Do you need a new mattress?

Do you need a new mattress?

Something I get asked a lot is “do I need a new mattress?”

And it’s not always easy to answer definitively, but there are definitely some things to think about which might lead you decide a new mattress is needed.

Firstly, how old is your existing mattress?  Most mattresses will last up to 10 years.  As with most things in life, quality often costs more.  So if your existing mattress was on the cheaper side, it may only last 5 or 6 years.

Secondly, are you comfortable at night and in the morning? If you’re waking up with pain during the night, or have pain first thing in the morning, then it could be that your mattress is not supporting you adequately during the night.  Your body needs to be fully supported in order for muscles to relax, so if you’re feeling tight and stiff first thing, then maybe your body couldn’t fully relax overnight.

Thirdly, do you feel better (less pain or stiffness) if you sleep in a different bed when you go away?  If you do, that could be a sign your mattress at home isn’t doing the job properly!

So, if you think a new mattress is needed, then what type should you get?

A lot of this choice is personal preference – some people prefer a firmer mattress, some people like soft.  Some love memory foam, others can’t stand it.  But personal choice aside, the following is probably the best solution:  a pocket sprung mattress with a layer of memory foam on the top.  The sprung layer allows for support at the points where you need it, allows air to circulate for coolness, and the memory foam layer allows for that feeling of sinking into bed, rather than perching on the top, as well as cushioning and supporting.  Full memory foam mattresses do get very hot, so springs are recommended for coolness.  These days there are a lot of modern fabrics and gels which absorb heat, so do have a look at different types.

When it comes to pocket springs, more is usually better.  You can get single or double layers, and the more you have, the more support you get.  That said, a single layer of 1500 (ish) springs will give good support.

The tension/firmness of the springs needs some consideration also.  Soft sprung mattresses are not generally recommended for people who have back pain.  If you or your partner are heavier, then a firm spring is recommended.  For most others, medium or medium/firm will be fine.

I would definitely recommend trying a mattress.  Since the advent of the online/TV mattresses (Emma, Simba etc) with their 100 day money back guarantees, many traditional retailers have followed suit.  Do ask when shopping. But the best thing to try is sleeping on one – if you go away overnight and get a great night’s sleep, have a look at the mattress brand and type and consider purchasing the same if you’re looking to buy.