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
