A good mattress is one of the most important purchases you can make for your home.

We spend a significant part of our lives in bed, yet choosing a mattress can quickly become confusing when you are faced with different fillings, firmness levels, spring systems and sizes.
At Abbey Furniture in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, we believe the best mattress is not simply the most expensive one. It is the mattress that gives you the right combination of comfort, support and space for the way you sleep.

How do you know when it is time to replace your mattress?

There is no single replacement date that applies to every mattress. 

Quality, construction, use and care all matter. However, if your mattress has developed obvious sagging, feels noticeably less supportive, causes you to roll towards the centre, or you consistently wake feeling uncomfortable, it is worth reassessing it.
Your own circumstances can change too. A mattress that suited you several years ago may no longer feel right if your sleeping habits, body or comfort preferences have changed.

What should you look for in a new mattress?

We recommend thinking about four things first: support, comfort, sleeping position and size.
Support is about keeping your body comfortably aligned. Comfort is more personal - some people prefer
a firmer surface while others like more cushioning and pressure relief.
Do not confuse firmness with quality.  A very firm mattress is not automatically more supportive, and a softer mattress is not automatically unsuitable. The construction of the mattress and how it responds to your body are more important.

Which mattress firmness should you choose?
Terms such as soft, medium and firm are useful starting points, but they are not perfectly standardised between manufacturers.
A medium-feel mattress is popular because it can offer a balance of cushioning and support, but it will not suit everyone.
Side sleepers often appreciate some cushioning around the shoulder and hip. Back sleepers generally need a supportive surface that does not allow excessive sinking. Front sleepers may prefer a feel that helps prevent the midsection sinking too deeply.
If two people share a bed, the decision becomes more interesting because they may have very different preferences. This is one reason trying a mattress in person can be so valuable.

Understanding different mattress types

Pocket sprung mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses contain individual springs housed separately so they can respond more independently to pressure.
They are a popular option for couples because movement can be more localised than with traditional interconnected spring systems. The feel of a pocket sprung mattress will also depend on the number and type of springs, upholstery layers and overall construction.

Memory foam and pressure-relieving materials
Memory foam responds to heat and pressure and can create a more enveloping feel. Some sleepers love this sensation while others prefer the responsiveness of springs or other comfort materials.
The important point is not to choose a mattress simply because a particular material is fashionable.
Choose according to how it actually feels to you.

Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses generally combine a spring system with substantial comfort layers such as foam or other pressure-relieving materials.
They can be a good option for customers who like the responsiveness of springs but also want additional cushioning.

What size mattress should you buy?
If your bedroom and budget allow, we generally recommend buying enough sleeping space rather than
automatically replacing your existing mattress with the same size.
A larger mattress can make a considerable difference for couples, particularly if one person moves frequently during the night.
Before increasing your bed size, measure the room carefully and consider bedside lockers, wardrobes, doors and walking space.
Also check that the mattress size matches your existing bed frame or base. Mattress dimensions can vary between markets and manufacturers, so confirm measurements rather than relying on the name alone.

Should you buy a mattress online or try it in a showroom?

Online research is useful for narrowing your options, but mattress comfort is difficult to judge from specifications alone.

Two mattresses described as "medium" can feel completely different.

When trying a mattress in our showroom, do not simply sit on the edge for a few seconds. Lie down in your normal sleeping position and give yourself time to notice how your shoulders, hips and lower back feel.
If the mattress is for two people, ideally both should try it.

What is the best mattress for back pain?
This is one area where we would be cautious about universal claims. There is no single mattress that can be guaranteed to resolve back pain.
The aim should be to find a mattress that feels supportive and comfortable for you and allows you to rest in a comfortable position. Persistent or significant back pain should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying on a mattress as a treatment.

Don't forget the bed base 
The mattress and base work together.
An unsuitable or worn base can affect how a mattress feels and performs. If you are keeping an existing bed frame or divan, tell us when choosing your mattress so its condition and compatibility can be considered.

How much should you spend on a mattress?
Instead of beginning with the cheapest or most expensive mattress, establish a realistic budget and compare the construction, comfort and suitability of mattresses within it.
A mattress is used every night, often for many years. The difference between two options can look significant on the day of purchase but become relatively small when considered over the life of the mattress.
That does not mean everyone needs a premium mattress. It means value should be judged by suitability and quality, not price alone.
Visit Abbey Furniture to find your mattress
At Abbey Furniture in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, you can compare mattresses in person and get help narrowing the choice according to your sleeping preferences, bed size and budget.

Take your time & let us help & advise you 

A mattress is not something you should feel rushed into buying.
Visit our furniture showroom and bedroom department in Nenagh and try the options for yourself before deciding.