Earlier, I quipped that twin mattresses come in varying qualities despite their standard dimension. In other words, dimensions alone don’t matter in the choice of a twin mattress – the dimensions are standard. There are other factors that you must consider before making your move of purchase.
Types of Twin Mattresses
Primarily, there are three specific types of twin mattresses you can buy:
Adjustable air, innerspring, and memory foam.
- Adjustable air makes use of inflation where the desired amount of air is pumped into the mattress by an electric pump. To ensure the mattress is very comfortable, the top layer consists of a pillow-top.
- Innerspring (known as hybrid) is held with a set of steel springs which contracts or expands depending on the weight on it. It is common and often used by people. The steel springs are made for mobility and comfort. To prevent your body from feeling the springs while you are on top, some form of padding or pillow-top is added to the top layer.
Memory foam is made from polyurethane, which can adapt to your body when you lay on it. By adjusting to your body, I mean it does not allow your body to sink in by “pushing” back. Also, it returns to retain its original shape when you get up from the bed. The memory foam is ideal for those who desire a specific mattress that eases the body.
1. Thickness
Do you know how they say not to judge a book by its cover? You would have to apply that principle (in terms of thickness) when you are about to purchase your mattress. Mattresses come in various thicknesses. The point here is not to judge a mattress by its top layer; that is, a mattress’ top layer can be so thick compared to other mattresses on the market and still turn out to be an awful one.
Therefore, the recommended action is to ensure you spend time lying down on the mattress and having a personal feel. The performance of mattresses still varies despite what their thickness has to say in that very instant of purchase.
That said. If mattress firmness is evaluated on a scale of 10, 1 being the softest, a soft mattress (between 1-3 firmness level) should be expected to offer deeper contouring and more “sinkage”. This level of firmness is preferable for people who sleep on their sides for the cushioning of their shoulders and hips, thereby assisting the alignment of the spine and alleviating pressure points.
A 7-10-firmer mattress will not conform to your body but offers more support. A mattress with a firmness level between 4 and 6 is a balance of support and contouring. This level of firmness is suitable for stomach and back sleepers as they require to have their bodies kept on an even, upright plane.
In choosing the firmness of a mattress, you must also consider your weight. If you weigh less than 130 pounds, a softer mattress will do your body better but if you weigh more as much as 230 pounds, you should preferably go for a firmer bed that will not sink too deeply when you lay in it.
2. Box Spring
This point was added to prevent you from spending unnecessarily. The box spring is simply a foundational piece that props up the mattress; hence, if you have one for a previous twin mattress, it can be used again. There is no specialty or unique feature box springs add to your mattresses; don’t be swayed by the subtlety of the salesperson, who just wants to sell his goods.
3. Personal Feel
Ultimately, a simple personal “test drive” of lying on the mattress is the first and an excellent way to begin in making your choice of a twin mattress. Regardless of the content, you will find in this review – which will undoubtedly walk you through the top choices – a real-life personal feel of the mattress should not be underemphasized.
Twist; turn. See how it feels. Don’t judge with the information in your head alone; see what all sides of your body have to say. A 10-minute feel should do the trick, enough for you to make a wise decision.
4. Add-ons
This is simply an additional tip.
Remember that I had earlier mentioned that the mattress contributes to 40% of a good night’s sleep? Some other things that contribute to the remaining 60% are add-ons. The truth is there is how far you can be comfortable without a few essential add-ons.
Oftentimes, it is either some add-ons are added free of charge to the mattress purchased or at a lower price. Therefore, it is essential to make inquiries about them at least. Some of these add-ons include general covers, pillow top-covers, (free) box springs (box springs are not worth the investment if they are not free, especially if you already have one).
I will advise that you must be as selfish as you can in choosing a mattress to purchase. It is your comfort in the long-term that is at stake here. Take your time to access each mattress; pass on options that are not satisfactory and do not compare yourself with someone else’s option or choice because what works for them may differ from what works for you.
5. Price
Twin mattresses are relatively cheap. They cost between $500 and $1000; however, the price differs with types. Airbeds, like all-latex models, hybrids, will cost more than memory foam or innerspring mattresses.
6. Contouring
Contouring in mattresses enhances support for the hips, lower back, and other areas where weight may be disproportionately dispensed; also, affording gentler cradling for the legs, shoulders, neck, and head. A quality mattress must ensure its contouring is even across the surface. A surface that does not contour evenly may add pressure points, causing aches and pains to the body.