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The Ultimate Guide to Mattress Shopping: Avoid These 4 Common Pitfalls

"Navigating the mattress-buying maze can be treacherous, but with my insights and experiences, I aim to guide you through this complex process. I'll help you sidestep the pitfalls and make your journey towards a good night's sleep a whole lot smoother."

Administrator

3 September, 2024

After three mattress changes, I’ve learned a few things about purchasing this item. Specifically, when buying a mattress, follow the “4 Don’t Buys” rule below. Hopefully, with this personal experience, people can avoid the pitfalls of buying a mattress.

1. Don’t buy a full-coil mattress

Currently, the support layer of most mattresses on the market is primarily coils. Coil mattresses are durable, can withstand significant weight, and don’t easily sag, making them long-lasting. There are two types of coil mattresses: open coils and independent pocket coils.

The reason not to buy an open-coil mattress is the noise it makes. Specifically, when you turn over in bed at night, the mattress will make a lot of annoying noises, especially disturbing your sleep.

Open Coil Mattress.

Therefore, it is preferable to use an independent pocket coil mattress, which has superior noise reduction properties. Each coil in this type of mattress is designed separately and is not directly connected to the others.

Each coil is individually coiled and enclosed in its fabric pocket. Typically, the coil’s ends are designed to be smaller than its middle portion, preventing direct contact between coils. Instead, the outer fabric layers touch, and the pockets are arranged horizontally, providing uniform elasticity and flexibility throughout the mattress. As a result, users can enjoy maximum comfort and body support while minimizing motion transfer and noise when the sleeper moves.

Independent Pocket Coil Mattress.

2. Don’t buy a pure latex mattress

Although latex mattresses offer excellent breathability and elasticity, they lack adequate support and cannot protect our spine. Sleeping on it for extended periods may result in frequent back pain.

Additionally, pure latex mattresses have the disadvantage of being highly susceptible to oxidation. They may fade and turn yellow after only a few years of use.

Latex Mattress.

3. Don’t buy a coir mattress

Coir mattresses are considered one of the “big four” mattress types in Vietnam, along with latex, compressed cotton, and coil mattresses. Coir mattresses are deemed safe for humans because they are made entirely of natural materials and have good elasticity (better than compressed cotton mattresses), do not retain heat, and are very breathable.

However, this type of mattress is slightly more expensive than some other options. Due to the nature of its construction, coir mattresses are relatively heavy, making them challenging to move, clean, and unable to fold compactly.

Furthermore, because natural materials are used, the mattress can become an ideal habitat for termites, bacteria can proliferate, and back acne can develop.

Coir Mattress.

4. Don’t buy an expensive mattress

Some people argue that you get what you pay for and that expensive mattresses are better because they are more complex to make and use superior materials. However, the reality is that mattress manufacturing processes are fairly similar, with no significant differences.

Additionally, a mattress’s comfort life ranges from five to eight years, and regardless of the quality of the materials, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced to maintain sleep quality and health. Therefore, it is unnecessary to purchase an expensive mattress to avoid wasting money.

Frequently asked questions

Your sleeping position plays a crucial role in determining the right mattress for you. Different mattresses offer varying levels of support and comfort for side, back, or stomach sleepers. For instance, side sleepers often require a softer mattress to cushion their hips and shoulders, while back sleepers may prefer a firmer surface to support their spine.

Finding the perfect mattress firmness depends on your personal preference and sleeping position. A simple test is to lie down on your potential new mattress in your usual sleeping position. If you feel pressure points or numbness, the mattress is too firm. Conversely, if you sink too deeply into the mattress or feel like you’re ‘stuck’ in one position, it’s too soft.

One common mistake is not testing the mattress thoroughly in-store. Take your time to lie down on different mattresses and simulate your typical sleeping positions. Also, don’t forget to consider your partner’s preferences if you share a bed. Another mistake is neglecting the importance of a good mattress base. A poor base can affect the comfort and support of your new mattress.

Start by setting a budget and doing your research online to narrow down the type of mattress you’re interested in. Read reviews and compare prices to get an idea of what’s available within your price range. Once you’ve identified a few potential options, visit physical stores to test them out and make your final decision. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed by the choices and can make a more informed purchase.

Memory foam mattresses are known for their pressure relief and motion isolation, making them ideal for side sleepers and couples. However, they may retain heat more than other types. Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils, offering a balance of comfort and support, along with better breathability. Consider your sleeping preferences and whether you tend to sleep hot or cold to make the right choice between the two.