Aside from getting stylish furniture and functional appliances, buying the best mattress is one of the most important purchasing decisions that you can make for your home.
Selecting the right mattress is vital to ensuring a restful night’s sleep. It can also affect your quality of life and overall wellness. But with the large number of mattress options offered on the market, it’s easy to get swayed by marketing tactics and unfamiliar mattress terms, not to mention the wide variety of choices in terms of materials and features.
We understand that buying a new mattress in Singapore can be very overwhelming. To help you make a wise mattress shopping decision, here is a comprehensive guide to buying a mattress in Singapore.
When to Buy a New Mattress
If you see yourself tossing and turning often, trying to find a comfortable spot to sleep on, or if you wake up with sore muscles and a tired body, it’s time to buy a new mattress.
Mattresses have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years. Although mattresses don’t expire like food, they lose their support and become uncomfortable to sleep on. Some indications that you need a new mattress include:
- Noticeable sagging and indentations
- Lack of spine and body support
- Too much noise
- Waking up feeling restless even after completing your sleep
- Sleep deprivation
- Allergy symptoms caused by your mattress
If you feel more rested when sleeping on other mattresses than on your bed, it might be an indication that your mattress is already at the end of its lifespan. If you are thinking about whether your mattress is already due for replacement or not, then your mattress most likely needs an upgrade.
What to Consider When Buying a New Mattress
While the best mattress depends on your personal preference, there are some factors that you can consider to narrow your choices. Ultimately, a good mattress will support the neutral alignment of your spine while providing a comfortable surface for your body to rest on. To ensure that your mattress is the right one for your needs, you must consider your sleeping position, body type, weight, and personal preferences.
Mattress Materials
There are a number of mattress materials offered in Singapore, each featuring many benefits and some drawbacks. The best way to find one that works for you is to weigh the pros and cons of every material according to your needs and preferences.
Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress is one of the most popular mattress types on the market. This features excellent pressure relief by conforming to the natural shape of your body through body heat. This cradling comfort targets your pressure points while lessening the pressure exerted on your spine when you lie down.
Memory foam mattresses come in different firmness levels but are more ideal for side and back sleepers. They are also ideal for mattress sharers, as they effectively absorb motion when one tosses and turns. High-quality memory foam mattresses can last up to 10 years.
However, while providing multiple benefits in terms of comfort, a memory foam mattress is known for trapping body heat, causing hot sleepers to sweat a lot at night.
Pros:
- Soft and contouring, ideal for side sleepers and mattress users with joint pains
- Does not produce noise when the sleeper tosses and turns
- Offers reliable motion isolation, making it ideal for mattress sharers
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Traps body heat as it contours your pressure points
- Can cause a feeling of being stuck if you are a restless sleeper
- May not provide the optimum support for some sleeping positions and body types
Latex Mattress
When it comes to breathability, a latex mattress is an excellent choice, especially in Singapore, where the weather is generally hot and humid. Mattresses made from natural latex offer a light and bouncy feel, which is ideal for many sleeping positions, including combination sleepers.
Latex mattresses are also chosen by many environmentally conscious shoppers since they are made from natural latex materials. However, be aware that not all "latex" mattresses are made from natural latex. Some are constructed from blended or synthetic latex materials.
Natural latex beds can last from 15 to 20 years in favourable conditions, making them the most durable mattress choice. However, since latex mattresses are bouncy, they may not be the best choice for mattress sharers.
Pros:
- Features a light, bouncy, and breathable feel during sleep
- Offers proper body support for many sleeping positions and body types
- Does not give the feeling of being stuck on the bed
- Has natural anti-dust mite properties
- Made from natural materials
- Highly durable
Cons:
- Can feel too bouncy for some sleepers
- Can be more expensive than other mattress types
- Not recommended for sleepers with latex allergies
Innerspring Mattress
Considered a traditional mattress type, innerspring mattresses are known for their firm and bouncy feel. Innerspring mattresses are made with a layer of coils responsible for their firmer feel and covered with foam layers for added comfort. This coil system can vary in type, gauge, and number. Generally, a higher number of springs indicates better support.
The most common types of innerspring mattresses include the Bonnell spring mattress, offset coil mattress, continuous coil mattress, and pocketed spring mattress.
Bonnell Spring Mattress
Traditional, widely used spring mattress types feature an hourglass-shaped coil support system, where the bottom part is wider than the middle part of the coil. These coils are interconnected through thin wires, allowing the system to respond to movements as a single unit.
Pros:
- Ideal for those who prefer the traditional springy feel of a mattress
- A cheaper choice for mattress shoppers on a budget
- Durable and supportive mattress construction
- Allows easy movement when one tosses and turns without the feeling of being stuck
Cons:
- Offers less contour and pressure point support than softer mattress types
- Motion transfer issues, especially for restless sleepers and mattress sharers
Offset Spring Mattress
Like a Bonnell spring mattress, an offset coil bed also features a network of hourglass-shaped coils but with modified square-shaped sides.
Pros:
- Can offer greater pushback support for heavier sleepers
- Features less motion transfer compared to the traditional Bonnell spring mattress
Cons:
- More expensive than a Bonnell spring mattress
- May wear out quicker than foam mattresses
Continuous Spring Mattress
Unlike the interconnected Bonnell spring and offset coil mattresses, continuous spring beds are made from a single wire, giving the mattress frame an even and durable design.
