A good mattress should last anywhere between 10 to 15 years. And considering than an average human spends a total of 33 years in bed, says Dream UK, these mattresses are worth the investment.
As a result, 26 years or 227,760 hours of that lifetime were spent sleeping. The other seven was the time spent trying to fall asleep. Mind-boggling, we know. The right mattress can minimise this wasted seven years.
Your mattress and pillow work together like a charger for your body. And for a proper recharge, you need the right gear. Choose the wrong mattress, and it may just wreck havoc on your physical health.
Did you know that the source of your neck, back and body aches could be related to the mattress you are using?
Keep this ultimate mattress shopping guide handy while shopping for your bedroom. Here’s everything you need to know about buying and choosing mattresses in Singapore.
Content
- Top 8 Best Mattress in Singapore
- How to choose a mattress – Size
- Firm or Soft mattress better?
- Which mattress material is best?
- Mattress has to fit bed frame
- Mattress suit your health, medical conditions
- Check mattress return policy, warranty
- 7 Types of mattresses – Memory foam
- Latex foam mattress
- Spring & Pocket coil spring
- Waterbed mattress
- Air mattress
- Hybrid mattress
- Pillowtop mattress
- How to prolong my mattress’ lifespan
8 Best Mattress in Singapore
Before we dive into the specifics of how to choose a good mattress, here are the eight best mattresses you will find in Singapore:
Sealy Posturepedic Orthopaedic Premium
You must have heard of these famous Sealy Posturepedic mattresses.
As its name suggests, the Sealy Posturepedic Enhance Orthopaedic Premium Collection was designed in line with orthopaedic surgeons for people who need extra back and overall bodyweight support.
This mattress contains alternating columns of coils reinforced with titanium for durability.
Available in four sizes, priced from $4,447. Comes with pillow and mattress protector.
Sealy Posturepedic Orthopaedic
Would love to get a crème de la crème Sealy premium collection but find the prices too steep? Go for the mid-tier Sealy Posturepedic Orthopaedic Premium Superior Firm series instead.
Honestly, compared to the premium collection, this superior firm collection boasts all the same benefits and features of the former – albeit priced at a whole $1,000 cheaper.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers & Post-Surgery Patients
Fortunately, I have had the chance to sleep on a Sealy Posturepedic mattress for years post-surgery, and it was a firm yet supportive mattress that contoured nicely to fit my side sleeper shoulder contours.
The mattress thickness and uni-cased edges also made it easy for users to slip off the bed and stand up easily without too drastic of a change in blood pressure. This will also make a great mattress for recovering postpartum mothers (especially C-section).
10 years later, the Sealy mattress had mildew and mold, and had to be discarded under the advice of the professional mattress cleaner. Be sure to get your Sealy mattresses professionally cleaned twice a year!
Available in four sizes, retails from $3,891. Comes with pillow and mattress protector.
Simmons BackCare
Founded by Zalmon Gilbert Simmons in 1870 in Atlanta, the American bedding company Simmons’ unique selling point is their e-ION Crystal technology.
You’ll only find this technology in their Simmons BackCare and Beautyrest mattresses – both of which we’ll cover here.
The Simmons e-ION Crystal mattresses contain 14 types of natural mineral stones that collectively emit negative ions and far infrared rays.
If you’re not aware, negative ions are emitted from bodies of water such as the ocean or waterfalls. When you breathe these negative ions in, the help to improve your health, energy, and calms you down – also why you’re always strangely at peace when travelling abroad to beachfront resorts or Japanese waterfalls.
There are two variants of the Simmons BackCare e-ION mattress: the basic BackCare 4 ($4,283), and the cold foam BackCare Luxury ($7,371).
Simmons Beautyrest
The other series that contains Simmons’ e-ION Crystal technology is the Beautyrest range of mattresses.
Part of the Beautyrest collection is this Ladies Desire mattress designed to provide 20 per cent more support than other mattresses for female bodily contours.
Prices range from $4,146 and up. Includes pillows and mattress protector.
Tempur Original Supreme
Founded in 1992 by Bobby Trussell, Tempur is best known for their original foam material designed by NASA to cushion astronauts from the extreme G-force that they have to withstand.
If you’re in for the OG Tempur experience, go for this Tempur Original 21cm pure foam mattress ($3,699). It’s soft, it immediately cushions and envelopes you, and gives you the “hotel-like” sinking bed feeling. At this level of softness, this full foam mattress may not be suitable for those of you with back and neck aches.
However, this mattress can prove to be pretty hot in Singapore’s tropical climate.
You might want to consider the Tempur Original with CoolTouch ($3,699) variant instead.
Tempur Firm Supreme Mattress
Still want the Tempur brand, their OG NASA foam, but need a little more support for that ageing back?
Tempur came up with a firmer version of the original foam mattress. Called the Tempur Firm Mattress with CoolTouch ($3,999), this firm mattress gives you four layers of foam of varying density to provide your entire body with much more support.
King Living Sleep+ 6000 Mattress
Founded in 1977, Australian furniture giant King Living produces their own mattresses as well.
