The Ultimate Mattress Buying Guide: Choosing Your Ideal Mattress

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

Many brands claim to have the “best mattress in Singapore”, but does this mean their product is ideal for you? Well, not necessarily so. What is perfect for someone else may not be so for you. This is because everyone has their individual sleep preferences. From the mattress firmness to your sleeping position, there are plenty of factors that can affect your decision.

After reading the above paragraph, it certainly sounds like an overwhelming task to invest in a quality mattress, especially given the number of mattress products on the market. But fret not! We are here to help. Let us share our comprehensive mattress buying guide to help you identify your ideal mattress and get a good night’s rest.

PART 2 – WHEN IS IT TIME TO BUY A NEW MATTRESS?

Sleep experts generally recommend replacing your mattress every 6 to 8 years. With that said, this is a general guideline and not a hard and fast rule since every mattress has different lifespans. Naturally, durable beds made with high-quality materials will outlast their cheaper counterparts. And that is not factoring in the different levels of wear and tear each mattress undergoes.

2.1. Average lifespan of a mattress

Most mattresses are built to last between 5 to 10 years, but this may vary by type. Memory foam mattresses tend to have a shorter lifespan, between 7 to 8 years, while pocket spring mattresses generally last the longest – up to 15 years. Here is a breakdown of the average lifespan of the common mattress types in Singapore.

Mattress Types	Average Lifespan	Notes
Pocket Spring	10 – 15 years	Most pocket spring mattresses can last up to an average of 10 to 15 years. However, the core, which is made of metal wires, will sag and lose its form over time, even with regular rotations of the bed.
Foam/Memory Foam	7 – 8 years	A memory foam mattress is excellent at holding its shape, but it does not last forever. Eventually, the foam will lose its elasticity and sink with time. However, if you are diligent in cleaning and rotating the bed, it can last up to 10 years.
Latex	8 – 10 years	Latex mattresses usually have the most longevity among foam-type mattresses. Due to its natural elasticity and durable makeup, it is more resilient than regular foam mattresses and can last you up to an average of 10 years.
Hybrid	7 – 15 years	The lifespan of a hybrid mattress depends on its combination of materials. A quality hybrid mattress made from a combination of springs and additional foam or latex layers can last up to 15 years with light use.

2.2. Signs you need a new mattress

The guidelines we shared above provide a general sense of how long each mattress type will last. But as we have mentioned, a bed’s lifespan is fluid based on its uses and materials. To truly understand when you should get a new mattress, you should pay attention to a few warning signs during sleep.

Have you experienced any of the above signs? If your answer is yes, it is time to get a new mattress!

PART 3 – HOW TO SELECT THE IDEAL MATTRESS

Now that you have decided to replace your old bed, it is time to figure out your ideal mattress. But it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed with the various options on the market. To help speed up your selection process, we have simplified everything you need to know about the most popular types of mattresses in Singapore.

It is vital to remember that every sleeper has different needs from a mattress. The idea of "a best mattress" will vary from individual to individual based on their sleeping style and preferences. We hope that by sharing a detailed breakdown of each mattress type, you will have a clearer understanding of which bed is suitable for you.

Pocket spring (pocket coil) mattresses

Pocket spring mattresses are the most popular mattress types in the market, as they offer strong edge support and great bounce. As the name implies, the bed is made from individual pocket springs, with each spring enclosed within its own fabric pocket.

This allows each coil to move independently from the other. As a result, the individual pocket spring only reacts when pressure is applied to a specific area, offering greater pressure point relief and targeted support for the sleeper. This feature makes pocket spring mattresses ideal for users who constantly toss and turn in bed or those who share a bed with their spouse, as the individually-packed pocket springs help reduce motion transfer.

Additionally, these mattresses come with zone support, with individual springs coiled to provide less or more support, depending on the area of the body they are made to support. The most common types of zone support found in pocket spring mattresses are 3-zone or 7-zone.

The former is ideal for side sleepers and those who require additional spinal support for their lower back, as 3-zone beds offer pressure relief for the knees and shoulders, ensuring proper spinal alignment as you sleep. The latter, as its name suggests, provides tailored support for seven different parts of your body, including the head and neck, shoulder and upper back, lumbar, pelvic, knee, lower leg, and foot and ankle.

