Mattress Buying Guide: Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Mattress

Investing in a quality mattress is an investment in your health. A well-chosen mattress plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, impacting everything from your posture and pain levels to your energy levels and mood.

If you need help finding the perfect mattress, then you’ve come to the right place.

Let's dive in and explore the factors to consider when selecting the ideal mattress for your needs.

Understanding Your Needs

Before purchasing a new mattress, it is essential to fully understand your specific needs. Consider your body type, preferred sleeping position, and any back issues you may have. Asking these questions is crucial, as different problems may require different types of mattresses. Let's explore this in more detail.

Based on the Sleeping Position

1. Back Sleepers

   For individuals who prefer sleeping on their back, softer mattresses might not provide sufficient support to maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep. Opting for a firmer foam or hybrid mattress, which combines coils and foam layers, could promote better rest by offering enhanced support.

2. Side Sleepers

   Sleeping on one's side often results in pressure points on the shoulders and hips. Hence, it's advisable to choose a softer mattress that effectively cushions the body and alleviates pressure in these specific areas. Many side sleepers find that pillow-top or memory foam mattresses strike a balance between comfort and support, making them an optimal choice.

3. Stomach Sleepers

   Healthcare experts typically advise against sleeping on the stomach due to its potential adverse effects on spinal health, which can lead to back and neck pain over time. However, if sleeping on the stomach is the only way to attain quality sleep, it's crucial to select an appropriate mattress. Ideally, a mattress for stomach sleepers should provide firm support to maintain spinal alignment. Softer mattresses may cause discomfort and stiffness upon waking, making firm hybrid (Made with layers of spring and foam) or foam mattresses preferable options.

4. Combination Sleepers

   If you switch positions during the night, you're a combination sleeper. For comfy sleep, choose a mattress that lets you feel good in any position. A medium-firm mattress could be just right, giving you both comfort and support.

Based on Firmness Levels

How squishy or firm a mattress is usually gets rated from 1 to 10, where 1 is super soft, and 10 is super firm. It's not a strict rule, and different brands might have their own scales, but most follow a similar idea:

• Extra Soft (1-2): These mattresses feel really plush and give you that sinking feeling. They're like sleeping on a cloud. They aren’t the ones that provide the most support.

• Soft (3-4): Soft mattresses give more cushioning and adjust to your body, relieving pressure points. Great for side sleepers or lighter folks who want extra comfort.

• Medium (5-6): This is the most common level. Medium mattresses find a balance between softness and support. They're comfy, relieve pressure, and keep your spine in a good position. Many back and stomach sleepers like medium-firm mattresses.

• Medium-Firm (7-8): These mattresses are harder and provide more support. Good for those who switch sleeping positions during the night. They can also help if you have back pain.

• Firm (9-10): The firmest mattresses give minimal sinkage and feel really solid. They offer strong support and are recommended for stomach sleepers or people with more body weight. But they might feel too hard for some folks and cause discomfort.

Addressing Specific Concerns

• Pain:

  • Back Pain : An orthopedic mattress can really help people with back pain or joint pain because it's designed to give them the best support. These mattresses are made with special materials like the high resilience PU foam that Flo’s Ortho Mattress is made of as well as memory foam or latex, which are firm but also mould to your body shape. This helps spread out your weight evenly and reduces pressure points.
    By keeping your spine and joints appropriately aligned and easing pressure on areas like your lower back and hips, orthopedic mattresses can make you feel better and help you sleep more soundly, especially if you have ongoing pain issues.

  • Neck Pain : If you are struggling with neck pain in the morning, choosing the right mattress can make a big difference. Look for one that provides good pressure relief and keeps your spine aligned properly. Memory foam and latex mattresses are popular choices for people with neck pain. These materials tend to adjust to your body's curves, supporting your neck and head and reducing pressure points. With good support, your neck muscles won't have to work as hard during the night, leading to a more restful sleep and potentially reducing neck pain.

