Are you looking for a new mattress? There’s no shortage of options. With such a wide variety of mattresses to choose from, it’s often hard to know where to start. What’s the difference between a memory foam mattress and a traditional mattress? Should you go for a soft or firm mattress? How can you be sure your mattress doesn’t contain chemicals that are harmful to your health? These are all valid questions.
To help you make an informed decision, we answer all your questions in this mattress guide. This will help you choose a mattress that meets your needs and ensures a restful night’s sleep.
What are the different types of mattresses?
Whether you're shopping in stores or online, you'll quickly realize that there are several types of mattresses. The main difference between these different types of mattresses lies in their composition.
Some contain 100% chemical components, while others rely primarily on natural materials. The composition also affects the mattress’s price and its lifespan. As is often the case, investing in a slightly more expensive mattress allows you to enjoy a much higher-quality product made with materials that are less harmful to your health.
To help you make an informed decision on this matter and learn everything there is to know about mattresses, here is a brief overview of the different types of mattresses available on the market.
The polyurethane foam mattress
Polyurethane foam mattresses are a type of mattress that you’ll find in abundance in the entry-level mattress category. The polyurethane foam used in this type of mattress is derived from petrochemicals.
Consequently—as you can see—this type of mattress is made entirely of synthetic materials. In addition, the polyurethane foam is also chemically treated to limit the growth of bacteria, dust mites, and other microorganisms.
In terms of comfort, this type of mattress isn't the highest quality. In fact, its density is relatively low, which provides only light support for your spine. You should therefore choose this type of mattress for occasional use.
The memory foam mattress
Memory foam mattresses are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their promise of perfectly conforming to the contours of our bodies to provide optimal support while we sleep.
But behind this promise of comfort lies a synthetic composition that includes viscoelastic foam. So while you’ll certainly be comfortable when you go to bed, the presence of chemical components may pose a problem.
Furthermore, this type of synthetic foam tends to trap heat and moisture, creating an environment conducive to bacteria and dust mites. In terms of composition and thermal comfort, there are better options available.
The Natural Latex Mattress
A natural latex mattress consists largely of latex, a natural component. As a reminder, latex is a plant sap produced by the rubber tree. To make this sap solid and malleable, vulcanizing agents must be added to it.
Please note: The label “100% natural” can be applied to any mattress that contains at least 85% natural latex. Therefore, be sure to check the composition of the mattress you plan to buy so you can choose the most natural one available.
You can also find synthetic latex mattresses. Natural latex makes up only 15 to 20 percent of the mattress’s total composition. The rest of the composition consists largely of synthetic latex, which, once again, is derived from petrochemicals.
Be sure to choose a natural latex mattress if you want to avoid chemical components.
Spring Mattresses
If you thought that the traditional spring mattresses our grandmothers used were outdated, you're wrong. Of course, design methods have changed significantly since the days of those old spring mattresses.
Today, you can find various types of spring mattresses (biconical spring mattresses, multi-coil spring mattresses, and pocket spring mattresses).
You can find spring mattresses with natural fillings such as wool or cotton. However, most spring mattresses incorporate synthetic foam to prevent you from feeling the springs when you lie down. Therefore, if you’re looking for a mattress that’s both comfortable and natural, this type of mattress may not be the best choice.
How do I choose the right mattress?
Are you wondering how to choose a mattress? You’re right to ask, because while this question may seem trivial at first glance, the importance of choosing the right mattress means it’s worth learning a little more about the subject. In fact, depending on your body type, age, weight, and sleep quality, certain types of mattresses will be a better fit than others.
First of all, the first question you should ask yourself is: Do I want a natural or synthetic mattress? As you might expect, the advantages of a natural mattress tend to overshadow those of a synthetic one. Given the controversy surrounding the chemical treatments used in synthetic mattresses, it’s perfectly reasonable to prefer sleeping on a mattress made from natural materials.
Once you've decided on the composition of your mattress, you'll also need to choose its density. The density of your mattress will determine how firm or soft it is. As is often the case, the ideal solution lies somewhere in between.
