Key Points to Consider When Buying a Mattress
Body Weight & Shape
It is important to consider your weight when choosing the perfect support level and tension for your mattress. In fact, it’s so important, let us quickly bust a common myth:
“A firmer mattress is best for my back.” Actually, what is right for your back is finding the correct level of support for your body weight and the right upholstery to nestle around your joints.
Generally, a heavier frame suits a firmer mattress. This is because the gauge (width of the wire used) of the spring is thicker and is built to sustain heavier weights. A lighter frame needs a softer spring so that the body’s weight can properly engage the spring and get the support it really needs. If a spring is too firm for the body’s weight, the person will just be lying on top of the mattress and not getting the full benefit. Additional softness can come from the upholstery, with different combinations and depths of upholstery adding further to the softness.
A correctly supporting mattress will see your spine lying straight. If the mattress is too soft, your spine will bow downwards. If it is too firm, it will bow upwards. In both states, pressure is being added to your body.
If a couple shares the bed, it is important to consider the different weights and shapes of both people, however, depending on the mattress size you are choosing and whether or not a combination tension is available, you will need to be guided by the weight of the heavier person. A mattress topper can always be added if the lighter person then requires more softness.
A simple test to find the best tension for you:
Slide your hand beneath the small of your back and the mattress. If it slides in too easily, the mattress is too firm. If it has to be forced under, it is too soft. It should be a snug fit.
Our experienced team can test this for you in our showroom to find the most comfortable mattress for you or alternatively they will ask you a series of questions over the phone to guide you to the best mattress to suit you.
Sustainability
It’s important to buy from a brand or retailer whose mattress production shows their commitment towards sustainability, eco-friendly methods and who serve their local communities well. Ask the following questions while you’re browsing:
1. Is the mattress made with sustainably sourced, natural materials? We believe they should be free from foam, plastics, glue and other chemicals. Can the mattress be recycled once it’s reached the end of use?
Using natural materials ensures a soft, hypo-allergenic and breathable sleep experience, taking care of your body’s needs night after night.
2. Are the materials local and/or ethically sourced? Is it important to you that the materials come from British farmers, so you know you’re supporting local business? Many of our mattresses support the British farming community; we know the wool has been grown responsibly, the animals are looked after, and the land is well managed.
3. Is the brand involved in charitable work? What actions are they taking to improve the lives of people across the UK and the world, and the health of the planet?
Spring Count
Unlike some companies, we don’t inflate our spring count by cramming tiny, low-quality springs into our mattresses. Instead, we use high-quality, durable springs that will deliver the comfort and support your body needs, for many years to come, and this is supported with our product guarantees ranging from 10-30 years. We find many customers use spring count as a comparator, but this can sometimes be misleading if the quality of the springs vary between the models/brands you are considering.
British Craftsmanship
The brands we partner with at snuginteriors offer luxury, British design and production. Our manufacturers have been perfecting their craftsmanship over many years and offer excellent product guarantees (from 10 to 30 years) to reinforce their durability and long-lasting design. Look for models that incorporate genuine hand side stitching for a beautifully traditional tailored feel and extra support at the mattress borders.
Attention to side stitching means firmer support at the edge of the bed. These mattresses fit around the body’s contours offering deep support. Hypnos, for example, include chrome vents for breathability and hand-finished wool tufts to secure the mattress fillings and prevent them going lumpy.
This British approach to mattress ingenuity will guarantee you bliss and comfort in all the years you use your new mattress.
Use
Which room is the mattress going in? Is it a master bedroom and therefore used every night? Or is it a guest room that won’t be used as often. How frequently your new mattress will be used is important and should affect the level of investment you’re prepared to make.
You’re going to use your mattress for a long time. So always ask, “what is the product’s guarantee?” At snuginteriors we offer a guarantee of up to 30 years. We understand a mattress is an investment so we aim to ensure you feel you’re making a safe purchase.
Preference
We all have different comfort needs. You may have a light frame but prefer a firmer bed. As long as the support and comfort is correct, then we won’t try to tell you otherwise. That’s why it’s best to come along to our large showroom or call us so we can work together to find the right mattress for you.
