It is banal, but true: in a dream we spend about a third of our lives. If you think about it, then this is a very, very impressive period. Therefore, it is so important to provide yourself with ideal conditions for good rest and absolute relaxation. The choice of a mattress plays an important role in this important matter.
Mattress - a mattress on the bed of varying degrees of elasticity, providing a comfortable and comfortable sleep.
Determine what types of mattresses are.
Types of mattresses
1. Spring models of mattresses
This category of mattresses is consistently most popular among consumers.
a) Mattresses with a solid, dependent block of springs
These mattresses usually use springs type "bonnell" (bonnell). On average, in the production of a mattress, 100-150 springs are used per m2. Double cone springs consist of four to five coils and are usually held together by strong steel wire. Pressing even one spring entails inevitable compression of its "neighbors", which is why such spring blocks are called "dependent".
Pluses. Acceptable cost. Perfect for occasional use, such as a summer cottage or a rented apartment. With careful use, they can last three to five years without loss of quality. Promotes good air ventilation. Withstand strong enough loads.
Cons. One of the most obsolete models. Over time, they give the effect of a "hammock" or "wave": the middle of the mattress begins to sag. Individual springs can quickly sag, crack and burst, which will inevitably affect the quality of the product and, as a result, sleep. In addition, non-compliant springs may simply not provide sufficient resilience and stiffness. Very often, such mattresses, soon after purchase, begin to emit an unpleasant creak.
b) Mattresses with an independent spring block
In this case, cylindrical springs are used in the manufacture of the product, moreover, each of them is first inserted into a special closed fabric bag - a cover or pocket, and then these pockets are fastened together. Such mattresses are capable of accommodating up to 500 springs per m2, since the technology allows the use of more springs with a smaller diameter. Each spring functions autonomously, independently of the neighboring one. Therefore, the spring block in such a mattress is considered "independent". A type of mattress with an independent block of springs - the so-called multipocket, which can accommodate a maximum of 500 to 1200 springs per m2.
Pros. Possibility of simultaneous use of springs of different stiffness, which provides a noticeable orthopedic effect, allowing the spine to assume the most natural and physiological position during sleep. The load is distributed fairly evenly, and the mattress adjusts almost perfectly to all the curves of the person lying on it. The effect of the "hammock" does not threaten such a mattress. And due to the isolation of each spring, its service life is significantly increased.
Cons. High price.
Springless models of mattresses
The usual spring block in such products is replaced by solid or separate blocks of natural (as an option - artificial) fillers. It is possible to combine several components, for example latex and coconut coir or latex and horsehair.
a) Mattresses with natural latex
Mattress with latex - rubber tree sap foamed in a special way - highly valued due to its excellent consumer qualities. Latex mattresses are considered exclusively natural, although this is not entirely true: at best, the foam filler of such a mattress will consist of 85% natural rubber, while the rest will be made up of additives, stabilizers and synthetics. Basically, in the latex mattresses on the market today, about 30-50% of real rubber. Naturally, synthetic mattresses made of artificial latex (polyurethane foam) are much cheaper than products mainly on a natural basis. Such a mattress, although it has sufficient elasticity, practically does not "breathe" and eventually becomes a breeding ground for dust mites. In addition, synthetics are much less durable. You can distinguish artificial latex by its structure: it looks like regular foam rubber.
Pluses. Natural latex gives the mattress a special softness combined with perfect elasticity. It should be noted the resistance of this material to external influences (it quickly restores its original shape), as well as its durability (it serves more than 10 years). Thanks to its special configuration, which resembles the hollow cells of a honeycomb, it perfectly allows air to pass through. By the way, the more such cells, the softer the mattress. The product is capable of withstanding heavy loads and is suitable for people with heavy weight. Absolutely no noise when pressed. Moisture trapped in the mattress is quickly removed from it and evaporates. Latex is one of the most anatomical materials, perfect for orthopedic mattresses. It does not rot and does not rot, has hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, dust mites never settle in it. The best quality latex mattresses have several hardness zones.
Cons. Very high price. Finding a mattress with natural latex is more and more difficult: there are many fakes with artificial filler on sale.
b) Mattresses with coconut coir
Coir is a fiber of the intercarp of a coconut.
Pros. Horsehair has excellent breathability, elasticity and durability. Perfectly dampens sound, providing a comfortable and deep sleep in peace and quiet. Does not exfoliate, does not turn into dust and dust, does not undergo deformation. It absorbs moisture well and then brings it to the surface, preventing the "filling" of the mattress from rotting. Horsehair is believed to prevent rheumatism from occurring. Indispensable for problems with the spine, suitable for children and people with heavy weight.
Cons. A high-quality horsehair mattress is quite expensive and belongs to an elite product. Due to its rigidity, it is not recommended for the elderly.
e) Wool mattresses
Llama wool, sheep's and camel's wool are also quite popular fillers for mattresses.
