What mattress should I buy?

By Jo Joiner

How many times in your life do you buy a new mattress? Assuming you’re replacing your sleeping surface every 5 to 10 years (the recommended mattress change frequency for good health) you could be looking at around 12 bed shopping opportunities over a lifetime. Because you don’t buy a new mattress very often, we thought you’d appreciate a quick refresher course.

Steps for buying a new mattress

Set a budget: Mattresses come in a wide range of prices, so decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
Try a range of mattresses: There are various types of mattresses, including memory foam, pocket spring, and special foam and latex mattresses for electric beds. Each has different features and benefits. Talk to the sales person about what might be good for you.
Test your short-list of mattresses in person: It’s important to try out a mattress before you buy it. Spend at least 15 minutes lying on each mattress you’re considering. If you usually sleep with a partner, get them to test the mattresses with you.
Ask a companion to check your spine while you’re lying on your side; it should be neutral – a straight line from your neck to lower back.
If you’re upgrading to an electric bed, test the four bed positions to see how they feel. Try feet-up, head-up, zero gravity and flat.
Check the warranty and return policy: A good warranty and return policy can give you peace of mind and protect your investment.

What’s great about a pocket spring mattress?

Pocket spring mattresses, also known as pocket coil beds or pocketed mattresses, are one of the most popular types of mattresses available in New Zealand. They’re constructed with individual springs that are contained in their own pockets or fabric casings. Each spring is independent, which allows them to respond individually to pressure and movement, resulting in a more comfortable and supportive sleeping experience. With a pocket spring mattress you get:

Customised support: One of the main benefits of a pocket spring bed is its ability to provide customised support. Since each spring is independent, they can contour to the shape of your body to provide support where you need it most. This is especially important for people who suffer from back pain or other types of joint pain. A pocket spring bed can help alleviate pressure points and provide relief from discomfort.
Motion isolation: Another advantage of pocket springs is their ability to isolate motion. If you share your bed with a partner, you may have experienced the frustration of being woken up by their movements during the night. With a pocket spring bed, each spring responds independently to pressure, which means that movement is isolated to the specific area where it occurs. This can result in a more restful night’s sleep for both you and your partner.
Durability: Since each spring is individually wrapped, pocket spring mattresses are less likely to lose their shape over time. This means that your bed will maintain its supportive properties for longer, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable sleeping experience for up to 10 years.
Breathability: Pocket spring beds are designed to promote breathability. The individual springs allow for air to circulate more freely throughout the mattress, which can help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool during the night. This is especially important for people who tend to overheat while they sleep.
Reduced allergens: Pocket springs can help reduce allergens in your sleeping environment. Since each spring is individually wrapped, they are less likely to collect dust, dirt or other allergens that can trigger allergies or asthma.

Two NZ pocket spring mattresses to consider

Our two big sellers at Dreamland are Lincoln and Andromeda mattresses. These models feature pocket spring technology and have become very popular among our customers.

Lincoln: Available in firm, medium and plush, Lincoln is an affordable luxury pocket spring mattress that’s sold through independent furniture retailers. To provide optimum support, it has zones of springs for key areas of the body – head, shoulders, pelvis, legs and feet. This system assists optimal blood and oxygen circulation during night-time recovery. Find Lincoln stockists.

Andromeda: The ultimate in pocket spring luxury, Andromeda mattresses have more than 1500 pocket springs to disperse your weight. The result is head-to-toe support for each sleeper with no partner disturbance or roll together. From the top layer down, includes gel-infused memory foam, convoluted foam, carbon-infused memory foam, natural latex, 12cm pocket springs and 14cm pocket springs. Andromeda mattresses are available in a choice of firm, medium and plush. Find Andromeda stockists.

What’s good about an electric bed?

Electric beds aren’t just a passing trend. They’re here to stay, because they offer so many benefits for sleepers with health challenges. Unlike traditional beds, electric adjustable beds offer a range of positions, allowing you to customise your sleeping experience to your specific needs. Here’s what you can expect:

Improved comfort: The ability to adjust the bed’s position to your desired level of comfort means that you can find the perfect sleeping position. Whether you need to raise your head to alleviate snoring or lift your feet to improve circulation, an electric adjustable bed provides the flexibility to make those adjustments. The result is a more restful and comfortable sleep.
Better health: Electric beds can help alleviate a variety of health problems such as acid reflux, back pain, and sleep apnoea. By elevating your upper body, an adjustable bed can reduce acid reflux symptoms and allow you to breathe more easily. Additionally, elevating your legs can improve circulation and reduce swelling, which is especially helpful for those with diabetes or circulatory problems.
Easy access: Electric adjustable beds are excellent for older people and those with mobility issues. By adjusting the bed to a higher position, you can reduce the distance between the bed and the floor, making it easier to get in and out of bed. This can also reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Dreamland’s eFlex bed and iFlex mattress are designed to work together, so that you can maximise the benefits of an adjustable bed. Remote-controlled electric motors let you make adjustments to suit your needs. Feet-up is the best way to soothe aching feet and legs; head-up is ideal for reading or breakfast in bed; zero gravity position (knees raised and head up) helps with back pain; flat is best for side sleeping. If you’ve never tried an adjustable bed, take one for a test drive at our eFlex/iFlex stockists.