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How to Choose the Right Mattress For a Great Night's Sleep

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Having the right mattress is essential for a good night's sleep - and a good night’s sleep is essential for having a good day! You spend around a third of your life in bed, so when you’re mattress shopping, it’s good to know exactly what you’re looking for. In this blog we look at the essential considerations of size and firmness, as well as a few other factors, to help you make the best choice of new mattress.


Size matters

One of the first things to consider when buying a mattress is size. You can choose from these sizes of mattress in New Zealand:

When choosing the mattress size, consider both the number of people sleeping in it and the space you have available in your bedroom. Of course, personal preferences might mean that you crave a king size bed all to yourself - in which case, as long as it will fit in your room, go for it! It’s worth noting that single and double mattresses are 15cm shorter than other mattresses (which means that they usually cost less). This length is based on historical bedding sizes, from a time when people were quite a bit shorter than they are today. These mattresses are often used in children's bedrooms or smaller guest rooms. If you sleep alone and have limited space, you might be fine with a single mattress, or a king single if you need some extra legroom. For couples, queen, king, or super king mattresses provide plenty of room for undisturbed sleep - and if space is no object, a cali king will really make you feel like royalty!


Firmness and feel

Once you’ve decided on the size, you should pick the type of mattress you want in terms of feel. Do you love sinking into a squishy crib, or does a firm bed help reduce your lower back pain? You can generally choose from these levels of firmness:

a) Plush: Plush mattresses provide a cushioning feel, and are suitable for side sleepers or those who simply prefer a softer mattress.

b) Medium: Medium-firm mattresses strike a balance between support and cushioning, and are suitable for a wide range of people, including back and combination sleepers.

c) Firm: Firm mattresses have a solid and supportive feel, and are good for back and stomach sleepers, as they help maintain proper spinal alignment.

d) Super firm: Super firm mattresses provide an extra level of support and minimal sinkage, and are ideal if you have specific orthopaedic needs.

Consider your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preference when choosing the firmness level for your new bed. Some mattresses, such as hybrids or latex foam mattresses, may have a range of firmness options to choose from. Some may have firm support throughout the main body of the mattress, but have an additional soft pillow top, which gives the top layer a luxuriously comfortable finish. You can always adjust the comfort or support of your mattress later on, with the addition of a mattress topper, which can make a soft mattress firmer, or a firmer mattress softer.


Understanding sleeping positions

We mentioned sleeping positions in relation to firmness, and it’s definitely a factor to consider, as the way you tend to sleep can influence which type of mattress will provide you optimal comfort and support:

a) Side sleepers: Side sleepers place more pressure on their shoulders and hips. They often benefit from a mattress with excellent pressure relief and contouring capabilities, such as memory foam mattresses. A medium to medium-firm mattress is generally suitable for side sleepers.

b) Back sleepers: Back sleepers require a mattress that supports the natural curvature of the spine and promotes proper alignment. A medium-firm to firm mattress offers the extra support to keep the spine in a neutral position.

c) Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that prevents their hips from sinking too deeply, which can strain the lower back. A medium-firm to firm mattress helps maintain proper spinal alignment for stomach sleepers.

d) Combination sleepers: Combination sleepers change positions throughout the night. A medium-firm mattress is a versatile option, providing adequate support and comfort for pressure points in various sleeping positions.

When you’re looking at a mattress on Andoo, you’ll see a ‘Sleep style’ section in the specifications, which tells you which sleeping positions the mattress is ideal for.


Other considerations

While size and how the mattress feels are key factors choosing your new bed, several other considerations can affect your choice:

a) Material: Different mattress types, such as memory foam, latex, innerspring mattresses or hybrid mattress, offer distinct qualities in terms of support, comfort, and durability.

b) Motion isolation: If you sleep with a partner, motion isolation is a nice feature to have, as it can minimise disruptions caused by movement. Memory foam and latex mattresses are particularly effective at absorbing and preventing motion transfer.

c) Edge support: A mattress with sturdy edge support ensures that you can use the entire surface without feeling like you might roll off, which is important for couples or individuals who sleep near the edges of the bed.

d) Cooling properties: Some mattresses incorporate cooling technologies, such as gel-infused foam or breathable materials, to regulate body temperature and promote airflow. This can be beneficial for hot sleepers who tend to overheat during the night.

e) Trial period and warranty: Some mattresses come with a trial period, so you can make sure it’s a comfy fit. It’s also worth checking the warranty terms to understand the level of protection and coverage provided by the manufacturer. High quality mattresses can come with a 10 year Manufacturer Warranty.


Choose your snooze!

Choosing a mattress is a surprisingly personal thing: a good mattress for one person might be terrible for another! Consider the size, firmness, material, and your usual sleeping position, as well as things like motion isolation, cooling properties, your body type and, of course, personal preferences. By taking these factors into account you can find the perfect mattress to improve your sleep quality and overall health. Andoo has a huge range of mattresses of all sizes and firmness levels, and across a wide price range, from leading mattress brands A.H Beard, Sealy and Universe Bed Co.


Sleep easy, with Free Delivery from Andoo!

Find the best mattress for you on Andoo, and you could be enjoying your best sleep in ages with our Free, Next Day Delivery* (Mon-Fri, when the mattress is in stock). PLUS, if you’re getting rid of an old mattress, we can collect it and take it away for recycling at no extra cost. Andoo is the first business in New Zealand to offer customers a free mattress recycling solution, which prevents up to 77% of mattress components from ending up in landfill. Other retailers don’t offer these sort of services, so you should always factor in delivery charges and recycling if you’re shopping around any other mattress stores.