After all the renovation works are settled, you would look forward to having a good night rest in your new abode. Three things to look for when you are finding a good mattress. Comfort. Support. Durability.
Support for your body depends on:
- Coil type - Coils are made of steel. They vary from mattress to mattress by their gauge. The heavier the gauge the more support the mattress will give you.
- Coil count - There can be from 300 to 700 coils in a mattress. In general, more coils equals more support.
- Connections between coils - Interconnecting wires keep the coils in their proper place in the mattress. To few interconnecting wires can allow coils to become mis-aligned.
Comfort for your body depends on:
- Upholstery - The upholstery is what you feel next to your body. It is the layers of foam and fabric that separate you from the coils. You may choose to feel like you are sleeping on a feather bed in which case you should look for the mattress you like in a "pillow top" or "plush" design. If you like a less plush feel simply choose the top with the least amount of upholstery.
- Edge materials - Sturdy edge materials are a must. A mattress should give full support even on the edge. You should never roll off a bed because the edge is weak.
Soft or Firm, which is best?
Correct support is the essential ingredient for a healthy body. A good mattress and foundation will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture.
A soft, fluffy mattress can feel so comforting when you first lie down but when a mattress is too soft for your body, it will not keep the spine, shoulders and hips in proper alignment. This will cause your muscles to work through the night straighten the spine, again leaving you tired and aching in the morning resulting in a less effective day. Some people advocate sleeping with a sheet of plywood under the mattress. This may be necessary for some severe back problems or injuries but it is not necessary for the average person. True, a firm mattress is best, but it should have enough give to conform to the contours of your body.
A mattress that’s too firm for your body will not support all parts of the body evenly, and may cause discomfort at the body’s heaviest parts, the shoulders and hips. The increased pressure on these points reduces blood circulation and will cause tossing and turning. This may result in a poor night’s sleep and a far less productive day.
Durability/Warranty
Steel spans in foundation - Steel spans in the box spring help give the mattress its full useful life. The steel spans make the primarily wood box spring more sturdy.
Typical length and type of warranty - Most warranties for brand name mattresses are 10 or more years. The more expensive the mattress the longer the warranty tends to be. Warranties are pro-rated, meaning that if a 10 year warranty mattress fails in the 8th year you will get 20% of the purchase price applied to your next mattress.
Ready to go shopping? Before venturing out, try to locate a few reputable bedding retailers in your area and wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
Above all, bring your partner along when shopping for mattress to ensure that both of you find the one that matches each of your comfort needs.
In Renotalk Forums: Brands of Mattress
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