We all know the infuriating feeling of trying to fall asleep but not being able to.
This could be due to many factors including our surroundings, daily stresses, and even our mattresses.
It’s important you choose the right mattress for you, and make sure you are taking care of your mattress.
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Many of us forget that our mattresses need a little TLC now and then, including flipping it and changing it.
We spoke to Hannah Shore, Silentnight’s sleep knowledge expert to find out everything from best mattresses for side sleepers to flipping your mattress.
How often should you flip your mattress if you struggle with aches and pains?
“How often you flip your mattress depends on what your mattress is made out of. Foam tends to be more durable than some other material so you will not need to rotate your mattress as often.
“Fibre mattresses like polyester and naturals tend to settle a little more so they will need to be rotated and plumped a little more frequently.
“When we are rotating our mattresses, it is mainly to avoid the sagging and settlement issue, although your mattress will still naturally settle and you may be able to see where you have been sleeping, this should not affect your spinal alignment.”
Hannah continued: “Spinal alignment or posture is really important during the night, throughout the day we can feel ourselves slipping into a bad posture and correct ourselves.
"If you have a good quality supporting layer (springs or high-density foam), then this should provide all the support you need throughout the mattresses lifetime to ensure you do not suffer from aches and pains.”
How often should you change your mattress?
“We should be changing our mattresses around every eight years; this is for hygiene purposes mainly.
“Within that eight years you will have applied the equivalent of a bathtub full of sweat and the weight of a dachshund in dead skin cells to the mattress.
“Along with this, the supportiveness of a mattress can change. If you have chosen a mattress with a foam core supportive layer, this may soften over time and may not provide you with the same amount of support at the end of the mattress’s life compared to day one. "
What kind of mattress is best for back pain?
“Every sleeper is different, we are all different sizes and shapes and therefore we all need a different level of support.
“Not one mattress will suit every sleeper. In general terms, the larger you are the firmer support you will need, and vice versa.
"However, comfort plays a key role too. You must feel comfortable on the mattress you choose and as comfort is such a subjective concept, I recommend that you go and try the mattress you are wanting to buy first.”
What kind of mattress is best for a child?
“The main problem children have is that they cannot regulate their own body temperature as well as adults, so you need to make sure that the materials used in the mattress are breathable.
“Fibres such as polyester and natural fibres are very breathable materials and often come with the added benefit of been chemical treatment free.
“The supportive layer for a child needs to be able to support their spines as the child grows. Springs, especially pocket springs are very good at this however you may find children’s mattresses with a high-density foam core also”
What kind of mattress is best for side sleepers?
“Front, back and side sleeper mattresses are a myth! If we took this logic we would be saying that if you sleep on your back no matter what size you are you need a firmer support, this is just not true!
“You should pick a mattress which suits your body shape and size and then select a pillow depending on your preferred sleeping position.
“ If you sleep on your back or front you will need a thinner pillow than if you sleep on your side. If you sleep on your side a pillow should fill the gap between the edge of your shoulder and your ear.”
How do I know what mattress is best for me?
“Your mattress should feel comfortable for you. You should not be afraid to lay on the mattress for a prolonged period of time in the shop, we spend around a third of our lives asleep, and you should make sure your mattress is comfortable to you.
“ Do your research, and make sure you are choosing the right firmness for your body type and the correct fillings you need (breathable to keep you cooler at night).
“Most companies offer a sleep night guarantee now, give yourself a few weeks to settle in to your mattress and you should be able to feel the difference, if you are waking up with aches and pains then that mattress is not for you.”
Does a mattress topper help you sleep better?
“Mattress toppers are great to refresh your bed, you may find you would like something a little warmer in the winter and a memory foam topper could help with that, but you can remove it in the summer months if it’s too warm.
“You may live in rented accommodation and a topper may help the mattress be more suitable for you.
“Remember, a topper is just a comfort layer, it will help alter your mattress to provide sleeper benefits such as reduce overheating, warm you up if you’re cold, reduce restlessness, however it will not improve your support.
“The support of the mattress comes from the mattress core (springs or high-density foam). So, if you are suffering with aches and pains, it might just be time to get a new mattress!”
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