How to choose the perfect mattress; a Millers buying guide
Sleepless nights are a source of unhappiness for many people. So how long do you put up with an uncomfortable nights sleep before biting the bullet and getting yourself a new one ? Not only that, but with so much choice, how do you decide the right one for you?
When is the right time to buy a mattress?
As you can read about in our FAQ section there isn’t really a best before date with mattresses, as they wear out based on different factors, however most people will look to change every 7-10 years. Factors that can affect its lifespan include; how it was used (occasional use in the guest room, as a trampoline for the kids in the master bedroom) whether it was looked after and the quality of the mattress itself. It also depends on your own comfort levels and how your body may have changed over the years.
Types of mattresses available
Open Spring Mattress
This is the original style of mattress and still remains fairly common, probably due to its affordability. It consists of an inter-connected spring system, which creates its structure and enables it to keep shape.
Most mattresses are marked with a gauge, this tells you the thickness of the wire used. A 12 gauge will provide a firmer feel than a 13.5 + gauge. They provide excellent support, however tend to have more ‘give’ than pocket sprung mattresses. You can invest in a memory foam topper which will provide an extra layer of comfort. Open sprung mattresses tend to be slightly less robust so are most suited to a guest bedroom where they are used only occasionally, or you can choose to just replace them more regularly.
Pocket Spring Mattress
A pocket sprung mattress contains individual springs, each sewn into its own pocket of fabric. This means that they move independently so when you and your partner are sleeping they can adapt to your individual movements. They are great for support and more breathable than a memory foam, so if you are a warm sleeper this could be a good option for you.
Key considerations are to look at what fillers and topper is used in the mattress, this is really what determines the quality. Many use natural materials, so if you’ve got allergies just be cautious when weighing up your options. The mattresses typically come in 1500, 2000, and 3000 spring with 1500 being the softest.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam is called so, because of its properties to return to its natural shape after pressure has been removed. It is increasingly popular due to its ability to form around your body, reducing pressure points and therefore improving your overall sleeping habit.
Memory foam is a soft and heat sensitive material made predominantly from polyurethane. It is ideal for people experiencing back aches or circulation issues as the foam redistributes weight, providing you with more support.
At Millers, we provide a hybrid type mattress which also uses pocket spring structure alongside the memory foam. This allows more air to circulate keeping you cooler during the night and avoiding any chance of moisture build up.
Gel Infused Latex Mattress
Deisgned to provide a cooler nights sleep, the mattress uses its latex properties to adapt to your body temperature. This means that you can benefit from it in the summer months, while not getting cold in the winter.
The gel topped mattress is twinned with a pocket sprung structure providing a variance in firmness. It is also hypo-allergenic so great for people with allergies.
Key considerations when buying a mattress.
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Your weight.
How heavy you are will vary how firm a mattress feels to you. If you and your partner are of a similar build it should be easier, if not you may have to go for a compromise and we would definitely recommend a pocket sprung structure so that you can avoid the roll towards the middle effect!
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Give the Mattress a test.
Come into our store and try them out, take a lie down- we know it feels weird but we promise it will help with your decision making. If there are two of you try and both come together, lying on them for a few minutes to gauge their firmness .
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How firm do you like it?
Be aware all manufacturers have their own scale of firmness, a bit like trying different dress sizes in high street stores. This is why it is so important to come in and try them out.
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Think about value rather than price.
A mattress purchase is an investment for many years to come, what may seem cheap, may turn out expensive as you have to replace it in a few years time as it has sagged in the middle. You are better paying slightly more for a higher quality bed that is robust to stand a longer period of time.
Not sure on what size you need?
Click here for our sizing guide.