Sleep is as essential a part of human survival as food and water. If a person goes even three to four days without sleep, he can get dysfunctional. Adults need about eight hours of sound sleep every night, but the exact amount varies from person to person. For a good night’s sleep, one should always use a mattress conducive to their body and sleeping patterns. A bad or unsuitable mattress can greatly spoil your sleep and damage your body. Some people with certain specific conditions also needs special mattresses to ensure that their medical situation is not further aggravated. Mattresses come in a large variety of sizes, internal structure and material, and each make has some specific characteristics that are suit aspecific kind of need. It is important to be fully educated about each type so as to be able to make an informed decision and not end up with the wrong mattress.
Mattress Buying Guide
To illustrate exactly how different mattress can be and how each type serves a different purpose, an exhaustive guide has been compiled and presented below:
1. Material
Mattresses are composed of two layers – the support layer and the comfort layer. The support layer forms the core or bulk of the mattress and the comfort layer is the upper, covering layer. Support layer can be of spring(Bonnell, offset, continuous or pocket), coir, foam, latex or air, while the comfort layer can be foam(polyfoam or memory) or latex(natural or synthetic). Hybrid mattresses employ pocketed coils support layer with foam or latex comfort layer, which eliminates the disadvantages of both coil and spring. Coir provides firmness and ventilation. Airbeds are highly customisable and can be inflated or deflated according to the sleeper’s needs.
2. Weight
Sleepers with greater weight prefer firm mattresses over soft ones as they sleep hotter and prefer lower sinkage and greater ventilation.
3. Sleeping position
Stomach sleepers should use the firmest mattresses, back sleepers require medium firmness while side sleepers need the softest mattresses. These are the best configurations spine support of each kind of sleeper.
4. Sinkage and conformation
Softer mattresses sink more and results in lower airflow and ventilation, making the sleeper hot. Sinkage is measured by ILD(Indentation load deflection). Greater the ILD, firmer the mattress. However, greater softness will mean greater conformation to body and so, a more comfortable sleep.
5. Airflow
The firmer the mattress, the greater the ventilation. A soft mattress sinks and wraps around the sleeper’s body, cutting of the airflow. Also, the comfort layer of the mattress should be breathable for ventilation.
6. Size
Mattresses are found in a number of sizes according to bed size like twin, twin XL(both single), full(double), queen, king and California king in order of increasing size. Choose the mattress you need according to the number of people who will sleep on it, if you allow pets, how much space the individual sleeper needs, etc.
7. Thickness
Mattress thickness can vary from less than five inches to more than 15. The standard height is ten inches. The greater the weight of the sleeper,the greater should should be the thickness of the mattress.
8. Motion isolation
This refers to whether movement of one individual on one side of the bed is transmitted to someone on the other side. Greater the motion isolation, lesser the disturbance one sleeper feels due to the other’s movement. Motion isolation increases as we go from spring to latex to foam to memory foam.
9. Durability
Durability of a mattress is indicated less by its price and more by the warranty period. It depends on the materials used and the binding technique. Latex lasts longer than foam, spring durability depends on coil gauge and tufting keeps the mattress together better than adhesives.
10. Allergenicity
The mattress should be such that it should not cause allergy to the sleeper. Many people are allergic to latex, while memory foam uses chemicals that might cause a reaction in some. The off-gassing emissions of mattresses may often be intolerable for some. Gather sufficient information regarding these before investing in a mattress.
Innerspring mattresses are the traditional ones that most of us will have used, and in India, coir mattresses were the most common among the older generations. Nowadays, people are going more towards foam and memory foam due to them being orthopaedically secure.
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Top Mattresses in India
1. Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress
It is apparent right from the name that this is a orthopaedic mattress made of memory foam, so it will do wonders for your spine alignment. The mattress adapts to the shape of the sleeper’s body and distributes the body weight evenly, ensuring uniform blood flow and alleviation of restlessness. It realigns your body axis, ie, the neck, spine and hips, so as to correct poor sleeping postures. The combination of memory foam and HR(high resilience) foam especially helps to accommodate the shoulders and hips of side sleepers. The breathable fabric and cool foam maintains airflow, which in turn, prevents the sleeper from getting too hot. It comes with a removable zippered cover. Although usable on both sides, the white side is recommended.
