Factors to consider
All of these factors matter, not necessarily in the same order. It is also very important to remember that these factors are subjective and individual.
- Size
- Comfort or Firmness
- Type
- Sleeping position
- Warranty
Size
Generally, the length should be at least 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) longer that the tallest person and the width depends on the size of the room and the number of people who will be using it. The recommended size for two adults to sleep on is a Queen or King.
Firmness
Firmness is a measure of how much you ‘sink’ into your mattress when lying down. If you’re comfortable sleeping on the floor with little cushioning, you’ll probably like a firm mattress. If you love ‘sinking’ into your bed, you’ll like your mattress soft. The most preferred mattresses are medium firm.
Type
There three major types of mattresses:
Coir: Rubberised coir is a blend of two natural products where coir fibres are treated with rubber (latex). This process improves resilience (‘springiness’), decreases moisture retention and allows for ventilation between the enmeshed fibres. Available in India only.
Spring: Also called innerspring mattresses and depending on the arrangement of the springs they may be either ‘Bonnell Spring’, ‘Continuous Spring’ or ‘Pocket Spring’.
Foam: The general types of foam mattresses are PU Foam mattresses, made from Polyurethane and Latex Foam mattresses made from milk of rubber trees, which is completely natural.
Sleeping Positions
The choice of mattress also depends on the sleeping position.
Side Sleepers: This position tends to put pressure on your hips and shoulders. For side and foetal sleepers, relatively softer mattresses are recommended.
Back Sleepers: If you sleep on your back, you can sleep on most type of mattresses, but it is recommended to have an additional support under the knees and lower back with a thin pillow.
Stomach Sleepers: If you are a stomach sleeper, you are better served with a firm mattress or a hard mattress with a quilt-top.
Warranty
The good mattress should have warranty of 5 – 10 years. Longer warranty means better products, so go for longer duration warranty mattress. Please read carefully the details about warranty and Refunds & Replacement policy.
For online purchase. be clear on returns and refund policy. Choose the right seller based on rating.
Shopping Tips
Lie Down:
Lie on any mattress that you’re considering. Spend at least five or ten minutes on all the sides (side, back &stomach). Prefer a month-long trial period.
Check Return Policies:
Make sure the store offers a full refund or credit toward another mattress. Ensure that return periods range from 2 weeks to 120 days. Some retailers may charge a 15-percent restocking fee, so read carefully before you buy
Understand Warranty:
It can range from 10 to 25 years and covers only manufacturing defects such as sagging and loose or broken coil wires.
Delivery Time:
Never accept delivery without inspecting the mattress (and the box spring, if you buy one) for stains and other damage. Also be sure that the mattress has a label that states “all-new material” before you send the driver on his way.
Mattress features
Reversible Mattress:
Reversible Mattress can be used in both ways. Usually one side is little softer and other side is firm or hard. In this way you can get best of the both worlds.
Mattresses with Reinforced Edges:
Edges of the mattress are stitched twice and hard. As a result there is very less chance of torn even if the mattress is used very rough.
Pillow Top mattresses:
Pillow top only means there is a extra layer of cushion on the top of mattress. It adds only extra comfort.
Hypoallergenic mattresses:
Surface of the mattress is made such that it avoids dust related allergies. It is very good feature for allergy sufferers and asthma patients.
Rebonded Foam mattresses:
Rebonded foam is recycled foam. It is very economical but not much durable. If you are looking for the short terms use mattresses then rebonded is right for you.
Mattresses to Avoid
Memory foam mattresses:
Memory foam mattresses are best for back pain and body aches. But they can be potentially dangerous and harmful. They can be inflammable, not child safe and releases toxic emissions
Coir mattresses if you have back pain:
Due to the nature of coconut coir, coir mattresses are very hard and rigid, which aggravates the body pains and makes the back pain even worse. So we strictly suggest not to go for coir mattresses if you have back pain
Better to avoid latex mattresses:
It is better to avoid latex mattresses on multiple reasons. Latex mattresses are most expensive of all the mattresses. Latext mattresses other than natural latex are not safe and emissions free, so it is not recommended to use latex mattresses.
Usage Guidelines
- Mattresses thickness can range from 4 inch to 10 inches. More thickness means more comfort. If you have back pain it is always good to select the mattress at least 6 inches.
- It is better to use waterproof cover on mattress to avoid mattress damage.
- Make sure the surface of the cot is flat. Any curves on the plywood may damage the mattress.
- It is better to use a cover, made of fabric to protect the mattress from dust.
- Make sure the delivered mattress is all new, and not used at all.
- While buying mattress onlilne, its better to choose the mattress based on rating than cost, specifications etc.