How to choose mattresses for good sleep for each family member

After a busy day at work, everyone dreams of getting comfortable on their bed and immersed in a world of sleep. An important component for realizing this desire is the availability of a comfortable and high-quality mattress. A good orthopedic product, the selection of which was carried out taking into account the age, complexion and physical condition of a person, will be the key to a sound and healthy sleep. How to choose mattresses, let's try to figure it out in this article.

How to do it right: mattress or mattress, the origin of this concept

A sleeping mattress (or mattress) is a soft fit for a bed with or without a rigid frame. There are spring and springless products, models for children and adults, for different seasons, designed for patients with back diseases.

The word "mattress" first appeared in German at the end of the 17th century and meant soft quilted bedding. An object with this name became widespread at the beginning of the 18th century, when it began to appear in Russian lands, where it was called a mattress. However, the borrowed word was gradually replaced by the Russian name. After a while, a word appeared that sounded a little different, which also stuck.

Both words - "mattress" and "mattress" - are considered correct. However, the first option is most often used in speech, and the second can be found in specialized literature.

The word "mattress" is a real traveler in the language culture. From Dutch it immigrated to French, where it became known as "materas". In England the “mattress” form took root, and in the Netherlands “matras”.

Which mattress is better to choose: hard, soft or medium firm

When choosing a mattress, each person primarily focuses on personal preferences and feelings. The prosthetic model may seem uncomfortable at first due to its relatively rigid surface.Before choosing the firmness of the mattress, it is necessary to study the recommendations of doctors and specialists in this field.

Products are available in various degrees of rigidity. Soft mattresses are designed for loads up to 55 kg. They, thanks to the point enveloping of the body, give a comfortable feeling. These models do not put pressure on the blood vessels, so they are ideal for the elderly, pregnant women and those who have problems with the lower back and blood circulation in the limbs. Such products are made mainly of latex and polyurethane foam.

Moderately soft products should be purchased by people over 25 years old who have a sedentary job, and therefore the spine needs to be given a natural position during sleep. Medium firm mattresses are the best option for children over 5 years old, young people and adults weighing up to 90 kg. Such models are represented by spring and springless products with fillers in the form of artificial latex, struttofiber, polyurethane foam and memorix.

A feature of hard orthopedic mattresses is a reliable fixation of the spine, due to which they are recommended for young children aged 3 years, athletes and people with a large body weight (over 100 kg). Compacted polyurethane foam, coconut fiber and struttofiber are used as fillers for such mattresses.

Useful advice! It is necessary to sleep on hard mattresses for people with intervertebral hernias, pain in the cervical spine and incorrect posture.

High firmness mattresses should be chosen for newborns and people with excessive weight (over 140 kg).

Choosing the right size for a bed with a mattress

Before choosing a mattress, you need to decide on the dimensions of the bed. To ensure a comfortable full sleep, the sleeping surface must strictly correspond to the size of the bed. If the garment is wider than the base, the edges will hang down. If the mattress is narrower than the bed, the bed looks sloppy and the rest becomes uncomfortable. A mismatch in length will lead to the same consequences.

Based on the width of the mattress, there are single, one-and-a-half and double products. A separate category includes children's mattresses, which (like beds) have two standard sizes - 60x120 and 70x140 cm.The width of single products is 80-90 cm, one-and-a-half - 120-140 cm, double - 160-200 cm. There are non-standard options, the width of which reaches 220 cm.

The length of the product is selected based on the height of a person with a margin of 15-20 cm.The standard value is 190-200 cm.However, there are models up to 230 cm long.

The thickness of the products ranges from 3 to 50 cm, which depends on the design option and the composition of the fillers. Springless products have the smallest height, the value of which is 3-15 cm. Spring mattresses are made in height from 15 to 50 cm, depending on the thickness of the metal block and the number of layers of filler.

Important! The height of the mattress is determined based on the age and weight of the person.

For children, products with a height of up to 14 cm are selected.For adults of average build, the best option would be a value of 14-22 cm.For people with a large weight, it is better to give preference to tall models 25-40 cm thick.

What is the best orthopedic mattress: types of spring blocks

There are two types of mattresses with a metal frame - products with the Bonnel system and Pocket Spring. The first version is equipped with a block with dependent springs of different thicknesses. The thinner the spirals, the stronger and faster the surface will bend.Bonnel springs are barrel or hourglass shaped to provide sufficient support for the sleeping person's body. These mattresses are durable and low cost.

