Goldilocks and The Three Beds – How to Pick Just the Right Mattress

Have you recently thought about how long you’ve actually had your mattress? Asking around some people can hold onto theirs for over 10 years. By that time, it’s essentially a cesspool of bacteria and other unsightly bodily fluid stains we’d rather not discuss. So if you’re in the market for a new mattress, regardless of the reason – there are a few essentials and features you need to know about to ensure you get the best night’s sleep and satisfy your sleeping needs.

Let’s establish one rule though, the price of a mattress is never indicative of its quality. There are some great quality mattresses that are priced very fairly, likewise, there are also mattresses that are far too expensive where their price does not justify the poor quality of the mattress itself. Remember – always buy for the materials and not the brand.

This is the list of requirements you may need for your mattress and what you’d be looking for in return:

Which firmness should I choose? 

• Firm mattresses are great for people who sleep on their stomach as it aids with spine alignment in that specific position.
• Medium-density mattresses suit those who sleep on their backs, providing excellent support for the back and neck.
• Soft mattresses are best for side sleepers as they gently cushion the shoulder and hips whilst supporting the spine.
• Ultimately, this is all up to your preference, if you like sleeping on your back and prefer a firm mattress, by all means, purchase whichever firmness fits your needs perfectly. 

There’s More Than One Type of Spring?

For something that gets covered with sheets and duvets, mattresses can appear to be complicated, as for springs though there are usually two kinds – coil or pocket spring. 

Coil Spring Mattresses are made from either a continuous wire or single springs fixed together with a helical wire.

• They’re usually budget-friendly
• They’re much lighter compared to pocket spring mattresses
• They can last for a very long time
• They’re not the best for people co-sleeping in the same mattress because the springs move as one unit, creating a lot of movement and reverberation



Palermo Contour 20cm Encased Coil Queen Mattress CertiPUR-US Certified Foam

Pocket Spring Mattresses are single springs cased in individual layers of fabric each operating independently of each other.

• They’re typically more expensive than coil spring mattresses
• They provide superior support for spine alignment by distributing your body weight evenly
• They’re great for two people sharing the same bed as the springs operate separately, providing a custom level of support for each different bodyweight distribution
• They distribute heat very well and provide great circulation

Euro 7 Zone Top Pocket Spring (Queen) Payday Deals

Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress 5 Zone Latex (Queen) Payday Deals

Any mattress with metal spring technology is susceptible to rusting over time – this is why manufacturers provide a specific warranty for their products.

Do I need a pillowtop?

Smaller, lightweight people (often children) often don’t require the support that a thicker pillowtop can provide. Chances are that if someone petite lies on a heavy pillowtop mattress, their lighter bodyweight won’t even compress the foams enough to engage the spring support systems.

Vice versa, a heavier or taller person will most likely need the comfort of a thicker pillowtop to support their spine alignment during sleep.

 Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper Bamboo Cover (Queen) Payday Deals

 

However, it still comes down to personal preference – if you prefer a softer mattress, opt for a pillow top with soft, cushiony foams – memory foam does really feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud!

Are there foams I need to know about?

Generally,  there are two top layer foams found in a lot of modern mattresses, these are:

• Memory foam can be pricey, however, it’s a great investment for people that need extra support for the spine and joints and struggle with circulation. This is a very solid and dense material and can get very warm due to the density and lack of circulation through the material.

• Latex can be naturally occurring from the Basilica Tree or synthetically manufactured. Latex is an excellent option to investigate for people with allergies and is naturally dust mite deterrent. This material is also very solid and can be quite heavy to rotate and may give off extra heat.

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Queen or King?

Most retailers and salespeople recommend buying the largest mattress size your room can fit. However, if you’re on a budget and conscious about conserving space the general rule for choosing a mattress is the length should be 10 – 15 centimetres longer than the tallest person sleeping on it.

Here are the standard sizes of Australian mattresses (W x L):

• Single: 92 x 187cm
• King single: 92 x 203cm
• Double: 137 x 187cm
• Queen: 153 x 203cm
• King: 153 x 203cm
• Super King (if your retailer offers this size, it’s not too common): 203 x 203cm

In-store or online?

So many brands hike up their mattress prices to extortionate amounts, making you pay for a reputation and brand that is not reflective of the inherent quality of their manufacturing and materials. 

If you’re buying in-store, don’t be shy to ask your salesperson the specific materials used, warranty clauses and quality assurance. Also, chances are if you’re buying in-store you can barter or haggle your way down to a fairer price.

If you’re buying online, do as much research about that mattress as you can, email or call the store and they should be happy to help. Online retailers typically cut out the middle man which can lower a lot of the distribution or royalty costs associated with on selling product from a manufacturer. It’s very achievable to get a quality mattress for a fraction of the in-store cost. And who doesn’t not leaving the house to get everything you need? 

Hopefully, you’re well equipped with all the information you need to make a calculated decision to find your perfect mattress! Sleep easy knowing you’ve saved as much money and are getting a deep rest every night.