Experts concur that getting good sleep is one of the best things to maintain good health. Without it, you risk having problems with your moods, weight, and hormone levels; research can confirm it.
The kind of mattress you sleep on can really affect your ability to sleep well. But many people still overlook this fact and continue to sleep on mattresses that lack enough support and are uncomfortable.
A quality mattress is an investment in your health and well-being, as it can help improve your sleep quality and overall physical and mental health. Reputable mattress makers understand the importance of sleep and design their products with features such as cooling materials, motion isolation, and pressure relief to help you get the most restful and rejuvenating sleep possible.
Buying a new mattress is the first step to securing good sleep. Like any other purchase, there are so many mattress types available for you to choose from, so this is not an easy task. You have to be extra careful to find the mattress that best suits your needs. You’ll also need time and a lot of research to achieve that.
Here are several types of mattresses you can count on for better sleep:
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are known for their sensitivity to heat and pressure. When you lay on it, a memory foam mattress will soften due to your body heat, allowing it to mould around your body. The mattress will then slowly return to its original shape once you leave the bed removing the heat and the pressure. That is an invention by NASA back in the 60s.
Due to the extra softness, memory foam mattresses are ideal for helping people with back pains and joint aches sleep better.
Innerspring mattresses
Innerspring mattresses have been in existence since the early 1900s. That makes them one of the oldest and most common types of mattresses on this list. In fact, most of us grew up on them.
The structure of an innerspring mattress consists of steel springs that compress when you sit, lay or apply force on it. These springs are for providing support to the innerspring mattress. The more they are, the better the support system and the higher the quality of your sleep. The springs can be placed in two ways, individually or connected. Go for the individual option, especially if you have to share the bed with someone. That way, you are sure not to wake up every time they turn or move.
Latex mattresses
If you love your environment and feel responsible for it, then latex is the way to go for you. Latex mattresses are a product of nature, and their production causes very little or no harm to the environment. The latex material comes from a rubber plant and is biodegradable.
Like memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses also sink in, taking the shape of your body, and are quick to get back to the original form once you leave the bed.
A latex mattress is comfortable and durable. It is also firm, making it one of the best mattresses for overweight people.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are a mixture of innerspring mattresses and memory foam or latex. Typically, the mattresses contain steel coils combined with the softness of latex or that memory foam material. Together these create the instant bounce, softness, and firmness effect on the mattress. That makes Hybrid the best mattress for overweight people. And to make it even better, hybrid mattresses are comfortable and long-lasting.
Gel mattresses
Gel mattresses were first produced in 2006, but they only gained popularity five years later in 2011.
The structure of these Third Generation Mattresses consists of gel and memory foam. Many people prefer gel mattresses over memory foam because they do not trap too much heat like memory foam mattresses. The gel ensures that the mattress does not absorb heat, thus preserving its cool temperature.
Orthopaedic mattresses
Do you have back problems? You will need to get an orthopaedic mattress ASAP.
Orthopaedic mattresses were first engineered in the 1950s. And as the name itself suggests, they were specifically designed for people with back pains and spinal issues. They help them sleep better and improve their condition.
Orthopaedic mattresses have a firm sleeping surface which helps support the back and relieve painful joints. They also can help improve back posture.
Air mattresses
Most people confuse air mattresses with air beds, but the two are different.
Although you might still need to use an air pump, air mattresses usually come with a layer of foam which makes them warm and very comfortable. Also, some of them may have a self-inflating mechanism.
As for airbeds, one has to add or release air from the mattress to adjust the firmness level. Extreme pressure can cause the mattress to deflate, so most of these mattresses come with a recommended weight limit.
Air mattresses are waterproof and antimicrobial. They are ideal for short-term sleeping situations such as guest room accommodations or campouts. They are also perfect for people who travel a lot and would still want to have a comfortable bed of their own.
Takeaway
These are some of the mattresses you can rely on to get a good sleep. Your ideal kind of mattress will vary depending on your needs. Factors you might want to consider when buying your mattress include:
- Your sleeping position(s) – stomach sleepers, back sleepers, side sleepers, and combination sleepers
- Your weight and body type
- Your kind of pain – lower back pain or middle and upper back pain
- Price
- Brand
- Material used
- Firmness
- Thickness
Robert Haynes, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
