A good night’s sleep, just like proper diet and exercise, is essential to your mental, emotional and physical health. But many people do not get the recommended amount and quality of sleep required each night, waking up tired, experiencing difficulty concentrating, irritability, weakened immune system, higher stress levels and feeling drained throughout the day. Some people will experience a stiff neck, back pain, pins and needles sensation and waking up soaked in sweat after sleeping on a poor quality or old mattress. The solution can be as simple as sleeping on a better mattress. You May Need a New Mattress if… Your mattress like an old pair of shoes can still feel comfortable long after it has lost its ability to provide your body with the proper comfort and support it needs. The life span of a mattress depends on a few points such as how often it’s used, the quality, your own changing comfort and support needs such as age and weight. In general, a mattress that has been used for five to eight years may no longer provide proper comfort and support you may need, and should be reassessed.
A scientific study from Oklahoma State University, “Found that people with mattresses five years old or older reported significant improvements in sleep quality and comfort when sleeping on a new mattress, regardless of the sleeper’s age or weight”. So it is important to compare the mattress you are sleeping on now to newer models every few years. Is it time to Buy a New Mattress ? If you answered yes to these questions more than no it may be time for a new bed or mattress. According to an Oklahoma State University study, a new mattress provided sleepers with significant improvements, including*: *As compared to sleeping on a mattress 5 years old or older. When choosing a new bed you should consider: Choosing the right mattress for that great night’s sleep is a mattress that provides the correct comfort and support for you. But you should also consider what sleep position you prefer, whether you prefer a cooler or warmer sleep, do you have any injuries that affect you sleep and if you prefer a firmer or softer feeling mattress.
Also consider your partner when selecting a new mattress as they may have different sleeping requirements to you. Modern beds are made from a vast number of different materials and technologies, which can be confusing but with some general mattress information on the variety of choices available, will make it easier to choose the right bed for you.A good mattress is designed to provide support for your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture. Pay special attention to your shoulders, hips and lower back—the heaviest parts of the body.A good quality mattress is built to provide you with superior comfort. Luxurious comfort layers materials and extra-soft surface fabrics are used to create a plusher, more comfortable feel. 3). Durability: It’s the quality of the materials used and how they’re put together that determines how long a mattress and foundation will provide comfort and support. Regardless of the type of sleep system you decide to purchase, always evaluate a mattress for comfort, support, durability and space.
The mattress that best addresses these needs is the mattress for you. Did you know: The warranty on a mattress and foundation is not an indicator of how long the product should be used before replacement? Instead, the warranty exists to protect the consumer from product defects, not against gradual loss of comfort and support. However the length of warranty on a product will in normal cirumstances give an indication of the quality of materials used and therefore the confidence a manufacturer has in this product in regards to reliability and in turn durability. A double bed is 4ft6 wide, which is just 17.5 inches wider than a single size. That leaves each partner only 26.5 inches of personal space, or about the width of a crib. Both single and double sizes are approximately 6ft3 long, which may be too short for some adults, especially men. Recommendations: A double bed is only enough space to comfortably sleep a single sleeper or two small people. Parents are increasingly choosing double size over single for teenage bedrooms.
Parents are even making this choice for younger children to give themselves a more comfortable place to rest when reading bed time stories together. Finding the Mattress of your Dreams: Remember it is important to have an educated salesperson who can guide you through the many choices in bedding to help you find the mattress that best meets your personal needs and preferences. Shop for the best value mattress, not the lowest price, the best assurance for good mattress performance over many years is to buy the highest quality sleep set you can afford. Be sure to “test drive” your new mattress (if you’re a woman, it’s best to go mattress-shopping in jeans or pants) and lie down on several different models in various positions, especially the one you usually sleep in. Spend at least 3-5 minutes on the mattress focusing on the “feel” the longer you spend on the mattress the better as some mattresses can take a few minutes to mold to your body. After selecting your new mattress it is recommended to purchase the matching base to support the mattress, as the two are designed to work best together.