  • Shoulder Pain : For individuals dealing with shoulder discomfort, choosing the appropriate mattress can greatly influence the quality of sleep. Although there isn't a universal solution, prioritising pressure relief is crucial. Opting for a mattress that supports and cushions the shoulders, especially for side sleepers, is essential. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses equipped with conforming top layers are recommended. Medium-firm mattresses strike a balance between support and pressure relief, enabling the shoulders to sink in slightly while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

• Allergies : For people with allergies, it's important to get a mattress made from materials that won't trigger allergies. Look for mattresses with special features like antimicrobial properties and thoe makde with natural materials to create a cosy sleeping space that's free from allergens. This way, you can sleep well without sneezing all night.

• If someone needs more space while sleeping : When you share a bed, it's important to choose a mattress that isolates motion well. At Flo, all our mattress have Motion Isolation™. This means that when one person moves, it won't disturb the other person's sleep. You can also look for mattresses with customisable firmness settings, especially if you and your partner like different levels of firmness. This way, both of you can be comfortable without bothering each other. It makes sleep better for both of you and helps you both feel more rested in the morning.

• For people who need a cool mattress : If you get too hot while sleeping, a cooling mattress such as Flo’s can really help you stay comfortable all night long. Sometimes, things like health issues or hot weather can make you sweat at night, but picking the right mattress online can help you sleep cooler. At Flo, all our mattresses are equipped with 3D Air-Flo™ technology that pulls heat away from your body and helps you sleep up to 5° cooler. No more sweating through the night.

• Adjustable mattresses for people with snoring problems : If you're worried about snoring, consider getting an adjustable mattress or bed frame. This lets you raise your upper body, which can reduce snoring by helping you breathe better while you sleep. It can also make your nights quieter and more restful.

Mattress Types in India Based on Material

Picking the right mattress material is important for your comfort. Let's go through different types of mattresses sorted by their materials, so you can find the one that suits you best.

1. Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is a special material that can mould to the shape of an object when pressure is applied, then slowly return back to its original form when the pressure is released. Many people prefer memory foam mattresses because they offer good support and relieve pressure points by contouring to the body's shape. Compared to traditional mattresses, memory foam mattresses typically have a longer lifespan and are less prone to sagging or lumpiness.

The Flo Ergo™ Memory Foam Mattress is made with gel-infused foam that responds to your body weight and temperature and moulds perfectly to your shape. It has Motion Isolation™ technology, that ensures that when your partner move, the movement will not be felt and it won’t disturb your sleep. The Stress Release™ technology minimises pressure points and enhances blood flow for deeper rest. Wrapped in a plush cashmere cover treated with aloe vera gel, it keeps your skin hydrated and youthful.

2. Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are becoming more popular in India for their comfortable and supportive qualities. Made from natural rubber sap, latex mattresses offer a airy yet supportive feel that conforms to the body's curves. Latex is also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, which is great for people with allergies. While latex mattresses may cost more upfront, they're known for their durability and ability to keep you cool while you sleep.

The Flo Anti-Gravity™ Latex mattress is a 100% natural latex mattress available online, is India’s first mattress that mimises the effect of gravity as the name suggests, and makes you feel like you;re floating on water. With several trademarked features, it is a great choice for a latex mattress and and it comes with a 10-year warranty.

3. Orthopedic Mattress

An orthopedic mattress is made to give your back and joints the right kind of support. The Flo Ortho™ mattress is a great option for this. It's built with Pain Release™ technology to keep your spine in its natural “S” shape and support you while you sleep, which can be really helpful if you have back problems and need something firm. It's perfect for older folks, especially those over 60, who prefer a harder mattress for back support. Plus, it comes with Stress Release™ technology to ease pressure points, boost blood flow, and help you get a good night's sleep.

With a top layer of high-resilience foam, this mattress provides solid support. And the special Flo Responsive™ foam underneath ensures you stay supported all night without sinking too much.

