Mattress Buying Guide: How to Select the Best Bed Mattress?
We spend approximately ⅓rd part of our life sleeping. Doctors tell us that a good night’s sleep plays a huge role in maintaining good health. And for that, one must consider buying the best mattress that is comfortable enough to provide a sound sleep.
In this mattress buying guide, we have elucidated different factors related to how to choose a bed.
Today, you will find various types of mattress in India based on their size, material, firmness and comfort. We can depict mattress type comparison according to these factors:
Size of your Mattress
Dimension of the mattress is one of the basic factors you need to consider. Tallest people i.e., people with 6 feet or above height must be comfortable, hence choose a mattress with a minimum 6’ (72 inches) or longer length. And as for breadth, then you will have different sizes depending on the number of people that will be sleeping on the mattress.
Make sure the size of the mattress aligns well with the size of your bed or cot.
| Size of the mattress | Features |
| Single |
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| Double |
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| Queen |
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| King |
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Types of Mattress Material
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Coir Mattress
Coir material is comfortable and cool enough to provide a good night’s sleep. These mattresses are made from coconut coir or fibres.
The coconut fibre maintains the temperature, while the natural latex (upper layer) offers ample amount of support. Since coir mattresses are built from unprocessed rubber and natural fibres, these are the best eco-friendly mattresses. The air circulates seamlessly within the reticulated layers inside and maintains the temperature for a comfortable sleep. Plus, these mattresses are quite firm as compared to the other types.
Pros and Cons of Coir Mattress
Pros:
- Best eco-friendly mattress made from natural materials
- Firm and offers natural spring quality
- Offers solid support for all sleeping positions
- Anti-dust design is ideal for allergic people
Cons:
- Prone to water damage
- If the upper layer is not of high-quality, the coir/fibres may poke out after repeated use
- Sinks after a few years of use
2. Foam Mattress
Foam mattresses are built from aerated material to make them supportive and bouncy. They are lightweight to carry and come in various firmness options. It looks somewhat similar to the bee-hive design, thus the cell walls are able to decompress and offer the much needed cushioning to the sleeper.
These mattresses are of different types viz. PU foam, memory foam and latex foam.
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Polyurethane (PU) foam mattresses
These mattresses are made from PU (polyurethane) foam which offers great support, comfort and longevity. It is noise-free, anti-dust and is fairly resistant to crumbling. These are highly preferred by most people due to their user-friendliness at a reasonable cost. Their shelf life is quite long and they are aptly water-resistant, making them one of the topmost choices amongst customers. PU foam is also used as a topper over spring mattresses. But today, many brands use it as a base material instead of coils and springs. Due to its open cell structure, PU foam tends to be less allergic as it circulates air well. This also reduces mildew infestation, bad odour and formation of mold.
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Memory foam mattresses
Such types of mattresses are made from viscoelastic substances which have open cell structure. It is extremely soft and energy-absorbent; hence it retains the pressure when you press the mattress. This is the reason why memory foam mattresses conform to the shape of your body, responding to the pressure and heat of the body. When you sleep, such material will evenly distribute your body weight, and return to its original shape once the weight is lifted. Since it remembers the pressure points and takes some time to come to its normal shape after the pressure is lifted, hence the name is “memory foam”.
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Latex foam
Latex foam is designed to outwear spring mattresses and be more durable and comfortable than them. The latex foam is made from synthetic or natural substances. There are 3 different latex foam types viz. 100% synthetic latex, natural and blended latex.
Pros and Cons of Foam Mattress
Pros:
- Foam mattresses are ideal for pressure points
- These are low-maintenance and durable
- Ideal for all sleeping positions
- Noise-free and resistant to motion transfer
Cons:
- Foam mattresses may have an odour initially
- Some people may not like its firmness
- Sensitive to temperatures
3. Rebonded Foam Mattress
As the name suggests, rebonded foam mattresses are made by combining different types of PU foams and binding them under pressure. It is a basic mattress type which is replacing coir mattresses. Bonded foam mattresses are flexible, durable and offer support to your entire body. Not just that, it can also adapt to your body’s temperature for extra comfort.
4. Spring Mattress
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Bonnel spring
It is the most traditional mattress type and is mostly seen in entry-level mattresses. The springs are hourglass-shaped and both the ends of the spring are self-tied. These individual springs are further tied together with another spring wire and this arrangement is further reinforced with a solid border wire. Such mattresses are durable, cheaper and retain shape well for years. One of the main drawbacks here is that such mattresses tend to make noise when you move around.
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Pocket Spring
Unlike in open coil spring mattresses, here the individual springs are sewn into its own fabric pockets and the number of springs is also comparatively higher. Such a structure gives it more comfort and support than the open coil mattresses. It conforms to the shape of your body, reduces motion transfer and is great value for money.
Pros and Cons of Spring Mattress
Pros:
- Spring mattress are affordable
- Oldest type of mattresses and are durable
- Retain shape well
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble
- Internal layers of fibres and wool are prone to attract allergens
- Likely to cause motion transfer
Thickness
The thickness of the mattresses commonly ranges from 5 inches to 10 inches. Your body weight plays a vital role here. Heavyweight individuals will naturally feel comfortable on thick beds, while lighter people won’t have a problem with thin mattresses.
