Choosing a mattress suited to our needs for rest and health
Memory foam mattresses, spring, latex, futons … Today, the variety of mattresses available in the market is so wide that it is difficult to choose. However, this is a very important choice: think we spent almost a third of our life in bed, and that affects the quality of rest and health. Here we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mattress, to help you choose.
Spring mattresses
It’s the kind of mattress sold (60% market share) and preferred by most consumers. It consists of a central structure of springs, padded on both sides for firmness is regular and the springs are not “nailed” to the back. These mattresses are usually the cheapest, but there are options for all tastes and budgets based on the degree of firmness and comfort desired. Quality depends on the number of springs and their distribution, thickness of the layers quilted, if springs are bagged independently, etc..
Advantages: They are comfortable and offer adequate support to the back. Are cheap.
Disadvantages: over the years become deformed. Some consider them too “hard”.
Latex mattresses
In this type of mattresses, the traditional spring structure is replaced by several layers of latex, an elastic material which comes from vegetable rubber. Thus, latex mattress adapts completely to the shape and the body weight, which makes it very convenient. Firmness and quality depend on the proportion of natural and synthetic latex having: the greater the amount of natural components, more comfortable mattress but also will be more delicate. For your convenience have become very popular and now account for 15% of sales.
Advantages: Ultra-comfortable, last longer than the spring and they are hypoallergenic.
Disadvantages: more expensive out. If they catch moisture rot, so you should aerate well.
Memory foam mattresses
These mattresses are based on a foam originally developed by NASA that can withstand high pressures without losing its elasticity. The core of the mattress viscoelastic layer is a high density which ensures the gripping and avoids deformation, while the coating layers are soft and fluffy. Thus, to lie in this type of mattress you feel that you “wrap”, which is nice, but some people have the uncomfortable feeling that they “sink”. We must try to get some ideas.
Advantages: very comfortable and cozy, ideal for people with muscle and bone pain.
Disadvantages: the memory foam mattresses are usually more expensive than latex or spring.
Foam mattresses
This is the “old” version of memory foam mattresses, made from a polyurethane foam less resilient and adaptable. The foam mattress is reputed uncomfortable and durable because it is the typical folding beds or campers, for that. However, foam mattresses are high quality as those used by hospitals, which are an economical alternative to latex or memory foam. In recent years manufacturers have introduced new models based on interesting technologies like Bultex or Airvex.
Advantages: affordable and have different levels of firmness. They adapt to any extent.
Disadvantages: tends to deform the foam over time. Quality models are expensive.
Wool Mattresses
Before the invention of the springs and foams, the mattresses were stuffed with wool or straw, according to a custom imported from the Arabs. It was more comfortable than sleeping on the ground or a timber, but these had little stability mattresses were very flammable and must often fill and compacting. Currently there has been a great renewal of wool mattress, combined with other fabrics to reduce inconvenience.
Advantages: they are warm, natural and organic. They are soft, strong and durable.
Disadvantages: hard to find. They’re heavy, they tend to cake and attract insects.
Futons
This is a very thin type of mattress imported from Japan and originally intended to roll it up during the day, to save space. In the Western version, are thicker, are made with cotton and foam and placed on a wooden base. Are becoming quite popular for their design and affordability, but are very hard.
Advantages: very firm with a wooden base, are affordable, practical and decorative.
Disadvantages: its small thickness makes them very hard and further deform during use.
Other types of mattresses
There are other types of mattresses which are not suitable for continuous use. On one side are the inflatable mattress, very practical but with a low stability that makes them suitable only for occasional use. For their part, waterbeds can be comfortable and fun, but neither should be used for a long time due to the instability of their holding. The same applies to the mattresses, sleeping bags, quilts and other similar items, you should not use to sleep every day because in the long term are not healthy.
Advantages: you can pull through when you have guests or sleeping outside.
Disadvantages: not as comfortable or healthy as a normal mattress.
How to choose
Choose the mattress you choose, it is important to be comfortable to sleep well, but should be firm to rest your back straight. Also note that the mattress needs to be complemented with a good spring mattress, sheets or wood. It is also advisable to turn the mattress every six months for even wear uniform, and vent daily to prevent moisture buildup. Finally, remember that a mattress does not last a lifetime: renewal is recommended every ten years or less.