LO 1 for IX 536

1. How to find the right
mattress
BE101: How to find a comfortable bed
Instructor Abby Ngwako

2. 9 out of 10 respondents in a sleep survey
cited a MATTRESS
as MOST important factor
to a good night’s rest!
(National Sleep Foundation, n.d.)
2010-Americans spent $5.8 Billion on
mattresses

3. Choosing the correct type:
Innerspring Mattress (WebMD, 2005-2014)
Pros Cons
 Range in firmness
 Have fluffiness with
pillow top
 Price fits any budget
 Not enough springs can
cause back aches
 Stay away from cheaper
mattresses that lack
support
Made of inner coils, coil count of 390 is good for comfort

4. Choosing the correct type:
Memory Foam Mattress
(WebMD, 2005-2014)
Pros Cons
 Molds to shape of body, even
as weight shifts throughout
night
 Memory foam reduces
pressure points, relives pain
 Absorbs movement so
sleeping partner is not
disturbed
 Temperature sensitive
 Can be extremely hot
 Unpleasant chemical
smell
Made of layers of different density foam, responds to
weight and temperature, contours shape of body

5. Choosing the correct type:
Latex Mattresses (WebMD, 2005-2014)
Pros Cons
 Firm and supportive
 Comfortable, similar to
memory foam
 Latex pushes back,
providing more support
 Mattress will feel very
firm
Made from natural/synthetic rubber, very
firm uniform support

6. Choosing the correct type:
Air Mattresses (high-end)
(WebMD, 2005-2014)
Pros Cons
 Firmness on each side of
bed can be adjusted
 Good for individuals with
spinal cord injuries or
severe back issues
 People fail to make
mattress firm enough and
causes back aches
 Can pop up on one side
when sitting on other side
if not high-end
Made with air-filled chambers instead of coils,
covered by a foam layer top

7. Useful tips to keep in mind…
(Newcomer, 2013)
1. Replace mattress and box spring every 8
years
2. Comfort is number one! (purchase firmness
level that is comfortable for you-everyone is
different)
3. Try before buying (at least 20 minutes)
4. Mattress should fit your body (neutral spine
alignment- no sag!)
5. Ignore brand names (coils are all made by
same manufacturer- expensive high quality)
6. Look for return policy

8. References
 National Sleep Foundation (n.d.). What makes a
good night’s sleep. Retrieved from
http://sleepfoundation.org/healthy-sleep-tips
 Newcomer, L. (2013). How to Pick the best
mattress. Retrieved from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/10/pick-
best-mattress_n_1872048.html
 WebMD (2005-2014). How to Pick your perfect
mattress. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-
disorders/features/how-to-pick-your-perfect-
mattress