Firmness
Firmness is one of the main factors when it comes to mattress type comparison. Firmness depends upon two factors viz. body weight and sleeping position. People who weigh less than 60kg will like softer mattresses, whereas if your weight is more than 60 kg, you may like firm mattresses.
On average, most people lean towards mattresses that are nearly 40 to 70% firm.
- Soft: Side sleepers or those who keep changing positions during the night might like soft mattresses.
- Medium soft: Such types of mattresses are perfect for sleepers who change their positions during sleep, as it will conform to the body shape whilst providing ample support.
- Medium firm: Best for back sleepers, as it offers good lower back support.
- Firm: Ideal for front sleepers or those who have back pain issues, as it keeps your back in a stable and comfortable form without any sinking.
Durability
Most mattresses in India will survive for about 7 years, even less if you have children. Spring or open coil mattresses will last for about 5 to 7 years. Premium memory foam mattresses will last for around 10 to 15 years, whereas the latex ones will be highly durable with 15 years of longevity.
Airbed and latex mattresses are the most durable ones, while spring and airbed mattresses are good for support.
Conforming Ability
The mattress must be able to conform to the shape of your body for proper alignment of the spine. Besides, it should not form pressure points. For this, the uppermost layers of the mattress play a major role. Most mattresses today come with thick, comfy layers as seen in latex and memory foam mattresses for excellent conforming ability.
Edge Support
Most mattresses tend to sink at the edges as people sit at the edges when getting in or out of bed. Latex and memory foam mattresses tend to provide less support at the edges, thereby resulting in sagging at the sides.
On the other hand, coir mattresses and a few foam mattresses reinforced with coil-based supports are perfect choices in providing support at the edges.
Temperature Control
Some mattresses absorb and trap the body heat, thus resulting in discomfort and warm feeling. Foam and latex mattresses are reinforced with solid support cores; hence they tend to be the warmest.
Likewise, spring and hybrid ones are quite temperature-neutral mattresses as they promote air circulation inside it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) when buying Mattresses
1. Bonded Foam vs Coir: Which mattress is better?
Coir mattresses are made by combining natural fibres, are very firm and have several benefits.
On the other hand, a bonded foam mattress, also known as an orthopaedic mattress, is deliberately designed to support your back. It has a medium-firm surface, but it is not as hard as a coir mattress. Bonded foam mattresses often have PU foam inside to offer exceptional comfort without any sagging.
Which is better? Well, it all comes down to your preference. If you have back ache issues, then bonded foam mattresses are better.
2. What is the average shelf life of a mattress?
The average mattress lasts anywhere from 7 to 10 years; latex mattresses being the most durable ones. Here’s what you need to look for to know whether it’s time to change your mattress:
- Mattress smells bad or is sagging
- Makes noise
- Is causing you allergies
- Feels uncomfortable
- You wake up with pain
3. How to make your mattress last longer?
Here are a few important tips to enhance the life of your mattresses:
- Use a mattress protector
- Do NOT jump on the mattress
- Have an optimal bed support
- Vacuum your mattress frequently
- Rotate or flip your mattress every year, so it wears equally
4. Can a mattress cause back problems?
If a mattress doesn’t allow your muscles to relax as required, chances are you might wake up with stiff and aching back muscles. This is because the muscles were tensed all night, which further leads to an uncomfortable position of the spine. This may not cause immediate back aches, but over a period of time, you may begin to experience chronic back issues and discomfort with continuous use.
5. What type of mattress is best for people with back pain?
Hardness of the mattress plays a vital role when it comes to choosing a mattress for back pain. Firm mattresses like coir ones are not so ideal. They may end up hurting your joints, worsening the back ache even more. This is because firm mattresses do not have a “give”, hence they put your spinal column in an uncomfortable position.
The best type of mattress for back pain or backache is the one that is medium-firm.
- The core of the mattress is responsible for support, while the upper cushion layers are in charge of comfort.
- Foam and spring mattresses fall under the category of medium-firm mattresses
- Look for Orthopedic mattresses that offer premium quality build and are known to alleviate back pain or back aches
6. What type of mattress is best for heavyweight people?
Memory foam mattresses can be good for heavyweight people as it is able to relieve pressure points. Such mattresses provide consistent support and conform to the shape of your body, regardless of your sleeping position. But beware of cheap foams and make sure it has optimal breathability. Look for memory foam mattresses with an additional cooling layer or gel that dissipates heat.
By the same token, latex mattresses are also best for heavy individuals as they offer good support and decent cooling. Plus, it has a good bounce.
7. Which mattress thickness should we choose as per our body weight?
Needless to say, everyone does not weigh equal. The mattress thickness you’ll choose heavily depends upon your body weight, especially if you are a heavy sleeper. Selecting the right thickness of the mattress will decide the amount of comfort and support you’ll be getting from the mattress. Wrong thickness can lead to tensed muscles or back aches.
