Who has never felt like Goldilocks in search of the perfect mattress? Sometimes very soft, sometimes very hard … a dilemma worthy of fairy tales!
The luck is that in real life it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right information it is much easier to choose the right mattress for you. And of course we help you with smart tips. Let’s check it out!
How to choose mattress in 8 steps
1. Size
One of the first things you need to consider is the size of the mattress. And how to do that? Measuring your bed.
There is currently a wide variety of mattress sizes, follow the table below:
- Standard Crib: 0.60cm × 1.30m
- American Crib: 0.70cm × 1.30m
- Small Single: 0.78cm × 1.88m
- Standard Single: 0.88cm × 1.88m
- Bachelor: 0.96cm × 2.03m single
- Widow: 1.28m × 1.88m
- Standard Couple: 1.38m × 1.88m
- Queen Size Couple: 1.58m × 1.98m
- King Size Couple: 1.93m × 2.03m
The single mattress, for example, can have up to three different sizes, as well as double mattresses.
So, to have no doubts about the right size of the mattress, take the measurements of your bed and, if you are buying the mattress for the first time, it is also important to take the measurements of the room also to make sure that it is proportional to the environment.
Another important detail, but that must be considered, is the bed linen. The standard models are the ones with the greatest variety and, consequently, the best price for sheets and bed covers. Bedding for single or widow type mattress models, for example, is very difficult to find ready for sale. Most of the time it is necessary to tailor it.
The same goes for queen and king size beds. Although it is easy to find bedding for these mattress sizes, the price can end up becoming a disadvantage, as they are often more expensive than standard double bed sheets.
2. Density
After defining the ideal size of your mattress, it is necessary to evaluate another aspect, this time more technical, which is the density.
The density refers to the weight that the mattress is capable of supporting. This directly impacts the quality of your sleep and the durability of your mattress.
As a rule, mattresses with higher density are recommended for heavier people, while those with minimum density are recommended for lighter people.
Babies and children up to three years of age can sleep peacefully on mattresses of density 18. From the age of three, the recommended density is 23, capable of supporting people up to 60 kilos.
Thereafter the density increases according to the weight. In the case of a double mattress, the density should be chosen from the spouse who has the greatest weight and not by the sum of the couple’s weight.
For example, if one spouse weighs 60 kilos and the other 80 kilos, the correct density is D33, capable of supporting people up to 90 kilos.
The highest density mattress is the D45, suitable for people up to 150 kilos. Above that, it is recommended to use a custom made mattress. Check below the complete density table for mattresses:
- D18: newborns and children up to 3 years
- D23: people up to 60 kg and maximum height of 1.70 m
- D28: people up to 80 kg and maximum height of 1.80 m
- D33: people up to 100 kg and maximum height of 1.90 m
- D45: people up to 150 kg and maximum height of 1.90 m
One more important tip: you can choose a mattress with density above your weight, for example, suppose your weight is 60 kilos, the mattress can have density 28, without any problem for your health or for the durability of the mattress. However, the opposite is not recommended.
That is, do not use a mattress with a density lower than your weight. For example, an 80-kilogram person should not sleep on a D23 mattress.
3. Sleeping position
The sleeping position also influences the choice of mattress, did you know that? Those who sleep on their backs, for example, need a firmer mattress capable of providing the necessary support for the spine and neck.
The same goes for those who sleep face down. It is important that the mattress is firm enough that the spine does not bend.
Those who sleep on their side, in turn, need a softer mattress to relieve pressure on their shoulders and hips.
However, here’s a reminder: the best position to sleep is on your back, avoid sleeping on your stomach and on your side to avoid damaging your spine.
4. Comfort
The mattress test is practically unanimous to help you at the time of purchase. So don’t be ashamed and lie on the mattress, feeling the softness and comfort. Although the density is the same, many models have different levels of comfort.
This is very noticeable in the softness or firmness of the mattress. Some models are softer and tend to sink with the body, which is not very interesting for the health of your back.
Firmer models can be uncomfortable if you are in the habit of sleeping on your side.
Ideally, the mattress should be between softness and firmness, neither too much nor too little.
5. Price and quality
The mattress you are about to buy is an investment for your health and well being. Therefore, not always the best option is to be guided by the price.
The cheapest models are almost always made from inferior foam. However, an expensive mattress is not synonymous with quality. It is always important to evaluate the brand that produces the mattress, the material and the finish. Ask the seller for a report that proves the quality of the product and see if the price is in accordance.
And you know that super mattress promotion? Be wary. A mattress that was expensive and suddenly started to have a lower price can be indicative of product that is left in stock. And do you know what the problem is? The time he stood under a pile of other mattresses causes deformities and changes the quality of the product.
The mattress manufacturing date also needs to be taken into account. Prefer those made more recently, with a maximum of six months. Older mattresses may suffer the same deformities mentioned above.
The INMETRO seal also helps you determine if the mattress has a good quality, so be sure to check out this detail.
6. Warranty
The mattress guarantee is an important thing and guaranteed by law. Some manufacturers, however, to attest to the quality of their products, offer an even longer warranty period. This can be a good indication that the mattress is of good quality.
7. Material
Finally, but still very important, is the type of material with which the mattress was manufactured. The most common (and inexpensive) models are foam.
Foam mattresses have different types of size and density, are lighter, easier to transport and have good thermal capacity. However, they are more suitable for people who sleep alone or for couples with similar biotype, in order to preserve the mattress and ensure a better quality of sleep.
Spring mattresses, which are also very popular, are more durable and great for hot places, since the spring system allows better ventilation.
The spring mattress, especially the model with pocket springs, is highly recommended for couples, since when one moves the other does not feel.
In contrast, they are usually more expensive and heavier.
Another type of mattress that is becoming popular is that of viscoelastic, also known as NASA. This type of mattress is manufactured from a different foam developed by the North American space agency.
The great advantage of this mattress is its ability to mold itself to the body and return to its original shape after use. The viscoelastic mattress is able to relieve pressure points on the body, offering a more peaceful and restful night’s sleep.
However, if the foam is too soft, the effect can be the opposite and end up resulting in discomfort upon waking.
8. Make no mistake
When buying your mattress, especially in physical stores, be careful not to fall into the salespeople’s lip. Many of them even promise to cure certain types of diseases, such as herniated discs and arthrosis, thanks to the mattress. This is a myth. What the mattress can do is relieve symptoms and promote a better quality of life, but alone it has no curative power.
Also, don’t get carried away by the appearance of the mattress. It is common for many people to fall in love with a beautiful fabric or a different texture, but remember that the mattress will be kept under a layer of sheets and you will not even see the pattern of the fabric.
And after your mattress is already at home, remember to take care of it properly so that it lasts many, many years. Do this using protective covers and turning it sideways regularly.
For the rest, just enjoy and have a good night!
