Key Questions and Answers about Mattresses

You may shop for bedding so infrequently that you can't remember the last time you searched for your ideal mattress. The wide range of mattress types, materials, and sizes on the market today can make that search even more difficult, confusing, and frustrating once you finally make the trek to your favorite furniture store.

Fortunately, you can arm yourself with the necessary basic knowledge to help you narrow your search before you even leave your home. Take a look at the following key questions and answers about mattresses.

What Mattress Size Should You Choose?

Mattresses come in many standard sizes to suit different sleepers and sleeping arrangements. However, the names of these different sizes don't necessarily tell you what you need to know about their respective dimensions. Too small a mattress can cramp your bedtime experience, while too large a mattress eats up space unnecessarily.

Children, teens, and single adults can get a good night's sleep on a twin, twin XL, or full mattress. A twin mattress measures 38 by 75 inches, with the XL variant adding five inches to the length. A full or double mattress measures 54 by 75 inches. Some single individuals may prefer a queen sized mattress measuring 60 by 80.

Couples usually require a queen or king sized mattress. Although a king sized mattress offers a generous 76 by 80 inches, you might want an even larger mattress if the two of you shift sleep positions frequently. The largest possible option, the Alaskan king size, covers an enormous 108 by 108 inches.

How Do Mattress Materials Differ?

Mattresses come with a wide range of filler materials. The traditional innerspring mattress features a network of metal coils. This arrangement offers excellent support, but that support may fade over time as the coils lose their resiliency, forcing you to replace the mattress periodically.

Foam mattresses may include standard latex foam, memory foam, or even a hybrid of foam and inner springs. Latex foam offers a comfortable, affordable option, while memory foam can prove even more comfortable for its ability to conform to your body contours precisely. However, memory foam tends to trap and retain heat.

How Do Sleep Habits Affect Mattress Choice?

Some people tend to sleep on one side, while others sleep on their stomachs and still others sleep on their backs. Some kinds of mattresses may suit certain sleep positions better than others. Specifically, your preferred sleep position may dictate how firm a mattress you require.

If you sleep on your side, a softer mattress may enhance your comfort. Stomach sleepers can benefit from a firmer mattress that keeps the pelvis on the same level as the upper body. Back sleepers, who distribute their weight over a larger area, can use a mattress of almost any firmness.

What Health Conditions Influence Mattress Selection?

Certain health challenges can make a satisfying night's sleep hard enough without the mattress making things worse. If you suffer from allergies, for instance, you don't want your choice mattress to trigger allergic reactions. Purchase a naturally hypoallergenic latex or memory foam mattress instead of a coil mattress.

Chronic aches and pains can also interfere with your sleep. If you wake up every morning feeling worse than when you went to bed, you may need to buy a new mattress. Before you do, however, try flipping the mattress. Since an old mattress can sag at one end or other, this simple step might solve your painful problem.

If you know you need a new mattress, the location of your chronic pain may help you decide what kind of mattress to get. For instance, chronic hip or shoulder pain may respond well to a softer mattress than you currently use. By contrast, back pain may signal that you need a firmer, more supportive mattress.

Now that you have a clearer idea about the world of mattresses, enhance your shopping experience further by visiting Chris Furniture. We sell popular mattress models from leading manufacturers as well as full bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture sets. Contact us today.