Sleep takes up almost a quarter of a person's life, given that he sleeps at least 8 hours a day. Therefore, the place for rest should be properly organized. You should start with the mattress, since the quality of sleep largely depends on its parameters. How to choose it and what to pay attention to will be discussed below.
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Main characteristics
When buying a mattress, first of all, you should pay attention to such key parameters as: size, rigidity, maximum permissible load. The latter depend on the materials used for production and construction.
Mattress sizes
Basically, all mattresses on sale have standard sizes, calculated for the average height of the buyer. However, when choosing, you should still pay attention to this indicator. So, if a person's height is 170 cm, then the mattress should be at least 185-190 cm in length.
As for widths, then if it is a double bed, then it should be taken into account that during sleep there should be space between the partners. Therefore, in this case, the decision should be made by two people. If we talk about single mattresses, then the standard sizes are considered to be 80x190 (200) or 90x200. For double The length is most often 200 cm, and the width is 120, 140, 160 or 180 cm.
As for heights, this parameter is worth paying special attention to, since it depends on the rigidity and design of the base, which will be discussed below.
Mattresses can be of different thicknesses:
Maximum load
When choosing a mattress, this criterion is of great importance, since the user's weight determines not only his comfortable rest, but also the service life of the product itself. In order for the sleeping place to retain its rigidity for as long as possible, it is necessary to buy a product with a load-bearing capacity reserve of 15-20 kg from the user's body weight.
Mattress firmness
This parameter is one of the most important, since not only comfortable rest but also the health of the spine depends on it. If the rigidity is chosen incorrectly, the body will be in the wrong anatomical position, and the muscles will not be able to relax. In this case, it is impossible to talk about quality sleep. When choosing a mattress, you need to focus not only on your feelings, but also on your age and body type.
Mattresses of different firmness are presented on the market for this product..
- Soft and medium soft - are suitable for people with low weight, as well as the elderly. Such mattresses help relieve the load from joints, muscles and improve blood circulation. But as for children, they are absolutely not suitable for them, since their spine is not yet formed.
- Medium hardness – an excellent option for those with an average body build and height.
- Hard and medium hard - recommended for teenagers and children, as they have a positive effect on the formation of posture. For adults, they can also be recommended in case of problems with the spine or for preventive purposes.
If, after purchasing the mattress, the user realizes that he is not satisfied with the firmness of the sleeping place, it can always be adjusted using a topper, which includes several layers and different materials.
Mattress base
When faced with choosing a mattress based on its firmness and maximum load, many people wonder what these parameters depend on. First of all, these characteristics are affected by base construction, which can be spring or springless.
Spring mattress
The classic option, which is still popular today, is a mattress with dependent spring block, that is, all the springs are connected to each other. However, since they are not protected individually, but are organized in a common internal space, a creaking sound may appear over time.
Mattresses with independent spring block are distinguished by the fact that each spring is enclosed in its own cover and is not connected to the neighboring ones. This design allows for the correct anatomical position. Under the protruding parts of the body, the springs are compressed more, as a result of which the body relaxes and the spine straightens.
Springless mattresses
In this case, springs are not used, but a soft base, most often made of synthetic materials with different loads and rigidity. The most affordable option is polyurethane foam. Mattresses based on it are thin and are more suitable for a summer house. They are very convenient for transportation, since they can be easily rolled up.
A more expensive option is Memory Foam material. Such mattresses provide comfortable rest and are perfect for those who have problems with the spine. Often, this material is used in orthopedic mattresses. At the same time, such products most often have load restrictions.
It is necessary to understand that the present orthopedic mattress It is made exclusively to order, taking into account the individual characteristics of a person and according to a doctor’s prescription.
Which filler to choose
Between the base of the mattress and the human body while he lies on it, there is one or more layers - filler. If it is chosen correctly, it is possible to achieve the right level of rigidity for a particular user. At the same time, layers of hard and soft material can be combined or alternated to achieve the ideal result.
Hard fillers include::
Coconut coir – is pressed coconut fibers. Such fillers are durable, rigid, elastic, wear-resistant and hypoallergenic. But at the same time, coir has no memory. The filler can be combined with a softer material, such as polyurethane or latex.
Hemp – this natural filler has become increasingly popular lately. It is breathable, which makes it hygienic. In addition, bacteria do not multiply in it, and mold does not form. And all thanks to the fact that hemp is a natural antiseptic. This filler is more expensive than coconut.
Sisal – this material is based on the fibers of the South American agave. This filler is characterized by medium hardness. Over time, sisal dries out a lot, however, like coir. At first, the filler becomes harder, and eventually, in places of greatest load, it loses its shape.
As for soft fillers, the most commonly used ones are::
Latex – a natural material based on hevea juice. It is elastic, durable and wear-resistant. In addition, due to its porous structure, it allows air to pass through perfectly due to through perforation. Mattresses with such filling quite practical, as they retain their original properties for quite a long time.
Artificial latex (highly elastic polyurethane foam) – has almost the same characteristics as natural latex, but is cheaper. It is often used together with coir or alternated with it to achieve the necessary rigidity. This allows you to make the filler more durable, strong and wear-resistant.