Features
- Item dimensions are 78x72x8 inch(198.1 x 182.9 x 20.3 cm).
- Item weight is 36.8 Kg.
- It has five layers – breathable fabric, cool foam, next generation memory foam, transition layer and high resilience(HR) support foam.
- The mattress is soft to medium firm.
- It comes with a high GSM spun polyester fabric cover.
- It comes with 10 years’ warranty.
2. Wakefit Dual Comfort Mattress
Wakefit is obviously one of the top choices for Indians when it comes to mattresses. The best feature of this mattress is that it is truly dual use, having different firmness levels on the two sides. One surface is medium firm, which keeps you cool and ventilated and provides optimum support, while the other is medium soft and helps to keep you warm and comfortable. It employs foam of high density, so that it does not lose its firmness and becomes saggy in a few days. The cell size of the foam large enough to allow good airflow even on the softer side. The mattress material provides good spine support, such that no aches or discomfort is felt while sleeping. The mattress also maintains a nice balance between the ILD and the bounce factor, so that sleepers who move around a lot do not feel disturbed.
Features
- Item dimensions are 78x60x6 inch(198.1 x 152.4 x 15.2 cm).
- Item weight is 17.5 Kg.
- It uses high density foam.
- Mattress is medium firm/soft.
- It has different degrees on firmness on opposite sides.
- It comes with 3 years’ warranty.
3. Sleepycat – Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Sleepycat is a specialist when it comes to high quality orthopaedic mattresses. It uses a variety of different types of material in layer combination to give you the most comfortable mattress that provides a most comfortable sleep. This mattress actually takes care that the memory foam does not heat you up, so it uses cooling crystals embedded in the foam to counter the rise in temperature and regulate yourbody temperature while sleeping. The memory foam itself is a unique therapeutic gel one that perfectly takes the shape of your body, distributing the weight evenly, maintains natural body alignment, relieving pressure points and uses millions of gel beads, keeping the body temperature at comfortable levels. It also has a removable, washable cover that makes cleaning an easy affair.
Features
- Item dimensions are 72x60x6 inch(182.9 x 152.4 x 15.2 cm).
- Item weight is 18 Kg.
- It uses five layers – premium quality cover, therapeutic gel memory foam with cooling gel beads, high density support layer foam, netted inner cover for airflow and anti-skid mattress base.
- It is medium.
- The mattress cover is zippered and removable, and made of high GSM knitted fabric.
- It comes with 10 years’ warranty with 30 nights risk-free trial.
4. Sleepyhead 3 Layered Orthopedic Memory Foam Mattress
The best thing about this Sleepyhead mattress is that it is neither too hard, nor too soft,nor too springy – it is just right. It is this perfect balance that makes it suitable for all kinds of sleepers. The mattress is as supportive as it is comfortable. The firm foam support layer is equally supportive and soft, which suits 90% of all body types. The three layers of substantial foam ensures that there is no unnecessary sinking. Simultaneously, it offers the right amount of bounce, so that the foam optimally envelops your body but hardly transmits the shock to the partner. It also comes with a removable, washable cover that makes sure keeping your mattress dirt-free is not a headache.
Features
- Item dimensions are 78x60x6 inch(198.1 x 152.4 x 15.2 cm).
- Item weight is 29.4 Kg.
- It uses five layers – breathable fabric cover, comfort foam, responsive memory foam, support foam and base.
- It has medium firmness.
- The foam layers are high in density.
- It has a removable, washable cover that makes mattress cleaning easy.
- It comes with 10 years’ warranty with 30 nights risk-free trial.
5. Dreamzee Ortho-Back Memory Foam Mattress
This Dreamzee mattress has been crafted specially keeping in mind the comfort of the sleeper. The responsiveness of its foam structure is its USP. The cool memory foam exactly adjusts to the shape, weight and temperature of your body while the high density rebonded orthopaedic foam prevents any quicksand effect and actively supports your body weight throughout the night. Every part of your body axis like neck, spine and hips gets maximum support and comfort. Another great feature of this mattress is that it provides effective motion isolation. This ensures that even if your partner tosses and turns all night, you will hardly feel the effect and will sleep soundly n spite of that.
