Lara's Bedside Tips for Home, Bedroom and Garden

Choosing the Right Mattress

Choosing the Right and Best Mattress for Your Sleep Style and Health Condition

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being. But with so many different beds and mattresses on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.

Why a good mattress is important and good for your health

A good mattress is essential for good health. When you sleep, your body goes through a number of important processes, including repairing cells, releasing hormones, and fighting off infection. A good mattress can help you get a good night’s sleep, which is essential for all of these processes.

Choosing the Right and Best Mattress for Your Sleep Style and Health Condition

There are a number of reasons why a good mattress is important for your health. First, it provides support for your spine. When you sleep, your spine should be in a neutral position. A good mattress will help to keep your spine in this position, which can help to prevent back pain and other health problems.

Second, a good mattress helps to keep you cool. When you sleep, your body temperature drops. A good mattress will help to trap heat, which can help you to stay warm and comfortable.

Third, a good mattress helps to reduce allergens. Dust mites and other allergens can build up in your mattress, which can trigger allergies and asthma. A good mattress will have a barrier that helps to prevent allergens from building up.

Pick The Best Mattress for You

With so many mattresses to choose from, doing a little research and due diligence could get you the bed of your dreams. Also, just picking any old mattress can result in hardship sooner than you realize.

Tips to help you select the perfect bed and mattress

  1. Consider your sleeping position. Are you a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper? Your sleeping position will help you determine the firmness level you need. Back sleepers generally need a medium-firm mattress, while side sleepers need a softer mattress to keep their spine aligned. Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent their hips from sinking too far into the mattress.
  2. Think about your body type. Your weight and body type will also affect the firmness level you need. Heavier people generally need a firmer mattress to provide more support.
  3. Consider your budget. Mattresses can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend.
  4. Read reviews. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, read online reviews to see what other people have to say about the beds and mattresses you’re considering.
  5. Try before you buy. The best way to find the perfect bed and mattress for you is to try them out before you buy them. Most mattress stores offer a sleep trial, so you can take the bed home and sleep on it for a few weeks before you decide to keep it.

Once you’ve found the perfect bed and mattress, you’ll be well on your way to getting the best night’s sleep possible.

The Top 5 Specialty Mattress Types:

  1. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to conform to the body, providing pressure relief and a comfortable sleep. They are a good option for people with back pain, arthritis, or other pain conditions.
  2. Hybrid mattresses combine the comfort of memory foam with the support of innerspring coils. This makes them a good option for people who want the best of both worlds.
  3. Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex, which is a material that is known for its bounciness and durability. Latex mattresses are a good option for people who prefer a more firm mattress.
  4. Waterbeds are filled with water, which provides a unique and comfortable sleeping experience. Waterbeds are a good option for people who suffer from back pain or other pain conditions.
  5. Adjustable base beds allow you to change the position of your mattress, which can help you get a more comfortable and restful sleep. Adjustable bases are a good option for people with back pain, sleep apnea, or other conditions that affect their sleep.

When choosing a specialty mattress, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Talk to a mattress salesperson or sleep specialist to find the best mattress for you.

The Top 10 Best and Most Popular Mattress Brands and Models

Mattress BrandModelFeaturesPrice Range
NectarPremierCooling memory foam, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty$699-$1,599
CasperOriginalMemory foam, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty$599-$1,299
PurpleMattressHyper-elastic polymer, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty$699-$1,499
SaatvaClassicInnerspring with memory foam topper, 120-night trial, 12-year warranty$1,199-$2,199
AvocadoGreen MattressLatex, 120-night trial, 10-year warranty$1,499-$2,499
HelixMidnight LuxeGel memory foam, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty$899-$1,799
WinkBedLuxe FirmMemory foam, 120-night trial, 10-year warranty$899-$1,999
Tempur-PedicCloud Supreme BreezeMemory foam, 90-night trial, 20-year warranty$2,499-$3,999
Beautyrest BlackPlatinumInnerspring with memory foam, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty$1,499-$2,499
SertaPerfect SleeperInnerspring coils with cooling memory foam, 120-night trial, 10-year warranty$799-$1499

Please note that these prices are only estimates and may vary depending on the retailer and the specific model of mattress. It is important to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.

Things to Consider: Mattress Size and Price

Bed SizeAppropriate forPrice Difference
TwinSingle sleeper$100-$200 less than a Full
Twin XLSingle sleeper or tall person$50-$100 more than a Twin
FullTwo sleepers$100-$200 more than a Twin
QueenTwo sleepers$200-$300 more than a Full
KingTwo sleepers or larger people$300-$400 more than a Queen
California KingTwo sleepers or larger people$500-$600 more than a King

Please note that these are just general guidelines, and prices may vary depending on the brand, materials, and features of the mattress.

Additional factors for picking the right mattress size:

  • The size of your bedroom. Make sure to measure the space you have available for a bed before you start shopping.
  • The number of people who will be sleeping in the bed. If you have a partner or children, you’ll need a larger bed.
  • Your height and weight. If you’re tall or heavier, you may need a mattress with more support.
  • Your sleeping style. If you’re a restless sleeper, you may need a mattress with more motion isolation.

It’s important to try out different mattresses before you buy one. Many stores and online retailers offer in-store demos or free trials, so you can make sure you’re getting the right size and comfort level for your needs.