However, there are quite a few disadvantages of such products. After some time, the mattresses are pressed down, forming a hammock. As a double option for spouses with a difference in weight, you should not choose such a model. Under a heavier partner, the mattress will bend, and the second will sleep on an inclined plane. Over time, the springs begin to emit an unpleasant creak, disrupting the comfortable sleeping conditions.

What is a pocket spring mattress? This is a product where each spiral is located in a separate case, which excludes their close interaction with each other. Each individual element adapts to the existing point load, providing maximum orthopedic effect. The design provides good support for the spine, conforming to its shape.

A variety of mattresses with independent springs are Interactive products, in which the spirals have different diameters and are staggered. This technology provides maximum anatomical adaptation, resistance to heavy loads, noiselessness and durability. For 1 sq. m accommodates up to 250 springs.

The best high-strength mattresses use an independent Mikropocket spring unit, which is characterized by the best orthopedic properties. Due to the presence of 1 sq. m of more than 1000 springs, he manages to react to any change in body position, providing point support. Such a block is used in premium products.

The best springless mattresses for sleeping

Springless products consist of one padding, the variant or combination of materials of which determines the rigidity and comfort of the product. Latex, expanded polystyrene, coconut coir, holofiber, memorix, struttofiber, wool, seaweed can be used as a filler.

Latex can be natural or synthetic material. It is the ideal filler to properly guarantee the orthopedic properties of the product. It is a hypoallergenic material characterized by good elasticity, resistance to stress, the ability to maintain its original shape for a long time, reliability and durability.

Coconut coir is a natural filler that has antibacterial properties. The material provides a fairly hard surface. Such a thin hard mattress is recommended for young children in order to prevent scoliosis.

The seaweed surface is characterized by medicinal properties. The material adapts well to the shape of the human body, does not retain moisture, releases iodine and a number of other substances useful for the body.

Camel or sheep wool is used for padding double-sided mattresses with a winter-summer effect. The material is hypoallergenic and hygienic. It retains heat well.

Synthetic fillers for the best orthopedic mattresses

Polyurethane foam is a synthetic porous nonwoven fabric. It has good performance characteristics. A mattress made of polyurethane foam is characterized by hypoallergenicity, breathability, good firmness, elasticity and density.

A type of foam rubber for a mattress is memoriform - a filler with a memory effect, which remembers the outlines of the human body, preserving them for further use. Such a surface helps to relieve tension in the muscles, provides good blood microcirculation and prevents the appearance of pressure sores, which is especially important for bedridden patients.

Holofiber is of artificial origin, but this does not prevent it from being one of the most expensive fillers. The material has good elasticity, does not absorb moisture and odors, retains heat and allows air to pass through.

Struttofiber is an innovative material that can replace a spring product in terms of its characteristics. It has three layers. The middle one is represented by vertically arranged fibers, which creates a good orthopedic effect. The material is not capable of causing allergies, does not absorb odors and moisture, does not burn, does not rot, is not a medium for the development of dust mites.

Which mattress is best for a child: important recommendations

When deciding which mattress to choose for a child, important criteria should be taken into account, thanks to which it will be possible to choose a good sleeping surface that will support the spine in the required position and give an opportunity to relax.

Choosing a children's mattress, you should not save on the quality of the product by purchasing a budget option. A properly selected mattress can prevent back problems and poor posture development.

Before choosing a children's mattress, you must familiarize yourself with the following recommendations of specialists:

• the filler of the mattress must be made of a hypoallergenic material or a natural component with antimicrobial impregnation;
• for the correct formation of the skeleton of a small child, preference should be given to springless models or sleeping surfaces with a Bonnel spring block;
• the mattress for the child is selected strictly according to the size of the bed, which eliminates the likelihood of injury to the limbs;
• you should not buy a product "for growth", since a model designed for a greater weight will be too rigid for a child, which will cause discomfort during sleep;
• when choosing the rigidity of the mattress, it is necessary to take into account the age of the child;
• the optimal height of the product is 8-15 cm;
• to extend the service life and preserve its original orthopedic characteristics, the product must be equipped with a removable cover;
• when purchasing a mattress, it is necessary to request a quality certificate from the store, which confirms the safety of this product in sanitary and epidemiological terms.

How to choose mattresses for children of different ages

When choosing a children's mattress, it is important to take into account the age of the child, since the musculoskeletal system of children of different ages has its own distinctive features.