Features
- Item dimensions are 78x60x6 inch(198.1 x 152.4 x 15.2 cm).
- Item weight is 40 Kg.
- It uses four layers – premium quilted knitted fabric cover, cool memory foam, soft foam and bonded foam with knitted fabric at the bottom too.
- It has medium firmness.
- The 1 inch memory foam 1 inch soft foam provides extra comfort.
- The 4 inch 85+ high density rebounded foam helps in weight absorption and motion isolation.
- It comes with 5 years’ warranty.
6. Flo Ergo Gel Memory Foam + Proprietary Responsive Foam Mattress
The entire goal of this Flo Ergo mattress is to provide for those who prefer soft, ergonomic support. Right from the topmost layer to the bottom, the mattress considers after the comfort of sleeper to the utmost degree. The removable zippered cover of the mattress is aloe vera infused to care for the sleeper’s skin and prevent and soothe any irritation. Then comes the top layer of white gel infused memory foam that adapts to the curves of the bosy while keeping it from heating up too much. Below this layer is the proprietary Flo responsive poly foam layer that responds accurately to body weight and pressure, preventing unnecessary tossing and turning by nearly 80%. In short, the support and comfort provided by it is unparalleled.
Features
- Item dimensions are 78x60x6 inch(198.1 x 152.4 x 15.2 cm).
- Item weight is 23 Kg.
- It uses four layers – aloe vera gel infused cashmere zippered cover, 100% cotton inner cover, gel infused memory foam and Flo responsive polyfoam.
- It is soft type.
- The cotton inner cover allows the removal of outer cover for washing purposes.
- The aloe vera infused outer cover is a novel addition to protect the skin.
- 3D airflow fabric on the sides ensure better air circulation.
- It comes with 10 years’ warranty with 100 nights’ trial.
7. Sleepx Presented By Sleepwell Dual Mattress
This mattress is perfect for those who want a versatile, comfortable mattress in a budget. It has been specially crafted, keeping in mind that different people have different sleeping needs. It has one soft side and one hard side, and can be turned and used on both sides according to the kind of sleeper using it. The firm core side is perfect for those looking to have their mattress help them maintain correct spine alignment and sleeping posture, while the softer side has a soft, bouncy feel, which is especially suitable for those who are restless sleepers. The perfectly balanced thickness of each layer ensures that no matter which side you sleep on, you get the comfort and support you signed up for.
Features
- Item dimensions are 72x36x5 inch(182.88 x 91.44 x 12.7 cm).
- Item weight is 11.3 Kg.
- It uses three layers – soft Quiltech foam quilted outer cover, 45mm HR medium soft foam and 60mm hard rebounded foam.
- It is dual type with a medium soft side and a hard side.
- Soft PU foam in 16mm quilt layer provides comfort.
- Airmesh side wall fabric provides ventilation.
- It comes with 3 years’ warranty.
8. Dreamzee 100% Natural Latex Certified Organic Mattress
The Dreamzee Natural Latex Organic mattress is ideal for the fussy sleeper. It provides the perfect natural solution for all bed-related sleep problems. It is made of natural latex, which is the milky white sap extracted from the Hevea-Brasilienis tree, simply known as the rubber tree. This has been used as the primary product of the mattress after proper processing by the Dunlop process. The advantage of using natural latex lies n the fact that the mattress is fully organic, which means there is no chance of reaction from harmful chemical substances. The latex is perfect for evening out the pressure from the hips and shoulders, especially for side sleepers. It provides great motion isolation, and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, besides being a high;ly breathable material. Another major advantage of using latex is its natural resilience and longevity, which makes it quite a catch in the mattress market.
Features
- Item dimensions are 78 X 72 X 5 inch(198.1 x 182.9 x 12.7 cm). It is a king-size bed.
- Item weight is 50 Kg.
- It uses three layers – organic modal fabric outer cover, 100% organic cotton middle layer and 100% natural latex core layer.
- It is dual type with a medium soft side and a hard side.
