Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. However, many Canadians struggle with poor sleep due to uncomfortable or inadequate mattresses.
With the wide variety of mattress types available, it can be daunting to determine which one will provide the comfort and support you need for a restful slumber.
When shopping for a new mattress, heavier individuals have some unique considerations for finding one that properly supports their body type and sleeping position.
Factors like durability, pressure relief, and base support become especially critical.
By understanding the different mattress varieties on the Canadian market, heavier sleepers can zero in on options more likely to deliver a personalized, peaceful night’s rest.
1. Breaking Down the Most Popular Mattress Types
Canada’s mattress market features a broad assortment catering to an array of preferences and requirements. Here’s an overview of the major types of mattresses:
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses contain steel coils or springs as their main support structure. These coils’ number, type, and arrangement impact the mattress’s overall feel and performance.
Innerspring models range from basic to luxurious. Many also incorporate comfort layers made from materials like memory foam or latex.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam, a viscoelastic polyurethane foam, contours closely to the sleeper’s body to alleviate pressure points.
Most memory foam beds feature multiple layers of varying densities and firmness. While excellent at relieving discomfort, some sleepers find memory foam absorbs too much heat or makes moving difficult.
Latex Mattresses
Derived from the sap of rubber trees, latex offers responsive cushioning and cradling. Natural latex comes from sustainable sources, while synthetic latex is manufactured from petrochemicals.
Latex mattresses promote spinal alignment and ease motion transfer well. However, they rate on the firmer side, so some heavier persons might find them uncomfortably solid.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses blend the springy support of an innerspring core with the plush comfort of foam or latex layers. They aim to embody the best attributes of two or more materials.
Hybrids accommodate varying body types and sleep positions by providing both bounce and pressure relief. They offer a nice middle ground.
2. Finding the Best Mattress for Plus-Size Sleepers
Heavier individuals require a mattress robust enough to support their frame night after night without sinking or sagging prematurely.
An uncomfortable bed can lead to poor sleep, aches and pains, and health issues over time. When shopping for a new mattress with larger body types in mind, key aspects include:
Adequate Support
A quality mattress evenly distributes the sleeper’s weight to align the spine properly. It should not dip significantly under pressure.
Too soft mattresses will sink, throwing the back out of position. Models with resilient coils or dense foams prevent this.
Durability
Bigger bodies exert more force on a mattress.
As such, larger sleepers should opt for extra-durable designs with reinforced edges, robust springs, and high-density foams that resist impressions.
Compression ratings indicate a foam’s ability to push back and retain shape.
Pressure Relief
To minimize pain and numbness, ample cushioning at the shoulders, hips, and other prominent points is vital.
Memory foam and latex conform closely to alleviate tension while cushioning comfort layers in hybrids or innerspring produce similar results.
Zoned builds with targeted reinforcement also help.
Sleeping Position Suitability
Back, stomach, and side sleepers each require mattresses tailored to their poses.
Firmer models provide better reinforcement for back and stomach snoozers, while plusher surfaces adequately cradle side sleepers.
Combination sleepers wanting versatility may prefer mid-firm beds with responsive foams.
Personal Comfort Preferences
Shoppers should test out mattresses firsthand to discover what feels most relaxing to them personally.
Factors like mattress height, bounce, responsiveness, temperature regulation, ease of movement, and edge support contribute to overall comfort.
Make sure to settle for a bed lacking features important for quality rest.
Compatible Base/Foundation
A sturdy base acts as the foundation to keep even heavy mattresses properly supported. Solid platforms, adjustable frames, and box springs with reinforced centers maintain shape.
Additionally, breathable units allow air circulation to keep the mattress cooler.
Mattress Topper
As mattresses age, a mattress for heavy people topper can provide extra cushioning and support for heavier sleepers.
They also let you customize the bed’s feel. Look for dense, durable materials like latex or high-quality memory foam. Rotating toppers extends use.
Adjustable Bed Base
Adjustable foundations with customizable recline settings help larger persons find the most comfortable sleeping positions.
This allows tailoring to individual needs. Raising the upper body slightly can make breathing easier for those with certain health issues.
3. Additional Tips for Improving Sleep Hygiene
While choosing the optimal mattress lays the foundation for healthy rest, individuals can also optimize other environmental factors for deeper, more rejuvenating sleep:
Stick to Consistent Sleeping Hours
Going to bed and waking up at consistent times reinforces the body’s natural sleep-wake rhythms for better nightly rest. Having a regular schedule also combats insomnia.
Setting a desired sleep window and sticking near it trains healthy habits long-term.
Develop a Soothing Pre-Bed Routine
Actively relaxing both body and mind before bedtime through activities like light yoga, reading, aromatherapy, gentle music, warm baths, and the like positively sets the stage for falling asleep faster.
Having a consistent routine primes you for rest.
Craft a Sleep-Conducive Environment
Details like room darkness, ambient temperature, white noise levels, and other external variables greatly impact sleep quality.
Optimizing your sleep space by eliminating light and noise, maintaining cooler temps, ensuring comfort, etc., reduces disturbances for deeper rest.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
TVs, phones, tablets, and other electronics emit sleep-disrupting blue light. Avoid screens as part of your wind-down routine for at least an hour pre-bedtime.
The mental stimulation they provide also inhibits falling asleep quickly.
Incorporate Regular Exercise
Routine physical activity, especially moderate-intensity exercise, contributes to healthier sleep cycles. Just avoid working out right before bed.
Regular movement helps regulate the body’s biological clock and depletes energy for improved sleep.
Manage Stress Actively
Anxiety, job pressures, and everyday stress take a toll on sleep over time.
Employing relaxation techniques, better time management, and healthy coping strategies during the day keeps worries from intruding at night.
Talk to a doctor if stress severely impacts your ability to sleep.
The Bottom Line
A refreshing night’s sleep is vital for health and well-being. Heavier Canadians face some unique challenges in finding mattresses that properly support them and relieve tensions.
However, by understanding essential factors like spinal support, durability, pressure relief, and individual needs, those carrying extra weight can determine optimal mattress types, components, and customizations for uninterrupted comfort.
Complement your new bed by also optimizing your sleep environment, habits, and lifestyle for the best rest possible.
