To you who are experiencing sleepless nights! How to choose the right mattress

There are many reasons for sleeplessness, but is your mattress, which supports your sleep, in good condition? Generally, the lifespan of a mattress is said to be 5 to 10 years, and it's where you spend about one-third of your day. That's why it's natural to want to get a good quality one at a reasonable price. But honestly, just lying on a display model doesn't help you choose. To help you escape sleepless nights, we'll explain how to choose the right mattress.

1. Types of Mattresses:

When choosing a mattress, the first thing to consider is the type. Mattresses are broadly divided into three categories: spring mattresses, foam mattresses, and hybrid mattresses. It's best to choose a type that suits your preferences based on your reasons for purchase and any concerns you may have.

Spring Mattresses

Spring mattresses are also known as typical mattresses. They are designed with springs (coils) encased in materials like fiber or latex. The types of springs and cover materials vary, as do their prices.

Spring mattresses are said to be suitable for those who sleep on their stomach or back, experience lower back pain, or have a heavier body weight and require firm support.

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses refer to mattresses made from memory foam, a shape-retaining material developed by NASA in the 1970s. Different density materials are combined to adjust firmness and support. 

Other / Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses, as the name suggests, use both springs and foam. Recently, hybrid foam mattresses that balance high-resilience and low-resilience cushions have also become popular. This type often offers better value for money in terms of durability, comfort, and lightness compared to spring-only mattresses.

2. Firmness:

Mattress firmness preferences vary from person to person, but choosing a mattress that is not the right firmness can increase the likelihood of back pain and other problems. Generally, on a scale of 1-10, the preferred firmness for Japanese people is said to be slightly firmer than Westerners, around 7.5. Both soft and firm mattresses have their pros and cons.

Soft Mattresses

Firm Mattresses

3. Material:

When buying a mattress, you'll often hear about two types of mattress materials: "high resilience" and "low resilience." High-resilience mattresses have good rebound when weight is applied, preventing the entire body, including the lower back, from sinking too much, which helps keep the spine straight. In terms of firmness, most people find high-resilience mattresses to be firmer. Conversely, low-resilience mattresses conform to the body, making them excellent for pressure distribution.

On the other hand, high-resilience mattresses, which use materials like high-resilience urethane (hard urethane), are more breathable than low-resilience mattresses, making it easier for body heat to dissipate when falling asleep and reducing the proliferation of dust mites that thrive in humidity. They also tend to be denser, resulting in less deterioration and a longer lifespan. Conversely, low-resilience mattresses, which use low-resilience urethane, tend to retain heat and deform easily due to the nature of the material, making them particularly unsuitable for larger individuals or men.

4. Size:

Mattresses generally come in five sizes: single, semi-double, double, queen, and king. The standard length for mattresses, regardless of width, is 197cm. The widths are approximately 20cm wider for each size increment: single is 97cm, semi-double is 120cm, double is 140cm, queen is 160cm, and king is 180cm. 

5. Price:

The price of a mattress varies greatly depending on its material, quality, and size, but it can be broadly divided into the following four price ranges.

When purchasing a single mattress:

*Generally, the price increases by approximately 10,000-20,000 yen when moving up in size from single to semi-double, and from semi-double to double (excluding some luxury items).

9 Rules You Should Know About Mattress Replacement

Mattresses, due to their size and price, are often perceived as "furniture," but they are essentially consumables where we spend one-third of our lives. When it's time to replace your mattress, don't just consider its age; pay attention to these nine signs.

1. Body aches or discomfort upon waking

Unless you've had intense exercise or muscle training the day before, if you feel body aches upon waking, your mattress might be old or the firmness might be wrong for you. Sleep is for resting your mind and body, not for causing pain or discomfort. We recommend changing your mattress.

2. Mattress sagging

If you notice sagging in a part of your mattress, it's a clear sign for replacement. Regardless of the type, over time, the naturally straight shape of the mattress gradually distorts, leading to lower back pain, stiff shoulders, and even sudden back pain. Especially if you prefer sleeping on one side, your weight will consistently be applied to the same side, which tends to shorten the mattress's lifespan. If you use a spring mattress, you can temporarily address sagging by flipping it over and using the sagged side face down, but this is only a temporary fix, and a new mattress will likely be needed soon.

3. Uneven surface

If you feel bumps or unevenness when you run your hand over the surface of your mattress, it's a sign that the mattress isn't providing adequate support for your back. Consider replacing it with a high-density foam mattress soon, before you start experiencing body aches.

4. Noticeable odors or stains

Mattresses absorb odors and stains over time. Especially when sharing a bed with pets or small children, the mattress tends to get dirty more frequently. While mattress covers can help prevent stains from penetrating the mattress itself to some extent, any mattress, when used for a long time, becomes a collection point for sweat and dirt from our bodies. If you notice the appearance or smell of your mattress, replace it immediately.

5. Mattress creaking or shaking

If you're using a spring mattress and it creaks or shakes when you lie down or move, or if the mattress shakes every time you turn over, it means the internal springs have deteriorated and are no longer providing their intended support. Mattress creaking and shaking can disrupt restful sleep, so it's time to buy a new one.

6. Allergic symptoms or asthma

Many people experience allergic symptoms or asthma when in the bedroom. First, check your mattress for mold. Mold on a mattress is entirely detrimental. If you can't wash or sun-dry your mattress, it's best to replace it quickly. Also, if your symptoms don't improve after vacuuming dust from your room and mattress, it's highly likely that dust mites are present in the cotton or urethane parts. The humid climate of Japan, in particular, can be a breeding ground for dust mites. Dust mite carcasses and feces can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. If persistent symptoms don't improve, first get tested at a hospital. Creating an allergy-free sleep environment with a new mattress can also be a solution.

7. Red insect bites

No matter how diligently you clean and maintain a hygienic environment, it's impossible to completely prevent bed bugs. Especially if you frequently sleep in different beds while traveling or on business trips, you run the risk of bringing bed bugs home. If you start waking up with itchy skin (red spots) during sleep, consider the possibility of bed bugs. In such cases, you'll need to dispose of the infested mattress and exterminate them throughout your entire home.

8. Expired mattress warranty

Mattress warranty periods and coverage vary by manufacturer, but if your mattress warranty has expired, you can unfortunately assume its purpose has been served. Replace it to ensure quality sleep.

9. When moving house

This isn't necessarily a sign that you should replace your mattress, but getting new bedding when starting life in a new environment can help you begin fresh. It also eliminates concerns about bringing dust mites or bed bugs to your new home.

Summary:

How was it? We hope this information is helpful for those struggling with sleepless nights or those wondering which mattress to choose for replacement. Sleep is when you surrender yourself in a vulnerable state. Unlike eating or exercising, you cannot consciously influence it. For your own sake and the sake of your loved ones' sleep, choose a mattress you are satisfied with. And as your body changes with age, we recommend replacing it regularly. gugu mattress incorporates a balanced blend of four uniquely developed foams, including low-resilience and high-resilience types. All sizes come with free nationwide shipping (excluding Okinawa and remote islands), a 45-day trial period, and a reliable 10-year warranty. Please get quality sleep with a gugu mattress.

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