- The latex layer is made with Dunlop process with pin-core formation.
- Open cell structure of latex provides air circulation.
- It comes with 7 years manufacturer’s warranty, being certified with Oeko-Tex Confidence in Textiles, LGA, ABC Research Corporation and ISO.
9. Furny Reversible Hybrid Mattress, Medium Firm & Soft In 1 Mattress
The Furny reversible mattress is a hybrid one, in that, it uses two kinds of foam to cater to both sleepers that prefer a hard surface as well as those who prefer a soft surface. The hard side provides firm support to your spine and neck, while the soft side deftly maintains the ‘S’ shape of your back, thus correcting defective sleeping posture. The high quality foam eases stress and pressure points across your body, thus helping relieve back ache, sore neck and lower back problems. The hybrid nature of the mattress ensures that no matter which side you sleep on,you get the benefits of both firm and soft foam without the cons of the other.
Features
- Item dimensions are 72 X 72 X 6 inch(182.88 x 182.88 x 15.24 cm).
- It uses five layers – premium quality breathable cotton fabric outer cover, a soft comfort layer, an anti-slip layer, a high density HR polyfoam support layer and a bottom support fabric layer.
- It is dual type with a medium soft side and a medium firm side.
- Large cell size of foam helps in better air circulation.
- It comes with 10 years manufacturer’s warranty.
10. Boston Hotel Comfort Bonnell Spring Mattress
This is the only spring mattress in the list, and will be treasured by those who have grown up used to the firm support of bonnell spring mattresses. In spite of using spring,it still provides soft comfort due to the addition of a pure sleep grade foam comfort layer on top. Its springs are round hourglass shaped ones, which are tied together to form a mat. A round helical crosswise connects each twin spring to a spring unit. This mattress truly busts the myth that a spring mattress cannot be comfortable. Besides premium comfort, the biggest pro of this mattress is that it provides firm support to the sleeper’s, something that is quite underestimated nowadays. The presence of springs does wonders to those with spine and back problems.
Features
- Item dimensions are 72 X 70 X 8 inch(182.9 x 177.8 x 20.3 cm).
- Item weight is 36 kg.
- It uses five layers – knitted quilted top fabric cover with an inch of cushioning foam, exclusive air ventilation foam layer, supportive heavy-duty felt pad, plastic mesh layer and tempered steel bonnell springs with heavy-duty gauge coils.
- It is medium firm type.
- It is recommended for back and side sleepers.
- It comes with 5 years manufacturer’s warranty.
| Product | Yay | Nay |
| Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress | Highly supportive | Produces heat |
| Wakefit Dual Comfort Mattress | Dual use | Not very durable |
| SleepyCat – Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Mattress | High motion isolation | Too thin |
| Sleepyhead 3 Layered Orthopedic Memory Foam Mattress | High density balanced foam | Produces offensive smell |
| Dreamzee Ortho-Back Memory Foam Mattress | Pressure relief | Foam loses thickness and effectiveness too soon |
| Flo Ergo Gel Memory Foam + Proprietary Responsive Foam Mattress | Comfort and health oriented | Too soft |
| SleepX Presented by Sleepwell Dual mattress | Light and easy to handle | Not as comfortable as others |
| Dreamzee 100% Natural Latex Certified Organic Mattress | Fully natural and organic | Too heavy |
| Furny Reversible Hybrid Mattress, Medium Firm & Soft in 1 Mattress | Hybrid support | No removable cover |
| Boston Hotel Comfort Bonnell Spring Mattress | True firm support | Low motion isolation |
Conclusion
A mattress is an investment that takes a lot of thought and consideration.This is because mattresses are primary factors in the quality of sleep we receive everyday. A good mattress can help us feel rejuvenated in the morning, while an improper one can not only hamper sleep, but also cause numerous back problems. It is advised that o person should first carefully judge not only their sleeping habits, but also their needs, because the two often do not overlap, which is what many back ailments arise from. It is only after doing that that you should go through this guide to get a thorough idea of which mattress type perfectly meets your demands. The diverse list afterwards should help you get an idea of which brands are doing especially well and keeping their words, so that you do not have to regret your buy.
