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Tips on Buying a New Mattress

Rashida Khilawala
Do you know that you spend one-thirds of your life in bed? Isn't that reason enough to make sure that you have the right mattress going for you? For each age and body type, there is a different size or type of mattress that is most conducive.
On the basis of your sleeping style and body structure, certain mattresses may prove more beneficial than others. In fact there are a host of mattresses for you to select from, even without specifications.

Based on the Type of Mattress
There are 3 types of mattresses for you to select from:

Spring Mattress

The core of these mattresses support the sleeper. They are relatively firm and retain their shape because of the coil.

Air Mattresses

Air mattresses use air chambers rather than springs for support. One can change the air pressure regularly to prevent bed sores and maintain comfort.

Foam Mattress

As the name suggests, they use foam to provide support. Generally, memory foam or latex is used for support.
Foam mattresses are longer lasting; however, air mattresses are more adjustable. Spring mattresses have lost their appeal in recent days, due to competition from foam and air mattresses.

Based on the Sleeping Style
On the basis of the sleeping style, the firmness of the mattress can be selected.

For Stomach Sleepers

Firm mattresses are recommended for stomach sleepers. It assists the sleeping and the digestion process.

For Side Sleepers

Soft mattresses would really suit side sleepers. It supports the muscle structure and prevents muscle depression.

For Back Sleepers

Medium mattresses are perfect for back sleepers. Due to the shape of the spinal cord and the arch of the back, a medium mattresses is perfect for providing adequate support for back sleepers.
Some back sleepers do still prefer firm mattresses. You need to be sure of your sleeping style in order to make this decision. In case your sleep is distributed evenly in all three types, medium mattresses would be the safest bet.

Based on the Upholstery
There are three layers to the upholstery that you should ensure is included in your mattress.

The Insulator

As the name suggests, it is to insulate that mattress core. It also works at keeping the middle upholstery in place. It is normally made of fiber or mesh.

The Middle Upholstery

The middle layer of the upholstery is made of materials, that provide comfort to the sleeper, like, regular foam, viscoelastic foam, felt, polyester fibers, cotton fibers, convoluted or "egg-crate" foam, and non-woven fiber pads.

The Quilt

The quilt is the top layer of the upholstery. The look and the final feel of the mattress deeply depends on this layer.
It is normally made of light foam or fibers, stitched to the underside of the ticking. They are available in varying degrees of firmness. All three layers are extremely important in order to enjoy complete comfort and durability of the mattress.
Depending on the maintenance and upkeep, good quality mattresses will last anywhere between 7-20 years. Turning and flipping your mattresses at regular intervals will ensure better support. More so, in order to ensure that your mattress doesn't sag too soon, you could avoid folding or bending it.