How to choose a mattress
Health, mental activity and mood of a person depends on the quality of sleep. The better we get enough sleep at night, the better we feel during the day. Therefore, it is important to create a comfortable environment during sleep and take care of choosing a good mattress.
content
- Top Mattress Manufacturers
- Types and arrangement of mattresses
- The main criteria for choosing a mattress
- Which mattress to choose
- How much are the mattresses
The best mattress manufacturers - which company to choose
A quality mattress is made from safe, environmentally friendly materials and ensures proper body position during sleep. It does not collect dust, does not accumulate static electricity and does not cause allergic reactions. Therefore, a person wakes up in the morning "as good as new."
Mattresses of the following manufacturers correspond to these requirements:
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Consul;
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Ascona;
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Ryton;
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Torix;
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Magnifex;
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Vegas;
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Plitex;
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Ormatek.
Some mattresses can be equipped with additional functions, such as automatic drying or product heating technology. But when buying a product you need to consider that the price of the goods depends on the number of “bells and whistles”.
Types and arrangement of mattresses
Mattresses can be spring and springless, as well as inflatable and water. Let us analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Spring mattresses
The basis for the spring models is a dependent or independent spring unit. It is "wrapped" in several layers of filler, which in turn are covered with a sheath. The more layers, the better the mattress. Various materials can be used as a filling material: polyurethane foam, latex, coconut fibers (coir), etc. Latex, for example, is used to make the mattress soft, and coir - to make it harder.
Mattresses with dependent spring unit
The springs in the dependent spring unit are connected to each other. Therefore, if you put pressure on one of them, it will affect the rest. The number of springs in the product must be at least 120 per m2.
Virtues
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Low price;
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Durability.
disadvantages
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Such mattresses do not provide the proper orthopedic effect - they do not adapt well to the bends of our body;
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Over time, the product sags;
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Not recommended for use in children. Sleeping on such a mattress can cause spinal malformation;
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Not suitable for couples who have a big weight difference. A person with a small weight will roll down to a heavier partner;
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During operation, the springs become loose and start to creak;
Mattresses with independent spring block
The springs in such a product are not related to each other. Each spring is placed in a special case and functions independently of the "neighbors". The optimal number of springs in the product is 256 pcs. per m2, but it can be up to 1,700 pcs. per m2 in multi-packs. The higher the value, the better and more comfortable the mattress.
Virtues
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The spring unit adapts well to the curves of the body and distributes the load correctly;
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Products withstand heavy loads;
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Long service life;
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Noiselessness during operation;
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Mattresses can be used for couples with a large difference in weight and children;
disadvantages
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High price;
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Over time, the springs begin to creak (but later than in models with a dependent spring unit).
Springless mattresses
The basis for springless mattresses can be monoblocks made of latex, felt, sheep wool, etc., which are covered with a special cover. The basic characteristics of the product depend on the properties of the filler. For example, coir mattresses are characterized by increased rigidity, so they are often recommended for children, and wadded models do not have any orthopedic properties, so they should be used only as a temporary measure.
Virtues
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Do not make any sounds during the entire lifetime;
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Easy to transport;
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Have a small weight;
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Wide range of. You can choose a springless mattress for anyone: a small child, a person with high weight, a married couple or a person suffering from problems with the musculoskeletal system;
disadvantages
- The drawbacks of springless mattresses depend on the properties of the filler (see “Main criteria for choosing a mattress”).
Water mattresses
As a filler for a water mattress, special fibers and water are used, which are constantly heated. The heater of the product must be constantly connected to the electrical network (it consumes about 10–15 kW per month), but even if you turn off the electricity for a day, the mattress will not have time to cool down.
Water mattresses can be single-chamber and multi-chamber. Single-chamber products are not suitable for couples, because partners feel all the movements of each other. In addition, with a large difference in weight, one person sleeps comfortably in a waterhole while the second is balancing on a swollen surface. For couples, it is recommended to buy a mattress with two independent parts or a multi-chamber model.
Virtues
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Adapt to the contours of the human body, properly distributing the load;
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Mattresses are equipped with a special heating function;
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Long service life (15–20 years);
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Mattresses do not electrify, do not accumulate dust and do not cause allergic reactions;
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They have orthopedic and healing properties: they help with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, joint inflammation, rheumatism and cardiovascular diseases;
disadvantages
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Big weight (from 100 to 900 kg). This greatly complicates the transportation of the mattress when moving, as well as the rearrangement in the house and repair;
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Not suitable for those who like to sleep on a hard surface;
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Every two to three years, water should be changed and a special antifungal conditioner should be used annually.
