How to choose the best mattress

Even fierce sociopaths, Lifehacker recommends getting to a real store and testing mattresses before buying. You can buy a mattress on the Internet without fitting, only if you know exactly which model you need. For example, you slept on such a guest or hotel.

If you happen to lie down somewhere on the most comfortable mattress in the world, do not hesitate to clarify the name of the model and the manufacturer from the owner. Perhaps one such question will solve your choice problems for a long time.

If you do not have a favorite mattress model yet, you need to find it. Here’s what to focus on when choosing:

1. Type of mattress.
2. Cover.
3. Filler.
4. Rigidity.
5. The size.
6. The cost.

Types of mattresses

Mattresses are inflatable, water, spring and springless. Consider the pros and cons of each species.

Inflatable mattress

An air mattress is more appropriate for hiking or for temporary accommodation of guests. And although a couple of nights or even a week on it you can sleep quite comfortably, prolonged use of such a mattress does not have a good effect on the health of your back.

The advantages of an air mattress:

1. Mobility. If you often move from place to place or temporarily rent an unfurnished apartment in anticipation of entering your own, an air mattress can serve you well. However, it is not always long, as it is very easy to damage it.
2. The bed can simply be blown off and put in a closet. For a party, for example.
3. The simplest inflatable mattress will cost you 1,000 rubles, the models abruptly cost about 5,000.

Cons of air mattress:

1. It does not provide the necessary backbone support, so after a while you may encounter pain in the back and neck and a bad sleep. Among those who have long enjoyed inflatable mattresses, very few are satisfied. The rest complain of pain and bad mood in the morning.
2. A mattress is easy to damage, especially if you have animals at home. One joyful leap of a cotake can bring your sleeping place into disrepair. Over time, microscopic holes appear in the mattress (most often in the places where individual air chambers are fastened). You can not find out where the air comes from, but by morning you will wake up almost on the floor.
3. On an inflatable mattress it is inconvenient to sleep together. When you turn or get up one, the other feels all these movements.

Water mattress

In the simplest versions there are no cameras, that is, the mattress is a cover filled with water. He can not even sit down without a mini-tsunami. Naturally, you will feel waves when you turn or move a neighbor.

For couples, this option is not at all suitable, since a lighter partner may be on the bubble, while the second snugly fell into a water hole. And some on this mattress and does rock, so that the morning is not particularly good.

The output for steam is a water bed divided into two independent parts. Another option is a mattress consisting of several chambers filled with water. He will not go waves with the slightest hesitation.

Pros of the water mattress:

1. Perfectly adapts to the shape of the body, perfectly unloads the spine and joints. The blood circulates through the body freely, you can not rest your arm or leg.
2. The mattress does not have dust mites.
3. Does not deform with time.
4. The water mattress is installed in a special box with electric heating. Every night you go to a warm bed and fall asleep more quickly. And such heat is useful to those who suffer from arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pains.
5. The cover of the mattress does not require special cleaning, it is enough just to wash dust off it with a cloth.
6. Despite all fears, the mattress is very difficult to damage. The damage can be repaired by yourself using the supplied repair kit. Well, the most cautious can insure their bed.

Water mattresses:

1. Those who are comfortable on hard mattresses are unlikely to be able to adapt to water.
2. In the reviews, some complain of increased back pain, which suggests that not everyone can fit such a mattress. Consult with an orthopedist before buying.
3. The mattress weighs from 100 to 900 kg. Paul in the apartment, of course, he will not break, but here it will be difficult to move him to another corner. The process is complicated by the fact that the mattress box is connected to the outlet (remember about heating?). In general, the rearrangement, repair or relocation will become a further challenge.
4. In the mattress, you have to change the water once in 2-3 years, and once a year add a special conditioner to it so that microorganisms do not start.
5. The minimum cost of a double water mattress, on which you will not feel dangling on the waves, is 65 thousand rubles. You will also need a heater and a box. The final price of a waterbed is about 130 thousand rubles.
6. A good water mattress is not easy to find in a small town. You can risk and order on the Internet, trusting the feedback of other buyers, but most likely, the cost of delivery will be frightening. And you still have to find a master who will properly install the bed.

