Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for a great day ahead. Your mattress and bedding should be as comfortable and inviting as possible. After all, your mattress is the foundation for better sleep. It makes sense to know how to choose the best mattress and take care of it. We’ve put our years of expertise and knowledge into a myth-debunking guide to help you. Wondering whether to flip your mattress, if 10 years is too old for a mattress, or if a firmer one is better? Read on for the answers!
Myth #1 – The age of your mattress doesn’t affect your quality of sleep. Despite growing attached to the bumps and sags in your mattress, they are signs that it’s time for a new one. For the best night’s sleep, your mattress should provide support, even padding, and an allergen-free sleeping environment. How quickly your current mattress needs replacing depends on your upkeep, including rotating and cleaning it, and how you sleep in it.
The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 5 to 10 years. If unsure, monitor your comfort level when waking. If you feel fatigued, tired, achy, or generally unrested, it might be time to go mattress shopping. Consider it a performance enhancer. Just like an athlete would change running shoes showing signs of wear and tear or causing feet cramps, your mattress should be treated the same!
Myth #2: Buying an all-foam mattress is just as good as a pocket-coil mattress. An all-foam mattress may seem like a cost-effective way to get a comfy night’s sleep, but this isn’t necessarily true. While foam offers some comfort by contouring around your body, it can lead to a ‘sinking’ feeling that many sleepers find uncomfortable. Additionally, it may make it more difficult to move freely on the mattress. Moreover, the level of support in an all-foam mattress can’t compare to that of a pocket coil mattress. In a pocket coil mattress, individual springs react to pressure, offering constantly adapting support all night.For a long time, the bed industry told us that a firm mattress is better for you and your body while sleeping. However, this is not true. It’s not firmness that matters, but support. To get the best night’s sleep, you need a mattress that conforms to your favorite sleeping positions and offers support while in them. A soft mattress may feel comfy but offers no support. An ultra firm mattress may feel supportive but, because it cannot conform to your body, it may lead to pain points or poor sleeping posture. We recommend medium firm mattresses, something that is comfortable on the top but offers deep support on the bottom.
Moreover, the lack of air circulation in an all-foam mattress means it can become hot and sweaty if your environment is not cool enough. That’s why high end hotels, resorts and other places that put a premium on the best sleep possible use pocket coil mattresses. In fact, many of the best hotels in the world use hybrid mattresses (mattresses that combine a supportive foundation of pocket coils with foam comfort layers on top).Discover the truth behind some of the most widespread misconceptions about mattresses.
Myth #1: Mattresses Don’t Change Weight Over Time
Have you ever noticed that your mattress feels a little heavier when you lift it to change your sheets? It’s not just your imagination. Scientifically proven, mattresses do gain a little weight over time. This is due to the average person losing 285ml of fluid per night and nearly half a kilo of dead skin cells over a year. If this makes you uncomfortable, consider purchasing a mattress protector. It can be washed regularly and will protect your mattress from stains and liquid spills.
Myth #2: Mattresses Need Regular Flipping
While older mattresses required rotating and flipping to ensure even wear and tear, modern mattresses are different. Many are now made with single-sided padding and a no-flip design, making this practice unnecessary for today’s mattresses.
It’s a common misconception that mattresses should remain static. However, it’s advisable to rotate your mattress every few months. Sleeping in various positions helps to evenly compress the materials, particularly within the first year of purchase.
Don’t be alarmed if you notice minor compression on the surface; this is actually a positive sign. It indicates that the materials are conforming to your body’s weight and shape.
Myth #6: Spring count as the best support measure. While spring count is significant, it’s not the ultimate measure of support. It should be considered alongside the type of spring and other layers within the mattress.
There are three prevalent types of springs: Bonnell coils, continuous coils, and pocket springs. Bonnell and continuous coil springs provide adequate support, but their interconnected nature can lead to sagging, resulting in suboptimal support for certain body parts.
Pocket coils, or pocket springs, represent the most advanced spring technology. Each coil is individually encased in fabric pockets and not wired together, offering superior support and comfort.
Discover the truth behind common mattress misconceptions.
Myth #1: Independent Spring Technology
Independent spring technology in mattresses allows for even weight distribution by adapting to your unique body shape. This feature also provides motion isolation, ensuring that movement on one side of the bed does not disturb the other side. This is particularly beneficial for those who share their bed with a restless partner.
Myth #7: Mattress Toppers Extend Mattress Life
Just as adding extra pillows to an old sofa won’t significantly improve its condition, adding a mattress topper won’t extend the life of a worn-out mattress. While a topper might offer the illusion of increased comfort, it’s only masking a more significant issue. A US study revealed that nearly two-thirds of back pain sufferers experienced improved sleep after investing in a new mattress.
The Role of Mattress Toppers
If your mattress is very firm, a topper can alleviate pressure point pain and provide an additional layer of comfort. However, it’s important to note that a topper won’t extend the lifespan of the mattress itself.