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High price;
Air mattress
These products are great for temporary use. For example, they can be used during the arrival of guests, at the cottage or the beach. It is not necessary to speak about any orthopedic properties of these mattresses - if you sleep on them for a long time, this will negatively affect the health of the musculoskeletal system.
However, it is worth noting that there are special orthopedic mattresses on sale. Manufacturers claim that the rigid surface and multi-chamber structure of these inflatable products provide optimal muscle relaxation and maintaining the natural position of the spine. But such mattresses are designed only for sleep - they can not swim.
Virtues
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Low weight;
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Affordable price;
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Easy to transport;
disadvantages
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They deflate with time, so they need to be pumped up regularly;
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Not durable. Although manufacturers claim that the life of air mattresses is about 10 years, in practice most products can withstand no more than two to three years;
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Many models have an unpleasant chemical smell, which eventually passes;
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The air cools down quickly in the mattress and it is cold to sleep on it;
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Pets can bite or pierce the surface of the mattress with their claws;
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The upper side of the product is often covered with flock - a material that collects dust and debris from the entire apartment. Therefore, it should be cleaned with a special sticky roller. The lower part of the mattress is easily wiped with a cloth.
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Sleeping on ordinary inflatable mattresses is uncomfortable - pain in the back and neck;
The main criteria for choosing a mattress
Fillers
Coconut coir
This material gives the mattress stiffness. Therefore, products filled with coconut coir are recommended for small children, including newborns, as well as people with high weight. They retain their shape well, allow air and do not cause allergic reactions.
If the coconut coir is used as a monoblock for a springless mattress, the product is characterized by increased rigidity. That is, the feeling will be as if you are sleeping on flexible boards.
Felt
This material is made from sheep wool, which is sometimes combined with synthetic fibers. It can be used as a pad between the springs and / or one of the layers of the mattress. Felt increases the level of rigidity of the product and protects the outer layer of filler from the physical impact of the spring unit. This prolongs the life of the mattress.
Latex
Often used as the main filler in springless models. It makes the mattress softer and more elastic. Products made of latex repeats the contours of the human body, ensuring its correct position during sleep. In addition, they are well ventilated and quickly evaporate moisture.
Latex can be natural and synthetic. Synthetic material is cheaper than natural, but it is harder and less wear-resistant. A product made from a natural substance will last you much longer.
When using mattresses with latex filler, some users note that:
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The product is too heavy (average weight is about 35–45 kg for double size);
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After a few years, the mattress sags in the place where the person likes to sleep;
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The mattress smells unpleasant, but over time the smell disappears.
Vata
Wadded mattresses are easy to transport and convenient to store. They have a low cost and are great for arranging a temporary bed. Therefore, they are often used in hospitals, temporary buildings, dormitories, etc.
Unfortunately, wadded mattresses have many disadvantages:
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They do not have the proper orthopedic effect on the skeleton and muscle tissue of the sleeper;
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Roll down quickly and fall into disrepair;
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Quilted mattresses often become “home” for dust mites and fungi.
Form Memory Foam (Memorix)
Shape memory foam was created by NASA researchers to reduce the burden on the human body when flying into space. The material “memorized” the bends of the body and repeated them. But later NASA refused to use it, and memorix began to be used as a filler for mattresses.
Products from this material provide the correct support of the musculoskeletal system, adapting to the curves of the body. They reduce the load on the body of the sleeper and prevent squeezing of blood vessels. After the pressure on the mattress stops, the surface regains its former shape.
However, products with memorix do not like everyone. Users say that mattresses have an unpleasant chemical smell. In addition, some have reported the occurrence of allergic reactions, headaches, fatigue, which occurred after the purchase of products with memorix. These health problems can be caused by the purchase of low-quality mattresses.
Sintepon
Springless products with a sinteponovy filler have the small weight and reasonable cost.They are soft and comfortable, they are easy to transport and store - they fit in a backpack or trunk of a car. But such mattresses do not provide normal support for the musculoskeletal system, so they are not recommended for a long time.
Polyurethane foam
This material is well breathable due to its porous structure and can be used by people prone to allergies. The stiffness of the mattress depends on the stiffness of the polyurethane foam. For example, a conventional foam foam mattress is not particularly durable, but polyurethane derivatives, such as shape memory foam and artificial latex, make the product more durable, durable and comfortable.
