According to listofledlights, a bed is only a functional and comfortable place to sleep if it is equipped with the right mattress and a matching slatted frame. First of all, two important requirements are placed on the mattress: it must adapt to the entire body when lying or sleeping and at the same time provide good support so that the spine is ergonomically bedded. These mentioned properties of the mattress should also be retained in changing sleeping positions.
Different types of mattresses are available on the market, which are characterized by very different capabilities and have various advantages and disadvantages. In this article we will explain to you about mattresses in general and details about individual mattress types.
The optimal body adaptation
In the supine position, the mattress should follow the shape of the spine so that it is stored in its natural double S shape. It is important that the thighs and upper body form a horizontal line and that no angle is created by a pelvis that is too low.
If you turn on your side, your shoulders and hips are only allowed to sink into the mattress so far that your spine is a horizontal straight line. If you choose a mattress that is too soft or too hard, your posture will not be adequately or too strongly supported. This allows the shoulder and pelvic area to tilt. Such a bad posture is often the cause of sleep disorders. Pressure points that are too strong can also restrict blood circulation and lead to hands or even arms falling asleep.
Mattresses and the sleeping environment
In addition to being optimally adaptable, a mattress must be able to absorb moisture and release it again. A sufficient supply of air from below – i.e. from the spring base – plays an important role here.
To ensure good bed hygiene, it makes sense to use a removable and washable mattress cover. If this is quilted with a climate fleece that can absorb moisture, you get a dry and warm sleeping environment. However, since the sleeping climate only partly depends on the mattress, the use of a suitable duvet is essential for an optimal result.
The different types of mattresses and their properties:
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses ensure a soft and comfortable lying feeling and have the greatest point elasticity. They are characterized by a high degree of dimensional stability. To achieve the necessary support, latex mattresses should have a slightly thicker core. Despite the relative softness of latex, the body is optimally supported when lying down.
High-quality latex mattresses are very durable and can be used for ten years without any problems. Like all other mattress types, latex mattresses are also offered in different degrees of hardness, so that people with a higher body weight can also find a suitable latex mattress.
Cold foam mattresses
In contrast to latex mattresses, cold foam mattresses have a very low weight and an area-elastic surface. Their core has a high supporting force and has a long service life. Because every mattress has to be turned regularly, this type of mattress is a little more comfortable to use.
In addition, cold foam mattresses are characterized by good air permeability and breathability. They are also available in different degrees of hardness.
Visco foam mattresses
Visco foam mattresses adapt to the shape of the body based on their own body temperature and “remember” their contours for a few seconds after they have been relieved. The body is ideally and almost weightlessly bedded in every position, which can alleviate back problems and other complaints. Viscous foam mattresses are usually not suitable for people who sleep very restlessly, as the temporary “recessed area” formed in the mattress restricts movement.
The visco foam mattresses were originally developed as products for medical supply stores because they offer bedridden people optimal comfort. Nowadays, visco foam mattresses can be found in every good bed specialist due to their remarkable properties.
Gel mattresses
Gel mattresses (also known as gel foam or Gelax® mattresses) are among the innovations of recent years. Because they combine the positive properties of viscose and cold foam.
Thus, these mattresses offer the precise adaptability and the almost weightless feeling of lying of visco foam, but independent of temperature. Another advantage of gel foam mattresses: They have a quick resilience and do not remember body contours, which is why they are also suitable for restlessly sleeping people.
(Bonell) spring core mattresses
Mattresses with a simple Bonell spring core consist of a combination of steel springs and enveloping padding. They are slightly cheaper in price than the other types of mattresses. Spring core mattresses have a very low point elasticity and are rather area-elastic. They like to vibrate a bit with body movements and are known to dampen them relatively little. Orthopedists therefore do not recommend the use of a spring mattress.
In some innerspring mattresses, it has been proven (Öko-Test-Jahrbuch “Bauen, Wohnen, Renovieren 2006”) that artificial magnetic fields deviate strongly from the earth’s natural magnetic field. People who are very sensitive to magnetic fields can be negatively affected during sleep.
Natural mattresses
In times of scarcity of raw materials and greater awareness of sustainability, natural mattresses are experiencing a revival. Depending on the quality and manufacturing process, these mattresses are made partly or entirely from renewable raw materials.
As diverse as the materials used, the feeling of lying down and the effect on the bed climate are just as varied. But they all have one thing in common: natural mattresses try to make optimal use of the natural properties of the respective raw material.