4. Innerspring Mattresses

When looking at innerspring mattresses, two types are quite popular:

a. Bonnell Spring Mattress

Bonnell coil mattresses provide good uniform support across the body, making them a solid choice for those who prefer a firmer feel. The hourglass-shaped spring coils ensure consistent support for a stable sleeping surface.

b. Pocket Spring Mattress

Pocket spring mattresses offer contouring support with individually wrapped coils nestled in durable fibre pockets. These mattresses are great for those seeking customised support, especially older or heavier individuals. While both mattress types offer similar support from the spring system, differences in design can affect overall comfort and feel.

5. Coir Mattresses

A coir mattress is a unique product from India, available exclusively within the country. Made from coconut coir, it's an eco-friendly choice that's both budget-friendly and firm.

6. Hybrid Mattress

The hybrid mattress blends support elements from different mattress types, like steel coils, polyurethane, memory foam, or latex foam, with additional foams and gels. It's great for people with special needs who require a mix of materials for optimal support.

Additional Considerations for Indian Buyers

1. Budget

A good night's sleep shouldn't break the bank. Flo mattresses start at an affordable price tag of ₹4839, making quality sleep accessible to everyone.

2. Size Availability

Finding the right size mattress is important. Flo offers all the standard Indian sizes, from Single to King, to perfectly fit your bed and your family's needs. We also customize to your preferences and needs. Double-check the size options on the product page before you buy!

Some of the sizes available are

• Single Bed Mattresses
• Double Bed Mattresses
• King Size Mattresses
• Queen Size Mattresses
• Full-Size Mattresses

3. Considering Certifications

Certifications ensure you're getting a quality product. Our Flo Anti-Gravity™ Latex Mattress is OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning it passes tests confirming it is free of harmful substances that could harm humans. Additionally, all Flo mattresses are made following Indian government quality guidelines. So you can rest assured you're getting a safe and supportive mattress.

4. Reversibility

When you are buying a new mattress, it's important that you get the maximum value for the price you paid. Hence, Flo mattresses are designed to be reversible! This means you get two firmness options in one. Simply flip the mattress to discover your perfect comfort level.

5. Climate and Temperature Regulation

India's hot and humid climate can disrupt sleep. Flo's innovative 3D Air-Flo™ technology draws heat away from your body and pushes it out, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night, even without air conditioning! Plus, our aloe vera-infused covers promote skin hydration during sleep.

6. Warranties and After-Sales Service

In India, a mattress is a significant investment. A good warranty and after-sales service provides peace of mind. Flo provides a 10-year warranty on all our mattresses, demonstrating our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our dedicated after-sales service team is always happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

7. Reading Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Don't just rely on marketing materials! Independent customer reviews can offer valuable insights into a product's true performance. Look for reviews from reputable sources and pay attention to common themes mentioned by customers. Flo provides real customer reviews on each mattress product page, so you can make an informed decision.

8. Comparing Reputable Mattress Brands

Do your research! If you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of mattress brands in India, Flo's blog can help! We've compiled a helpful guide on the "Top 5 Best Mattress Brands in India" to simplify your search. Find the link here to explore your options. When doing your research, check if the brand offers a trail period. Making a decision on what mattress to buy is not an easy one at Flo, we get that you might need to see how you feel by sleeping on a mattress you pick. So, we happily give you a generous 100-night trial period on all our mattresses. We want you to feel confident in your choice before you make it.

Closing Thoughts

Finding the perfect mattress in India requires considering your individual needs and preferences. By understanding your sleeping style, body weight, and budget, you can narrow down the vast range of mattress types and firmness levels. Remember, a good mattress is an investment in your sleep and overall well-being. Don't hesitate to spend time testing different mattresses and don't be afraid to ask questions. With careful consideration, you'll find the ideal mattress that provides the comfort and support you need for a restful night's sleep.

Hope this guide heps you to pick the best mattress for your needs, but if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to to answer your questions to help your further.