When it comes to selecting a mattress, there are many considerations to be made. Some of these considerations are pretty obvious such as your weight, height, and bed size. As most of us in the UK seem to have a more robust stature, one would think that selecting a heavyweight mattress may be the best way to go.
But not so fast. Not all mattresses are made equal.
Selecting the correct mattress can be a minefield, and where to start can be a daunting prospect with so many choices available.
If you have decided to opt for a completely new bed, including the bed frame, the options become more complex. However, depending on your budget, you will surely get the best option for your requirements.
So, What’s Best, Heavy or Lightweight?
As a starting point, seek an experienced professional salesperson who has excellent product knowledge.
A significant consideration to choosing a mattress is the physical dimensions of the mattress itself.
Many houses have staircases with tight turns, the last thing you need is to buy a heavyweight mattress only to find the weight is too challenging to handle, and the mattress is not flexible enough to negotiate turns and bends of your staircase.
Of course, if you live in a bungalow, moving a heavy mattress into your bedroom may be a little easier and less back-breaking for the delivery crew.
You should consider some high-end mattresses that can weigh around to 60kg to 70kg mark. For the average person, that’s a lot of weight to handle, especially given the dimensions. It can be a beast of a mattress to move, to say the very least.
On the other hand, lightweight mattresses can be expensive. However, in terms of durability and comfort, they can match a heavyweight mattress if your budget allows you to purchase a trusted brand from a reputable supplier.
Let’s Talk About Mattresses
Foam
While we discuss the weights of mattresses, there is a common misconception that a foam memory mattress is lightweight. In fact, foam mattresses can have a substantial weight and be heavier than traditional mattresses found in stores.
However, foam mattresses are usually more flexible than a traditional sprung mattress, which allows the mattress to be manoeuvred quickly around doorways and bends in staircases.
Foam mattresses have come a long way, and the technologically designed mattresses are a delight to sleep upon.
Air Mattress
It would be easy to think an air mattress would be lightweight but, the truth is they are cumbersome items. They are not popular in the UK, and despite being comfortable, the air mattress has struggled to shake off its camping heritage of cheap, low-budget troublesome mattresses. It’s a pity as air mattresses have something to offer as improved manufacturing techniques could make them a viable substitute for a home mattress.
Innerspring
A more traditional type of mattress that, in some cases depending on the design and manufacturing material, could be lighter in weight than a standard memory foam mattress. A good mattress for this of us on a tighter budget without giving up the comfort of a new mattress.
Hybrid
There is a lot of media attention on the term Hybrid as governments attempt to move us away from hydrocarbon fuels. However, there is such a thing as a hybrid bed, and it’s a combination of the best of both worlds for some people.
The hybrid mattress is the perfect union of a spring mattress with the soft sublime comfort of a top-quality foam mattress for the ultimate in a good night’s sleep.
The question is, is it a lightweight mattress? Well, for this article and given the nature of hybrids, let’s say it’s half and half. Most of the time, hybrid mattresses will be heavier than foam mattresses because a hybrid contains springs and is roughly the same as a traditional spring mattress.
However, if you see the hybrid mattress, one thing’s for sure, you will enjoy the comfort of this mattress.
The Heavyweight Division
Possibly the heavyweight champion of mattresses is the water bed. Thankfully they had fallen out of favour and fashion from the eighties when they were expensive objects of fascination amongst the well-heeled.
Waterbeds were not without their problems. Apart from the weight, if they did spring a leak, the possible damage to your home could be considered enormous.
Another common complaint from the liquid-filled bed was temperature control. It could be rather chilly during the winter months.
Memory Foam
It almost seems counterintuitive to place a memory foam mattress in with the heavyweights. It seems like Prince Naseem entering the boxing ring against Lennox Lewis.
But don’t be fooled by the word foam. Memory foam is no ordinary foam, and it is dense in construction and can be heavy depending on the mattress size you wish to purchase.
Having said that, the memory foam mattress can be more flexible than a spring mattress enabling easier delivery to your bedroom.
Memory foam is very popular for a good reason and if the budget extends to this heavyweight, then give it a close look.
Latex
Latex mattresses are not so standard in the UK, but they make my list super heavy and awkward to move around. Without a professional and experienced delivery crew, this mattress is hard to move around and restrictive due to its sheer weight and bulk.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a mattress, many considerations amount to more than your budget.
Even lightweight mattresses can be difficult to move. Anything bigger than a single mattress should not be attempted without help; moving a mattress is always a two-person Job to avoid strains and injuries.
If you spot the mattress of your dreams at your local bed store, keep in mind that the mattress will be travelling up your staircase in one piece. Wall scuffs are sometimes unavoidable.
If you have a tight return at the top of the staircase to your bedroom, make sure the mattress is flexible enough to be manoeuvred. If you doubt, take a couple of photos and maybe measurements to confirm the delivery crew can manage tight spaces.