Pros:
- Durable and inexpensive
- Offers a limited motion transfer, which is helpful for mattress sharers who are shopping on a budget
Cons:
- Although inexpensive, continuous coil mattresses are less quiet than offset coil beds
- Sleepers may still feel some movements as the mattress responds to pressure
Pocketed Spring Mattress
A pocketed spring mattress is an innovative innerspring bed type that features individually encased coils that move only where pressure is exerted. This makes the pocketed coil mattress a perfect choice for couples and mattress sharers. They also offer optimum pressure relief and body support.
Pros:
- A premium choice for mattress sharers, each of the components of a pocketed spring mattress responds individually to movements
- Evenly distributing pressure, which can alleviate aches and pains during sleep
- Durable and less vulnerable to sagging
- Like a foam mattress, a pocketed spring mattress features excellent body-contouring properties
- Can accommodate mattress sharers with different body types and weight
Cons:
- With its premium features, a pocketed spring mattress may come with a more expensive price compared to other spring mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine some of the foam and spring materials to maximise their benefits and lessen their downsides. Many hybrid mattresses feature cooling gel layers and pocketed coil systems, which are ideal for the hot weather in Singapore.
Mattress Sizes
Aside from the materials, the size of your mattress also matters. Here are the standard mattress sizes in Singapore that Somnuz follows.
- Single Mattress: (W: 90 cm x L: 190 cm)
- Super Single Mattress: (W: 107 cm x L: 190 cm)
- Queen Size Mattress: (W: 152 cm x L: 190 cm)
- King Size Mattress: (W: 183 cm x L: 190 cm)
When choosing a mattress size, carefully consider your bedroom space and mattress needs. For single sleepers, single to super single mattresses are ideal. Of course, you can upsize if your available space permits. For mattress sharers, queen- to king-size mattresses are beneficial.
Mattress Firmness
When it comes to comfort and support, selecting the right mattress firmness is important. There is no one-size-fits-all mattress firmness for all types of sleepers since we all have different body types and sleeping positions. However, there is a compatible mattress firmness that can support specific needs better.
Somnuz follows a 10-point mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Ultimately, softer mattresses are great for light sleepers and side sleepers. Medium-firm mattresses are ideal for back and combination sleepers, while stomach and heavier sleepers will benefit from using a firmer mattress.
Medium to medium-firm mattresses are the most popular choices since they suit many types of sleepers. Mattress partners also tend to meet in the middle when picking out a firmness level. When selecting the mattress firmness, make sure to consider your sleeping position and body type. If you are a side sleeper and have a smaller body frame, for example, a soft to medium-soft mattress can be a comfortable choice. Depending on your comfort level, you could also choose the medium-firm option. The right mattress firmness should support the proper alignment of your spine without sagging or exerting too much pressure on your body.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Mattress
Budget
The materials, sizes, and construction of your mattress can affect its price. Aside from considering your sleeping needs and comfort preferences, setting a budget range can help you narrow down your mattress choices. Creating some cost parameters can also prevent you from overspending.
When shopping for a mattress, take your time to research common mattress types and price points so you can come up with a reasonable budget. It’s also good to factor in the quality of the mattress to identify whether its price is reasonable or not. When buying a mattress, remember that not all inexpensive deals are the best deals. Sometimes, mattresses that are slightly more expensive are more worth their price.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can help you determine the ideal mattress firmness. Side sleeping is considered the most common sleeping position, which puts the greatest pressure on the sleeper’s hips and shoulders. To support these parts of the body, including the proper alignment of the spine, side sleepers may need a soft to medium mattress.
Back sleepers, on the other hand, receive better support from medium- to medium-firm mattresses. These provide the right pressure relief and pushback for the proper alignment of the spine.
Stomach sleepers need firmer mattresses to prevent the back and other pressure points from sinking into the bed.
Sleeping Condition
Do you suffer from back pain or mobility issues? Do you sleep alone or do you share your mattress? Is your pet allowed to sleep on your bed? Do you sleep hot? The best mattress for a single adult user is different from a mattress that is shared by two or more family members. When buying a mattress, it’s important to consider the individual needs of the users as well as their sleeping conditions.
Should You Shop Your Mattress Online?
Online mattress shopping is becoming more popular due to its convenience, flexibility, and cheaper prices. Online shopping allows you to check out different mattress varieties and features without feeling any sales pressure.
In terms of quality, online mattress shops offer longer trial periods, warranties, and easy return processes. Some online mattress shops in Singapore, like Somnuz, have experience centres where you can test the quality of the mattress in person.
All in all, when it comes to convenience and price range, buying your new mattress online is a worthwhile experience.
Ready to Shop Your Mattress?
With all the promising choices offered, mattress shopping can be a bit confusing. But it shouldn’t be. With the help of a little research and careful consideration, you can buy the best mattress for your needs.
If you are looking for reliable mattresses with the best prices, check out our thoughtfully constructed mattresses in Singapore. Check out our customer reviews or visit our experience centres to learn why Somnuz is the best choice for a restful night’s sleep.