Better Sleep for a Happier Life
When you’re ready to replace your mattress, you might not know what you want or what you should look for. There are a wide variety of mattresses available incorporating different materials and technologies that meet your budget and your needs. But remember, picking a mattress is very subjective. Only you are going to know what kind of mattress feels good to your body. Explore the different options so that you can begin to narrow down the type of mattress that is best for you.
An innerspring mattress uses a steel coil support system. There are several types of spring systems, including those with springs connected into a single unit and units with individually wrapped pocketed coils. The spring shapes, designs, coil gauge and number of coils in a mattress can vary. The innerspring is covered by padding or upholstery materials, including various foams, fibre and even additional layers of smaller steel springs. In general, the greater the number of coils, the more points of support and the better the bed can contour and support the sleeper.
Pillow-top mattresses have an additional upholstery layer sewn onto the top of the mattress, as if pillows were placed on top of it. This layer can be made from a variety of fibre and foam materials. Beware of buying a cheap pillowtop as these (comfort) layers can compress quickly leaving you sleeping on a hard layer which separates the pillowtop from the spring section.
Pillow-top mattresses have an additional upholstery layer sewn onto the top of the mattress, as if pillows were placed on top of it. This layer can be made from a variety of fibre and foam materials. Beware of buying a cheap pillowtop as these (comfort) layers can compress quickly leaving you sleeping on a hard layer which separates the pillowtop from the spring section.
A hybrid mattress combines a steel coil support system with one or more types of foam, such as polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic) or latex, as well as foams that contain gel or other materials. The trend to add more layers on top of the spring systems to create a more impressive mattress can actually nullify the effectiveness of the spring system.
Specialty foam mattresses use one or more types of foam as the support system. The foam may be polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic) or latex, and can contain gel or other materials. The foam can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and densities to offer consumers a mattress that has different comfort, feel and heat dissipation features. Memory foam (viscoelastic) mattresses use a high-density polyurethane foam as the support system, in the upholstery layer or both. This foam contours closely to the shape of the sleeper. These foams may retain heat as well as change in firmness depending on ambient temperature. Latex mattresses use latex foam as the support system, in the upholstery layers or both. Latex may be made from plant- or petroleum-based materials. These are normally very firm and used for heavier users.
Specialty foam mattresses use one or more types of foam as the support system. The foam may be polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic) or latex, and can contain gel or other materials. The foam can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and densities to offer consumers a mattress that has different comfort, feel and heat dissipation features. Memory foam (viscoelastic) mattresses use a high-density polyurethane foam as the support system, in the upholstery layer or both. This foam contours closely to the shape of the sleeper. These foams may retain heat as well as change in firmness depending on ambient temperature. Latex mattresses use latex foam as the support system, in the upholstery layers or both. Latex may be made from plant- or petroleum-based materials. These are normally very firm and used for heavier users.
Adjustable mattresses, which are placed on an adjustable motorised frame or base, are one of the fastest growing categories in the mattress world. Adjustable beds and mattresses allow the user/s to adjust the sleeping position of the mattresses to suite their requirements for either sleeping, reading or watching TV. The ability to adjust the sleeping position may help with various ailments such as reflux and heartburn. The best adjustable beds have dual controls so that each user can adjust it to their preferred position. Mattresses are normally comprised of speciality foams.
- Get moving. An adjustable bed allows you to bend, elevate or lower various parts of the bed so you can raise your head or feet, angle your back and bend your knees, customizing your position to create exactly the kind of support and comfort you need.
- To each their own. Some adjustable beds have dual controls so that you and your sleep partner can adjust the sleep surface to your personal needs — no negotiating necessary!
- Appearances matter. Today’s adjustable beds are designed to look like conventional beds when they lie flat, so they blend into your bedroom perfectly.
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