Method to the mattrest

A good night’s sleep is the best way to destress, relax and prepare yourself for the next day, and a good mattress can do exactly that and more. With a change in the way we sleep, many people are opting for sleep solutions that are perfect for that snooze routine, and scientifically proven as well.

Do it Right
Do you know that on average, we spend almost one-third of our lives sleeping? Clearly then, there should be no compromise when it comes to comfort. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our lives, even though at times it feels the most neglected. When Priya Khanna, a housewife from Bengaluru, decided to change her mattress, it made a world of a difference. “The market is filled with so many options which can be quite confusing. So, I decided to do online research and went to a store and lay down on many mattresses, experiencing the comfort level myself,” says Priya. 

Here’s some trivia for insomniacs to bite into: Even though branded mattresses are quite durable, it is advisable to change your mattress at least once every five to seven years, and pillows every year. This is important in order to maintain a good hygiene level as the mattress is exposed to dust, germs, sweat, and lot of external factors. Ashutosh Vaidya, chief marketing officer, Kurl-on explains, “A typical mattress consists of three layers and additional layers are added to increase functionality and comfort levels.” Primarily one needs to identify what their body needs before making a purchase. “Unlike the perception, mattress purchases should not be a one-size-fits-all decision. Different weight and sleep postures result in different pressure points created in the body. The role of an optimum mattress is to reduce the excessive pressure built in one region, and distribute it across the mattress,” elaborates Subodh Mehta, senior vice president (B2C), Godrej Interio. 

For many city folk who find sleep illusive, Uttam Malani, executive director, Centuary Mattresses explains further, “The two main things to keep in mind are the correct size of the mattress (depending on the size of the bed frame), and the firmness level. Also, there is very little standardisation of bed and mattress sizes in India hence prominent mattress brands offer options of customisable sizes.”

New Vistas
Traditionally, factory-made coir mattresses have replaced unbranded cotton mattresses across India. In recent times, baby and child mattresses also have been introduced in India, apart from orthopedic mattresses, and high-end hybrid mattresses. Latex mattresses combined with an upper layer of gel memory foam are an interesting upcoming concept which allows the mattress to mold itself perfectly according to the shape of the body, irrespective of the sleeping position. “This allows the spine to align in its natural position, reducing excess pressure on certain points and ensuring healthy blood circulation. A current customer favourite is the re-bonded with foam mattresses since they are not only preferable for orthopedic purposes being recommended for people with back problems but are durable and not too heavy on the wallet,” explains Mansur Z. Merchant, managing partner, AKZ & Co.

 Anushka Contractor, an interior designer stresses on the use more than just the style, “A mattress should be about quality and not only style since you spend most of your time on the bed. Thickness and firmness of a mattress plays an important role. There are types of mattresses available in the market such as memory foam — which is loved by the younger Gen. It moulds to the shape and curves the body to provide good support.”

The Specifics
Considering body ache is a part and parcel of existence, isn’t it time to concentrate on a good mattress as we spend most of our nights on it? For lower back ache, a mattress that adjusts itself to one’s back is ideal. The ideal mattress should support your back along its natural curves, and should not end up giving you back sores in the morning. “Most mattress companies offer a trial period during which one can test the mattress and assess whether it is the right one or not. New mattresses can take a while to adjust to you, and hence the trial period can help ascertain the appropriateness of a mattress on each individual,” avers K Madhavan, managing director, Peps Industries Pvt. Ltd. “Innovations around spine support, temperature control, comfortable fabrics and different formulation are all happening, and very few new-age brands are utilising them to make their products better. So do your own research and then take a well-informed decision,” says Ankit Garg, co-Founder of Wakefit.co. “You should always know the feeling you want from your mattress since you will be spending seven to eight hours sleeping on it each day. Today, providers give smart features like smart zipper covers and memory foam too,” says Kabir Siddiq, founder and CEO — SleepyCat. 
Sleep is after all a basic need, so choose the right mattress for a good night’s sleep.