There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to buying a mattress, including comfort, durability, and price. But one of the most important factors is health.
Different mattresses can cause different problems for your health, so it’s essential to choose the right one. But, which mattress is good for your health?
In this article, I’ll take an in-depth look at all the options and help you discover which mattress is best for your sleeping habits and body type.
I’ll also cover some common problems associated with certain types of mattresses and how to avoid them.
So if you’re looking for a new mattress, be sure to read on and save yourself a whole bunch of sleepless nights.
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There are a few different types of mattresses to choose from, including:
According to Mayo Clinic, adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night to function at their best the following day.
However, it’s not just the amount of sleep you get; it’s also the quality.
The body and brain refresh and repair while in a deep sleep, so we need to be as comfortable as possible to try and achieve uninterrupted sleep all night.
The level of support and comfort you need from your mattress will depend on a few factors, including:
If you have asthma and other allergies, you should ideally look for a non-toxic mattress made with organic and natural materials that will not off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that you breathe in during sleep.
You can find my favorite eco-friendly, non-toxic, and organic mattresses here.
To ensure that your new mattress is as non-toxic as it possibly can be, you should keep an eye out for well-known eco-certifications that are respected within the mattress industry, such as:
To ensure that your new mattress is manufactured in an ethical and eco-friendly way, you should keep an eye out for well-known eco-certifications that are respected within the mattress industry, such as:
Most manufacturers say you should replace your mattress every 7-9 years. However, some memory foam or latex models can last longer. Sometimes up to 20 years!
A decent hybrid mattress could easily set you back around $3,000, and let’s say it’ll last you eight years.
That’s around a buck a night. For a whole host of physical and mental benefits. Sounds like money well spent to me!
I’ve tested and reviewed A LOT of mattresses over the past few years.
Below, l discuss some of the mattress features to look out for depending on your individual circumstances and needs.
But, before I get to that, you can read all my mattress reviews in the following articles:
These articles cover nearly 50 mattresses, so I’m sure you’ll find something to meet your needs.
Not 100% sure what your needs are? Read on!
Research from Harvard Medical School has confirmed that, in general, soft mattresses are not good for pain in the lower back. Medium-firm mattresses are considered to be the better option.
Got a mattress that’s aggravating your painful back? Can’t afford a new mattress? The same Harvard Medical School report has two tips to make your mattress firmer:
If you’re a small or lightweight sleeper, you may find that most mattresses are too firm for you.
Even some mattresses labeled soft can be too firm for some people.
If this is you, consider buying a super soft mattress topper to turn even the hardest and lumpiest mattress into a sleep haven.
If you’re on the upper end of the size/weight, then you need a supportive mattress that’s also comfortable.
A medium-firm mattress (or even firm) is usually the best option for people in this category as they provide good support without being too soft.
If your current mattress is too soft for your needs, try the plywood technique mentioned above before you recycle your mattress and buy a firmer one. It might just solve the issue and save you thousands of dollars.
Tall sleepers often find regular mattresses too short, leaving their feet hanging over the edge.
This can be uncomfortable and cause lower back pain. The solution is to buy an extra-long mattress or one made specifically for tall people.
During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes which can lead to all sorts of aches and pains.
A good mattress can help alleviate some of these pains and make you more comfortable during pregnancy.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a mattress for pregnant women:
The best mattress for an infant or child is firm and supportive.
A firm mattress will support your child’s developing spine and help prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
As your child grows, you can add a soft mattress topper to increase comfort without compromising support.
A good quality mattress is an investment. A worthwhile one. But an investment all the same.
For extra peace of mind, look for mattresses with sleep trials and money-back guarantees.
You can then test the mattress out in the comfort of your home for an extended period before deciding if you love it or want to return it.
We all know that old mattresses are less comfortable and less supportive and can lead to aches and pains as well as numerous issues related to lack of sleep.
But, here are some of the hidden dangers in old mattresses that you might not have considered:
You should rotate your mattress every three months to prevent permanent body impression formation and uneven wear and tear.
Yes. A mattress can improve blood circulation by providing support for the spine and neck, taking the pressure off the arteries. This allows blood to flow more freely throughout the body.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each person’s individual medical needs will differ. However, in my experience, many doctors recommend memory foam mattresses for their ability to provide support and relieve pressure points.
CertiPUR-US Certified latex foam is the best natural, non-toxic mattress foam.
To prolong the life of your mattress, you should use a mattress protector. A mattress protector will help to keep your mattress clean and free of dust, dirt, and spills. It can also provide an extra layer of support and cushioning.
The best way to dispose of an old mattress is to donate it to a local charity or thrift store. You can also contact your city’s waste management department to see if they have any special programs for disposing of mattresses.
The best mattress for your health is the one that provides the right mix of comfort and support to improve your sleep quality, at a price that suits your budget.
There is no perfect mattress for everyone as we all have different sleep habits, preferences, and health needs.
Do your research, read reviews, and take advantage of sleep trials and money-back guarantees to find the mattress that’s perfect for you.
Oh, and if you’re unsure where to start, my excellent mattress reviews in the articles mentioned earlier should help point you in the right direction! 😉
Do you have a health condition that is eased by your mattress? What’s your mattress of choice? Do you swear by gel memory foam to aid your sleep quality? Or is a hybrid more your thing? Which mattress firmness helps you get quality sleep? Drop me a line and let me know.