If you plan on getting a pocket spring mattress, we recommend paying attention to the bed’s coil count, as the more coils present in the bed, the higher quality it usually is. Furthermore, the more coiled each spring is, the greater the support and durability on offer.

Lastly, you should also keep in mind the mattress’s coil gauge, which refers to how thick the wire used in the coil is. Coil gauges range from 12 to 15. The lower the number, the firmer the mattress. Therefore, those who prefer a softer bed may want to buy a pocket spring mattress with a higher gauge number.

Memory foam mattress

Memory foam mattresses are widely regarded as one of the more comfortable mattress types. This is because memory foam is renowned for its deep contouring hug and slow response to pressure. As a result, these beds offer tremendous pressure relief at sensitive spots, particularly the hips, lower back, and shoulders.

This makes memory foam mattresses ideal for sleepers suffering from back aches since the layers of memory foam provide lumbar support, body contouring, and comfort in the hips and shoulders for their users. Because the bed hugs your body more than other mattresses do, you experience minimal motion transfer, which is great if your partner moves around a lot during their sleep.

However, this feature comes with its downside. Since these beds contour around your body, they do not provide as much freedom of movement or bounce as other types of mattresses do. So if you are someone who shifts their sleeping positions multiple times during bedtime, a memory foam bed might not be suitable for you.

Additionally, it is essential to note that foam is a dense material. Therefore, it tends to trap and absorb body heat, which is a drawback for hot sleepers. Fortunately, most manufacturers have circumvented this issue by infusing their memory foam mattresses with cooling agents to dissipate the user’s body heat during sleep.

There is also one final detail to note about this type of mattress. Many of the foam mattresses available on the market are not made with 100% memory foam. Instead, they consist of a foam blend mixed with other materials.

Latex mattresses

Are you seeking the benefits of a foam mattress but do not want to feel as snug? In that case, latex mattresses might be better suited to your sleeping needs. These mattresses possess a quick response to pressure, allowing them to adjust to your body as you move during sleep.

Moreover, latex is an organic material, which is ideal for eco-conscious sleepers searching for a toxic-free mattress. Since the bed is made from organic materials, you do not have to worry about your mattress emitting volatile organic compound (VOC), which is toxic to the human body.

Naturally, this myriad of benefits comes with a more significant price tag. Therefore, latex mattresses might not suit those working on a tight budget. Plus, like memory foam, latex is a dense material and falls on the heavier side.

Hybrid mattresses

Are you looking to enjoy the bounce and cradling effect of a pocket spring mattress, as well as the contouring and cushioning effects of foam? In that case, a hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds.

These mattresses feature both pocket springs and comfy foam, providing a one-two punch of support and pressure relief. Most hybrid beds also utilise built-in cooling technology to provide a cooler sleeping surface than pure memory foam mattresses.

However, it is vital to note that a hybrid mattress is not always a combination of pocket spring and foam. It can include other materials and combinations, like latex and memory foam.

3.2. What to look for in a mattress

We hope what we have shared has given you a clearer idea of which type of mattress is the most suitable for you. But understanding your ideal mattress type is only the beginning. There are several other factors to consider when choosing a bed that best meets your requirements. Let us provide a detailed breakdown of the critical mattress features you may require to help you identify your ideal mattress.

Feature #1: Comfort and cooling

Sleep recharges our body and mind, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and alert. If you constantly wake up in pain, it defeats the purpose of sleep. To ensure you are well-rested, you will require a comfortable mattress. Without one, you might experience regular sleep disruptions, which can have a negative impact on your body.

It is essential to note that comfort refers to more than how your bed feels. It is also about how well the mattress regulates temperature. In tropical Singapore, the optimum temperature for a good night’s sleep ranges from 22 to 23 degrees Celcius.

Now, you probably think this is difficult to achieve without turning on the air conditioner, but there are plenty of mattresses that can help one achieve lower sleeping temperatures. These beds typically feature built-in cooling technology or breathable fabrics to assist with heat dissipation, ensuring a cooler sleeping surface.

Feature #2: Correct size

Your mattress size contributes significantly to your comfort level in bed. If you sleep with your spouse, you will definitely feel restricted sleeping on anything less than a queen-size mattress. Conversely, if you are sleeping alone, a single or super single-size mattress is usually sufficient.

