With an average night’s sleep of seven hours and one minute, Indians are the second most sleep-deprived people in the world, according to a 2019 study conducted by US-based firm Fitbit across 18 countries. They rank after the Japanese, who report an average sleep duration of six hours and 47 minutes. The importance of sleep cannot be stressed enough. Humans require seven to 10 hours of sleep per day for proper cognitive and behavioral functioning.
According to the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, sleep is essential to every process in the body, “affecting our physical and mental functioning the next day, our ability to fight disease and develop immunity, and our metabolism and chronic disease.” risk of”. A good mattress can make all the difference in how your body – and you – feel when you wake up. Research shows that sleeping on a medium-firm mattress, especially one with adjustable firmness, can promote comfort, ensure proper spinal alignment, and lead to quality sleep.
make the right choice
Neelam Devani, director of Aevit Lifestyle, which has introduced Swedish bedding brand Hastens to India, says that selecting the ideal mattress is a highly individual process that cannot be achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach. “It’s ideal to get support from an in-store sleep specialist who can help you understand your sleep style and what works best for you. Factors that should be considered include sleeping position, body position, Size and weight are involved,” she says.
She says that a good mattress should provide proper support to your body without creating pressure points that can cause pain or discomfort.
“Opt for a mattress made from natural materials that are hypoallergenic and skin-friendly. These natural ingredients promote smooth breathing, vital to achieving a deep, restorative and healing sleep for overall well-being. Take your time selecting a mattress that can improve the quality of your sleep and overall health,” she says.
wake up on the right side of the bed
Back sleepers: A soft mattress will not provide enough support to keep your spine properly aligned. This position puts stress on your spine and can lead to back and neck pain over time.
choose: firm foam/hybrid mattress
Side Sleeper: This position puts pressure on your shoulders and hips, so a soft mattress that cushions the body can take the pressure off.
choose: Memory Foam/Pillow-Top Mattress
Combination Sleeper: People who move frequently need the right mix of comfort and support.
choose: medium-firm latex/foam mattress
Ankit Garg, CEO and co-founder of Wakefit.co, says that it is important to choose a mattress that helps in providing adequate support to the body while keeping one’s back, neck and spine in a neutral position. “Research has proved that the human body needs at least 14 days to adjust to a new mattress. Physical stores that can only provide touch-and-feel experience and buy-and-try policies don’t offer, aren’t ideal opportunities to buy a mattress,” he says.
According to the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2023, there has been a 24% increase in the number of people who believe that a better mattress will help in improving the quality of sleep. Correspondingly, there has been significant growth in the organized mattress market, especially in Tier II and Tier III markets, as people become familiar with the benefits that good mattresses provide. “New-age sleep solutions companies are also experimenting with technologies like specialist grid mattresses, gel foam mattresses, etc., which help in cooling the mattress and keeping the temperature at optimum levels,” says Garg.
How does it work?
How do you decide between a spring, foam, and hybrid mattress? A spring mattress is composed of a layer of coils surrounded by layers of comfortable material (latex, natural fibers, or foam). Different coil types and layouts offer different benefits such as back support, a range of ‘firmness’ and budget-friendly options. However, these mattresses—ideal for stomach and back sleepers—wear out more quickly than foam and can be tough on joints.
Foam mattresses offer different combinations of foams with different densities to provide softness and support. Although memory foam is the most well-known type of foam mattress, there are several different types that offer different benefits. More durable than spring mattresses, these absorb the movement of restless sleepers and make less noise. “However, they are more expensive, can trap body heat, and the softness can often lead to a ‘sinking’ feeling,” says interior designer Arupa Bose.
The final option – chosen by most people – are hybrid mattresses, which include layers of springs and foam. They offer pressure point relief along with back support, regulate temperature better than pure foam mattresses, and can work for people with different firmness preferences, she says.
Garg says that a good mattress is one that offers good support, comfort and durability. The design and construction of mattresses has changed a lot in the past decade. “With the conversation surrounding sleep health becoming increasingly prominent, we are seeing increased demand for our flagship orthopedic memory foam mattresses because they conform to the body, relieve pressure, and reduce motion transfer. Our ExpertGrid and 7 Zone latex mattresses are also excellent choices because they’re breathable, provide motion isolation, and are long-lasting,” he says.
The price starts from ₹5,000 and goes up to ₹1,00,000 depending on the size and type of mattress.
ways to care
Mattress hygiene is an integral part of quality sleep and helps, and it is important to take care of the mattress.
Clear it: Devani suggests using a vacuum cleaner (furniture attachment) for optimal results. “Don’t forget to clean the layer of dust-blocking cotton under the mattress,” she says.
Use a Protector: Garg advocates using a waterproof mattress protector to protect the mattress from water and spills. “Keeping out dust and grime will extend the life of the mattress,” he says.
When to replace it?
Like any other product, a mattress is also prone to wear and tear, which can ultimately affect your sleep. Wakefit says the average lifespan of mattresses is about seven years.
“However, it also depends on how you take care of your mattress, as well as other factors such as body weight, sleeping posture, and more,” says Garg. His original position was “as long as possible”.
Dewani says that Hestens beds have a 25-year warranty, but the company suggests exchanging the top layer every five to seven years for optimal comfort and support.
“If you often wake up tired or experience body aches, it may be time to consider an upgrade to ensure your body is getting the quality rest it needs,” she says.