Orthopedic foam (Ormafoam) is an environmentally friendly material with a porous structure, which ensures constant free air circulation. Mattresses with such a filler are characterized by elasticity, comfort and moderate softness. Most often, it is used for orthopedic purposes as prescribed by a doctor.
Horsehair – is the most environmentally friendly and 100% natural material used to make premium mattresses. This filler is elastic, soft, well ventilated and retains its properties for several years.
Wool – this is a very soft material that easily takes the shape of the body. In addition, it warms perfectly, so mattresses with such a filler are perfect for country houses. However, this material is not suitable for everyone, since it is allergenic.
What should a double mattress be like?
If two people sleep on the bed, the mattress must meet certain criteria and needs of each partner, and also take into account the physiological characteristics of both.
A double mattress should be:
- satisfying the needs of both partners in terms of height, softness and other characteristics;
- spacious so that two people do not disturb each other while sleeping;
- no creaking or grinding noise during operation;
- comfortable so that when one partner moves, the other does not feel any vibrations on the mattress;
- selected taking into account the difference in weight between two people, if it is more than 20 kg.
What to look for when choosing a mattress for a double bed
When choosing, you need to be guided not only by your budget, but also by what how long do you plan to use itIf you choose a quality mattress, it can last for decades, providing comfortable sleep for both partners.
If you choose a springless mattress, you should buy a product at least 14 cm thick and with several layers of different density and hardness. The fact is that such products have a balance of hardness and therefore people of different weights can sleep on them at the same time. And since they do not have mechanical elements, when one sleeper changes their body position, the other does not feel any vibrations.
When choosing a spring block, you should pay attention to the one that contains from 500 to 1000 independent elements per 1 sq. m. They provide point support for all parts of the body, including the spine. That is, the more springs per square meter, the stronger and more durable the mattress.
To ensure a comfortable sleep, the mattress topper layers should be not less than 2 cm each, 1 cm of latex or coir will not be enough. It is the filler that can become the most vulnerable place, since, being between the mechanical elements and the human body, it is subjected to repeated compression every night.
The mattress cover should be thick with strong seams. Jacquard is an excellent option. Knitted fabrics will require an additional protective mattress pad, as they are prone to snagging.
What should a mattress for children be like?
Choice mattress for children – this is a responsible process, since their body is not yet fully formed and an incorrect body position during sleep can lead to negative health consequences, such as curvature of the spine.
Choosing a mattress by age:
Children from 0 to 3 years oldIn this case, you should buy a springless hard mattress. On a too soft bed, the spine may form incorrectly.
Children 4-5 years old. At this age, children are already active, their body weight changes quickly. The optimal choice in this case would be either a springless mattress of medium hardness or a model with independent springs. They will provide the child with healthy sleep and proper support for the spine.
Children 7-12 years old. At this age, the musculoskeletal system continues to change. Therefore, the choice should be made between a mattress with an independent spring block and a springless one with moderate hardness.
Teenagers over 12 years old. If the child has no problems with the spine, he can sleep on a mattress designed for adults. This can be either a springless model or one with an independent block.
When buying a mattress for a child, you should focus on the following dimensions:
- for children up to 3 years old – 60x120 cm or 60x140 cm;
- for children 3-7 years old – 60x140 or 90x200 (depending on height);
- for schoolchildren (7-12 years old) – from 70x170 cm;
- over 12 years old – from 80x200 cm.
Doctors' Advice on Choosing Mattress Firmness:
- at scoliosis a moderately hard springless mattress is suitable;
- diseases of the thoracic spine require medium-hard high models;
- at lumbar osteochondrosis You should choose mattresses with an independent spring block of moderate hardness.
However, it is important to understand that these recommendations are general in nature, so in each individual case you should follow the advice of your child’s doctor.
Choosing a Mattress for the Elderly
With age, the human body begins to rebuild, the hormonal background changes, various chronic diseases appear, including those related to the musculoskeletal system, back pain and joint pain. All this has an extremely negative effect on the quality of sleep, it becomes intermittent and sensitive.
There must be good ventilation to prevent moisture and dust from accumulating inside the mattress.
What should the rigidity be?
For older people, the best option is soft or medium-hard mattress. Alternatively, you can consider intermediate options. It is important to understand that with age, joints become more fragile, less mobile and elastic. When resting on a hard mattress, in places where the body comes into contact with the surface of the bed, excessive pressure is created, which negatively affects health. That is, stagnation of lymph and blood occurs, tissue trophism is disrupted.
Frequently asked questions
This is quite acceptable. The main thing is to take into account the characteristics of the mattresses so that they are suitable for each person.
In this case, it is impossible to find a common mattress that would satisfy both partners. Here you will have to buy two separate ones and combine them with a mattress cover.
If he has no problems with the musculoskeletal system, then it is quite possible to use a mattress intended for an adult as a sleeping place.
If after a night's rest you feel tired or have pain in one place or another, this indicates that the mattress has been chosen incorrectly.
In this case, you will either have to look at an option with more suitable characteristics, or use a topper, which will help give the mattress greater rigidity.