The King Living Sleep+ 6000 mattress comes with a fixed KingFlex Base with pocket coil springs.
Then, you get to choose the middle layer according to your preference for soft or firm:
- Hybrid comfort layer: Half-half latex and memory foam
- Latex comfort layer: Softer support
- Memory foam gel comfort layer: Distribute bodyweight
- Premium firm comfort layer: Firmer, extra support
Finally, you’ll have to choose from a cool, warm, or airy top cover.
Prices start from $2,990 at King Living.
King Koil Hotel Collection
Perhaps one of the most luxurious mattresses in Singapore is King Koil’s Hotel Collection The Signature II mattress. It looks the part, boasts a great reputation in Singapore, will draw nods of approval from mattress connoisseurs and your in-laws.
Prices are, however, pretty competitive, making this luxury mattress series the best value for money.
The coolest thing about King Koil’s mattresses is that they’re made to order here in their factory in Tuas, Singapore. With that being said, if you are ordering a new King Koil mattress for your new BTO or house, you don’t have to pay any extra fees for storage since the factory won’t make your mattress until your move-in date draws close. That also eliminates mold and mildew problems from prolonged storage.
Prices start from $3,649 at Ashley Furniture.
How to choose a mattress?
Research is essential to selecting the right products as it is with any other major purchase in your life. But how do we start?
We look to some experts from global mattress brands for some tips.
Here are seven points to consider while shopping for a mattress:
Mattress Size
Do you sleep alone or with a partner? How big is your bedroom?
These factors determine mattress size. Being the most substantial item in your bedroom, its size plays a crucial role in the room’s layout, so getting a new one could be a good time for a makeover.
According to Simmons, the standard sizes popular in Singapore are:
- Single = 91cm x 190cm
- Super Single = 107cm x 190cm
- Queen = 152cm x 190cm
- King = 182cm x 190cm
- King Long = 182cm x 198cm
- US King = 193cm x 203cm
Before buying a mattress, lay down on it to make sure that it fits your body size.
For tall people, the Singapore mattress length of 190cm is actually not long enough for a comfortable sleep. Moreover, if you sleep with a partner, opt for a King size mattress for a less disturbed sleep.
For the discerning homeowner, look to custom mattress makers such as European Bedding.
Mattress: Firm or Soft?
Aside from back support, a good mattress should also provide the right comfort. Each individual has a different body size and preferences and therefore requires a different mattress firmness for that good night’s sleep.
The international mattress industry uses a firmness scale ranging from one to 10, with one being the softest and 10 the firmest. As a general rule, the heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be.
Your sleeping habits also play a role. Side sleepers need mattresses scaled two to four, back sleepers and couples, five to seven, and stomach sleepers and people with back pain, eight to 10.
However, every mattress brand will define these numbers differently. As a result, the best way to determine which mattress is right for you is to visit a showroom and test them out for yourself.
“Don’t just sit on the mattress! Try it out lying down. Your body must feel balanced and aligned. The spine and other parts of your body should not be under any stress,” says Jenny Koh, the group COO and executive director of Matsushita Greatwall Corporation, the parent company of King Koil Singapore. “Spend at least five to 10 minutes or more on the mattress the way you sleep every night.”
Tip: Finding your firmness
While lying down on the mattress, slide your hand under the small of your back. The mattress is probably too firm if it slides behind your back easily, and too soft if it doesn’t move at all. Test it with a partner to check the mattress’ motion transferability to make sure you won’t be disturbed by their movements.
For couples sharing a bed, it is recommended to combine mattresses of different densities (firm, medium, or soft) in one king-size bed. This ensures that each individual enjoys his or her preferred firmness for the best rest.
Mattress Material
When shopping for a mattress, it’s essential to find out what material it’s made of.
Bear in mind that you may be in close contact with the material for as long as eight hours every day, so always insist on natural materials instead of synthetic ones or mattresses made using glue or chemicals.
The most popular mattresses today are made of latex and memory foam. The former is hypoallergenic, made from natural materials, and has a low motion transfer, whereas the latter is best at changing with your body shape.
On a budget? Consider a hybrid mattress, which combines these materials with inner or pocket springs for comparable comfort.
Mattress Price
A mattress’s price is determined by its material and its construction, and we’ve come a long way from kapok, goose down, and coil spring mattresses.
“An aspect that is often overlooked is the budget for mattress purchases,” says Michelle Anne Ng, senior marketing manager at Simmons SEA. “Don’t choose the cheapest mattress. Buy what is best for you.”
Your mattresses should last you between 10 and 15 years, and you should invest in the best ones. Spend some time figuring out your priorities and non-negotiables.
And be aware that poor sleep can negatively impact your health and cost you money in the future.
Mattress Position & Bed Frame
What is your plan for the mattress in your bedroom? Are you going to put it on a platform? Do you have a bed frame? Ensure the design of your mattress is compatible with the design of the foundation.
You should also consider the delivery method and whether your building’s elevator can lift your mattress to your home. If you live in an older HDB resale with HIP done, or new HDB BTOs, your lift will likely be the newer, smaller model that won’t fit king size mattresses.
