Choosing the perfect mattress for your age and stage is more than a quest for comfort—it’s an investment in well-being.
Whether you’re a busy 20-something chasing dreams, a new parent juggling sleepless nights or an over-60 enjoying the slower pace of retirement, your age and lifestyle determine what you need in a mattress. From spine support to cooling layers, the right mattress ensures you wake up refreshed and ready for whatever life throws at you. But how do you find ‘the one’ in a galaxy of options? Let’s see if we can answer that question for you.
Choosing a cot mattress
Selecting the best cot mattress is crucial for a baby’s safety and comfort. Begin by measuring the cot to ensure you buy a mattress that fits snugly, leaving no gaps that could pose a risk. Choose a mattress firm enough to support your baby’s spine and reduce the risk of suffocation. Materials should be breathable and hypoallergenic to promote airflow and minimise allergens. Opt for a mattress with a waterproof and removable cover for easy cleaning. For more information about baby beds, check out Plunket’s website.
Choosing a child’s mattress
Most children move from a cot to a bed between the ages of 18 months and three years. It’s a time when they’re growing rapidly, so a supportive and adaptable mattress is essential. A good night’s sleep is vital for development, influencing physical growth, brain function and emotional stability.
When choosing a mattress for your child, you need to think about size, firmness and material. A mattress should be big enough for them to move comfortably, while firmness ensures proper spinal support. For children, the right balance of firmness and comfort helps to promote healthy sleep patterns.
Best choice: The Liverpool mattress by Dreamland is an outstanding choice for children, combining a firm sleeping surface with plush comfort. Its pocket spring system offers exceptional support and comfort is provided by two layers of luxurious foam – 2.5cm directly over the springs and a 5cm pillow layer. Available in Single, King Single, Double and Queen sizes, the Liverpool mattress is versatile enough to suit any growing child’s needs. Find a Liverpool stockist near you.
Finding the best mattress for teens
Selecting the right mattress for a teenager can help keep the peace in your household. Growing pains are a common challenge during adolescence, and a good mattress can play a vital role in alleviating the associated muscle tension and joint discomfort. Mattresses that combine contouring foam with supportive innerspring coils are ideal for promoting proper spinal alignment and soothing aches in developing bodies.
For active teens, pressure relief is key, especially after intense sports or other physical activities. Cooling features, such as gel-infused foam or breathable fabrics, also help to ensure a restful night’s sleep. And since teens can be tough on furniture, durability is essential.
First choice: The Lincoln mattress by Dreamland excels in supporting growing bodies. Its advanced pocket spring system is zoned to cradle the head, shoulders, pelvis, legs and feet, adapting to individual needs. Available in Plush, Medium and Firm, it offers the perfect blend of luxury, support and resilience for a restorative night’s sleep, so your teenager can tackle the day refreshed and ready to grow. Find a Lincoln stockist near you.
Second choice: The Liverpool mattress by Dreamland. (see above)
Choosing an adult mattress
For fully-grown bodies, mattress choice is related to your size, health status, lifestyle and budget. Once you’ve found a mattress that suits, you need to identify the ideal firmness, taking into account your sleeping position, body type, and specific pain points.
Sleeping position: Side sleepers benefit from soft to medium-firm mattresses to cushion hips and shoulders. Back sleepers require medium-firm to firm mattresses for even support, while stomach sleepers need firmer options to prevent hips from sinking too deeply.
Body type: Heavier people often find mattresses softer than lighter people do, so they may need firmer options for proper support. If weight is concentrated in specific areas, zoned support ensures spinal alignment.
Pain points: For ongoing pain issues, such as chronic back pain, medium-firm mattresses offer an ideal balance of support and pressure relief.
First choice: The Andromeda mattress by Dreamland is an exceptional choice for adults who want to invest in their wellbeing through better sleep. With over 1,500 multi-layer pocket springs, it offers unparalleled head-to-toe support, adapting to your body’s contours and challenges. Available in plush, medium and firm options, Andromeda suits any sleeping position, making it the best mattress for side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Its gel-infused and carbon-infused memory foam layers ensure cooling comfort, while natural latex provides durability and hygiene. Find an Andromeda stockist near you.
Second choice: The Lincoln mattress (see above).
Best mattress for seniors
For people aged 65 and over, especially those with mobility and health concerns, an electric adjustable bed becomes an ideal solution. These beds can be adjusted at the touch of a button, making it easy to find the perfect position for comfort and health needs.
Electric beds provide relief from common issues like arthritis, back pain and acid reflux by allowing the upper or lower body to be elevated. For example, raising the legs can reduce swelling, while elevating the upper body aids breathing and alleviates snoring or sleep apnoea. This customisable support promotes better circulation, pain relief and restorative sleep. Additionally, electric beds enhance independence, making it easier to get in and out of bed without assistance.
To discover the benefits of adjustable sleeping, the Dreamland iFlex mattress teamed with the Dreamland eFlex adjustable electric bed (available at iFlex stockists) is an excellent choice. Designed specifically for adjustable beds, the iFlex has a vertically segmented base layer that conforms perfectly to the bed’s shape. And with extra-deep construction (30cm) and multi-layer support, it also offers luxurious comfort. Choose the iFlex 3 Fitness for medium-firm support or the iFlex 3 Balance for a softer feel. Find a Dreamland iFlex dealer near you.
