It is estimated that an average person spends about 1/3 of their lives in bed sleep. If this is so, then your bed and the mattress you sleep on are some of the most important items in your home. Sleeping on a bad mattress can not only cause sleeping problems but can also cause orthopedic as well as other conditions. The Better Sleep Council encourages people to replace their mattress after 5 or 7 years.
Mattress Sleep Problems
Mattress Sleep ProblemsPain
This is one of the commonest complaints by people sleep on a poor mattress. Old and most cheap mattresses have an uneven surface that does not support the spine correctly. As a result, when you sleep too much pressure is exerted on part of your body or spine leading to pain. A bad mattress also causes:
- Pain in the muscles.
- Strains the joints.
- Strains the ligaments.
Insomnia
Insomnia is mostly characterized by the inability to fall asleep quickly and waking up early. A poor mattress makes the sleeping environment uncomfortable thus making it difficult to achieve sleep. The person sleeping on a poor quality mattress has to toss and turn for a long time before getting an ideal sleeping position. To solve this, all mattresses have a 1 to inch pad.
Fatigue
As pointed out above, sleeping on a bad mattress makes you to toss and turn for a long time before getting a good sleeping position. Tossing and turning requires a lot of energy and as a result your wake up tired and fatigued in the morning. This tiredness is extended and observed throughout your day.
Allergic Reaction
An old dilapidated mattress can harbor insects and dust that can trigger allergic reaction at night leading to poor sleep. It is therefore important to not only buy but also cover your mattress so as to prevent allergic reactions. Cleaning the coverings at least once in 2 week is also helpful.
When Mattress Should be Replaced?
In the following conditions you may change your mattress
(i) Wake Up with Back Pain and aches
(ii) Your mattress is over 8 years old
(iii) If you get better sleep somewhere else
(iv) Signs of wear and tear
(v)Noisy springs
Mattress Terminology
Mattress Comfort
Comfort is how you feel on placing your weight on a mattress. Comfort is what brings the feeling of relaxation that is very important for a good night sleep. In simple terms, comfort is whether the mattress is soft or hard at the top and this is determined by the upholstery layers used. Most marketing would use word like firm, plush, pillow-top to describe comfort. Ideally, you need to choose a mattress that causes minimum disturbance when your bed partner sleeps.
Mattress Support
Support is that aspect of a mattress that conforms to the position of the spine so as not to hurt it. While comfort is preferential, support is very important. Mattresses that do not conform to the shape and position of the spine can result into back pain.
Mattress Durability
Buying a mattress is not a short-term investment, it is long-term. Ideally, a mattress should be able to deliver quality for a period of not less than 5 years. Durability depends on the materials mattresses are made of. Durability is generally directly proportional to the price and density of a mattress.
Tips for Buying a Mattress
- Research mattresses online prior to visiting stores
- Get advice from your physician if you suffer from sleep disorders
- Decide on your “comfort” preferences before shopping
- Ask about money back guarantees
- Check out Warranties – 10 year full replacement is best
- Test Drive the mattress in store for 10 to 15 minutes
- Try all options and variations
- Shop at a mattress specialty store for better informed salesmen