A mattress must fit your individual needs as optimally as possible - this is the only way it can have a deep andpromote restful sleep. But what exactly is important when it comes to the sleeping pad? What properties does the mattress have to have so that healthy sleep is really possible? In this mattress guide you will find out how to find the right mattress for your needs.
The types of mattresses at a glance
Regardless of whether it is a cold foam mattress, spring core or latex – each type of mattress has its specific properties that are suitable for bothChildren's mattressesas well as those for adults are offered. To make the decision easier, we have compared a total of six models according to their characteristics:
Cold foam mattress
– the foam is produced from crude oil
– hochelastisch
– breathable
– point elastic
– air permeable
– durable
– cheaper than latex
spring core
– consisting of steel springs, wool, cotton and other materials
– durable
– good heat regulation
– good moisture regulation
– not very point elastic
- cheap
Pocket spring core
– Structure similar to spring core, but the springs are individually packaged, hence the name
– higher point elasticity than spring core
– more expensive than innerspring
Naturalizing
– Filling made from different materials such as straw, wool or horsehair
– Horsehair mattresses are particularly expensive, but have the highest elasticity. They can absorb a lot of moisture
– Straw mattresses are extremely hard
– Natural mattresses filled with husk are as adaptable as sand, but they make it difficult to turn over because they do not provide any cushioning
Latex
– available in synthetic and natural latex
- difficult
– retains its shape
– antiseptic
– prevents house dust mites and bacteria
– high point elasticity
Futons
– Consist of thin layers of cotton and are additionally padded with fibers in Europe for more elasticity
– Models with latex, horsehair, sheep’s wool or coconut fiber cores are hard
– a soft mattress must be rolled up every day to prevent hardness
– poor moisture regulation
Pay attention to the density of the mattresses
Especially with cold foam mattresses, it should be noted that the density of the mattress exceeds thatVolumetric weight, RG for short. Models should be included when purchasing45 to 55 kg per cubic meterbe preferred. Ideally, the mattresses are offered with adapted body zones for men and women, which take into account the different weight distribution between the sexes. In addition to the density and the optimized zone distribution, you should pay attention to the height of the mattress. It should be at least 14 centimeters. Basically, the higher the mattress, the better the sleeping comfort. Many providers sell their mattresses in different heights. These include the German orthopedic specialist Ottobock, which sells a point elastic under the brand matrazzo® online and in a factory outlet in Duderstadt, Lower SaxonyCold foam mattresswith a density of 50 kg and presented in two heights of around 18 and 22 centimeters.
Selection of mattress hardness level
Whether a hard mattress or a softer alternative is ideal for back-friendly sleeping depends on several factors. Among other things, body weight and sleeping habits affect the demands on the mattress. For example, the sleeping surface for a man weighing 100 kilograms who prefers to lie on his side must have different properties than a mattress for a teenager weighing less than 50 kilograms who likes to sleep on his stomach. In this context, the degree of hardness is crucial when purchasing a new mattress. The following list provides information about the common classification of the degree of hardness into five levels. However, the data is for guidance only:
H1: Up to 60 kg body weight – > Lying feeling soft
H2: 60-80 kg body weight – > Lying feeling medium hard
H3: 80-100 kg body weight – > Lying feeling hard
H4: from 100 kg body weight – > Lying feeling very hard
H5: from 130 kg body weight – > Lying feeling ultra hard
Since, in addition to body weight, body size plays a role in selecting the ideal degree of hardness, both data must always be included. TheBody-Mass-Index(BMI), which is calculated from these two sizes, can therefore help in determining the appropriate degree of hardness. The integrated graphic of the mentioned mattress online retailer matrazzo® provides information about the respective onemattress hardness level, which matches the corresponding BMI and assigns this value to the three hardness zones “soft”, “medium” and “hard”:
How theCalculate BMIYou can find out more on the website of the University of Hohenheim, for example.
If the wrong mattress hardness level is chosen, it will sufferSpine: While a soft mattress causes sagging, a mattress that is too hard causes the spine to curve. If the level of hardness corresponds optimally to your personal needs, the spine runs in a straight line from the bottom to the head.
Important: sample love!
Regardless of whether you buy your mattress in a brick-and-mortar store or online: Be sure to test out the model that proves to be the best mattress when comparing. This is the only way you can determine whether the surface has the right hardness and optimally relieves your spine. When it comes to the degree of hardness, you can use the rule of thumb that the mattress should be harder for heavier people; for lighter people, softer alternatives are usually the better choice. Please note that the hardness specifications are not standardized. That's why there can be differences between mattress retailers. Therefore, never rely on the information, but only consider it as an aid.
We have more information about what you can do to ensure a good night’s sleep in our article “Healthy sleep in the winter time” explained.
