Mattresses are an essential product because we use them so much, need good ones to sleep and be productive, and have them for a long time – often for a decade or more.
However, as with many other things, many myths abound about mattresses that need debunking. If you’re planning to purchase a new mattress soon, here are some misconceptions worth knowing.
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Myth: We Need to Keep Flipping Mattresses
One of the most pervasive misconceptions about mattresses is that they need to be flipped throughout the year. This may have been necessary in the past, but the bed products are dramatically different today, and the newer designs don’t start to sag for many years. Many of the mattresses on the market only have one usable side, too, so flipping them won’t be a good idea anyway.
However, do note that you can rotate your mattress here and there if you’d like. Turning it from end to end can help it wear more evenly over the years so that one part doesn’t sag or lose its shape more than another.
Myth: Memory Foam or Latex Mattresses are Too Hot
You might have heard others say that they don’t advise buying memory foam or latex mattresses because they’re too hot. While some people have reported feeling a bit uncomfortable on these types of beds over the years due to the heat retention properties of the materials and the fact that users tend to sink into them a bit more, this issue is rare, especially with the newer technologies used to make the mattresses these days.
Most products include layers of cooling gel to keep temperatures down or other features to achieve the same results. As such, ignore this myth, as it has been blown out of proportion, and you’re not likely to have any concerns with a new latex mattress or memory foam selection.
Myth: People with Back Problems Require a Firm Mattress
Another myth that does the rounds is that people with back problems need to sleep on a firm mattress to help their back and reduce pain. However, with everyone’s body and health conditions being so different, it’s dangerous to lump everyone into the same boat. Rather than looking at it as a universal rule that firmness equates to comfort for those with back issues, each person should test options and see what works for them.
Keep in mind, too, that for some, a softer, plusher mattress can actually be the best bet and provide more support to assist with chronic back pain. On the other hand, a mattress that’s too hard might press into sensitive pressure points, push the spine further out of alignment or tighten muscles, and create aches and pains as a result.
Myth: You Can’t Sleep on a Latex Mattress if You’re Allergic to Latex
Do you have a latex allergy and believe you can never purchase a latex mattress because of it? If so, you’ve perhaps been led astray. While you do, of course, need to be very careful about your exposure to latex and the proteins within it that can cause allergies, this doesn’t mean that a latex bed is out of the question.
Keep in mind that, in most cases, the latex foam is covered by other fabric anyway, so you won’t end up sleeping or directly coming into contact with the substance your body doesn’t like. Furthermore, if you’re worried, you can add a waterproof or other mattress protector to the bed to further reduce the chance of any issues, or get your allergist to test a latex mattress foam sample (that you can usually order from manufacturers or retailers) before you buy a bed.
Myth: The Right Mattress is Perfect from the First Night
We have to outlay a decent amount on a new mattress because they’re an item we only buy every eight to ten years or so. However, this doesn’t mean that just because we invest a decent amount of money, the new mattress will be perfect for us from the very first night of use.
A new sleep surface takes a while to adjust to – typically at least a few weeks for most people. Our bodies get used to a mattress over time, so it’s hard to sleep on something different, but if you give it time, you should find that you start to feel more and more comfortable as the nights go on. If this concerns you, try to buy a mattress from a retailer that offers a bed test.
Many allow customers to purchase a mattress, try it for 30, 60, or even 90 days, and then return it for a refund or exchange if the product isn’t deemed suitable by the end of the trial period.
Take your time researching and selecting a mattress when you next need to buy this critical product, and try to remember the myths listed above so that you don’t get caught out with the wrong choice for your needs.