Spring mattress

Probably almost everyone has heard that there are mattresses with dependent and independent spring blocks.

Mattresses with dependent springs

Springs are connected to each other in a single web. Pressed on one – in motion came all.

The advantages of a mattress with dependent springs:

1. Perhaps the only advantage of such a mattress is its cost. You can find quite a budget option. Although sometimes in the mattress there are fillers that raise the price to the level of quality springless mattresses or mattresses with independent spring blocks.

The mattresses with the dependent springs:

1. Gradually, the mattress deforms, taking the form of a hammock. To sleep on it becomes inconvenient. In addition, it is harmful to the back.
2. It is inconvenient for couples, as when turning one of the sleeping, the second one will feel the vibrations. Also, a lighter partner can slide into a heavier dream.
3. The spring unit can break, the sharp edges of the springs can pierce the upholstery of the mattress or chop through it.
4. The mattress is difficult to transport. So when moving you have to leave it, sell or hire at least a minibus for transportation.

Mattress with independent springs

Each spring is in a fabric cover and works autonomously. The number of springs varies from 250 to 1,000 per square meter. The more springs, the better the mattress adjusts to the contours of your body.

The advantages of a mattress with independent springs:

1. Supports the spine in a natural position: if you sleep on your side, then under the shoulder and thigh springs will be sold more, around the waist and knees less.

   

2. Models with independent springs are convenient for couples, especially as you can choose a mattress with halves of different rigidity.

The mattresses with independent springs:

1. Like the previous species, it is difficult to transport it.
2. Springs can break.
3. Over time, the springs may start to creak.

Springless mattress

It’s easy to guess that this is a mattress consisting only of a cover and a certain filler.

Pros of a springless mattress:

1. A high-quality springless mattress will ensure correct backbone support. In case of problems with the back, it is recommended such mattresses.
2. Remains silent throughout its life, unlike spring, which can begin to squeak.
3. Convenient for transportation: usually this mattress can be rolled up and transported even in a car.

Negatives of a springless mattress:

1. The disadvantages of a springless mattress are the minuses of its filler. We will talk about the types and properties of fillers a little later.

Covers for mattresses

Covers for mattresses are mainly made of cotton, sometimes adding synthetics for strength. Warmer covers are made of wool. The cover can also be bilateral: the cotton side is for the summer, the wool is for the winter. Sometimes the covers are treated with hypoallergenic and fireproof impregnation.

Types of excipients

If everything is quite simple with the covers, then there are a lot of fillers. Virtually all of them are used in both springless and spring mattresses. Most often you can find a combination of several materials. Let’s go over the properties of the most popular fillers.

Vata

The advantage of a wadded mattress can be considered unless its cost. In total for 1 000 rubles you will become the owner of the striped single handsome man. But here the cost of double models is already comparable with more modern types of mattresses, so the question arises: is it worth buying cotton?

Vata does not provide sufficient elasticity for proper support of the spine, quickly rolls down, absorbs moisture, but it does not breathe well, that is, the mattress should be dried regularly to avoid active multiplication of microorganisms. Cotton mattress can be considered as an inexpensive temporary solution.

Syntepon

Springless mattress with synthetic filler is light and inexpensive, but also can not provide the necessary support of the spine. But it is convenient to keep it at home or carry with you on camping trips and at the dacha. You can use it temporarily, and then put it away in the closet in case guests arrive.

The layer of sintepon is often used in spring mattresses to ensure softness.

Hollofiber

Hollofiber is usually used together with other materials. So, the hollofayber layer gives elasticity and softness to the hard base of the coconut plate.

Hollofayber breathable, hypoallergenic and fairly durable material.

Holcon

This is a material obtained from synthetic polyester fiber, sometimes with the addition of natural materials: cotton, bamboo, coconut, wool. The fibers of the holon are vertical springs, so the filler is magnificent and quickly restores the shape if it is pressed against it.

