Choosing the right mattress and things to consider when buying sheets
Suggestions for choosing the right mattress
Below are some suggestions for choosing the right mattress and some things to consider when buying sheets for them. When we purchased our first mattress not much thought really went into it. We simply
went to the nearby mattress store and did what the salesperson suggested, laying down on several mattresses in the position we'd normally sleep in. Sleep experts actually say you should spend at
least 10 to 15 minutes on the bed and to even bring your own pillow. That does make sense but not sure most people will do that. A few years back we replaced our mattress and I wanted to try to make
a better choice this time. I did a little bit of research online. Oops, I should back up a little bit. I've had back troubles for most of my life so I wanted to try to choose the best to support my
back that I could afford.
From WebMD - "To start, says Arya Nick Shamie, MD, associate professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at
Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, the mattress needs to support your body in a neutral position, one in which your spine has a nice curvature and your buttocks, heels, shoulders, and head are
supported in proper alignment. If the mattress is too firm, it will push on those main pressure points and take you out of alignment. If it's too soft, those pressure points won't be properly supported, so
your whole body flops back." Both scenarios can lead to an achy morning. Sites I visited suggest a firm mattress is best for anyone with lower back pain. Below are some types of mattresses and a little bit about
each one.
Innerspring mattresses
They support you with coil springs. Salespeople will say the higher the coil count the better but other sleep experts say you really don't need a coil count above 390. If you're overweight they can offer you more support and is easier getting in and out of bed.Memory foam mattresses
Are made of layers of different densities of foam and known for being comfortable because they contour closely to the shape of the sleeper. They mold to the shape of your body as your weight shifts through the night. It also reduces pressure points and relieves pain. Will absorb movement, so if you're sleeping with another person is possible you won't be bothered by their tossing and turning. If you're one of those people who have a hard time getting comfortable, have chronic fatigue or some type of muscle pain, memory foam mattresses might be a good choice for you.A negative about this type of mattress though is some people complain about it making them hot while sleeping. Another, is that some complain about an unpleasant chemical smell.
Latex Mattresses
Are made from either natural or synthetic rubber. Will provide a very firm, bouncy support similar to memory foam but latex pushes back and provides even more support.Air Mattresses
They're like innerspring mattress, but instead of coils have air-filled chambers covered by a foam layer on top. The firmness of each side of the bed can be adjusted so they won't continue to press on the same areas of the body. Are often used for patients with spinal cord injuries or anyone who can't move that is lying in bed for a long period of time. Is a good choice when there are two people sleeping in the same bed that have different preferences for how firm they like the mattress to be since each person can adjust their side to how they like it.
NECTAR Sleep: The Most Comfortable Mattress Healthier to sleep on, firmer for support, softer for rest and a bit bouncier than other premium
memory foam mattresses. They only uses premium Certipur® memory foams, better for you and the environment. You get support of a firm mattress with the comfort of a pillow top. 365 Night Sleep Trial
If you decide for any reason that NECTAR is not your ideal mattress, they'll remove the mattress from your home and refund your payment 100%.
Some information about the NECTAR mattress from their site:
Tencel cooling cover - promotes air circulation, heat wicking and is bedbug resistant. Is specially milled and loomed so that it draws heat away and circulates fresh air.
Quilted gel memory foam - provides loft, air circulation, while perfectly contouring to your body. Has a fully quilted layer of gel cooling memory foam that provides extra loft and comfort with better breathability.
Gel memory foam - delivers weight distribution and pressure relief. Holds 4 patents for most premium gel foam available.
Adaptive hi core memory foam - premium adaptive foam is the best inner layer for contouring a mattress to your pressure points.
Breathing base layer - reinforces contouring and support layers serving as a stable foundation.
Things to consider when buying sheets
If you're like me and had't replaced your mattress in a while you'll probably find your old sheets won't fit the mattress any longer. That's because most newer mattresses are a lot thicker than the old mattresses. Most sources online seem to agree that 100% Egyptian cotton sheets with a thread count of 200 or higher are the highest quality sheets you can buy. Thread count is 200 to 1,000. General thought is the higher the thread count, the better the sheet but that's not always true. In the 400 to 450 thread count is usually a good choice.Material sheets are made of should be a consideration as well. Cotton is breathable, comfortable and durable, making it one of the most popular choices. There are cotton blends, too. Bamboo is sustainable and naturally antimicrobial. If you live in an area with high temperatures linen is a good choice but wrinkles very easily. Polyster is a synthetic fiber. Is durable, doesn't stain easily, is easy to care for and not as expensive as some other materials. Cotton and polyster blends are a good choice. Flannel sheets are a blend of cotton. They're soft and especially popular when temperatures are cold. Microfiber sheets are very soft and will retain your body heat on cold nights. Satin sheets have a smooth feel and a lustrous shine. Many people think of them as a luxury. Because of their cool feel, they're great for warm nights. Sateen is mildew and allergy-resistant. They feel and look similar to satin but are easier to care for.
You definitely want to know your mattress measurements, so below are the sizes. Because of the different thickness of mattresses you'll want to know the depth of it, as well. If you have a pillow-top mattress or a foam topper you'll want to purchase the deep pocket sheets. When we replaced our old mattress we had to purchase deep pocket sheets in order for them to fit properly. Our old sheets no longer fit.
Matress sizes
Twin: flat sheet - 66" x 96" and fitted sheet - 39" x 75"
Twin XL: flat sheet - 72" x 114" and fitted sheet - 39" x 80"
Full: flat sheet - 81" x 96" and fitted sheet - 54" x 75"
Queen: flat sheet - 90" x 102" and fitted sheet - 60" x 80"
King: flat sheet - 108" x 102" and fitted sheet - 76" x 80"
California King: flat sheet - 102" x 110" and fitted sheet - 72" x 84"
Depth sizes
Standard - 7" to 14"
Deep - 15"
Extra deep - 16" to 22"