On average, humans spend around a third of their entire life sleeping. During this time not only does the body recover. At the same time, the sleeping person processes all the events of the day, while important processes are taking place in the organism.
However, the mattress plays a crucial role in ensuring that all bodily functions run optimally.
Table of Contents
- An individual question: The right mattress material
- Special features of Bonell spring and pocket core mattresses
- Foam cold foam mattresses
- What role does the degree of hardness play?
- How does sleeping position affect mattress choice?
- How important are lying zones and mattress thickness?
- Changing the mattress after 10 years
General tips for buying the right mattress for you
An individual question: The right mattress material
Cold foam, latex, memory foam and innerspring are some of the most common materials for mattresses.
Innerspring mattresses are made up of numerous metal springs that are linked together. With a so-called Bonell spring core mattress, there are airy interior spaces between the springs.
In contrast, a pocket spring mattress has small bags of fabric placed between the springs. With both types, it is common for heat and moisture to dissipate efficiently. Since this technology enables good ventilation, the night’s rest does not turn into a sweaty affair.
Special features of Bonell spring and pocket core mattresses
A disadvantage of these mattresses, however, is that a Bonell spring mattress only adapts to the body shape to a limited extent and resonates when you toss and turn at night. In the case of the pocket core version, on the other hand, the point elasticity is much more pronounced.
Accordingly, this mattress does not sag like a hammock. Rather, the mattress gives way in areas where users sink into the mattress. The body is supported in other areas.
Foam cold foam mattresses
A cold foam mattress, on the other hand, is made of foam. Although this material used to be considered uncomfortable and hard, modern mattresses score points with good point elasticity. While foam wicks moisture away, it retains heat more efficiently than innerspring versions. Therefore, this mattress is a good choice for all users who tend to get cold at night.
Latex mattresses, on the other hand, are known for adapting particularly well to the body of the user. However, these mattresses are relatively heavy and therefore difficult to turn. The cost of a latex mattress is also relatively high. In the meantime, the mattress repertoire has also been expanded to include visco foam mattresses. Their special feature is the so-called memory effect. This effect ensures that the mattress adapts seamlessly to the body. Viscose foam reacts immediately to weight and pressure and also regulates body temperature. Nevertheless, visco foam is not a good choice for all consumers who move a lot during their sleep and sweat frequently.
What role does the degree of hardness play?
Manufacturers often offer mattresses that are differentiated according to the degrees of hardness “hard”, “medium soft” or “soft”. However, this information is not bound by any standards. Accordingly, each manufacturer is free to make its own adjustment to the degrees of hardness.
Generally speaking, a “hard” mattress is suitable for people with a large bodyweight.
If a mattress is still too hard, sleep problems quickly arise at night. Soft sleeping pads are a better choice for slim people. On the other hand, if the mattress is too soft, excessive bending of the spine can lead to back pain. There is no universal recipe for choosing the degree of hardness. It is therefore advisable to test different mattresses in specialist shops.
How does sleeping position affect mattress choice?
When it comes to sleeping, everyone develops particular preferences. One prefers a water bed, the other prefers to sleep on the side. You should include your preferred sleeping position when choosing a mattress.
If you sleep on your back, you need a mattress that provides extra support for the neck area and the lumbar spine. If you prefer to sleep on your side, you should prefer a sleeping pad that gives in to the pelvis and shoulders. Back sleepers should therefore have different requirements from a mattress than side sleepers. However, it is common for most people to switch sleeping positions several times a night. At best, the mattress is, therefore, suitable for both sleeping positions.
How important are lying zones and mattress thickness?
Modern mattress types are divided into different lying zones. These areas have different degrees of hardness in order to optimally adapt to the human body. According to expert opinions, a maximum of three lying zones makes sense, but no more.
If people tend to be overweight, the thickness of the mattress is also crucial. The slatted frame must not be noticeable when you try it out. A minimum of 16 centimetres is suitable for most adults. When deciding between single and double mattresses, experts clearly recommend two separate sleeping pads.
Changing the mattress after 10 years
When buying a mattress, it is advisable to test the sleeping pad extensively in advance. It is important to examine the mattress in all sleeping positions. Advice from specialist salespeople can help you find out what type of mattress you are.
After eight to ten years at the latest, the right time has come to buy a new sleeping pad. Otherwise, there is a risk of back problems.
