More than one-third of Americans ages 20 to 39 years old report “short sleep duration,” according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Even more startling, nearly 20% of all car accidents are caused by sleep deprivation.
Did you know that the quality of your mattress can directly affect the quality of sleep you get? In a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 92% of Americans said that a comfortable mattress is important for a good night’s sleep.
In fact, they deemed a comfortable mattress more important than comfortable sheets, pillows, or room temperature.
A mattress that provides enough support — but not too much — can help prevent:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Snoring
- Waking up tired
All of these things, of course, contribute to a better night’s sleep for improved health. But, apart from being comfortable, what makes a good mattress?
Look for these five traits in a high-quality mattress to ensure you’re getting the sleep you deserve!
The Right Mattress Firmness
“Firm” or “plush” are subjective words when it comes to buying a mattress. The sleep industry has no standard definition for firm, medium, or soft (plush) mattresses. And, to make it even more complicated, how you perceive a mattress may also depend on your size, weight, body type, and even the position you choose to sleep in.
In general, you want a mattress that provides enough support for your body, keeping your spine in alignment and avoiding added pressure on heavier parts of your body.
While online mattress sales continue to grow in popularity, visiting a local furniture or bedding store to try the mattresses can ensure you purchase the mattress that provides the perfect comfort level for you.
The Best Mattress Size for You
The most common mattress sizes include:
- King
- Queen
- Full
- Twin
- California King
The size mattress you need depends on the available space in the room, as well as your sleeping needs.
Most adults are comfortable with a full or queen size mattress, which measure 75” by 54” and 80” by 60”, respectively. Very active sleepers, couples, or families with pets or children who come into the bed at night may prefer a king-size bed, which adds an extra 16” in width beyond a queen size bed for a total measurement of 80” by 76”.
Finally, California king is an option if you’re willing to sacrifice a few inches in width (72”) to gain a length of 84”. Again, room size will come into play when you make the choice between a king or California king size mattress.
High-quality Mattress Materials
Luxury mattresses can promote a better night’s sleep by eliminating the hazards of mold and mildew and providing a more comfortable sleeping surface. Premium mattresses using cotton upholstery combined with premier luxury materials like Pashmina and Joma Wool will stand the test of time. Cotton and wool are consistently cool and breathable, creating a more comfortable sleep experience.
If sustainability is important to you, consider a mattress made from environmentally friendly latest and sustainable forest lumber. High-quality latex foam is also hypoallergenic.
Mattress Construction
For decades, innerspring mattresses were the industry standard. As manufacturers introduced memory foam mattresses, it gave consumers yet another decision to make in the confusing process of mattress selection.
Some consumers simply prefer the feel of memory foam and how it conforms to the body. But a high-quality innerspring mattress with the right firmness often contributes to a better night’s sleep for most people.
Plus, innerspring mattresses do not emit odors (called outgassing) when they are new. They are more environmentally friendly. And they do not change temperatures dramatically depending on the temperature in the room. Often, a memory foam mattress will get rock-hard and freezing cold in a chilly room.
To select the best innerspring or coil mattress, look for one manufactured from heavy steel. Typically, the more coils, the better.
Mattresses with two-sided construction enable you to flip them so they last longer and provide greater comfort over the long haul. It’s a good idea to turn your mattress once a month for the first six months and twice a year after that, to prolong its lifespan and the comfort it delivers.
Warranty
All high-quality mattresses should come with a manufacturer’s limited warranty to be free of defects. Typically, the higher quality of the mattress, the longer the warranty. A good warranty should cover:
Body impressions deeper than 1.5” on both sides of the mattress
- Sagging
- Broken tufts
- Loose or broken coils or wires
- Abnormal squeaks or noises in the mattress or boxspring
These defects are warranted providing that the mattress is used normally and cared for regularly, which includes flipping the mattress and providing the proper support through a matching box spring or platform bed system (when applicable).
Are you ready for a new mattress? Are you a coil or memory foam person?
Visit Hendrixson’s Furniture to learn more about quality two-sided innerspring mattresses or stop by Hendrixson’s Furniture in Emmaus or Furlong, PA to try a two-sided set for yourself.