In fact, buying the mattress without its matching divan base may affect the terms of the warranty. You should never put a new mattress on an old divan base. Create a sleep sanctuary and routine For the second part of this guide please continue on to the Bed Buying Guide. Come and visit us at your local Harvey Norman Store or shop on line today and we'll find the perfect mattress for you! Wellness › Sleep › Did you know that the average person spends approximately one third of their life in bed? Yet when it comes to where we sleep, we often do not consider how our mattress can affect our backs. No other piece of furniture in your house is used as often or affects your overall health more than your bed. So read the following information on how your bed can save your aching back. Now I lay me down to sleep… Sleep is essential for everyone. A lack of sleep can contribute to failing health and increased pain. The spine, in particular, greatly benefits from adequate sleep.
The spine works hard all day supporting the body and its functions. A period of rest is essential to maintain this activity. An inadequate sleep surface, however, can make this impossible. Why is mattress selection important? What you sleep on makes a big difference in the quality of sleep you get every night. A mattress without enough support for your spine can lead to muscle fatigue and a poor night's sleep. A good mattress maintains the same natural spinal alignment you have when standing. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. What should I look for in a mattress? When buying a new mattress keep the following points in mind: Type: There are different types of mattresses including innerspring, foam, flotation (water beds), and air mattresses. While innerspring mattresses may offer more variety in terms of firmness and support, many people find the other types of mattresses just as comfortable.
The best type of mattress is the one that offers you the most support and is the most comfortable for you. Foundation: The foundation, often called a box spring, is also important. The box spring absorbs stress and weight for the mattress. The correct foundation can extend the life of the mattress; therefore, try to purchase the box spring designed to go with your mattress. Using no foundation, old foundations, or mixing mattresses and box springs can negatively affect the level of support and the durability of your mattress. Firmness: It is not necessarily true that firmer is better. A mattress that is too firm does not support the body evenly, tending only to support the body's heaviest parts. A mattress that is too soft sags and prevents the spine from maintaining proper alignment. Neither situation allows your muscles to rest, as they must work throughout the night to find a comfortable position and maintain correct posture. Comfort: When shopping for a mattress make sure you take the time to try it out.
Lie down on the mattress positioned how you usually sleep. Turn over from one side to the other. If you sleep with a partner, try the mattress together to make sure there is enough space for both sleepers to move around. Make sure the mattress can support your spine in its natural curve. Keep in mind that manufacturers use different terms for comfort and firmness that may be confusing. Terms such as "orthopaedic" are often used by mattress makers, but do not have any actual medical meaning. By trying out the mattress before you buy it, you will be better able to tell which one is the most comfortable for you. Durability: Durability has to do with how long the mattress materials will last. Look for quality materials for the core as well as the cover. See if the manufacturer offers a warranty on the mattress in case of defects. Mattress prices are determined by what they are made out of, the quality of the construction, and the size. A good mattress and box spring should last about 8-10 years.
So consider it an investment. Don't just look for the lowest price; look for the best value. It is important to turn your mattress frequently to maintain even wear and to give you the best support. Do I need a new mattress? Mattresses do not last forever. Most of us wait too long to replace our mattresses. If you have had the same mattress for over 10 years, chances are you need a new one. However, there are some other signs including: You wake up tired and achy. This may be a sign that your mattress is no longer providing you with enough support to give you a good night's rest. If you don't wake up feeling refreshed, it may be time to get a new mattress. Your mattress looks old, worn, or frayed. The box spring creaks and squeaks. These are all signs that the mattress and foundation may be worn out. Your bed is just not comfortable. Does the mattress sag or leave an impression where you sleep? If you find yourself rolling toward the center or you can't seem to find a comfortable position to sleep in, it's time to consider a new mattress.
Does the position I sleep in make a difference?Sleeping on your side, with the knees bent or with a pillow between the knees, is the best way to maintain proper body posture. If you must sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to support the normal curve of the lower back. Sleeping on your stomach or with your head elevated on an oversized pillow arches the natural curves of the back, as well as increases pressure on the diaphragm and lungs. These positions can lead to restless tossing and turning and therefore a less refreshing sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping or find that you wake in the morning more tired than when you went to bed, you may need to take a good look at where and how you sleep. A good mattress and box spring will allow you to rest comfortably and protect your spine. Sleep is an essential nutrient for our bodies and where we sleep can make all the difference. Is Your Cell Phone Killing Your Back? Back Pain Center: Upper, Mid Back, Low and Lower Back