1. A flat uniform mattress will not provide the support your body needs
Flat uniform mattresses do not contour to your individual body shape. This means they cannot provide quality support for your neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back
A uniform mattress can be made from any number of materials including pocket springs; bonnel/box springs; foam; memory foam; latex or a combination of these materials
Only an ergonomic bed can provide real and adjustable support to give you the best rest your body needs
2. Beds should not be purchased based on comfort alone
Comfort refers to the padding layers of the mattress and is usually referred to as soft, medium or firm. As good as they feel, comfort layers do not provide support
Support is how the mattress contours and adjusts to the shape of your body
Don’t be fooled by the comfort layer when testing beds, it’s the core of the bed which provides support
3. Box-spring mattresses do not provide contoured support
Box spring mattresses are generally a firm spring and can cause shoulder and hip soreness
Normally called orthopedic, chiropractic or Posturepedic, box spring mattresses are not ergonomically designed to provide real and adjustable support your body needs
4. Memory foam mattresses do not reduce pressure
Memory Foam, Visco and Tempur are of a similar basic composition
They are a man-made synthetic product first developed by NASA
Contrary to claims, memory foam does not reduce pressure or provide proper support
5.How
to minimise partner disturbance
A flat uniform mattress doesn’t have the ability to reduce partner disturbance which can be caused by the different height and weight of each person
Getting in and out of bed, tossing and turning, snoring, neck, lower back & hip issues creates restlessness
A bed that can be customised to suit the needs of both partners, or has independent adjustability on either side is recommended for couples experiencing disturbance
6. Soft and cuddly mattresses cause bed heat and body impression problems
Our bodies create heat and this can be trapped by the mattress and bedding, making it hotter
The design of your mattress can determine how hot your bed becomes:
The thicker the comfort layer the hotter the bed
The plusher or softer the comfort layer the hotter the bed
Euro tops and pillow tops can trap more heat
A tight top mattress does not trap heat
7. A natural latex mattress will help with allergies
Natural latex provides an organic mattress with allergy free properties
The interconnecting cell structure of latex provides a natural ventilation system that allows heat and body moisture to dissipate
Many latex mattresses are made firmer by the addition of synthetic hardening compounds
If you suffer allergies insist on all natural products within the latex
8. The right mattress and base can reduce snoring and sleep apnoea
A flat uniform mattress can obstruct your wind pipe due to incorrect support which places pressure upon your head, neck and/or shoulders
An ergonomic mattress which adjusts to the contours of your body to accommodate your unique size and shape reduces stress upon these areas and reduces the likelihood of snoring and sleep apnoea
9. Children’s bedding can adjust with their growth
Young growing bodies need proper support and comfort for a good night’s sleep
Poor quality sleep can cause reduced performance at school, poor decision making and a greater tendency toward moodiness and low concentration
A combination of a lighter responsive spring mattress, or supportive foam or latex mattresses with an ergonomic base forms a supportive bed that can be adjusted as your child grows
10. It’s important to know the pros and cons of each mattress type
Single versus Double sided mattresses
Single sided mattress:
A single sided mattress is where the comfort layer only appears on one side of the mattress
They will not last as long as a double sided mattress, which can be flipped
Are easy to rotate as they are lighter
Generally more cost effective as they use less materials
Double sided mattresses:
Have a comfort layer on both the top and bottom of the mattress.
Can be rotated and flipped extending life of mattress
Generally heavier and may be difficult to flip
Can have a side for winter and a side for summer
Generally more expensive than single sided mattresses
Box-Spring Mattresses
Typically referred to as orthopaedic, chiropractic or posture-pedic mattresses
Generally a firm spring
Better for medium to robust body types
Can cause shoulder and hip soreness due to its firmness
Can cause partner disturbance
Does not provide contoured support
Pocket Spring Mattresses
Has individual springs each encased in fabric, creating a pocket
Generally a softer spring
Better for light to medium body types
Reduces partner disturbance, due to the pocketing of each spring
Can cause back soreness due to hammocking effect
Does not provide contoured support
Latex Mattresses
Produced from natural rubber
Can be soft, medium or firm
Is suitable for all body types
Reduces partner disturbance
Can include chemical compounds to change its feel
Provides better support than most other mattresses
Does not provide contoured support
Foam Mattresses
Man made using synthetic materials
Can be soft, medium or firm
Is cost effective and can have shorter lifespan
Includes chemical compounds that may cause allergies or reactions
Does not provide contoured support
Memory Foam Mattresses
Man made using synthetic materials
Memory foam, visco and Tempur are all the same product.
Can be soft, medium or firm
Reduces partner disturbance
Includes chemical compounds that may cause allergies or reactions.