We separate fact from fiction, product truths from marketing myths.
Choosing a mattress is not an easy task – and with so much information (and misinformation) on the subject, settling on the perfect bed may seem like an elusive goal. Here are six common misconceptions, and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Your mattress warranty covers it within that period. Period.
A 10- or 15-year warranty does not actually refer to the mattress’ life expectancy. Warranties differ from one brand to another, but more often than not, they cover workmanship defects and the materials the mattress is made of, rather than the mattress itself.
Always read the terms and conditions of your mattress’ warranty, and don’t simply assume that you’re covered… because you may not be. To illustrate: most brands’ warranty policies state that body impressions of 38 mm (1.5”) or less are the expected results of daily use. In other words, you won’t be able to replace or repair your mattress unless the body impressions on it are almost four cm deep!
At Sofzsleep, this isn’t the case. We guarantee a one-to-one replacement if your latex core sags or retains a body impression of more than 20 mm (according to European Standards EN1957) – which is twice as stringent as industry norms.
Myth #2: 100% organic mattresses.
No mattress, be it latex, foam or spring, can be 100% organic. Even organic latex mattresses, which come the closest to that coveted green label, require non-organic additives to turn it from liquid latex into a solid ready to be made into a mattress or pillow. In other words, the organic certification traces the origin of the latex, but not whether safe additives have been incorporated.
What about spring mattresses? Again, the science says otherwise. An “organic” spring mattress probably means that a fraction of it is organic (i.e. just its padding and fabric)… not the whole thing. Regardless how it’s engineered, the metal springs in these mattresses are encased in foam (which is not organic by nature).
Myth #3: One mattress to fit them all.
This seems to be a growing trend with new mattress companies, but this type of “universal comfort” will only be true if a couple is the same height, weight, age and doesn’t move around much when sleeping. And even in such an unlikely case, they may still prefer mattresses with different firmness levels.
Back in the bad old days, our parents (and grandparents) weren’t able to choose whether they wanted to rest on a cushy comfort or something on the opposite end of the spectrum. Today, we’re more aware of what we need – and quality sleep is such a rarity in this always-on culture that the right mattress shouldn’t be too much to ask for.
However, because everyone’s idea of comfort differs, what feels snug and supportive to one person may be overly firm/soft and to the other. And if your preferences and needs differ too significantly from your partner’s, you may be better off with two single mattresses on a King-sized bed frame, which could be a tad unsightly, or customising your own perfect bedmate.
Myth #4: Firm mattress = best for back.
Conventional wisdom suggests that firm mattresses are ideal for the back, but modern studies say medium to medium-firm may be better, because they tend to conform to your body, while holding up your spine at all points. Don’t forget, your spine will naturally take on an ‘S’ shape as you grow. If your bed is too firm, it can force your hips and shoulders up, leaving your lower back without support. This could stress your vertebrae and lead to backaches.
Bottomline: the best mattress for you is one firm enough to support your entire body, yet soft enough to cradle your curves and prevent pain at the pressure points.
Myth #5: To prevent tossing and turning, get the right mattress.
Tossing and turning is your body trying to get more comfortable – alleviating pressure point pain, reducing the strain on your back and joints, or simply trying to cool itself down by kicking the covers off.
That’s why babies start rolling over in their sleep when they’re four months old – and by the time we’re adults, we could be moving 75 times a night, be it a slight twitch or full-body roll.
Still, excessive tossing and turning is not something you should live with. A good mattress does not restrict your movement, and can help to reduce unnecessary night movements by providing pressure point relief, while breathable sheets and blankets keep your body from overheating – allowing you to slip into the deeper REM sleep that your body craves.
Myth #6: Pillow-top mattresses are THE most comfy.
Sure, pillow-top mattresses may be comfortable, but so are many other mattresses. What the pillow-top does is to simply give the mattress a feeling of plushness by adding extra cushioning – one that’s generally quilted with polyurethane foam (a non-breathable chemical-based material). Besides being a trap for dust mites, this foam is also prone to sagging within months – which goes right back to Myth 1: where your warranty does not cover body impressions of 38 mm or less.
Of course, comfort is more than one layer deep. The structural integrity of your mattress is what supports your back where you need it – and stops it from complaining. And if you want that sleeping-on-a-cloud feel, just add a mattress topper, and hello princess bed.
Browse Sofzsleep’s mattress and mattress accessories product collections online today:
Do feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to visit our showrooms.