Teens have different needs than seniors when it comes to mattress size and type. Pregnant women have their own unique mattress requirements, as do kids. The key to better sleep throughout your whole life is to understand that your mattress needs to change with your age and life situation. Just as there isn’t one-kind-fits-all mattress, there isn’t a mattress type that’s evergreen and will work at every stage of life.
The Better Sleep Council suggests evaluating your mattress around the 5- to 7-year mark. That doesn’t necessarily mean getting a new mattress, but simply thinking about whether your current sleep environment is meeting your needs, is comfortable and in good condition. If it’s not up to snuff, fight the urge to squeeze every bit of life out of the mattress you’ve had for a decade.
Remember, your sleep is at stake.
Studies show that most Americans are more than a bit lax when it comes to updating their mattresses, which can impair their ability to enjoy the benefits of a great night of sleep. While your mom might feel nostalgic about keeping the bed you had since you were a kid, you’re old enough to know when it’s time to let it go. For starters, old mattresses have a serious ick factor – a buildup of sweat, dead skin cells and allergens.
If your sleep is suffering, start with assessing your mattress.
Where to start? Our experts have chimed in with their recommendations for mattresses throughout the ages of your life – with some good tips to consider before you start to shop for a new mattress.
Since crib mattresses are typically a standard size and firmness rating, when it’s a time for a “grown-up” mattress, parents will need to make their first decision on what kind of bed their child will sleep on.
Most families opt for a twin, twin XL or a full-size mattress for their child when it’s time to transition from the crib. Experts suggest saving the bigger, more expensive mattress for when the child enters the teenage years and more space may be needed. Because crib mattresses are quite firm, a mattress that’s medium-firm to firm will likely be a good, comfortable choice.
As far as mattress type, we recommend innerspring – with pocketed coil – or latex, if you’re looking for a mattress that will last until your child is a teenager and ready for a larger bed.
There are 3 key considerations when it comes to buying a mattress for a teen.
Being blissful together is much easier out of bed than in bed, at least according to the Better Sleep Council. It found that one in three Americans say that their partner’s sleep problems have a negative impact of their own quality of sleep. Before you head for separate bedrooms, consider a change in your mattress choice. Twosomes shouldn’t sleep in a bed smaller than queen size in order to give each partner a bit of elbowroom. If you can accommodate a king-sized bed, that’s even better. Make sure you have room around it to making getting in and out of bed easy and unencumbered. (You’ll also have to make sure you can get a king or queen mattress into the room, taking in considered door frame heights and any stairs.)
For the mattress itself, there are a number of important things to consider. Anyone who has been at a hotel with thin walls will understand that the ideal bed for sex needs to be squeak free. There’s no need to broadcast to the household the fact that you’re having intimate time with your partner. That makes bed testing a mattress in the showroom crucial. Both sleepers should be on hand.
You’ll also want a bed that works with the movements of sex and not against them. A responsive mattress with plenty of spring back is a good choice. A bit of bounce is also key. You don’t want to be sinking into the mattress or you risk having an experience akin to rolling around on Jell-O. Opt for a good quality mattress that leans more to the firm then soft.
Women who may be planning to become pregnant need to take a long-term approach to their sleep challenges. When expecting, women are encouraged to change their sleep style to side sleeping during the second and third trimester especially. If you’re not typically a side-sleeper, you might be tempted to find a mattress that is more optimal for laying on your side. Usually that implies a softer mattress, but again, personal preference is the guiding light here. If you do opt for a softer mattress, it’s crucial to find a mattress that maintains proper spinal alignment.
Pregnant women often have back pain anyway, so a mattress without quality support layers can compound those body pains. Many women find pregnancy wedge pillows or body pillows to be particularly effective tools to sleeping on their side comfortably. They’re a cheaper alternative than replacing the mattress out-right, and because you won’t be pregnant forever, replacing your mattress is not exactly cost-effective unless you’re planning to do so anyway.
Stats show an estimated 50% of pregnant women will experience significant back pain. Complaints become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses.
Sleep quality decreases with age, making middle-aged folks far more susceptible to tossing and turning all night. Mitigating that sleep quality decline with the right mattress can help preserve the quality of your sleep – and life in general. Good sleep in your prime adulthood years can help to prevent serious health issues later in life like Alzheimer’s or heart disease.
What you sleep on has a real effect on your sleep duration, so my recommendation to any middle aged adult shopping for a new mattress is to pay more for quality. If on a budget or not, middle age mattress buyers should always prioritise their mattress as the most important piece of furniture in the house.
For anyone feeling the effects of getting older, put spinal alignment and support at the top of your mattress must-have criteria. Around middle age, wear and tear on the body can show up, underscoring the importance of having a mattress with quality support layers.
A supportive mattress ensures the natural curvature of your spine is well positioned and it will respond to the weight of the body to ensure the spine is properly aligned as well. Paying attention to this detail helps prevent short- and long-term back problems – something many mature adults experience. Current data says that 80% of Americans will experience back pain during their lifetimes.
When evaluating a mattress for support, take a closer look at the actual components used. This means examining the composition of each layer, as well as its density and thickness. Then it’s all about personal preference. As a general rule of thumb, expect to spend north of $1,000 for a mattress that will offer support for many years.
“When it comes to mattresses, generally one that’s more firm and has memory foam or a latex mattress to help with arthritic joints and back pain,” says Dr. Jen Wolfe, a senior care pharmacist, based in Clarksburg, Maryland. “If a senior can’t lie flat, an adjustable mattress is a great option. Sleep is so important and a mattress is not something you want to go the inexpensive route on. Seniors should take the time to try out different options and not rush into making a decision or feel pressured to buy.”
The buying tips for middle-aged adults apply to older shoppers, too. Finding a mattress that provides great support remains a top priority. This means looking at those all-important support layers very closely, as well as physically lying on the mattress to test whether the spine maintains its natural curvature and alignment.
“Ageing joints and bodies require quality comfort layers. Memory foam mattresses can provide a comfortable sleep experience, but low-density foams in support layers can wreak havoc on your back by messing with your alignment,” Lindeke explains.
If you’re shopping for a memory foam mattress, look for high-density foam material in the support cores. The best mattress for an older person is one with a good support system and a surface layer that’s soft and cushioning.
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