With that said, the number of sleepers on a bed is by no means the only factor that impacts the mattress size you purchase. Your height and weight will also affect your decision. For example, your height should correspond to the length of your mattress, while your weight will determine the firmness level you require.

We recommend that users visit a showroom to test a mattress to determine their ideal mattress size, especially if they are sleeping with a partner. In fact, we usually advise couples to opt for king-size mattresses since they are designed with two sleepers in mind. Similarly, if you plan on buying a mattress as a present for someone else, make sure that they test the bed first.

Feature #3: Adequate support and neutral spine alignment

Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, you tend to feel most comfortable in bed when your head, neck, and spine are in neutral alignment. When a mattress lacks adequate support to promote this natural alignment, users may wake up feeling stiff or sore.

Feature #4: Lifespan, longevity, and durability

A mattress is an investment. As with any investment, you will want your purchase to continue providing dividends as long as possible. Therefore, it is essential to consider the quality and durability of your new bed. Mattresses made from premium materials and featuring fine craftsmanship will naturally outlast the shoddy options.

Feature #5: Budget-friendliness

Yes! It stands to reason that a premium mattress usually comes with an expensive price tag. However, this does not mean you must break the bank to purchase a quality mattress. Given the plethora of options available on the market, it is possible to find an affordable mattress that meets all your requirements. Plus, there is no point in spending beyond your means to get a quality bed only to lose sleep over your finances.

Feature #6: Motion transfer

Motion transfer is critical for those who sleep with their spouse, especially if their partner tosses and turns in bed. Such motions can be incredibly disruptive to one’s sleep. Therefore, you will want a mattress that minimises motion transfer so that your spouse does not disturb you in the middle of the night with their movements.

Feature #7: Edge support

Edge support is an often overlooked feature when someone seeks to purchase a new bed. But this aspect can make a world of difference to sleepers. A mattress with excellent edge support allows users to maximise their sleeping surface by resting close to the edge without feeling like they are going to roll off the bed.

This feature is especially useful for those who sleep on a single-size mattress. Edge support is most commonly found in pocket-spring mattresses, which feature a high-density foam casing to keep all the springs in place.

3.3. Sleeping positions

Another crucial element you should not overlook when purchasing a new mattress is your preferred sleeping position, as it affects the firmness level of your ideal bed. This factor should go hand-in-hand with the type of mattress you pick, allowing you to move one step closer to identifying the most suitable bed. Determining the right firmness level boils down to your preferences and sleeping position. Here are some general rules of thumb.

Side sleepers

Side sleepers tend to place more pressure on their shoulders, hips, and knees due to their sleeping position. Therefore, their ideal firmness level ranges from medium to medium-firm, striking a balance between base support and contouring comfort. Memory foam mattresses, in particular, are suitable for side sleepers, as these beds distribute the user’s body weight evenly, helping them avoid pain in the pressure points of the shoulders and hips.

Back sleepers

Those who prefer to sleep on their backs require a mattress that supports possible tension areas and keeps the shoulders and hips in alignment while offering pushback where needed. As such, they will benefit the most from a medium-firm mattress.

Stomach sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach places significant pressure on your lumbar spine. Therefore, stomach sleepers require a firm mattress to keep their hips aligned with their shoulders. Pocket spring or hybrid mattresses, in particular, are best for stomach sleepers, as they feature a supportive foundation and a pressure-relieving comfort layer.

PART 4 – BEST PRACTICES FOR BUYING A MATTRESS

4.1. Mattress shopping tips

Now that you have done your due research and know what you are looking for, it is time to begin shopping for your ideal mattress! Whether you prefer to head down to a showroom or buy a mattress online, here are a few practical shopping tips to keep in mind before committing to your purchase.

Tip #1: Try it out

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting your perfect mattress; it all depends on your preferences. Often, shoppers are guided by a bed's firmness label without testing it for themselves, which is a big mistake! This is because a mattress's firmness level differs from one brand to another. For example, one company’s medium-firm bed may be another’s extra firm.

The only way to test if the mattress is right for you is to lie down on it. We recommend avoiding mattresses that are too soft or firm, as they may not be good for your body. A bed that is too soft lacks sufficient support, resulting in poor sleep posture and back pain.