When determining which mattress to choose for a newborn in a crib, it should be understood that the baby's bones and muscles are not yet strong enough, so the product should be quite tough and flat. This will ensure the correct formation of the curvature of the spine. A soft mattress can contribute to the development of curvature of the spine in a child. However, it should be remembered that the sleeping surface should be comfortable and comfortable for sleeping, so you should not purchase an overly hard option.

When deciding which mattress to choose for a child from 3 years old, you need to pay attention to sleeping surfaces of medium hardness. In the period from 3 to 6 years, there is an active growth and development of bone and muscle tissue, the spine changes its structure. Its soft cartilage becomes stronger.A mattress of medium firmness will provide good support for the correct positioning of the spine and will provide optimal relaxation of the back muscles.

For a child from 6 years old, a springless mattress of medium hardness or a spring product with a Bonnel system 13-15 cm high is suitable, which will favor the correct position of the spine during sleep, ensuring an even posture.

A child from 12 years old may experience changes in the spine, therefore, before choosing an orthopedic mattress, you should consult your doctor. For this age, spring children's sleeping surfaces or springless polyurethane foam mattresses are suitable.

How to choose a children's mattress: filling options

Before choosing a mattress for a newborn and a child over three years old, you need to familiarize yourself with the suitable options. The best solution is a springless children's sleeping surface made of coconut fiber, latex and polyurethane foam. The product can be made from one component or be a combination of glued layers of different materials, which provides comfort and the necessary rigidity according to the age of the child.

When deciding which mattress to choose for a newborn, you should pay attention to products made from coconut fiber. It is a natural, environmentally friendly and safe filler that does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, does not absorb dust, does not cause allergic reactions, and does not generate static electricity. Coconut fiber is quite flexible and resilient. The material does not cake, holds its shape well, does not lose volume. During operation, the sleeping surface containing coconut fiber remains flat.

Thanks to the porous padding of coconut coir, the mattress is well breathable, which prevents prickly heat from forming on the baby's delicate skin. The fiber does not absorb moisture and odors. The main disadvantage is the high cost of a product made of coconut fiber with rubber latex.

Which mattress is best (spring or polyurethane foam) for a child over three years old? Preference should be given to the second option, which is characterized by good orthopedic qualities. This material is quite elastic and resilient, does not deform over time. Polyurethane foam is characterized by hypoallergenicity, it does not have a negative effect on the delicate baby skin. The honeycomb structure provides good ventilation of the polyurethane mattress, which prevents the formation of pathogens in it.

Latex has proven itself well as a filler for children's mattresses. It is an environmentally friendly material that is characterized by good elasticity, resilience, hypoallergenicity and durability. Due to the porous structure, moisture that has gotten into the mattress is immediately evaporated. For a child, products made from natural latex should be purchased, which are relatively expensive.

Useful advice! An economically viable option is a two-sided mattress for a child, which is a combination of layers of coconut fiber and latex or polyurethane foam.

How to choose a good mattress for an adult: helpful tips

When choosing a mattress for an adult, one should focus on his age, weight and health. People with spinal problems should purchase springless or spring-loaded products of moderate rigidity. Those who suffer from respiratory and heart diseases are not recommended to choose products with a metal frame.

For middle-aged people, products of medium hardness and tough are suitable. Before choosing a mattress for the elderly, moderately soft models should be considered. This recommendation also applies to those who acutely feel the slightest touch to a sore spot.

For people of medium build, springless products with latex and coconut filling or spring models with the Pocket Spring system are suitable.

Skinny customers will be most comfortable on a soft latex mattress or spring product without a layer. Obese men and women feel comfortable on hard, springless mattresses with a thick layer of coir or sleeping surfaces with a reinforced block of independent springs.

Important! It is not recommended for an adult to purchase springless one-component mattresses - it is better to give preference to products with a combined filler.

Sleeping air mattress: reality and myths

An inflatable mattress is an indispensable attribute in a camping trip, at sea and in the country. The development of modern technologies has significantly expanded the capabilities of the product, making it a spare sleeping surface for the home.

An inflatable mattress is a product with a thickness of 20-25 cm. When deflated, it has compact dimensions, thanks to which it can be hidden in a closet, transported or used as a mattress for a summer residence. The product does not need any special care, it is moisture and odor resistant. Such a surface does not cause allergic reactions and is not a place for the birth of a dust mite. It is recommended to use a mattress cover to avoid any contamination.

