The right mattress matters

Mattress that offer more contouring to the body usually have less motion transfer as plushness and contouring can isolate motion . NET PHOTO

Firmness according to Justus Kariuki, a mattress sales executive refers to how the mattress feels to the body.
“Mattress’ firmness differs from individual to individual. What feels comfortable to one person can be uncomfortable to someone else. This is why manufactures make a variety of firmness levels to allow customers to find their fit,” he explains.
Mattress firmness is measured on a scale of one to 10 where one is as soft as a cloud while 10 is as hard as concrete. Kariuki remarks that most people are comfortable with the four to six ranges because these mattresses usually offer the best overall support.
“The mattresses are firm enough to allow body contouring that reduces pressure points while not permitting excessive sinking,” he adds.
This firmness level is also the best for people who sleep in a variety of positions and couples that sleep in different positions. Rita Pearl Okori, mattress sales executive reveals there is a growing number of people who prefer mattresses that are in the seven to nine ranges.
“We often get people looking for mattresses that are very firm and can offer sufficient support. Thanks to new technology such as springs and coils these mattresses have enough cushioning to prevent problems at pressure points,” she reveals.
These mattresses are more suitable for people who sleep on their back and stomach because the firmness helps prevent their abdomen from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Individuals who sleep on their back do need support around the low back in order to make sure that the natural curve of the lower back does not get exaggerated in any direction.

Weight
Experts recommend that individuals who weigh less than 60 kilograms should opt for mattresses that are softer because very firm mattresses will not allow enough contouring thus affecting pressure point relief.
Individuals who weigh 60 kilograms and above will find the medium-firm mattress that falls in the 4-6 range more comfortable.
Much heavier people (80 kilograms and above) do well with a firmer mattress design, ranging from 6-8 on the firmness scale. Because heavier people put more pressure on the bed they therefore need a firm and stable surface with just enough softness to achieve overall comfort.
“For instance a mattress that has pocketed innerspring coils and high-density foam will give for extra reinforcement and stability. Strong coils give the mattress plenty of bounce and structural integrity to prevent sagging,” Kariuki explains.

When to replace
Mattresses last five to 10 years as a general rule, however, you should decide when it is time to replace your mattress based off of other warning signs. Are you waking up sore? Is your mattress feeling lumpy? Do you sleep better on other mattresses, like at a hotel? These are all signs that it is time to go shopping.

Important considerations

Couples
Couples need a mattress that is firm, comfortable quiet enough to reduce distracting noises during amorous activities. Mattresses that are extremely plush or extremely firm may pose barriers to frequent sexual activity. If a mattress is too soft, partners may sink into it too much, preventing movement on the bed.

If it is too firm, it may be very hard to comfortably assume many sexual positions.In most cases, a medium-firm mattress is best for facilitating sex.
In addition couples should take their individual sizes into consideration when choosing a mattress that is comfortable and spacious enough to move around.

Allergies
Foam and latex are both inherently antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites and mold.
If you opt for innerspring or air topped with fiberfill, be sure to encase it in an allergen-resistant cover to keep irritants at bay.

Sleeping hot
Too much sink or contouring can limit airflow around the body. This can cause heat to buildup in the mattress and on the skin, which is also known as “sleeping hot.” This is primarily an issue with plush mattresses and those that are made with certain materials (such as memory foam) that more closely contour to the body.

Motion transfer
This refers to how much movement on one side of the bed is felt on other parts of the bed. A bed that permits a lot of motion transfer may cause people who share a mattress to be awoken or disturbed by the movement of a partner.

Edge support
For people who regularly sit on the edge of the bed or sleep near the edge, edge support is an important consideration. Remember that most mattresses are weakest at the edge, so if a mattress is already quite plush, it is likely to offer even less support around the rim of the bed. People who prioritize edge support usually should err toward a firmer mattress overall.

In addition, a very firm mattress that does not respond much to the body’s movements at all also usually will not have much motion transfer. The level of motion isolation is also directly affected by the type of material used to build the mattress. (Additional reporting from:www. sleepopolis.com)