Many people don’t think twice about mattresses, but there is much more to them than you realised! A poor quality mattress can have a huge impact on the quality of sleep you get each night and can even be a detriment to your physical health if you are using one which does not support your body as it should. Whether you own the best hybrid mattress on the market or are on the hunt for your next purchase, here are some interesting things you can learn about your mattress.

  1. A firm mattress isn’t always the better mattress

For as long as we can remember, it has been a myth that a firm mattress is better for your back, giving you a higher comfort level in comparison to softer ones. It is not necessarily true that firmer is better as the level of support a mattress provides is the important factor. A good level of support can be found in all comfort levels and for some people, a soft mattress is better for their individual sleep preferences.

  1. Mattresses have to be flame retardant by law

Beyond just being comfortable and supportive, the creation of a mattress requires much more care and consideration. Bedroom hazards span as far as lit candles and neglected cigarettes which can result in life threatening fires so since 2007, a rule was created which states that every mattress needs to comply with flammability guidelines. All mattresses need to be able to stand up to thirty seconds of open flame, minimising the risk of them catching alight before they can be put under control. 

  1. Making your bed isn’t recommended

An unmade bed might can be a healthier approach as when you make your bed and cover the mattress with the duvet, sweat and moisture is trapped inside which creates the ideal environment for dust mites. Instead, leaving sheets exposed to the air and sunlight dries out the environment which helps to kill off mites, so hold off on the bed making for at least a few hours after waking up.

  1. A good mattress is essential to a child’s development

Having a comfortable and supportive mattress is just as important for children as it is for adults, playing a big part in getting the kind of deep, restorative sleep that their growing bodies need every day. For children, some of the benefits of regular sleep include improving their behaviour, helping them focus on school, and staying at a healthy weight as they develop.

  1. Your mattress is a breeding ground for dust mites

A typical mattress can have up to 10 million dust mites in it because traditional innerspring mattresses have a lot of space for these microscopic critters to roam and reproduce. Unless you have allergies which can cause sneezing a runny nose and signs of breathing difficulties, they are not harmful and in most cases, people will be completely unaware that they even exist.