Check the fine print on the warranty, delivery, and return policies, and protect your mattress from wear and tear with a mattress protector.
Tip: Mattress in a box
It can be compressed and fitted into a box for delivery, which offers greater convenience and affordability. Simply unbox and lay it flat until it takes shape. The downside to this, though, is that these mattresses come with weaker coils and lower density foam.
Health and Medical Conditions
If you have any health conditions such as allergies, joint pain, and more, be sure to consult your doctor before purchasing a new mattress. Your doctor could help recommend a mattress, or mattress characteristics, that will alleviate your symptoms.
For example, those with allergies may want to avoid foam mattresses as they can trap dust and allergens.
Mattress Return Policy, Warranty
When shopping for a mattress, be sure to check the store’s return policy. Many retailers offer a trial period of around 30 days, during which you can test out the bed and decide if it’s right for you.
If not, most stores will allow you to return or exchange the mattress for a different model.
A warranty is your guarantee of an item’s quality. Warranties are provided by the manufacturers to protect consumers from any defects or malfunctions during a specific period. Depending on the brand, warranties for mattresses vary; some extend beyond two years.
7 Types of Mattress
Once you’ve considered these factors, it will be easier to choose the right type of mattress that suits your needs and budget.
The right mattress should provide ample support for your back and respond to each section of the curvature of the spine.
You’ll want to ensure natural spinal alignment while you sleep. Check out if the type of mattress you’re getting contains specific support zones to provide support for your back and to contour your shoulders.
Memory Foam
A memory foam mattress is made of polyurethane foam that conforms to the sleeper’s body, providing support and pressure relief. This type of mattress is often recommended for those with back pain as it distributes weight evenly and eliminates any pressure points.
In addition, a memory foam mattress can help regulate temperature as it absorbs heat and keeps the sleeper cool.
Latex Foam Mattress
A latex foam mattress uses natural or synthetic rubber as its main material, making it hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. They are ideal for those with allergies because they have good air circulation that prevents the growth of bacteria.
Latex foam mattresses are also bouncy and durable, making them a good choice for children and those who like to sleep on their stomachs.
An example of a latex foam mattress brand is Sleepyhead.
Spring & Pocketed Spring
A spring mattress contains metal coils that provide support and tension. They are the most common type of mattress and come in a variety of firmness levels.
While they offer good support, spring mattresses can be uncomfortable for those who sleep on their side or back. They also tend to sag over time and can be difficult to move around.
Pocket Coil Spring
A pocket coil innerspring mattress is made of metal coils that are individually wrapped in fabric. This type of mattress is known for its durability and provides good support, and eliminates movement from travelling across the mattress – making such mattresses great for light sleeper couples.
However, it can be quite firm and is not recommended for those who sleep on their side or back.
An example of a pocket coil innerspring mattress brand is King Koil.
Waterbed Mattress
A waterbed mattress uses a tank filled with water to provide support. These latex beds are often made of cotton or wool, making them resistant to dust mites and bacteria.
Since there is no metal in the bed’s structure, it makes moving around easier for those who find spring mattresses too rigid. However, waterbeds can be difficult to maintain.
An example of a waterbed mattress brand is AquaFlex.
Air Mattress
Air mattresses use air chambers to provide support and keep the sleeper comfortable. The number of chambers determines the level of firmness, which can be adjusted depending on each person’s preference. This type of mattress is often used as a temporary bed or for guests.
They are lightweight and easy to store, making them a good choice for those who live in small spaces. However, they offer little support and can be uncomfortable for long-term use.
An example of an air mattress brand is Intex.
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress is a mix of two or more types of mattresses. They are often made of memory foam and latex foam, which makes them resistant to dust mites and bacteria.
They offer good support and are durable, making them a good choice for those who have back pain. However, they can be expensive compared to other types of mattresses.
An example of a hybrid mattress brand is Sleep Country.
Pillow Top Mattress
Unlike other types of mattresses, a pillow top mattress has an additional layer of padding on the surface. This feature makes it soft and comfortable to sleep on.
However, they tend to be heavy and difficult to move due to their bulky structure. Pillow top beds also require extra care as sagging can occur over time.
An example of a pillow top mattress brand is Serta.
How to prolong mattress lifespan?
Cover it
Allowing your mattress to get drenched in sweat can cause stains and promote mould and mildew growth – an especially gross thought, given that the average person spends one-third of his or her day in bed.
Invest in a mattress pad, cover or protector that’s machine washable to make it easier to clean regularly. If allergies are a problem for you, go with an encasing designed to eliminate pesky dust mites.
Rotate it
Rotating your mattress every few months allows it to wear evenly and last longer. It’s especially important for a brand new mattress, as this prevents it from developing lumps and bumps; new mattresses might even need to be rotated every two weeks – check with your consultant. Use the straps along the sides (which comes with most mattresses) to help you position it.
Check the frame
Homeowners tend to neglect the bedframe. In the same way that a house is only as strong as its foundation, your mattress – and your sleep – can be affected by it. Check the frame, legs, joints and castors every six months to see if anything needs tightening and cleaning.
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Part of this article first appeared on Singsaver.