Pros. The mattress with woolen filling perfectly absorbs and then evaporates moisture, while remaining dry. Wool is a very soft, but elastic material. Environmentally friendly filler. It has the property of accumulating heat, and then gradually giving it away. Well ventilated. The product is durable and easy to maintain.
Cons. Unscrupulous manufacturers often dilute natural woolen filler with artificial fur, which is very difficult to verify. If the filler is of poor quality (the wool is not properly processed), a specific odor may appear.
f) Air mattresses
A very rare type of mattress, little represented on the market because of its exoticism. In order to control the density and elasticity of such a product, a compressor is installed at the head of the bed.
Pros. The mattress for a double bed is divided into two parts, each of which can be inflated with air according to individual preferences. Orthopedic effect thanks to constant air pressure. Uniform load on the spine. The lightness of the product.
Cons. The compressor makes an intrusive noise that interferes with sleep. The high price of the mattress. Due to the rubberized surface of the product, a greenhouse effect is created.
g) Water mattresses
Also a rather rare type. It is not possible to get used to rest on a huge amount of water immediately, and for some it does not work at all. The motion sickness ripple effect, which some models have, may well develop motion sickness.
Pros. The water mattress is soft, but at the same time has a good orthopedic effect. Great for those who suffer from spinal problems and back pain. The possibility of electric heating of the water creates a special comfort during sleep. Recommended even for pregnant women, as it easily adjusts to the contours of the human body. Durability (up to 15 years of use). Dust mites do not develop. Easy to clean.
Cons. The filling of the mattress must be completely changed every two to three years. Product weight - can weigh up to half a ton. The appearance of condensation on the surface of the mattress, even with a slight change in room temperature. The vinyl wrap prevents the body from breathing. The high price of the product.
| Type | Pluses | Cons | Application |
| Spring mattresses with dependent block | Affordable price, withstand high loads, well ventilated. | Hammock effect, unreliable springs, creak under load. | Suitable for summer cottages and rented apartments. |
| Spring mattresses with an independent block | Orthopedic effect, long service life. | High price. | Suitable for permanent use. |
| Latex mattresses | Quickly restore their shape, durable, well ventilated, have orthopedic and anti-allergenic properties. | Very high price, many fakes. | Suitable for permanent use. |
| Mattresses with coconut coir | Vegetable filler, able to support heavy weight. | Severe, may cause an allergic reaction. | Positioned as an ideal means for children's sleep, but they must be chosen very carefully. |
| Cotton mattresses | Affordable price, convenience, practicality, easy transportation. | Caking and churning of filler into lumps, increased hygroscopicity. | Suitable for temporary use. |
| Horsehair mattresses | Comfort, durability, good for back problems. | Expensive elite products. | Suitable for everyone except the elderly (due to stiffness). |
| Wool mattresses | They evaporate moisture well, are durable and unpretentious in care. | There are fakes, an unpleasant odor is possible. | Suitable for permanent use. |
| Air mattresses | Orthopedic effect, even load on the spine. | High price, compressor noise, greenhouse effect. | Exotic look. Good for back problems. |
| Water mattresses | Orthopedic effect, electric heating, durability. | The filling is changed every 2-3 years, the weight of the product, condensation, high price. | Exotic view. Good for pregnant women. |
Other useful tips for choosing a mattress
- When choosing a mattress, first of all consider where and how often it will be mainly used...
- It is advisable to test the mattress "in action" before buying: sit, lie down, turn from side to side, even slightly jump on it. You should be comfortable and comfortable in any position. You should get up from the mattress effortlessly.
- The ideal mattress for you will be at least 15-20 cm longer than your body if you stretch out on it to your full height.
- Most mattresses today consist of several "layers", in the production of various, and very outdated, and the most recent materials. Ask the seller what is included in the "filling" of the mattress you like. A competent consultant should comprehensively answer all your questions. Do not hesitate to ask them, because you are acquiring a rather expensive item for a considerable period of time! And it’s also about your health.
- Note the padding of the mattress. Jacquard fabrics, which are distinguished by a high density of weaving of threads and, accordingly, durability, are very much appreciated. If, as in most cases, we are talking about a mixture of cotton and synthetics, then the optimal ratio would be a proportion of 60 to 40. Pure synthetics, like flock, are not recommended for upholstery of mattresses: the skin on them absolutely "does not breathe", a person sweats and does not sleep well. The mattress itself is not ventilated with such upholstery.
- Mattresses with sides of different rigidity are on sale. Perhaps you should focus on them.
Let's summarize how to choose a mattress
- your products in business is not easy enough. Think about what you need a mattress for, what qualities you would like to see in it first of all. Compare the pros and cons of different types of mattresses, and decide on a budget.
- The best solution would be to try your favorite mattress “in action”, perhaps more than once: you need to lie on it, twirl from side to side, take a comfortable, physiological position, in which you usually sleep. It would be useful to consult a competent specialist.