Sleeping With Pain: Add a Pillowtop for Extra Comfort

A pillowtop is a mattress that has a thick, soft layer of foam or other material on top of the mattress. Pillowtops are designed to provide extra comfort and support, and they can be a good option for people with back pain or other pain conditions.

Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Bed: Cost and Style

  • Space: How much space do you have available for a bed?
  • Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a bed?
  • Comfort: How important is comfort to you?
  • Style: What style of bed do you prefer?
  • Functionality: What features do you need or want in a bed?

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices and find the perfect alternative to a traditional bed for your needs.

Alternatives to a Traditional Bed, Bedframe, and Mattress for Sleep

From sofa beds to futons, there’s still plenty of other options:

  • Floor bed: A floor bed is a simple mattress that is placed directly on the floor. This can be a good option for people who want a more minimalist bedroom or who are looking for a more affordable option.
  • Futon: A futon is a Japanese-style bed that can be used as a sofa or a bed. This can be a good option for people who have limited space or who want a versatile piece of furniture.
  • Air mattress: An air mattress is a temporary bed that can be inflated and deflated as needed. This can be a good option for people who travel frequently or who need a spare bed for guests.
  • Camping mattress: A camping mattress is a portable mattress that is designed for use outdoors. This can be a good option for people who enjoy camping or who want a comfortable place to sleep when they are traveling.
  • Hammock: A hammock is a hanging bed that can be suspended from two points. This can be a good option for people who want a relaxing and comfortable place to sleep.

And of course, if you’re out in the woods sleeping on the ground, there’s the traditional bed of fallen pine needles, leaves, and grasses you collect to help you nod off into the night. But then there’s bugs to worry about. 🙁

Allergy and Health Considerations When Getting a New Mattress

  • Material: Mattresses made from natural materials, such as latex or wool, are often better for allergy sufferers than those made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane foam. This is because natural materials are less likely to harbor dust mites and other allergens.
  • Encasement: A mattress encasement is a tightly-woven cover that goes over the mattress and helps to keep dust mites and other allergens out. Encasements are available for all types of mattresses, including waterproof mattress encasements, and they can be a great way to improve the overall allergy-friendliness of your sleep environment.
  • Bedding: The type of bedding you use can also play a role in reducing allergens in your sleep environment. Choose bedding made from natural materials, such as cotton or linen, and avoid bedding that is made from synthetic materials, such as polyester. You should also wash your bedding regularly, at least once per week.
  • Humidity: Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so it is important to keep the humidity level in your bedroom low. You can do this by using a dehumidifier or by opening the windows to let fresh air in.
  • Cleaning: It is important to clean your mattress regularly to remove dust mites and other allergens. You can do this by vacuuming the mattress with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner or by hiring a professional cleaner to clean your mattress.

If you have allergies or asthma, it is important to talk to your doctor about which type of mattress is best for you. They can help you choose a mattress that will help you get a good night’s sleep and reduce your allergy symptoms.

Save Money by Mattress Shopping on a Budget

Mattresses can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you do not overspend. Some people will be tempted to get a used mattress, but you might want to reconsider.

Pro Tip: Avoid Getting a Used Mattress at All Costs!

There are many reasons why a person should avoid picking up a used mattress to sleep on, even if it’s cheap or free. Here are some of the most important reasons:

  • Health risks. Used mattresses can harbor a variety of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. These pathogens can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, skin conditions, and even more serious illnesses.
  • Allergy risks. Used mattresses can also harbor dust mites, which are tiny insects that can trigger allergies and asthma. Even if you don’t have allergies, exposure to dust mites can increase your risk of developing them.
  • Comfort. Used mattresses are often uncomfortable and may not provide the support you need for a good night’s sleep. This can lead to back pain, neck pain, and other sleep-related problems.
  • Warranty. New mattresses come with a warranty that protects you against defects. Used mattresses do not come with a warranty, so you are not protected if the mattress breaks or develops problems.

If you are looking for a new mattress, it is important to buy one from a reputable retailer. This will ensure that you get a mattress that is comfortable, supportive, and safe.

With low-end, affordable memory foam mattresses available for $200-250, I’d probably get one of those and put it down on the floor until I could find a bed frame that I was in love with at some later date.

The Best Time to Buy a New Mattress: the Next Holiday Mattress Sale

Choosing the right mattress can be a daunting task, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your sleep and health. By taking the time to find a mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, and suited to your individual needs, you can wake up feeling refreshed and energized each day.

So don’t wait any longer! Start your search for the perfect mattress today. Your sleep and health will thank you for it.

Here are some final tips to help you choose the right mattress:

  • Take your time. Don’t rush into buying a mattress. Take your time and try out different mattresses until you find one that’s comfortable for you.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure what type of mattress is right for you, ask a salesperson, continue your Google searches, and read customer reviews for help. They can help you find a mattress that’s comfortable and supportive for your individual needs, as well as point out specific advantages and features for certain people with issues like pain management or sleep apnea.
  • Wait for a holiday sale. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day all come to mind for typical periods when mattress and bed stores run sales promotions, since they often have associated 3-day weekends, making them ripe for casual shopping. It’s also good to compare the mattress store’s pre-sale prices to their sale prices for mattresses to ensure they’re not just moving numbers around to make it look like you’re saving more.

With a little research and effort, you can find the perfect mattress for your best sleep and health.

Good luck!