The importance of a good quality mattress is often understated. Many people tend to look for the easiest or cheapest option but don’t put a lot of thought into the actual mattress itself. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right mattress that will serve you for many years to come.
Does your mattress need replacing?
The first question is, do you actually need a new mattress? On average, a mattress should last between 7–10 years. If your mattress is too old and no longer offers the same support as it used to, it may be time to consider a replacement. If it feels saggy or lumpy, or has noticeable faults (such as holes, dents or sharp pokes), then it is imperative that you obtain a new mattress to restore your quality of sleep. Waking up sore or stiff with no clear reason is another sign that your mattress may need replacing.
How to choose the best mattress
Mattress types and materials
Once you understand the advantages and potential disadvantages of each mattress type, it should help you decide which is the right fit for you. So, here are some of the most popular types of mattresses for you to choose from.
Innerspring
Spring or coil mattresses used to be the standard of sleeping and remain a popular choice in today’s market. The springs in these mattresses have different shapes and patterns, determining the level of support and comfort they provide.
Some spring mattresses do not last as long as others, but they do tend to be more affordable than other options on this list. Another consideration is that some spring mattresses can be noisier than others, which could disturb your sleep as you or your partner move. Sealy Posturepedic test their spring units to ensure unwanted noises do not interfere with your rest.
Sealy coil technology
Memory foam
Memory foam mattresses are a more recent addition to the market. Many people find these more comfortable at first, as they conform to your body and offer a more cushioned feel. They do not have as much support as a coil mattress and some brands may deteriorate faster than others depending on the foam used in construction.
Foam mattresses might not be for you if you tend to get too hot in the night. Foam does not have sufficient breathability to regulate temperature, meaning it retains your body heat and warms you up in the night.
Latex
Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses, although they tend to be a bit more on the expensive side. Like memory foam, they’re soft to the touch. They’re also dust-resistant, making them a good choice for people with allergies. One advantage it has over memory foam is that it does not absorb and retain heat as readily, making it a cooler night’s sleep.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress, as the name suggests, is a combination of two different mattress types. Most commonly, a hybrid mattress will have a spring or coil base with a memory foam or latex foam top.
This combines the best of both worlds, allowing greater airflow through the mattress to keep you cool while still having the cushioning of a foam mattress. Hybrid mattresses are more expensive, though, compared to the above options.
Adjustable
Mattresses with adjustable bases are designed to help with a variety of sleep disturbances, pain problems and other medical conditions like heartburn and sleep apnoea. You can adjust the angle and position of the mattress as well as enjoying other features like massage functions and temperature control.
As you’d expect, these mattresses can be expensive, but they are extremely comfortable and can help you get a good night’s sleep even when you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SEALY’S ADJUSTABLE FOUNDATION MATTRESS
Mattress firmness
Do you prefer a soft mattress, a firm one, or somewhere in between? A lot of people don’t really know their preference until they’ve tested out a few in person.
Why would someone choose a hard mattress when a softer one sounds so much more comfortable? The main advantage of firm mattresses is that they provide more spinal support, making them good for posture and back pain. Some people find firm mattresses more comfortable than softer ones where you ‘sink in’.
Best type of mattress based on how you sleep
Different comfort levels may offer you more comfort depending on your typical sleep position or preference.
Back sleepers
If you sleep on your back, then you are spreading your weight fairly evenly across the mattress rather than placing too much pressure on any single body part. To give your spine the most support possible when sleeping on your back, a firm or medium-firm mattress is your best choice.
Front sleepers
Sleeping on your front or your stomach can place a lot of pressure on the pelvis. If your mattress does not provide enough support, then your hips may end up sinking into it, putting your spine in an uncomfortable position. In this case, it is best to avoid mattresses that are too soft or cushioning.
Memory foam can be more comfortable for stomach sleepers, especially for women as it takes some of the pressure off your chest by conforming to your shape. If you sleep on your front, then you probably also sleep with your head turned to one side, so make sure you have a good pillow to help prevent neck pain.
Side sleepers
People who sleep on their side should opt for mattresses with a soft-to-medium firmness level. Sleeping on your side can place a lot of pressure on your shoulder and hip joints, which is why a softer mattress that conforms to your body position is better.
Combination sleepers
Combination sleepers tend to change positions during the night, shifting from their back to their side, for example. This can make choosing the right mattress more difficult because your needs may change as you move during the night.
Medium or medium-firm mattresses are generally better for this category of sleepers, but take your comfort preferences and your weight into consideration, too.
pain management
Back pain is a frustratingly common problem across the world. Almost 4 million Australians reportedly suffer from back pain.
The wrong mattress or an old, worn out mattress can cause or worsen back pain, while the right mattress can relieve back pain and other chronic pain conditions. The tips discussed above should help you to choose the right mattress for your body type and sleeping position, but if you already suffer from chronic pain or a specific health condition, then you might need something more specialised.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST MATTRESSES FOR BACK PAIN
Choosing a mattress size
Another important factor in your sleep comfort is having enough space to get comfortable. The size of mattress you need will generally depend on your height and overall body size, whether you sleep alone or with a partner, and what position you sleep in — whether you like to spread out or curl up tight.
The size of the room may also play a part if you don’t have much space for the larger mattress sizes. So, make sure you measure your room before you go shopping for a new mattress.
If you’re buying a mattress for your child, think about how much they’ll grow over the few years. It may be better to get them a larger mattress than to keep buying new ones every couple of years.
Here are the main sizes to choose from:
Mattress Size
Sealy Single
Sealy Single XL
King Single
Double
Queen
King
Super King
Metric Measurements (mm)
915 x 1900
915 x 2030
1055 x 2030
1385 x 1900
1525 x 2030
1835 x 2030
2030 x 2030
Imperial Measurements (inches)
36″ x 74.8″
36″ x 80″
41.9″ x 80″
54.5″ x 74.8″
60″ x 80″
72.2″ x 80″
80″ x 80″
Mattress Size
Sealy Single
Sealy Single XL
King Single
Double
Queen
King
Super King
915 x 1900mm
915 x 2020mm
1055 x 2030mm
1385 x 1900mm
1525 x 2030mm
1835 x 2030mm
2030 x 2030mm
36″ x 74.8″
36″ x 80″
41.9″ x 80″
54.5″ x 74.8″
60″ x 80″
72.2″ x 80″
80″ x 80″
For more guidance on how to find the best mattress to suit you, then try our easy online mattress selector tool that will help you make the right choice in just minutes.
MATTRESS SELECTOR
Not sure which mattress is right for you?
Discover your perfect Sealy by using our personalised mattress selector tool.
