A good night’s sleep is something that would bring you the required energy for the next day and in the long run, would keep you healthy. Hence, it is important to emphasize on comfort level while buying a mattress. In the long run, your posture would also be affected by your sleeping pattern. Further, perfect pillows are an additional requirement for sound sleep.
Options in Mattresses:
Spring: These mattresses type contain metal springs inside them which are surrounded by thick foam. Be informed that the spring provides support and the foam/padding provides comfort. These are durable and generally preferred. The coil count is an important thing to look in these types, and it should be as high as possible.
Foam: These are generally recommended for guest rooms where they would not be used on a daily basis, this is because the foam-based mattresses are not recommended by doctors. They do not provide any support to the spine and are a strict no for long term.
Latex: These are very durable and anti-allergic ones. This is a natural material and hence, air circulation would be proper. But they are certainly an expensive choice.
Memory Foam: This mattress type has the power to retain your body shape even after you get off it. It would provide the required support in different areas of your body. If you don’t want to get those pressure points or bedsores, this would be a good choice.
Coir: These are the popular mattresses type in India. These are resistant to heat and moisture and moth as well. They are made up of coconut husk fiber.
Tempur-pedic: This material is actually an open celled visco-elastic. This would provide you support as per your body shape; no counter pressure would be felt. The normal material just get compressed when weight is put on them, but the open cells of tempur would move around the curves.
Tips to Choose:
- Dimensions are important. Choose a mattress which is taller than the tallest person in family and the length and breadth should be medium. In case you prefer one mattress for one person, make sure it is at least 90 cm wide.
- No matter what type you choose, make sure that it is firm enough to support your body. The best mattress would be the one which keeps in you in your natural standing position even when you are in deep sleep.
- Try to go for those mattresses which have been medically approved by the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, these would make sure your posture is maintained.
- The choice might depend on personal requirements as well, for example, those suffering from asthma should go for a bacteria resistant mattress.
- Before buying the mattress, sleep on it in your normal sleeping position and if you see any gap between your body and mattress, this might not be the right choice for you. Don’t just lie on it and get up within a minute, but stay on it for at least 10 minutes.
- Shop only those mattresses which provide at least 10 years warranty.
- Cost should not be your priority but the three S’s that is, the size, support and softness.
Choosing Pillows:
Though there are a variety of pillows available, each individual would need a specific type according to his sleeping position.
- Cervical Pillows: It is important to choose a pillow with height less than 6 inches, so that cervical disorders do not occur. In case you are already suffering from it, go for cervical pillows. They have a depression to hold neck and a mound to hold neck.
- Cotton Pillows: These are traditional and the level of firmness is high. They are generally not recommended as they can be deformed soon.
- Feathers and Down: These are generally expensive, but the comfort level they provide is definitely worth the cost.
- Polyester Pillow: This is a soft pillow and is meant for those who are allergic to feathers. Also, they are a bit cheaper since they are made up of synthetic fibers.
- Foam and Latex: They are durable and inexpensive. They are available in various shapes and sizes and are best for those people who just need a firm pillow.
As a last tip, keep in mind that eventually, mattress and pillows would wear out. No matter you good you maintain them, they would lose their firmness at some point of time and you would need to replace them. It is recommended that they should be replaced after 10 years.
