Slumber in Luxury: It’s Good for You!

Sleep experts recommend from seven to nine hours sleep on a regular basis for good health in adults. Restful sleep is essential to improve health, cognitive functioning, mood, productivity, well-being, quality of life, athletic performance and safety. Since we spend around a third of our lives in bed, it makes sense to invest in quality equipment.

One of the best ways to achieve a good night’s sleep is with a mattress that provides for your individual sleep needs. Luxury mattresses can help you achieve your sleep goals, whether you need extra lumbar support, enjoy a cuddly feel from the mattress, need a mattress that promotes coolness or find that your partner’s sleep needs are completely different from your own.

Luxury mattresses promise a good night’s sleep, but do they live up to the hype? Many consumers and sleep experts believe they do. Are they worth the high price tag? In a word, yes. If you are looking for a mattress that will last a long time, luxury mattresses with their high-quality materials are a good bet. They may also be important to partners who have different sleep patterns and prefer different comfort levels. However, expensive mattresses probably aren’t worth the money for young children and teens.

When looking for a new mattress, where do you start? Today’s mattresses come in many different types. The traditional innerspring mattress is still available, but hybrid mattresses are more popular now. Other popular mattresses for consumers are latex foam, memory foam and mattresses for side-, back- or stomach-sleepers.

The following luxury mattresses are among the most popular brands on the market and are mentioned in no particular order. Mattress prices quoted are approximate, for queen-size beds and depend on the specific model ordered.

Hybrid mattresses are mattresses made with innersprings and layers of luxury materials that add a more durable construction than pure foam mattresses. The sturdy coils or springs allow air to circulate within the mattress, keeping the surface area cooler.

The Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress (from $2,399) is a popular choice in this category. Its sheer luxury and quality are hard to beat. The mattress is made with the highest-quality materials, including proprietary coils and memory foam developed by Tempur-Pedic. It is available in many firmness options and isolates motion well, meaning that couples probably won’t notice their partner’s moving around during the night.

The Saatva Classic Mattress (around $1,095) is another highly recommended hybrid mattress. It has two layers of coils for extra support. The lavish three-inch pillow top adds to the luxurious feeling of this mattress. It’s available in different firmness options for each side of the bed.

Memory foam mattresses use the body’s heat and pressure to mold the foam around the body. Some are infused with gel to lessen heat. They are excellent for aligning the spine and relieving pressure points.

Tempur-Pedic leads the field in this option. The LUXEbreeze (about $5,599) is up to ten degrees cooler than the traditional models, which often trap body heat and are uncomfortable for those who sleep hot. The soft model is best for side sleepers who need pressure relief and cushioning for their joints. Tempur-Pedic mattresses isolate motion well, which is great for couples, but it can cause difficulty when changing sleeping positions.

Organic Mattresses are made from eco-friendly sustainable materials such as latex, alpaca, wool, silk, hemp and cotton.

Avocado Organic Luxury Plush Mattress (around $3,899) is dominant in this category. The mattress has up to 17 layers of certified organic and recyclable materials. The layers include three areas of latex and five zones of coils for maximum support and comfort. The edges have extra support as well. The mattress is available in medium firmness, favored by couples, side- and back-sleepers. It comes with a 25-year warranty.

As you explore different mattresses, investigate other perks while shopping. Ask how long the trial period is for the mattress you are considering. Mattresses feel different after hundreds of hours sleeping on them and in different climate conditions. Companies are aware of this. Trial periods should be at least 30 days and some manufacturers offer up to a year.

Another factor to consider is the warranty. Warranties will give you an idea of the expected lifespan of the mattress. They should protect you against manufacturing defects and unreasonable wear and tear.

Ask if complimentary white-glove delivery is included. Many mattresses are heavy or need special installation. White glove means the delivery includes these extras and many companies will haul away your old mattress for free with this service.

The premium quality materials that make luxury mattresses are expensive but longer lasting than mattresses made with less expensive materials. After all, a good night’s sleep is worth the investment, isn’t it?

Sources: jcsm.aasm.org, forbes.com, goodhousekeeping.com, esquire.com, tomsguide.com, nyt.com/wirecutter and mattressclarity.com.