Meanwhile, a mattress that is too firm can prevent your body from maintaining the natural curvature of your spine during sleep, causing you to experience back pain. Therefore, you must strike a balance between firmness and comfort when testing a mattress.

Tip #2: Don’t be swayed by the price tag

Many people often associate quality with a high price point. However, this is not always the case. It is possible to find an excellent yet affordable mattress in Singapore. Rather than be swayed by the price tag, we recommend that you ask the salesperson where the main components of the mattress come from, as well as the country in which the beds were manufactured.

For example, our German mattresses are made part-by-part in Germany from start to finish – right down to their coils. Furthermore, the materials that constitute our German-made mattresses undergo stringent quality control to ensure they are of good quality. Therefore, customers can rest assured that they are getting a premium mattress regardless of the price tag.

Tip #3: Opt for a toxic-free mattress

Conventional mattresses generally contain unsafe substances like fire-retardant chemicals and petroleum-based foams, which are harmful to the human body when inhaled. Therefore, we recommend you purchase an organic, toxic-free mattress to safeguard your health and well-being during sleep.

An alternative is to look for mattresses with removable and washable cushion covers. Since these covers can be taken off and easily washed in a washing machine, you can rest easy knowing that no anti-mould or anti-pest chemicals are utilised in the manufacturing of these mattresses.

Tip #4: Don’t neglect your bed frame

Do not underestimate the importance of getting the right bed frame. Many often place a significant emphasis on finding the perfect mattress but neglect the bed frame. However, this demonstrates a lack of foresight. Even the best mattress will sag when placed on a sagging bed base. After investing in a quality mattress, you do not want it to function poorly because of a poor bed base.

Tip #5: Inspect your mattress thoroughly on delivery day

We always recommend that buyers inspect their mattresses thoroughly – including the bed frame – to ensure the product is stain-free and void of any damages before accepting the delivery. It is also recommended to keep the label on the mattress in case you need to submit a warranty claim in the future.

4.2. Common mattress buying questions you may have

While we hope to cover everything, we also understand that some shoppers may have several lingering questions beyond what we have shared in our guide. So let us consolidate the common queries you have about purchasing a new mattress and seek to clarify these doubts.

1. What are the available mattress sizes?

Every mattress brand offers similar mattress sizes, from single to king-size mattresses. However, you might have noticed that the proportions of a single-size mattress from one company may differ from another. This is due to the size of the bed frame, which diverges in each country. For example, a queen-size mattress in Singapore could be shorter than its European counterpart. With that said, here are the common mattress dimensions found in Singapore:

• Single – 91cm X 190cm
• Super Single – 107cm X 190cm
• Queen – 152cm X 190cm
• King – 182cm X 190cm

2. How do I know when to replace my mattress?

Most mattresses are built to last between 5 to 10 years. But as we mentioned, there are various factors that can affect the longevity of a bed. For example, if your kids are constantly jumping on their beds, their mattresses will be worn down faster.

An individual’s weight can also affect how long a mattress lasts. A child’s mattress will usually last longer than an adult’s because there is less pressure placed on the springs and paddings of the bed due to the kid’s lighter weight.

To truly know if it is time to replace your bed, ask yourself this question: how did you sleep last night? If you experience regular sleep disruptions or wake up feeling sore, it might be time to seek a replacement.

3. Is a firm mattress always better?

Many people have this misconception that a firm mattress is always better. However, this is not true. A firm bed that lacks adequate support can cause you to toss and turn during sleep or result in shoulder and upper back pain. This is why we advise sleepers to try out the mattress to determine their firmness preference before committing to their purchase.

PART 5 – CONCLUSION

At the end of the day, it is vital to remember that there is no real “best mattress” that suits everyone perfectly. So rather than rush into a purchase or pay over the odds for an expensive mattress, we recommend you focus on your sleep habits and preferences to help you navigate your mattress shopping experience. This advice, along with what we shared in our comprehensive mattress buying guide, will definitely aid you in landing your dream bed.

If you are ready to upgrade your sleeping environment, feel free to browse our extensive catalogue online. Regardless of your sleep preferences, you can rest easy knowing that we have all your needs covered. Alternatively, you can drop by our showrooms, which are conveniently located all across Singapore, to view and test our products in person.