The salmon is warm, light, does not absorb odors and moisture, hypoallergenic, inexpensive. Mattresses only from the withers are rather thin. They can be used if you sleep on the couch or like to sleep on your stomach.

Polyurethane foam (foam rubber)

Of course, in quality mattresses you will not find the yellow thin foam that we are used to seeing.

Modern polyurethane foam for mattresses is elastic and elastic, well repeats the shape of the body. A thick springless mattress made of polyurethane foam is already capable of supporting the back. Thanks to the porous texture, polyurethane foam breathes well, it is durable and hypoallergenic.

Different Foams

All kinds of foams are derivatives of polyurethane foam, in which additives of different density are present, so that the stiffness of mattresses can vary. There are models with several zones of different rigidity: they provide the correct support of the spine. Also, for example, silver ions can be added to the foam to protect against bacteria.

The names of foam are many, they can differ from different manufacturers. In general, modern foams are elastic, elastic, hypoallergenic, serve 10-25 years.

Separately mention foam with a memory effect. A mattress with such a filler completely repeats the shape of the body, supporting it well and unloading the spine and joints. In addition, the mattress does not oscillate when the neighbor turns around on the bed, so that your sleep will be more sturdy and quiet.

However, not everyone can get used to diving in a mattress, but someone is too hot on it. It will be inconvenient for those who are accustomed to sleeping on their stomachs. However, the layer of such foam can be fine, and then the effect will not be too pronounced.

Artificial and natural latex

Manufacturers argue that dust mites do not live in latex. However, the same thing is said about foam mattresses. Latex provides good backbone support. Thanks to the porous structure, the mattress breathes, so moisture evaporates instantly.

By the minuses can be attributed a specific smell and heaviness of the mattress. Some owners note that after a few years on the mattress appears a deeper from the body, which further interferes with the comfortable location. Also sometimes complain that it’s too hot to sleep on a latex mattress.

The main differences between natural and synthetic latex:

1. Natural latex will last more than 30 years, some manufacturers even give a guarantee for this period. Mattresses made of synthetic latex will please you a little less. How much, it is better to check with the consultant when buying.
2. Synthetic latex is more rigid than natural.
3. Mattresses made of natural latex are more expensive than synthetic mattresses.

Perhaps, the advantage of natural latex in front of other fillers, about which we wrote above, is just in its naturalness. And comfort is a subjective concept. Perhaps, on a foam mattress you will be as comfortable as latex.

Coyr

Coyr is a natural filler made of coconut fibers. Usually, the coir is used to give the mattresses rigidity.

Sisal

Hard fiber, obtained from leaves of agave sisal. Used as a layer between the spring block and a soft layer to properly distribute the load on the mattress.

Wool

Wool perfectly absorbs moisture and breathes, therefore on such mattress it is warm and dry. A springless mattress, filled only with wool, will not provide proper backbone support. However, wool is often used as one of the layers in orthopedic mattresses.

Thermobonded flax

A natural material that drains moisture well. Used as a layer.

Stiffness of the mattress

Usually mattresses are divided into hard, medium hardness and soft.

Rigid mattresses

Coarse, sisal, thermally bonded flax dominate in rigid models. Such mattresses can have a reinforced spring block, which allows them to withstand the maximum loads. Recommended for people with a large body weight, as well as problems with posture.

Mattresses of medium stiffness

Average rigidity is achieved due to a combination of hard and soft fillers. As a rule, coconut and sisal are used as a rigid base, and comfort is provided by a layer of orthopedic foam or volumetric stitching.

Soft mattresses

Softness of the mattress is given by various comfortable layers: latex, orthopedic foam, holofayber. The more materials are above the spring block, the softer the mattress. Such models are suitable for the elderly and people with a fragile physique. Soft mattresses are also recommended for certain diseases of the lumbar spine.

The stiffness of the mattress is selected individually, depending on the age, weight and preferences of a person. The more weight of a sleeper, the stiffer the mattress should be. This depends not only on comfort during sleep, but also on the service life of the product, as harder materials use more resistant materials to the materials that preclude early deformation.

