What to look for when you compare or buy a new mattress

Let’s talk about mattresses! 

When buying a new mattress you might be a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and trying to figure out what is best for you.  Whilst there are a lot of options, here are some things to consider that might make everything a little bit easier for you! 

I personally hate it as there are no specs to compare, there is very limited technology/ development involved and ultimately it’s not that exciting to test 5 out and critically compare them without simply ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Popular brands that can go on your shortlist: 

• Sleeping duck
• Koala
• Ecosa
• Casper
• Sealy
• Sleepmaker
• Regal sleep

In store

What we recommend when looking for a mattress is to try some out! Places like Regal Sleep Solutions, Forty Winks and Snooze are great places to go to get ideas of what kind of mattress may suit you best. I’m a huge fan of spending 10-20mins learning the basics so you can see what suits your needs. I personally don’t like memory foam as it is soft initially, but after a while you compress it to a density that is actually quite hard, so they feel good for the short term, but I intend to sleep deliciously for hours in comfort.

We recommend trying out foam and spring options and a combination of the two, trying a number of different mattresses of each. The best mattress will be one that is not too hard, but also not too soft – think ‘goldilocks – we want it to feel juuusssttt right! 

How a good salesman will think:

1: Greet customer and briefly explain options

2: Ask questions about your needs

3: Test different firmness levels to find what you’re most comfortable on

4: Demo types of products in the firmness level you’ve selected for (memory foam, air beds, hybrids, innerspring, etc)

This is important to me, because you spend a lot of time in bed, and they should care about 

what health issues affect your sleep, whether your back is sore when you wake up or your shoulder feels too much pressure, etc. Then they will help navigate the selections that store offers and explain how certain beds might address the issues you’re dealing with better than others (not just pitching you on expensive beds, explaining to you how different beds in each price range might help you differently.)

Price advice:

“How much should I spend on a new mattress?” — officially the most asked question on this topic and I promise you it’s the last question you should ask. Follow the process in store above, find 3-4 mattresses that suit you and then ask yourself about the price. I think your purpose should be to find roughly the kind of mattress you like, rather than fitting your price range into it. If there are a few options you like that are well above your price range, then it’s time to consider a different shop! 

Don’t forget to ask about delivery cost, wait times and their trial periods.

Check out the Canstar ratings, which have Koala as the greatest customer satisfaction: 

https://www.canstarblue.com.au/home-garden/mattresses/

New foam mattress (in a box)

Foam mattresses, or mattresses in a box, are a more recent introduction to the market, with spring mattresses being more traditional. However, they have had very positive reviews from companies like Sleeping Duck and Koala. Your choice in mattresses may really come down to individual preferences. Often they might be cheaper or offer huge deals, but there are downsides you should be aware of.

Concerns from patients who have a box/foam mattress: 

• They are Heavy
• Hard to rotate (you rotate your mattress, right?)
• Expensive to adjust (some have inserts that allow for the perfect comfort – which are $$)
• Potential for mould underneath due to poor breathability (might need a base) – you often only notice this when you move it. 
• Hot – they don’t breathe that well, so not good if you’re a hot sleeper!
• After a few years, you might notice grooves appearing if you sleep in a similar position (this is particularly noticeable in the cheaper foam)

But I’m not against them! I have many patients who say it’s the most comfortable mattress they’ve ever had!

Trials

Some companies offer things like a 100 night trial, this will help you confirm that the mattress is right for you. Make sure you read up each company policy as to how to return it and hopefully you don’t struggle putting that big mattress back in it’s box.

TL;DR (too long; didn’t read)

• Find a mattress that you find comfortable (not hard and not soft)
• Learn the basic types and ignore cost initially
• Try a few in-store before you decide (if you try one, I’m sure it will be better than you’re old one)

Having trouble sleeping? Check out this article: https://infinityhealthandosteo.com.au/sleep/1736/

Image from: https://www.mymove.com/mattress/compare/best-mattress-stores/