Buy Mattress Singapore: 10 Things to know before you buy a new mattress

With an average of seven hours of sleep per night, we actually spend most of our time at home sleeping in our bedroom.

That’s why it is so important to ensure that our mattresses and pillows are clean, and they give us ample support so we sleep comfortably.

While there aren't any hard and fast rules for picking the perfect bed, one way to narrow down the plethora of choices available in the market is to identify the needs that are high on your priority list.

Here are 10 common mistakes and misconceptions Singaporeans have about mattresses. Keep this mattress shopping guide handy while you go mattress shopping:

Thick Mattresses Are Not Always Good

A thick mattress does not mean higher level of comfort.

Some manufacturers include substances like polyurethane foam and coconut husk in their mattresses for a more plump and plush appearance.

However, your body should decide what is most comfortable.

“For a person who weighs between 60-80kg, a 20-24cm mattress should achieve an above average satisfaction,” says Alex Oon from mattress brand manufacturer Sofzsleep.

It's Ok To Not Like Firm Mattresses

Not everyone likes a firm mattress! At the end of the day, it's your sleep and your preference. Your chiropractor or osteopath doctor may tell you to opt for the firmest mattress, but if a hard mattress keeps you up at night and causes insomnia... what's the point?

If you're unsure, choose an interchangeable mattress, such as Sofzsleep's latex mattresses that come with soft, medium, and firm layers. If you are a side-sleeper, move the softest mattress on top. If you change your mind and prefer a firm base, you can have that too.

Mattresses Accumulate Dust Mites, Triggering Asthma

"I suffer from asthma and dust allergies." 

The average mattress has up to two million, asthma-inducing house mites in it. And don't forget other gross particles like mould and dead skin cells!

Consider mattresses with removable and washable covers (more cleaning tips here) or opt for latex-based mattresses which generally have less dust mites and bacteria build-up due to its natural properties.

Foam and latex mattresses are known to keep dust mites (the main cause of allergic reactions) at bay due to its lack of inner cavities, preventing them from thriving within the mattress.

And for those with sensitive skin, look out for allergy-free models labelled "hypoallergenic" to prevent inflamed skin from flaring up at night. 

Don't Choose Spring Mattresses If You Want to Reduce EMF Exposure

Springless mattresses are your safest bet if you're trying to reduce exposure from EMFs.

If you think the fine metal springs in spring mattresses are absorbing electro-magnetic frequencies (be it from your laptop, Wi-Fi router, or mobile phones), you'd want to opt for springless mattresses like memory foam, latex, or gel mattresses.

Not All Mattresses Can Be Flipped

Latex mattresses need not be flipped or rotated. Sleeping positions may cause mattresses to wear or sag unevenly, and flipping the mattress is one way to delay this.

However, latex mattresses have a dense structure which makes it more lasting and less likely to compress over time – so there’s no need for flipping.

But, there is no harm in flipping the mattress, much like the occasional  pillow fluffing.

Your Mattress Needs To Be Replaced Every 10 Years

Hard-up sales associates may tell you that your $3,000 mattress is so durable that you will never have to change it ever in your lifetime.

Nah, that's just downright nonsense.

Speak to every professional in the mattress and beddings industry, whether from brands, manufacturers, to professional cleaners and movers, and they'll tell you that mattresses do age and wear within a decade or so.

No matter your $3,000 or $6,000 mattress, they will definitely need to be replaced at some point.

So, how can you tell if you need to replace your mattresses and pillows or not?

As a general rule of thumb, replace a regularly used mattress every seven to ten years. Check for sagging, lumping and other signs of deterioration even before the seven-year mark.

If you suffer from allergies and your symptoms are bothering you despite changing your sheets and pillows, your mattress may have accumulated too much dust and you may need a new mattress.

If you find yourself tossing and turning at night due to the discomfort caused by an aging mattress or because your body needs may have changed, it’s time for an upgrade.

While you're changing out your mattress, be sure to keep your pillows in check too. Good pillows should last at least three years.

Try the “spring-back” test by folding your pillow in half – if it doesn’t “spring” back to its original shape or takes a long time to unfold itself, get a new one.

Should your pillows have stains and they smell of mildew, it’s time for a change!

Good Mattresses Should Relieve Back Problems

Good support is crucial for those suffering from body aches.

"Mattresses that have a push-back effect can help relieve back problems as it provides better body-contouring and spinal support," advises Lee Kheng Soo, director of Lotus Bedding.

Firmer mattresses are best for elderly and seniors

Beds suitable for the elderly also feature these traits, and he adds that medium-firm and firm mattresses with harder edges make it easier for older folks to get out of bed.

Most Couples Have Different Mattress Preferences

"My partner's sleep movements disturb my rest at night." 

For those who have a special someone to share the bed with every night, choosing a bed that suits both parties is crucial to a good night's sleep – and a healthy relationship.

To ensure that the movements of each person don't effect the other, it's best to get a mattress with reduced motion transfer.

Experts also advise couples to shop and try the bed out together, as individuals often have varying preferences. 

Choose Cool Mattresses for Singapore's Climate

"I sleep without air-conditioning."

Investing in a mattress that provides good air circulation not only allows your skin to breathe better at night, but can also help keep you cool during those warm, stuffy nights.

Some mattresses even incorporate cooling elements, making them preferred options for eco-friendly folks who prefer not to rely on air-conditioning to keep them cool during their sleep.