Here’s a chart that elucidates ideal mattress thickness to choose as per your bodyweight.
| Bodyweight | Mattress Thickness considered Very good | Mattress Thickness considered Average | Mattress Thickness considered Bad |
| 90kg – 115 kg | 10”, 12” and 14” | 8” | 6” |
| 115kg – 135kg | 12” and 14” | 10” | Less than 10” |
| 135kg – 205kg | 14” | 12” | 6”, 8” and 10” |
Comparison Chart for Different Types of Mattresses
| Feature | Coir Mattress | Bonded Foam Mattress | Regular Foam Mattress | Memory Foam Mattress | Bonnell Spring Mattress | Pocket Spring Mattress | Latex Mattress |
| Comfort | Poor | Poor | Average | Good | Average | Good | Good |
| Back support | Poor | Poor | Average | Good | Poor | Average | Good |
| Breathability | Average | Poor | Poor | Average | Average | Average | Good |
| Durability | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Cost | Highly affordable | Average | Average | Good | Expensive | Expensive | Highly expensive |
| Back pain | Poor | Average | Poor | Best | Poor | Average | Best |
| Overall | Poor | Poor | Average | Best | Average | Good | Best |
In short, if you are looking for your best mattress, here’s what you need to know,
- If you want back support and comfort at an affordable price, go for a good quality Memory Foam Mattress
- For good comfort and back support at a higher cost, you can go for Latex Mattress
- For okay-ish back support and comfort with fancy build, go for a Pocket Spring Mattress
- Affordable but poor in comfort, opt for Bonnell Spring or Regular Foam Mattress
- Highly affordable option, go for Coir Mattress
If you cannot decide which one you want to choose, go for hybrid mattresses as they offer best-of-both-worlds. Such mattresses combine the motion isolation of memory foam along with buoyancy of an innerspring at the core. Hence, they are ideal if you and your partner’s sleeping styles vary.
Top Best Mattress Brands in India
- Sleepwell
- Springtek
- Wakefit
- The Sleep Company
- Kurlon
- Peps
- SleepyCat
- Centuary Mattress
- Nilkamal
- duroflex
- Solimo
- Coir-on
These are a few best mattress brands in India. All of these brands offer mattresses that are fairly durable, comfortable, supportive and well-resistant against mildew or mould.
Top 8 Best Mattresses in India
The Sleep Company, Wakefit, duroflex, Sleepyhead, Springtek, SleepyCat, Kurl-on mattress India, Coir-on, etc. are some of the best mattress brands in India.
Best Overall
Wakefit 8-inch Medium Firm King Size Latex Mattress (78x72x8_Latex Memory Foam)
Features
| Part Number | WMFWLM78728 |
| Model | Latex Mattress |
| Warranty | 10 years manufacturer warranty |
| Color | White |
| Size | 78 x 72 x 8 inch |
Best Comfort
Best Budget/Best Memory Foam Mattress
Best Water-resistant mattress
Duroflex Back Magic - Doctor Recommended Orthopaedic High Density Coir, 5 Inch Queen Size Firm Mattress for Back Support and Posture Alignment (75 X 60 X 5...
Features
| Part Number | BACMG750060000500BLUE |
| Model | BACMG750060000500BLUE |
| Warranty | 7 Years |
| Color | Blue |
| Size | Queen |
Best Bonnell Spring Mattress
Springfit Pro Activ Jump 8 Layered Pillow Top Model Medium Soft Hotel Comfort Premium Bed Mattress 6 Inch- Double Bed Size (75x48x6 Inch, Bonnell Spring...
Features
| Part Number | Pro Activ Jump_ 75x48x6 |
| Model | Pro Activ Jump_75x48x6 |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Color | Blue & Grey |
| Size | Double Size |
Best Bonded Foam mattress
Springtek HealthSpa Orthoapedic 6 inches Coir, Bonded Foam Queen Size Mattress (Multi, 78x60x6)
Features
| Part Number | STBOOM-HEALTH-78*60*6 |
| Model | Boomhealth |
| Warranty | This product comes with 6 years warranty against manufacturing Defect |
| Color | Off White |
| Size | Queen |
Best Hybrid mattress
Dreamzee Elevate™ - Globally Certified 100% Natural Latex + Cool Memory Foam - Luxury Hybrid Organic Mattress - Ortho Medium Comfort (78x60x6 Inches)
Features
| Part Number | DNLMF78X60X6 |
| Model | Hybrid Series |
| Warranty | 7 Years Warranty |
| Color | American cream |
| Size | 78 X 60 X 6 Inches |
Best Dual-Sided Foam Mattress
Sleepyhead Flip - Dual Sided High Density Foam Mattress with Firm & Soft Sides, 78x60x6 inches (Queen Size)
Features
| Part Number | SHFM786006 |
| Model | Mattress |
| Color | Grey;White |
| Size | 78 X 60 X 6 |
Conclusion
With this, we wrap up our in-depth mattress buying guide. Anyone who’s wondering how to choose a bed mattress will find the post helpful with different factors elucidated in detail.
At last, it all comes down to what mattress type you prefer. Best mattress will prevent back ache issues and help in correcting your posture along with providing maximum comfort and support.