In other words, a mattress that is too soft will not provide the minimum support your body needs for a good night’s sleep. A mattress that is too firm, on the other hand, will not be able to adapt to your movements to reduce tension and pressure on your body. A medium-firm mattress is therefore the best choice.
You should also consider your weight when choosing a mattress that provides the right level of support for a comfortable night's sleep. For people weighing between 50 and 90 kilograms, a soft-to-medium-firm mattress is ideal. For those who weigh more, a firm mattress is generally recommended.
How do you choose the right box spring for your mattress?
Choosing the right bed base is almost as important as choosing your mattress. After all, the mattress and the bed base together make up your bed. If you choose a bed base that isn't suitable for your mattress, you risk premature wear and tear on your mattress and a significant loss of comfort.
As a reminder, the main types of bed frames are:
- the slatted bed frame;
- the box spring;
- the so-called "relaxation" bed base.
A slatted bed frame has the advantage of providing excellent ventilation for your mattress. However, be sure to choose a slatted bed frame that is sturdy enough and has a minimum number of slats. If you have a relatively heavy mattress—such as a natural latex mattress—on a low-quality, inexpensive slatted bed frame, you may find yourself having to replace broken slats on a regular basis. Therefore, opt for a slatted bed frame designed for an adult bed that can support a minimum weight.
A box spring, on the other hand, should only be used with a spring mattress. A box spring, therefore, goes hand in hand with a spring mattress. The purpose of a box spring is to provide more flexible support that better adapts to your movements when you are lying on your spring mattress.
The category of “relaxation” bed bases includes manual and electric bed bases. Both types serve the same purpose: to raise the head or foot of the bed. With this type of bed base, you can choose a semi-upright position or elevate your legs to improve blood circulation.
To get the most out of this type of bed base, be sure to choose a mattress that can withstand this kind of deformation without sacrificing comfort. For example, a spring mattress is not necessarily recommended for a reclining bed base. If a spring becomes deformed due to a portion of the bed base being raised, it can cause significant discomfort.
When should you use a mattress topper?
As the name suggests, a mattress topper is a thin mattress that is placed on top of your mattress. The variety of mattress toppers has grown in recent years to meet a range of needs. Whether your mattress is too soft or too firm, a mattress topper is often a more affordable solution than replacing it.
But how do you choose a mattress topper? If you feel the need to buy a mattress topper, it’s because your current mattress isn’t fully satisfying your needs. This is the case for many people who haven’t taken the time to choose a mattress that perfectly suits their needs. Therefore—when choosing a mattress topper—you should first ask yourself why you want to add a mattress topper to your current mattress.
If your current mattress is too firm for you, you can place a soft mattress topper on top of it. Conversely, if you feel that your mattress is too soft, you can place a firm mattress topper on top of it.
Of course, this extra comfort won't match that of a mattress with a density tailored to your body type. However, it can be a more affordable solution until you find a new mattress that truly meets your needs.
Just like with mattresses, you can find mattress toppers:
- made of synthetic foam, such as memory foam;
- made with natural materials, such as natural latex, cotton, or even wool.
If the natural composition of your mattress topper is important to you and your health, be sure to check that the mattress topper in question is made from natural materials and has not undergone any controversial chemical treatments.
Mattress protectors: Are they really necessary?
A mattress protector can serve various purposes. In fact, you can find waterproof mattress protectors that—as their name suggests—protect your mattress from sweat, potential bedwetting by a child, and so on. Since a mattress is difficult to clean once it’s soiled, a mattress protector will allow you to significantly extend the life of your mattress while keeping it hygienic.
It’s worth noting that there are also anti-dust mite mattress protectors. In this case, the goal isn’t so much to protect your mattress as it is to protect you from the dust mites thriving in your mattress. The undeniable advantage of an anti-dust mite mattress protector is that it provides protection through a mechanical barrier rather than chemical treatment. In addition to being more effective than anti-dust mite treatments, an anti-dust mite mattress protector also allows you to choose a solution that is not harmful to your health.
Good to know: If you're allergic to dust mites, you should know that natural latex mattresses are not a favorable environment for them. Dust mites avoid natural latex mattresses and much prefer to thrive in synthetic foams, which retain more heat and moisture.
