and shoulder pains.
This is because, as you sleep, tendons rub against your shoulder blades, causing friction and pain.
If you want to stop this from happening, your mattress needs to be soft enough to relieve the pressure on the shoulder so that tendons and shoulder blades are not forced together.
A memory foam mattress would work best, as it will adapt to your unique shoulder and neck placement. Getting a memory foam pillow will also help as it will adapt itself to support your neck in alignment with your shoulder.
How To Choose Your Mattress Firmness
As you shop for a new bed, you will need to decide if you need a plush vs. a firm mattress. The mattress firmness levels are comfort terms used to communicate how something feels it does not indicate the quality of support a mattress will provide you. Determining the right support for your body, size, and shape is an important first step. A comfortable mattress will help you fall asleep quicker, while the support system will keep you from tossing and turning or waking up in pain.
Your body composition plays a huge role in how a mattress will feel and perform for you. Unfortunately, its not as simple as knowing that you like a soft or firm mattress. You need to consider the support level your body needs and how the comfort level will play a role in improving your quality of sleep.
Plush vs. Firm Mattress
A plush mattress has a softer feel. This is achieved by adding layers of pressure-relieving materials on top of the support core or by varying the thickness and density of the padding. These layers contour to your hips and shoulders, cradling your body throughout the night. Sleepers often describe this feel as if theyre sleeping in or getting hugged by their bed. Plush mattresses are a great option for side sleepers.
Medium vs. Plush Mattress
Medium vs. Firm Mattress
Also Check: How Long Before I Can Sleep On My Dreamcloud Mattress
The Many Effects Of Sleeping On A Bad Mattress
Waking up with sore muscles? Feeling like youre lacking some of your usual pep? Perhaps youre thinking you might even be falling into a depression. While its entirely possible each of these could be coming from another source, theres one you should consider before making any sort of drastic changes: Your mattress.
Contrary to what, in my experience, many people believe, mattresses arent made to be used forever. You may have really come to like the way you fit into the groove youve made in that 20-year-old mattress, but its likely not doing you any favors. From physical pain to mental health, your mattress can have a dramatic effect on how you feel.
You may want to read: Best Mattress Guide
Firm Vs Soft Mattresses Pros And Cons
A good mattress is the foundation of a good nights sleep, so choosing which one is right for you really is a big decision. You spend a third of your life on it, and unsatisfactory sleep affects the rest of your life, too. Getting good quality, restful sleep is essential to general health and wellbeing.
The variety of mattress options on the market is enormous, making the final decision trickier than ever. And one of the biggest decisions in terms of mattress buying is the choice between purchasing a firm vs soft mattress. There are pros and cons for either, and really the choice is extremely personal. Here are some tips to help with your decision.
Don’t Miss: Vacuflat Mattress Bag Near Me
How To Soften Up A Firm Mattress
Step 1: Check Your Mattress Base
A mattress base can impact how firm your mattress feels. Pairing your mattress with a solid bed base can help make your mattress feel more comfortable. If you choose a poor quality base, on the other hand, it can limit the benefits of even the most high-quality mattress.
Layla Sleep offers four different kinds of support for your mattress, including the Layla Bed Frame, the Layla Foundation, the Layla Platform Bed, and the Layla Adjustable Bed Base.
Step 2: Add Mattress Pad or Topper
A mattress pad or memory foam mattress topper can add some extra cushion to your sleeping surface. Although the effect wont be as dramatic as it would be if you invested in a brand new, softer mattress, it still provides a layer of pillowy cushion.
To really get the most out of your mattress topper, look for one that is thick and made from high-quality memory foam to get body-hugging contouring.
Step 3: Check the Temperature
If you have a memory foam mattress, it can stiffen in colder temperatures. Try raising the thermostat by a few degrees to soften the memory foam. Be careful raising the temperature too much because if youre too hot while you sleep, you might not sleep as well.
Step 4: Break It In
Step 5: Rotate or Flip Your Mattress
Rotating your mattress can help it wear more evenly and keep it comfortable for a longer period of time.
The Best Mattresses For Each Sleeping Position
Finding a comfortable mattress is crucial. It’s also important to look at whether your mattress correctly supports the way you sleep. Whilst many people switch sleeping position throughout the night, there are three main sleeping positions:
- Side
- Back
- Front
To guarantee you’re getting a great night’s sleep based on how you choose to snooze, read our guide to the best mattress for different sleep positions.
You May Like: Purple Mattress Recycle
What Is Better A Firm Or Extra Firm Mattress
Extra-firm mattresses are rather uncommon because most people dont need such a firm bed to support their body.
Usually, firm mattresses provide more than enough support for most sleepers. However, if youre very large, an extra firm bed may work well because you put more pressure on it and need more support.
Pressure Relief And Body Contouring
Generally speaking, foam mattresses provide the best pressure relief and body contouring.
If you desire pain relief at key pressure points, look for a mattress that gently conforms to your body when you lie down. This allows for your hips and shoulders to sink in slightly.
A memory foam mattress offers the most pressure relief, but hybrids with foam layers may also work well.
Read Also: Purple Mattress Bag
