Suppose you couldn’t sleep one night properly. The morning thereafter, you wake up sore and tired. You don’t have one bit of motivation to get yourself out of bed. Off to start with a bad morning, you arrive at work all sulky. Or, go about your house chores with lazy limbs. What if you have some important meeting to attend or other equally important activity to perform at home? Inadequate sleep, even for a night, can ruin an entire day for you.
Imagine if such sleep patterns continue for a week or more, you would probably find yourself in lots of unwarranted chaos. Now, there can be several factors not letting you attain a healthy amount of sleep. And among which stands - “Is your mattress too old?” Or, “is it still in a working condition?” Yes, bedding is one major factor influencing the quantity and quality of sleep that you get at night or any time of the day. There are reports which say that a good mattress can resolve most of your sleeping problems. But make sure you choose a mattress that suits you well - your body weight, body shape, regular sleeping positions, orthopaedic issues (if you have any).
How long does a mattress last?
Here, we answer it real quick for you. Most mattresses last 5-10 years, depending on what primary materials get used in their making. You will find a broad range of mattresses available in the Indian market today. The ones which are most commonly bought include innerspring, foam, and hybrid.
Now, different kinds of foams are employed in the production of mattresses. Polyurethane (or PU foam), memory foam, and latex (both natural and synthetic types) generally become part of your bedding. They either play the role of primary materials or add up to them as supporting or topmost comfort layers. Foam mattresses can work well for up to 8-10 years if neatly maintained. Especially the gel-infused memory foam mattress! The gel recoils easily and prevents the sagging of the mattress.
A 2015 study demonstrates how the use of a medium-firm memory foam mattress led to a decrease in back pain and helped people fall asleep easily. But there exist other studies too, (mostly based on customer satisfaction reports,) which state that a latex mattress wins the race for the “best mattress for health.” Not only does it put the least pressure on your body, but it also prevents you from sinking in, (which is a problem in the case of a memory foam mattress). This way, you can sleep cool and have a convenient sleeping position too. Latex mattresses (which are 100% natural) can support you and your sleep for up to 25 years. They are mighty durable and can also be a little expensive.
Hybrid mattresses are quite the favourite for some people, as they incorporate the best mix of steel coils and layers of foam and textiles. You don’t need to worry much about their longevity, as they can withstand pressure for many years. And that too, without compromising on the comfort they provide. You will not get sucked into a hybrid mattress even after years of use as it holds onto the springy effect and doesn't droop.
Has your mattress turned too old?
Experts can tell a lot about your sleep health by measuring your attentivity during the daytime. Or, how pleasant your mood is, and are you working to the best of your capability? Now, the state of your mattress has a lot to contribute to the above situation. If it isn’t giving the support you need, chances are that you may not be getting sufficient sleep. As a result, there is no rejuvenation of the body and mind, and your sleep debt runs an all-time high!
Now, you could be using a mattress for a long time. It worked just fine earlier. But over the past few weeks, you observe that there is something wrong with it. And you may wonder, is it already time to say goodbye to it? Let’s see. Firstly, is it helping you rest your spine in a neutral position during sleep? A mattress, no matter which type you prefer, should always care for the healthy alignment of your spine. Next, do you change body positions while sleeping? One minute you are turning to your left and then, the other to your right. At times, you may even get on your stomach and sleep flat. Is this happening to you? If so, this indicates that the blood circulation to some parts of the body is disturbed, and therefore, your body is presented with the need to toss and turn frequently. Moreover, if back pain is an everyday concern for you, and your mattress does nothing to provide relief but makes it worse - it is perhaps time you start looking for a new mattress.
Do you sweat badly while sleeping? Or, do you live in a region where the weather is oddly hot and humid? Either way, you require a mattress that would keep you cool and sweat-free. If your current mattress is falling to maintain a cooler temperature, you know what to do. Buy a new one! And this time, try looking for a mattress that has well-designed passageways inside to allow the air to circulate freely. This will cut out any trapping of body heat, and enable the body to relax and obtain a temperature that draws in better sleep.
Which mattress is good for health?
A mattress is a big-time investment that you make once every 10-15 years. So, take the process slow and look for one which would be worth the purchase. How about we help you do your research? Here are some quick points on “which mattress is good for health in India?”
Before we begin, you should know that no miracle mattress exists in the world that suits all and works for all. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks. So, let’s take a look at each, one at a time -
1. Memory Foam Mattress
Pros -
- Suitable for people having an average or healthy body weight.
- Contours to the body shape, hugging its curves and bends.
- Relieves the pressure points.
- A medium-firm and high-density memory foam mattress guarantees premium support for all, especially older people and ones who complain of chronic pain in the back, neck, or joints.
- It has a slow reaction time. When pressure is withdrawn from its surface, it doesn’t bounce back to its original form right at once. This is beneficial for people who like to switch between sleeping positions. For example, if you are sleeping on your back and wish to turn to a particular side, the mattress would help you do the transition easily.
Cons -
- It may not work well for people who are overweight.
- It holds on to some amount of body heat, and this can get you hot and sweaty during sleep. However, this is quite a benefit for some living in the colder regions. The memory foam mattress insulates heat and keeps them warm.
2. Latex Foam Mattress
Pros -
- Eco-friendly & highly durable.
- Hypoallergenic in nature. The dust mites, moulds, and other bed bugs can’t enter the mattress. This prevents skin allergies, coughs, nasal congestions, etc.
- It neither insulates body heat nor does anything to get rid of it or regulate the body temperature. It simply remains neutral in all seasons.