How do you wash a mattress?
We spend every night in more or less direct contact with our mattress. As the seasons change, it’s therefore perfectly normal to feel the need to wash—or at least care for—your mattress to keep it clean.
But how do you care for your mattress? We’re not here to recommend a wash cycle temperature for your washing machine. After all, washing a mattress—just like any other piece of fabric—is practically impossible for many people. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips for caring for your mattress without damaging it.
In particular, you can find several household products—usually in spray form—for cleaning your mattress. However, very few of these products are made from 100% natural ingredients.
Therefore, to avoid introducing chemicals into your mattress, opt for traditional—and still just as effective—home remedies when cleaning your mattress. If you simply want to sanitize and freshen up your mattress, you can sprinkle baking soda over its surface. Let it sit for several minutes, then vacuum the mattress with your vacuum cleaner. Make sure your vacuum cleaner’s brush is clean so you don’t end up dirtying your mattress while trying to clean it.
If you want to remove a stain from your mattress, you can use natural products. In particular, you can use a little white vinegar diluted with water. To do this, soak a damp cloth in the diluted white vinegar and rub it directly on the stain.
How to Choose the Right Bedding?
Bedding typically includes:
- the fitted sheet;
- the duvet cover;
- the pillowcase.
It's worth noting that flat sheets aren't really in style anymore in our beds, even though they're still a popular choice when you want to add a little extra flair to your bedding.
No matter what type of bedding you choose, the fabric's composition and finish are the two main factors to consider when making your decision.
Just like clothing, bedding made of 100% cotton or linen helps absorb the sweat you may produce at night. If you want to enjoy a good night’s sleep without waking up sweaty, choose bedding made from 100% natural materials and avoid polyester fabrics.
When it comes to quality, the main thing to look for here is the thread count of your bedding. The higher the thread count per square centimeter, the longer your bedding will last. For basic bedding, the average thread count is 57 threads per square centimeter. If you’d like to choose higher-quality bedding, look for a thread count of around 80 threads per square centimeter.
Which comforter should I choose?
A comforter is also one of the essentials of our bedding that can greatly contribute to our comfort. Whether in summer or winter, choosing a comforter is therefore not a decision to be taken lightly.
How do you choose a comforter? First, you need to choose the size. As a reminder, your comforter must be larger than your mattress. This is because your comforter should drape over the edges of your mattress so that you can sleep comfortably while still being able to move freely. Therefore, for a single bed measuring 90 x 190 cm, you should choose a comforter that is either 140 x 200 cm or 200 x 200 cm.
For a double bed measuring 160 x 200 cm, your comforter should be at least 240 x 220 cm.
Next, you need to choose the warmth rating. Opt for a lightweight comforter in the summer and a warmer one in the winter. If you don't experience significant temperature fluctuations between summer and winter, you can also choose a four-season comforter.
When it comes to filling, it is recommended to choose comforters made from the most natural materials possible, to avoid breathing in chemicals at night.
How do you choose a pillow?
This mattress guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning pillows. After all, pillows are also essential for restful sleep. Here again, depending on your sensitivity to chemicals and your sleeping positions, certain types of pillows will be more suitable.
Which pillow should you choose? First, you need to decide on the filling. You can choose from natural or synthetic pillows.
Natural pillows can be made of down, feathers, natural latex, and other materials. They generally offer better breathability than synthetic pillows and are free of chemical components.
Pillows made of synthetic materials are generally sold at a more attractive price, but they contain chemical components.
If you want to sleep on a pillow made from healthy materials, you might want to choose a natural latex pillow over a memory foam pillow made from synthetic foam.
When it comes to pillow firmness, choose a soft pillow if you sleep on your stomach. If you tend to sleep on your side, it’s best to choose a firmer pillow—ideally one with memory foam—to provide optimal support for your neck. For those who prefer to sleep on their backs, a medium-firm pillow is a good choice.
Now you know everything you need to know to choose the best mattress for you, as well as all the essential items to ensure a good night's sleep.