Mattress Selection - A Practical Approach

 I have been using the same old bed ever since I was a teenager and it had been comfortable until 3 years ago when my legs had finally cross the finishing line at the border of the mattress. It bothered me to feel my legs hanging in mid-air when I sleep. Enough is enough. A new mattress is a must.

I for one am a tall person. I also have a proportionate weight and that makes any soft mattress sink after a few months. But as an eager learner, I sure did absorb a lot during my mattress shopping time and I can honestly share this with you; buying a mattress requires logic and common sense which is seldom present when most people are shopping.

One can easily be blinded by promotions and discounts and the outlook of the product rather than the features and benefits which suits you as an individual. Therefore, I have decided to pen down the few tips and approach for the benefit of every would be mattress buyer:

i) What's your height?

If you are a tall person, then you're in trouble when shopping for a mattress. Though its a blessing to be tall, because it's rare, then its also a curse when it comes to shopping for mattress because long mattresses only exist in custom made orders. This will cost you extra money but its well worth it compared to having your feet dangling in the air while you sleep.

ii) Do you suffer from backaches and pains?

If you have backache and pains, then the best solution is a firm mattress and a contour pillow. Firm mattresses provide excellent lumbar support and a contour pillow will give your neck and head a good support too. Resting on a great brand of mattress will make you feel a totally new level of relaxation on your lower back, which you have seldom had the chance to experience. Yes, it is as good as it gets.

iii) Do you roll about in your sleep?

Believe me, when I say, this can be very dangerous. If you roll about in your sleep, obviously it is better to get a bigger bed. A Queen Size or King Size bed can give you more room to roll. Falling down from beds have led to many injuries which can be harmful. One may knock their heads against the floor, suffer internal injury and not remember it, or even knock your head against a sharp corner, depending on the placement of your room furniture. Ask your interior designer if to position your bed against a wall as to reduce up to 50% of any chance of you falling off your bed is a good idea. It's probably not but it won't hurt to ask. You may have a tendency to roll left or right more often so I can't possibly calculate so accurately for you.


There are many more criteria and issues involved when selecting your mattress however, that's another story for another article. With the common sense approach listed above, you will gain better sleep in terms of quality. Don't buy mattresses just because they look nice. Treat it like a thought out purchase and you'll never regret it for the useful life of that mattress.