- Available in variable densities - soft, bouncy, or firm.
- Experts advise using a latex mattress to deal with orthopaedic issues.
Cons -
- Since it is naturally sourced, it can be a little problematic to find that one latex mattress that favours your preference. Also, the burden on your pocket will increase simultaneously.
- Spillages are the most common accidents. They can lead to moisture accumulation in the mattress, which over time can corrode the latex foam. Even the body sweat (if you sleep hot) can cause damage to the foam.
[Note: Allow your mattress a decent exposure to sunlight, irrespective of what type it is. Brush the mattress occasionally or vacuum it. Keep the windows open and encourage proper ventilation in the room in which the mattress is kept.]
3. PU Foam Mattress
Pros -
- It is affordable & quite compatible with the Indian climate.
- Lightweight despite its high density.
- Perfectly fitting the requirements of a typical Indian household.
- It can be used as a spare bed in the guest room.
- High responsive rate, and hence, bouncy.
- It has a texture similar to that of a memory foam mattress. But the cell pore size in PU foam expands more. As a result, they offer better temperature regulation.
- Generally, it is used to prepare the comfort and support layers of hybrid mattresses.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
Cons -
- Some people report that it doesn’t give the requisite support.
- It collects dust.
- The bed bugs and other allergens can enter and settle inside it.
[Note: High Resiliency (HR) PU foams can regain 80%-90% of their original forms despite the application of pressure. They form a vital element of the comfort and support layers of different mattresses. HR PU foams also cancel motion transfer across the mattress.]
4. Bonded Foam Mattress
Pros -
- It is made up of shreds belonging to multiple varieties of in-house manufactured foams.
- Gives medium-firm to ultra-firm support.
- If you underwent surgery recently or had an accident, a bonded foam mattress would look after the definite alignment of your spine and other parts of the body that need critical care.
- Bonded foam restricts motion to the point or part it originates from.
- Recommended for people who are overweight, as it offers absolute support to the back.
Cons-
- Too firm to handle for some! And if you prefer a soft and plush sleeping experience, buying a bonded foam mattress is not a good idea.
- It traps body heat and can get you sweaty during sleep.
5. Pocket Spring Mattress
Pros -
- It is made up of individual sets of innerspring coils, each wrapped in durable pocket fibre. The greater the number of coils in each pocket, the better the mattress will contour to your body.
- Recommended for older and overweight populations, and also people in general who have orthopaedic ailments.
- It provides firm support to the heaviest parts of the body.
- Ensures no disturbance is caused to your partner, while you turn, jump in or out, or sit back on your side of the mattress.
Cons -
- It is very heavy. Becomes quite a bit of a task to lift the mattress and clean it!
- If a pocket spring mattress comes with layers of latex or memory foam, its price observes a considerable hike. This hybrid form, however, has a great lifespan, better than most of the other mattresses.
6. Bonnell Spring Mattress
Pros -
- It, too, is well-suited for people having chronic orthopaedic conditions. Older age groups and athletes can benefit from it hugely.
- People suffering from obesity or ones having sleep disorders can choose a Bonnell spring mattress over the other types.
- It submits steady support to the back, especially for those who often lie on their backs during sleep.
Cons -
- It is a mattress solely designed to relieve orthopaedic complications.
- Its firm surface isn’t for everyone.
- Of course, the mattress weighs heavy. It is nearly impossible to lift the mattress every time you wish to clean the room.
7. Hybrid Mattress
Pros -
- Has different layers, each having a distinct density and purpose. But all work in a harmonious partnership with each other.
- Generally, broad and luxurious in appearance.
- Customisable, but it depends on the manufacturer.
- A hybrid mattress can be tailored to provide firmness and density as desired by a user. For example, the innerspring pocket coils coming in combination with layers of latex foam is a hybrid mattress. The spring coils offer superior support, whereas the latex foam (present in the upper comfort layers) gives the natural bouncy effect.
- Its durability is unmatched by any mattress.
Cons -
- It is heavy, and cleaning it can be an uphill task.
- Plenty of research goes into the development and processing of a hybrid mattress. Now, if you wish to alter it further or get yourself a hybrid mattress that suits your personal needs and wants - it can be difficult to get a manufacturer in the first place who would be willing to do the job for you.
8. Dual Comfort Mattress
Pros -
- A practical solution for people who want to derive multiple benefits using a single mattress.
- Saves money in your pocket and keeps you happy.
- Functions more effectively.
- Has a well-designed structure.
- Standard fabric is made use of in its production.
- Popularly known as the “flippable” or “multipurpose” mattresses.
- It can be soft on one side and firm on the other.
- If you ever get bored of sleeping on one side or face sudden back pain, just flip the mattress over and try sleeping on the opposite side.
- A dual comfort mattress is always made with innerspring coils.
- You face no troubles in cleaning it. The maintenance is easy to go along with.
- In almost every dual comfort mattress, a core support layer is present in addition to one at the bottom. This enhances the support mechanism of the mattress
Cons -
- If both sides of the dual comfort mattress are soft, then it can act as an insulator. On the other hand, if both sides of the mattress are firm, then it will have no business regulating the temperature.
- Reports suggest that many people complain of not receiving the ideal comfort or similar to what they obtain from a single-use mattress. For example, a medium-firm mattress helps you sleep comfortably - it’s a tried and tested thing for you. So, should you buy a dual-comfort mattress that has medium-firm support on one side and an ultra-firm on the other? Or, is it okay to go with a hybrid memory foam mattress having a medium-firm and yet soft (and plush) feel on both sides? Well, experts would recommend going with the latter.
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