Robert Oksman, expert-somnologist from the company Askona

The maximum weight of the sleeper is indicated in the mattress passport. Focus on it, as well as on your feelings during the test mattress in the store. If you have problems with your back or joints, it is advisable to consult an orthopedist. The old advice “The harder, the better” does not work for many diseases.

Also it is worth consulting with a good orthopedist if you choose a mattress for the child: from a wrong position in the dream, the spine may suffer greatly.

There are models with sides of different rigidity. This allows you to turn the mattress according to the desire or state of health.

Double mattresses can have halves of different rigidity. But if you can not pick up a mattress that will suit both partners, you can put two single mattresses in the box, and remove the gap between them with a common mattress pad.

Mattress pad will save you and if you buy a mattress that is not suitable for stiffness, and replace it will not be possible. Correctly selected cover will add a mattress of stiffness or softness.

The size of the mattress

There are two possible variants of the development of events.

Option 1

You buy both a bed and a mattress at the same time. Then you need to select sizes, based on the area of ​​the room and the physiological characteristics of those who will sleep on the bed.

The length of the mattress should exceed the height of the person by at least 15 cm so that the sleeper does not rest against the foot of the bed. The width of the sleeper should be equal to the double width of the sleeper’s shoulders.

Robert Oksman, expert-somnologist from the company Askona

When you understand the size of the mattress, you will only have to choose the bed that is suitable for it.

Option 2

You have a bed, you need to pick up only a mattress. If the bed is new, then the dimensions can be found in her passport. If the bed is old, you need to measure the inner perimeter of the bed, but in no case is the old mattress, since over time its dimensions change due to inevitable deformation.

It happens that the measurements give non-standard results. For example, instead of 80 cm, the width is 79 or 83 cm. The discrepancy up to 1 cm is quite acceptable. With a bed size of 79 × 201 cm, buy a standard 80 × 200 cm mattress. But if the difference is 2 cm or more, you will have to make a custom made mattress, otherwise it will not fit in the bed of the bed, or it will hang out. In the latter case, the cover quickly wears out.

Alexander Babichev, mattress expert from Strong

The cost of a mattress

Before you go on a quest, decide how much money you can and want to spend. Excess savings are useless, unless, of course, you do not need a temporary option. But usually a mattress is bought for 10, and even for 20 years.

Look at the cost of various models on the Internet to roughly navigate the prices, and go to the store to test the mattresses.

If you like an expensive mattress, learn its features and look for a mattress with the same characteristics from other manufacturers. Maybe you’re lucky and you’ll find a cheaper analog.

Checklist of the buyer of the mattress

1. Think about the posture in which you most often sleep.

On the side it is usually more convenient to sleep on a soft mattress, and on the stomach – on a hard one. Since the mattress is bought for several years (or even dozens of years), and the circumstances (weight, diseases) may vary, it is better not to choose extremely soft or extremely tough models.

Dmitry Borisov, the founder of service of selection of design projects and furniture ReRooms.ru

2. Recollect, what problems with a back, a neck, joints disturb you. If there are a lot of problems, consult an orthopedist before buying a mattress.

3. Decide on the budget.

4. Decide on the size of the mattress.

5. Learn the models of mattresses in online stores, read reviews. Sometimes opinions about the convenience of one mattress are completely opposite. Nevertheless, some information from the reviews can be gleaned. For example, the longevity of the selected instance.

6. Go to the store to test the mattresses.

When choosing a mattress in the store, remove the outer clothing and try with your back: lie on the mattress, and do not sit down. Do not choose a “soft” or “hard” mattress on the label. Be guided by the sensations: the mattress suitable for you should appear at once very convenient.

Dmitry Borisov, the founder of service of selection of design projects and furniture ReRooms.ru

Do not hesitate to lie down for a few minutes in the position in which you usually sleep. In the end, you buy a very expensive thing, on the convenience of which your health depends.

7. By looking for a suitable model, take your time with the purchase. Calmly think again, read reviews about this mattress. If it costs too much, look for alternatives.

8. If the mattress you choose is exactly right for you, test it again and buy it.