How to Choose a New Mattress? Hulsta Mattress Buying Guide

Shopping for a mattress can seem overwhelming with all the options, materials, sizes and specs available. Whether you prefer a soft mattress or one that is firmer, want to stick to a certain budget or go for the absolute best mattress money can buy, choosing the right mattress is essential for not just a good night’s sleep but also for a productive day.

With all these factors to consider, it’s important to do your research to know what features and qualities make up your perfect mattress.

We have been selling luxury beds and mattresses for more than four decades now, so we can definitely help you shortlist the right mattress and understand what makes a good mattress.

Things to Consider Before Buying a New Mattress

When shopping for a mattress, there are several factors you need to consider.

First, reflect on your sleep position, body type, and comfort level.

Second, look into cost-effectiveness, quality of materials used, and durability.

Additionally, consider your specific sleeping needs, such as if you’re a hot sleeper or have underlying health issues causing back pain while sleeping.

Is it time yet?

Good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being, and your mattress is crucial in ensuring you get the rest you need. Quality mattresses generally last 10 to 15 years, but other signs are more important to look out for.

For example, if you find yourself tossing and turning at night, waking up with aches and pains, or feeling tired and groggy in the morning, it is probably time to invest in a new mattress.

Some more signs that your mattress needs replacing include visible signs of wear and tear, sagging or unevenness, or if your partner’s movements are disturbing your sleep.

Remember, a comfortable and supportive mattress is key to a good night’s sleep!

Should you consider a change of size?

When it comes to choosing a mattress, size matters. While you may have had a queen mattress in the past, don’t be afraid to upgrade to a king size if it fits your bed frame and if you have the space and budget.

However, it’s also important to consider the size of your bedroom and how much floor space you really need.

If you’re moving into a larger room, a bigger mattress might be just what you need to fill the space.

On the other hand, if you’re short on space, a smaller mattress will be more practical.

Remember that changing your mattress’s size will also require a new headboard and bed frame, so it’s a great opportunity to redesign and redecorate your bedroom.

What are your needs and expectations?

While choosing the right mattress is crucial for a good night’s sleep, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our bodies are unique and constantly changing, so our mattress needs will also change over time.

As we age, our bodies may experience weight fluctuations, chronic pain, or injuries that require a different level of support from our mattress. It’s important to regularly assess our sleeping needs and invest in a mattress that can adapt to our changing bodies.

If you suffer from any serious condition, you should also consider consulting with your doctor or physiotherapist to determine the level of support your back, neck, and shoulders require.

What type of mattress should you buy?

With so many different types of mattresses available, it’s crucial to research and understand what features and materials will best suit your needs before making a purchase.

Air, foam and spring mattresses are the three broadly defined mattress types, each having different sub-categories. You can also find hybrid mattresses which combine the properties of two or more different types.

Learn more about the different mattress types here.

Firm or soft?

It’s important to keep an open mind and try out a range of firmness levels. Don’t rely solely on descriptions like “firm” or “soft” because there are no standardisations across brands. Just like with clothing sizes, what one brand considers firm may be different from another.

In fact, in our own mattress tests, we found that some people who thought they preferred firm mattresses actually preferred ones labelled as medium. So, when reading reviews online, remember that everyone’s definition of firmness may vary.

If you’re confused about the right firmness level, consider your sleeping position. Side sleepers usually find softer mattresses to be more comfortable as these better align with the body shape. On the other hand, those who sleep on their backs usually prefer medium.

Are you a hot sleeper?

If you tend to sleep hot, foam mattresses may not be the best option as they can trap heat. On the other hand, Innerspring mattresses are more breathable due to the spaces in the coils that allow body heat to disperse. However, if you prefer the foam feel, look for foam hybrids or innerspring with a foam topper.

Some foam mattresses are designed with materials that promote heat transfer, such as air channels or gel, copper, or graphite infusions, but they can be more expensive and may not work for everyone. Latex mattresses are a cooler and eco-friendly option with a springier feel than memory foam.

What to Ask When Buying a Mattress?

It’s important to look beyond the surface and consider factors that can affect its longevity. Give the mattress a lift and a shift to test its weight and sturdiness. Check the stitching on the cover to ensure it’s well-made.

If you’re considering a foam or hybrid mattress, ask about the foam density, especially for the top layers. For those weighing less than 200 pounds, a memory foam mattress with a density of at least 3 pounds per cubic foot is recommended.

If you weigh more than 200 pounds, look for a density of at least 4 pounds per cubic foot.

You should also ask about the coil count. Remember that while a higher coil count generally indicates a better quality, it’s not the only indicator. But we still recommend avoiding mattresses with less than 420 Bonnell coils, as they may lack the necessary support and quality.

Next, ask about the type and gauge of the springs. Pocket coils are ideal for minimizing motion transfer and providing comfortable support. For the lower layer of the mattress, support coils between 12 and 15 gauge are typically the most durable. Generally, lower gauge coils are thicker and provide a firmer feel, while slightly higher gauges may be used in softer mattresses.

Innerspring mattresses with more support coils tend to be more durable than those with fewer coils of similar quality. Cheaper innerspring mattresses may achieve a firmer feel by placing coils closer rather than using thicker coils.

If you’re not in a hurry to buy the mattress, you can also ask the salesperson if they have any sales coming up, as you can usually expect good discounts on seasonal sales. This will help you determine the best time to buy your new mattress, especially if you’ve already shortlisted the one you want.

Summing Up

A comfortable and supportive mattress is crucial for a good night’s sleep, which is essential for overall health and well-being. However, purchasing a new mattress without proper research can lead to discomfort and pain, resulting in sleepless nights and groggy mornings.

It’s important to invest in a mattress that provides the necessary support and comfort for your body type and sleeping preferences.

We’re hopeful that our guide will help you find the right mattress, but if you still have any unanswered questions, just get in touch and our mattress experts will be happy to help.