Wool
This material has excellent hygroscopic properties and provides good air circulation. But if the mattress filler consists only of wool, there will be no proper orthopedic effect.
Rigidity
Mattresses vary in degree of rigidity. Stiffness depends on the type of filler and the used spring or springless unit.
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Soft mattresses are usually made from latex, cotton wool, memorix. They are often recommended for adults who weigh less than 55 kg, pensioners and patients suffering from problems with the spine. The more filler is on top of the side of the springs, the softer the mattress.
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Mattresses of medium hardness are often made of latex, polyurethane foam, coke coir, polyurethane foam. They are suitable for young people aged 13–25 years, as well as for those who weigh 55–90 kg.
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Hard and medium-hard mattresses (made of coconut coir, felt, with a reinforced spring block) are often used for children under 12 years of age. It is necessary for the proper formation of the spine and the prevention of scoliosis. They are also recommended for people who are overweight.
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Two sides of the same mattress can have different degrees of rigidity. Therefore, wanting to change the product from hard to medium-hard, it will be enough to turn the mattress. By the way, regular turning of the mattress (once in two or three months) increases its service life.
The size
The size of the mattress should be chosen according to the size of the bed. In addition, the product must be 15–20 cm longer than a person’s height and twice as wide as his shoulders.
Mattresses can be single (width about 0.9 m), one and a half-sleeping (1.2 m) and double (1.4–1.6 m). The size of standard mattresses for children is about 0.6 x1.2 m.
Additional options
Winter summer
The surface of the mattresses with this option is covered with two different materials. On the one hand (winter), thermostatic heaters (mainly wool) are used, and on the second (summer), breathable materials (cotton) are used. This ensures the most comfortable sleep at any time of the year.
Removable covers
The case is in contact with our skin, so it must be made from high-quality breathable materials. When sewing is often used:
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Jacquard is a dense fabric that is made from cotton and synthetic fibers. Known for its strength, durability, wear resistance and high cost. Well passes air, absorbs and emits moisture, does not cause allergic reactions.
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Wool is a practical and wear-resistant material that provides good thermal insulation. Wool fabrics are resistant to pollution, they practically do not wrinkle and even have healing properties.
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Polycotton is often used in the manufacture of budget models of mattresses. It consists of cotton and polyester fibers, therefore it has insignificant "breathing" properties and can accumulate static electricity. However, the polycotton is practically not wrinkled and keeps its original presentation for a long time.
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Polyester is a cheap material that is made from synthetic polyester fibers. It does not allow air to circulate properly, is electrified, but it is highly durable and durable.
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Satin is made from silk or cotton. It is a hygroscopic, breathable and lightweight material.It does not crumple and has good thermostatic properties.
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Covers are removable and non-removable. Removable products allow you to check the "stuffing" of the mattress and facilitate the care of the product. However, after washing, they can "sit down", and they can be difficult to put on the mattress.
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Products with fixed covers should be used with special mattress covers. This will extend the life of the mattress.
Which mattress to choose
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Before you buy a mattress, lie down on it for at least 10-15 seconds. Make sure that you are comfortable on it, and also appreciate the quality of the cover and the smell of the goods.
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Use a mattress pad over the mattress. It will protect the product from specks and damage. Thanks to this, you will be able to return the mattress under warranty, if it does not suit you or if any problems arise.
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If you have any diseases of the musculoskeletal system, consult your doctor and then buy a mattress.
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If you decide to purchase a spring mattress, choose products with hardened steel springs. Quenching increases the strength of the metal and the durability of the product.
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Use thin mattresses (3–5 cm) as mattress covers to change the hardness of your bed.
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When choosing a mattress for two, pay attention to products with independent springs (especially if you and your partner have a big difference in weight), or models with two degrees of rigidity on one side. Do not buy single-chamber water mattresses or products with a dependent spring unit.
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Use inflatable, synthetic padding, foam rubber and wadded mattresses only as a temporary measure and do not let children sleep on them.
How much are the mattresses
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The cost of mattresses with independent springs varies from 2,000 to 500,000 rubles. A good quality product can be found for 8000-16000 rub.
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Prices for mattresses with a dependent spring unit amount to 2,000–100,000 rubles, but most of such products will cost about 5,000–10,000 rubles.
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The cost of springless models depends on the type of filler and the number of layers. For example, latex products can cost 5,000–195,000 rubles, and from coconut coir - 2,000–88,000 rubles.
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Inflatable models can be found for 1000–13 000 rubles, and two-season mattresses - for 10 000–60 000 rubles.
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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.