The main advantage of such a product is its practicality. The mattress inflates and deflates quickly. However, this effect is possible for several months. Then you will have to face the problem of blowing off the product due to damaged joints and seams, and repairing such a mattress is a very time-consuming process, which consists mainly in finding a damaged place.

How much does the mattress cost? The price of the product is on average 700-1500 rubles. However, it does not differ in durability, the service life is no more than 1.5 years. We can say that this is an unjustified financial investment.

Despite the presence of a complex system of air chambers and internal partitions, which must ensure the correct anatomical position of the body, such air mattresses-beds cannot compete with orthopedic spring or springless products. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to use inflatable sleeping surfaces for people with spinal diseases. Healthy, too, should not abuse the rest on such a product. The mattress does not include elements that would provide adequate support to the human body, which will lead to the appearance of a hammock effect.

Important! The more complex the inner filling of the mattress, the less strong and durable it is.

Such a product has many seams and joints, which are processed with glue. Long-term inhalation of its vapors negatively affects health. Such a mattress will also not benefit the skin. The material is not breathable and does not wick moisture away. During sleep, a greenhouse effect is created on such a surface.

The whole truth about water mattresses (or mattresses)

Water mattresses are made of durable PVC, which provides high reliability and elasticity of the product. Due to the presence of special fibers in the composition of the material, the number of vibrational movements is reduced, which makes the mattress rigid.To hold a large weight of a person, a special lattice has been developed, which has a cruciform structure, which contributes to an even distribution of the mass over the entire surface.

Important! The water mattress should be placed in a special tray, which will exclude adverse consequences in the event of a puncture and water leakage.

The water in the mattress must be changed periodically. Once a year, a special conditioner is added to it, which destroys bacteria, mold and mildew. Since it is harmful to sleep on a cold surface, it is provided with special heating using a built-in device that runs on electricity.

A water mattress on the floor contributes to the anatomically correct position of the body, relieves stress from joints, and relaxes muscles. The orthopedic effect is carried out due to the fact that the water repeats the shape of the body without putting pressure on it and without disturbing blood circulation. Such products are hypoallergenic and hygienic. Their service life reaches 15 years.

A water mattress has its drawbacks. Sleeping on such a rocking device is a real test for the vestibular apparatus. The design is rather cumbersome. The weight of the product, complete with frame, pallet, bed and frame, is about 500 kg. Condensation often forms on the surface, so the sleeping clothes will have to be removed and dried.

The mattress can be punctured, torn, so it is not recommended to purchase it for families with children. The product is difficult to operate, since it is required to periodically change the water, add a special conditioner. In addition, it must be permanently connected to the power grid, which contributes to additional financial costs. The price of a water mattress starts from 30 thousand rubles.

Review of the best mattress manufacturers

One of the most popular and demanded Russian manufacturers is Askona. It manufactures a wide range of spring and springless sleeping surfaces. Environmentally friendly highly elastic foam and latex are mainly used as fillers for springless mattresses. All models are distinguished by high orthopedic qualities and performance properties.

Ormatek is no less famous, which manufactures more than 1500 models of various designs, using many options for fillers. Consumers note the excellent quality of products that can be purchased at an affordable cost. Sleeping surfaces with an independent spring block and springless mattresses made of polyurethane foam, latex and coconut fiber are very popular.

The young company Drealine is rapidly gaining popularity in the world market of manufacturers of sleep accessories. It offers 12 series of mattresses, which include economy class products, massage, children's, combined hardness, double-sided, premium and other options.

The Russian manufacturer Promtex-Orient specializes in the manufacture of orthopedic mattresses for different categories of people. A special place is given to products for patients with spinal diseases, which are developed with the participation of the best specialists in the field of orthopedics.

Plitex company produces mattresses for children of different ages. The production uses exclusively natural, environmentally friendly materials such as cotton, bamboo, latex, coconut and teak.

High-quality mattresses of various firmness are produced by Simmons, which also uses natural materials.The manufacturer offers a specially designed line of products for people with heavy weight, which uses a double block with independent springs.

The Sealy manufacturer uses a special smart spring technology, thanks to which point support of the human body is achieved during sleep. In order for the product to retain its original shape for a long time, it is framed around the perimeter with finely porous foam.

The choice of a mattress should be approached with special responsibility. Even a high-quality, expensive sleeping surface, improperly selected for a specific person, can do more harm than good. Therefore, when solving this issue, it is necessary to study the possible product options and take into account the selection parameters.