We all know we should replace our mattresses regularly. We all know how a bad mattress can affect the quality of our night’s sleep. We also know how a good mattress can make all the difference to regularly sleeping well.
But, how do we know what to choose? What do we need to consider when it comes to choosing a mattress? And why it is important to invest in the right one to not only help with good quality sleep but recovery and repair of our muscles too? Dr Lindsay Browning explains…
Types of mattress
There are three main mattress types: a pocket sprung mattress, a memory foam mattress, and a hybrid mattress.
Pocket sprung mattress
A pocket sprung mattress has springs contained within the mattress itself, which move independently, allowing the mattress to contour to your body as you sleep. This kind of mattress is supportive immediately as you move in the bed, which can be helpful if you are a fidgety sleeper.
The springs within the mattress allow air to flow through the mattress which can help keep you cool during the night, especially if the material surrounding the springs is made of natural fibres, such as wool. However, the metal springs have a finite lifespan and once they start to become too old you may find the mattress loses support or becomes noisy as the springs start to fail and break.
Memory foam mattress
A memory foam mattress is a solid piece of foam which slowly contours to support your body as you sleep.
As the mattress takes a little bit of time to contour to your body, if you move around a lot in bed, this may not be ideal for you. However, once the mattress has contoured to your body, you may find it more supportive than a spring mattress.
Some people find that memory foam mattresses retain heat and, therefore, can find sleeping on a memory foam mattress to be too warm. Because a memory foam mattress does not have interconnecting springs, some people find it a good choice if you share a bed with someone else who moves a lot during the night. The memory foam mattress will cushion you from your partner’s bed movements.
Hybrid mattress
A hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds because it has a springs within the mattress, allowing immediate support as you move in the bed and airflow through the mattress, whilst also adding a supportive memory foam topper.
Firmer vs softer mattresses
The hardness of a mattress depends on your weight and sleeping style. For example, a lighter person would need a softer mattress than a heavier person.
Also, generally speaking, a side sleeper would be more comfortable with a softer mattress compared to someone who sleeps on their back. This is because when you lie on a mattress you need to be able to sink into the mattress sufficiently, so that your spine remains neutral. The heavier you are, the more you will naturally sink into the mattress and, therefore, the firmer and more supportive your mattress needs to be, compared to someone who is lighter.
The consequences of a poor quality mattress
Generally speaking, a mattress has a lifespan of around seven years and after that it should be replaced. Over the lifespan of the mattress, it is likely to have a large build-up of dead skin cells and sweat, as well as a weakening of the mattress construction (e.g. from the springs or memory foam). This means that the mattress may not be as supportive as originally intended, leading to an uneven and uncomfortable sleeping surface.
If you sleep on a poor quality mattress for a long period of time you may find pressure building up on your back as strain is placed on it night after night.
Mattress effects on aches, pains and recovery
Sleep is vital for muscle recovery. If you have a mattress that is too soft or too hard, it will cause uncomfortable pressure points on parts of your body. Also, if your mattress is not supporting you properly, your spine and neck may be at an uncomfortable angle through the night, leading to back or neck pain on waking.
A comfortable mattress will allow you to sleep well through the night to help your body rest and repair.
If your mattress is not supportive and comfortable then you may find that your sleep is disrupted as you wake during the night to reposition yourself. You may also fidget as you try to fall asleep, if you are not comfortable. You may even wake up with pains during the night, if you have slept in an uncomfortable position due to your mattress.
A good quality mattress that is right for your size and sleeping style can help you to sleep more soundly, undisturbed and aids recovery of any aches and pains.
Getting the right ‘tools’ for a good night’s sleep
It’s not just the mattress that helps us ensure we get the best night’s sleep possible – but selecting one that will support you and make you feel comfortable when you get in to bed is an important step. In fact not just your bed, but your whole bedroom environment is important, including lighting.
In addition, it’s about what you do to aid your sleep. Sleep hygiene is really important. So, once you have the perfect mattress, and bedroom environment, learn more about what you can do you help you get regular and good quality sleep: