Buying a new mattress

08/12/21

Choosing a new mattress can be an absolute minefield. Remember, you are going to spend a third of your life lying on it so it’s really important to get it right. You’re unlikely to be buying a new mattress very frequently, so it’s not surprising that so many people make the wrong decision.

Take a look inside when you choose a mattress

Mattresses may look broadly similar on the outside but the differences inside are enormous.

Go undercover when you choose a mattress

The first thing to notice about a mattress it its cover, also known as ticking. It’s not just for decoration – it needs to be really tough and tear resistant too. The best quality covers are woven or knitted in high quality viscose or cotton yarns. Increasingly, we are seeing covers with special qualities – from anti-bacterial to anti-dust mite. Anti-microbial is a particularly popular option as it is more breathable, offering heat regulation through moisture wicking and evaporation technology, which moves perspiration quickly away from the body, making you feel cooler and more comfortable.

What’s the difference between tufting or quilting?

Quilting is a decorative way of attaching outer fabric to surface fillings, often providing a smoother flatter surface and provides a softer feel.

Tufting is the traditional way of making a mattress and makes for a firmer feel. With tufting, tapes are passed right through the mattress and secured each side by tags or washers, which stop loose fillings being dislodged.

Preferred filling of a new mattress?

A wide variety of fillings are used to create different properties and comfort options. They are selected for resilience, durability, flexibility and the ability to absorb moisture.

• Cotton is often used near the surface for its soft feel, breathability and its moisture absorbing qualities
• Polyester is a synthetic material with good recovery properties. Silk, mohair, cashmere and other fine natural fibres are used for additional luxury and installation properties
• Hair, known as ‘Nature’s Spring’ is highly resilient in pads or loose for high quality luxury models
• Wool is naturally resilient and breathable, creating a luxurious feel with good fire retardant properties.
• Latex foam is used as full mattress blocks or comfort layers on top of springs. Latex is a premium quality material from the sap of the rubber tree, which is very resilient and durable. It also has anti – microbial properties offering benefits to many allergy sufferers. Its natural elasticity means it recovers quickly, resulting in even distribution of pressure for independent support.
• Memory foam responds to individual shape and pressure so it has good pressure relieving properties and is available in a variety of qualities and densities.
• Gel is a ground-breaking technology, known for its cooling and regulating properties this delivers benefits such as; breathability, pressure relief and body support.

Spring out of bed?

There are three types of sprung mattresses:

• Open coil is most widely used and can come in a choice of tensions, priced from budget to mid – range.
• Continuous spring is from a single length of wire, knitted into a series of inter woven springs, a higher spring count and more responsive feel.
• Pocket springs are small, softer springs that work independently of each other, conforming and adjusting to body contours. This helps to eliminate ‘roll together’ and is used mainly in higher quality mattresses.

What sort of support do you need from your new mattress?

Make sure you have the correct support. This depends on your weight, height, build and you’re your preferred sleeping position. Ideally the mattress should mould to the shape of your body, while remaining supportive. When you lie on your side, your spine should be horizontal, you should be able to turn over fairly easily. As a general rule, the heavier you are the firmer the tension you will need.

It’s a myth to believe that if you have a bad back you need a hard bed. A supportive but comfortable mattress is the best option.

Despite the filling and the finishes, it’s so important to try, try and try it again when it comes to selecting the perfect mattress for you. There is no substitute for lying ona good selection of mattresses. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, take your coat off, grab a pillow and put your feet up. Take your time and don’t feel rushed.

At North Wales Beds we have an excellent selection of mattresses to suit all budgets available to buy online. We have been supplying some of the best brands available for over 25 years, including Silentnight, Sealy, Relyon, Dunlopillo and many more. We also have over 100 beds and mattresses on display in our huge showroom in Wrexham, with free parking right outside the store. We stock a large variety of mattresses to suit all popular sizes, bed base and body types. If you drop in to visit or give us a call on 01978 752733, we can advise you on choosing a mattress, help if you have specific delivery requirements, or let you know when we can deliver a new mattress to you.

All our beds and mattresses purchased online are guaranteed for 12 months. Extended guarantees and warranties are supplied by our manufacturers too.