SLEEP LIKE A BABY

Imagine that you have the most relaxing and peaceful sleep of your life. Won't that make you start your day right? Now, envision yourself having trouble sleeping and when you finally do, your back aches in the morning. Perhaps even more than your back. Your legs seems tired, your body doesn't want to move. Is this the way you want to start your mornings? We spend at least six to eight hours minimum a day on our bed. That means around a third of our day. Choosing the right mattress for us is something vital to a good life.

What types of mattresses are there in the market? From the cheapest to the most expensive, these are what you can find locally.

First, we have the polyurethane high-density foam. This is a regular type of mattress supplied by Uratex. This type has medium to firm support. Yes, it's the same material used for your dish sponges.

via The Mattress Ideas

Second is the latex foam mattress that uses a combination of synthetic and organic eco-friendly materials. This is a firm type of mattress. It's like really firm! I bought a Sleepcare latex foam pillow at Duty Free, and yep, gave it to my husband as I had an achingly sore back in the morning! 

via In Nature

Third is the spring mattress. These are made with hand-tied steel coil springs to support your back. Take note that each manufacturer has a different layer that adds comfort to your sleep. For the first photo below, we have the regular spring mattress.

via Ikea

For the next photo, we have pocketed coil springs. Each coil is individually wrapped in a "pocket" which means that if you sit down on edge of the bed, the other part won't "move." Of course, there'll be a slight movement but it won't be as drastic as the regular coils. This is perfect for a couple's mattress.

via Amazon

Fourth is the memory foam. Memory foam was developed by NASA during the 1960's. I won't give you the technical details. The important thing is that memory foam molds to your body shape. The idea is that the foam cushions your shape and gives you a more pleasant sleep. I tried memory foam before and boy was it hot! So if you tend to get hot (as is normally the case here in the Philippines), either lower your airconditioning temperature, or maybe, even better, try the new memory foam with the gel technology supposedly cools down your body temperature. This is one mattress I haven't tried though--and I am so tempted to try at least the pillow! Yes, I admit I'm a pillow junkie! I've been trying and buying different types of pillows over the years.

via Snug Mattress

via Amazon-Lucid

Now that you know all the types, which one should you choose? Aside from the budget, find out what type of support you normally gravitate to. Is it soft, medium or firm? This will narrow down your choices quite a bit.

Also, as an added feature some use a combination of types. Most common is pocket-coil springs with a memory foam top. Some even have a plush pillow top that makes your sleeping much more comfortable.

What is truly important is to actually try lying down on the mattress. No matter how much explanation I may give you, you'll never know how it feels unless you try it. Lie down on your back, or on your side, or if you sleep on your tummy, try that too. Simulate how you normally do it. Stay for a while and try different types. I've done this at Dexterton Mattress Gallery. That's the way I chose my bed and no, this isn't an advertisement! I just love my Simmons! Find out what mattress sizes are available in the market by clicking on the image below.

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A LOCAL GUIDE TO MATTRESS SIZES

I know it's confusing. We have so much mattress sizes in the market. Practically everything when you think about it. The notorious problem here when you buy beddings is that lengths are always different, even height! A good basic guide is to follow the Uratex sizes with 75" length.  

via Uratex

Uratex

Uratex is a local Filipino brand loved by the whole nation for their quality foam and bed products. 78" as far as a I know is a special size and therefore, made-to-order.

Common sizes:

Single = 36" x 75"/78"

Double = 48" x 75"/78"

Full = 54" x 75"/78"

Queen = 60" x 75"/78"

King = 72" x 75"/78"

via Dexterton Mattress Gallery

Simmons at Dexterton

Simmons is a world-class brand and I have to admit, I finally purchased one last year! It was quite a splurge but my body thanks me for it! Watch out when they have a sale as you can get as much as 30% off!

Single/Twin = 39.4" x 75"

Full = 54" x 75"

Queen = 60" x 75"

Asian King = 72" x 78"

King = 72" x 80"

American King = 76" x 80"

California King = 72" x 84"

Eastern King = 78" x 80"

via ph.tempur.com

Tempur

I was contemplating between this and Simmons, however, I did decide to go with the former. I have no experience (aside from pillows) with the Tempur mattress but for those mattress snobs out there, this is absolutely perfect!

100 cm x 200 cm = 39-3/8" X 78-3/4"- equivalent to single

135 cm x 190 cm = 53-1/8"X 74-3/4" - equivalent to double

152 cm x 203 cm = 60" X 80" - equivalent to queen

180 cm x 200 cm = 71" X 78-3/4" - equivalent to king

193 cm x 203 cm = 76" X 80" - equivalent to American King

200 cm x 200 cm = 71" X 71"

I told you it was confusing! I will not even get into the different heights as there is so much! Just one last reminder before you buy your mattress. Check where to buy the beddings as these are all different sizes. Unfortunately, one size does NOT fit all. I hope somehow this enlightens you a little bit. Buying a mattress is not as easy as it seems. Do your research and go visit the mattress showrooms! On another day, I'll give you some tips on how to choose your mattress type.

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