Your Guide to Choosing the Right Mattress

Getting a good night’s sleep is a crucial part of our daily lives, and it all starts with having the perfect mattress that suits our individual needs.

To help you in your journey to finding the right mattress, we’ve created this guide on the key types of mattresses there are, and what you need to consider before buying to make sure you get a mattress that is right for you.

Types of mattress

Open coil:

Also known as an innerspring mattress, this is the most common, traditional and affordable type of mattress, constructed of connected metal springs. The shape, size and number of coils can vary, but the general rule is that the more coils there are, the higher the quality and more support there is to contour around your body.

Pocket spring:

A pocket spring mattress is made up of coils each individually wrapped in fabric and stitched into the mattress structure. This type of mattress is either made up of traditional fillings such as wool, silk or horsehair, or can be combined with 1-3 layers of latex or memory foam on top - giving you the best of both worlds and a sleeping experience that is tailored to you.

Memory foam and latex:

These types of mattress have become hugely popular thanks to the sinking sensation they create, allowing them to gently conform to your body. Memory foam, also known as visco-elastic, is made up of several layers of foam which resist the tendency to sag, and latex mattresses are made from the sap of a rubber tree, giving you an all-natural product.

Pillowtop:

With a soft layer of cushioning on top of springs, a pillowtop mattress provides a similar sinking feeling as a memory foam mattress. It’s most often used alongside innerspring or pocket spring mattresses with several inches of padding sewn on top, but can also be combined with airbeds.

What to Consider When Choosing a Mattress

Temperature:

The regulation of temperature is a crucial factor in finding the right mattress for you, and is totally down to personal preference.

If you want a warm mattress, memory foam is the perfect choice as the density of the foam traps heat. Pillowtop mattresses are also well known for heat retention as a result of the extra cushioning they provide, however they are able to balance the temperature more effectively than memory foam.

For those who want a mattress that keeps the temperature more regulated, latex mattresses allow for better air circulation with their open-cell structure and pinholes.

Support:

It’s important to find the right mattress to support your spine and back for a good night’s sleep, particularly if you suffer from regular aches and pains. And certain types of mattress may be more suited to you and your needs.

A latex type mattress moulds to your body shape, and offers maximum support. Or you may prefer the soft support of a pocket spring, as each spring is individual and supports your frame to give you a good night’s sleep.

We’d recommend trying a few different types of mattress out for yourself. You can come in and have a chat with our team of mattress experts to discuss your needs, and they’ll help you find a mattress that suits you perfectly.

Comfort and firmness:

Finding a mattress with the right firmness level for you will depend not only on your physical features like height and weight, but also on how you sleep.

Side sleepers will rest better on a fairly soft mattress that will mould to the body, making a pillowtop, memory foam or latex the ideal choice for comfort. On the other hand, a firmer mattress, such as an open coil, is best for those who sleep on their front as it’s firmness keeps the spine in a more stable position. Alternatively, a pocket spring mattress combines the support and bounce of an innerspring, and the softness and comfort of memory foam, which is ideal for those who want the best of both.

Freedom of movement:

When buying a mattress, it’s important to consider how freely you want to be able to move as you sleep.

Foam and latex mattresses have great motion isolation as a result of the sinking feeling you get as you lie down. Pocket spring mattresses can be combined with foam or latex to add the benefit of less movement, whereas, traditional open coil mattresses are often associated with increased freedom of movement. This can be a good choice for those who sleep alone or move positions a lot as they sleep.

Consulting our trained and knowledgeable bedding team can be of great assistance in helping you find the right bed. They can help you navigate through the various choices.

We have a huge selection of mattresses on our shop floor that you can try out for yourself. Just head upstairs when you get to Andersons of Inverurie, and a member of the team will be delighted to help.