Which is the best mattress? Mattress comparison for Switzerland
Are you looking for a mattress that suits your needs? Comparis compares different models, and advises you on what to look out for when buying a mattress.
06.12.2022
iStock/Oleksandra Polishchuk
1. How much does a good mattress cost?
Healthy sleep can be affordable: you can get a mid-range mattress for a few hundred francs. Price vary depending on the material, brand and size.
Bargain mattresses sometimes cost less than one hundred francs. In terms of comfort, quality and durability, however, they usually cannot compete with mattresses in the medium and higher price range.
Luxury mattresses can easily cost several thousand francs. High-priced mattresses often offer exceptional features, materials and technologies.
2. What are the different types of mattress?
Should I get a cold foam, memory foam, spring core or latex mattress? Here you can see the pros and cons of popular mattress types.
| Mattress type | Pros | Cons |
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| Cold foam mattress |
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| Memory foam mattress |
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| Spring core mattress |
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| Latex mattress |
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| Box spring beds |
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Why is choosing the right mattress so important?
We spend a third of our lives in bed. During the night, the body regenerates. A high level of comfort when sleeping is important – so is the choice of mattress and slatted frame.
Cold foam mattresses are extremely popular. These mattresses have layered polyurethane cold foam materials inside them. The special sandwich principle ensures high point elasticity. In addition, the body is optimally supported.
In most cases, there are air chambers and ventilation ducts for the removal of moisture. At the same time, the material and layering ensure long-term heat retention.
The material has a pronounced suspension behaviour: if you change position while sleeping, the mattress immediately returns to its original shape.
Pay attention to the density of the foam when buying. The higher the density, the higher the quality and durability of the mattress.
Memory foam is a special material arising from NASA research. The material provides a memory effect that promises high pressure relief and a soft feel. Only the uppermost layer is made of memory foam; the lower layers are made of cold foam elements.
Spring core mattresses are made of metal springs. Manufacturers distinguish between two types: Bonnell spring mattresses and pocket spring mattresses.
In pocket spring mattresses, fabric pockets cover the springs. This system only yields in isolated spots and offers strong support. This makes the mattress feel stable – and your spine is well supported.
In the case of Bonnell spring mattresses, all the springs are connected to each other. The mattress is elastic and feels soft. The body weight is distributed over a large area, which provides a slight sinking feeling.
Is it better to have a Bonnell spring or a pocket spring mattress?
Which spring model you prefer is a matter of personal preference. In general, pocket spring mattresses offer better support. Both models have good climate regulation. Heat and moisture are well regulated. This is why spring core mattresses are especially suitable for people who sweat more at night.
Latex mattresses are created by a chemical treatment called vulcanization. This makes the latex resistant. Natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers serve as the basis. The higher the proportion of natural latex, the higher the quality.
These mattresses offer good body support through balanced point and area elasticity. When you move, the mattress quickly regains its original shape.
Latex mattresses usually cost a bit more than spring or cold foam mattresses. They are also very heavy, weighing up to 25 kilograms.
Box spring beds are popular sleeping systems that have a spring base instead of a slatted frame. There is generally a combination mattress consisting of a spring core and foam elements. This layering allows uniform pressure distribution when lying down. This creates the popular floating feeling.
A high-quality box spring bed costs around 1,500 to 3,500 francs, depending on the size and features.
Box spring beds offer a comfortable height, good air circulation and, in combination with a suitable mattress topper, pronounced heat retention. They are suitable for people with moderate to high warmth needs.
3. How hard should my mattress be?
Soft, normal or firm? It’s important that your body is optimally supported with every movement. Your body weight and height play a central role in the choice. Those who weigh more tend to need a harder mattress.
If your torso sinks into the mattress, your spine is in a curved position. This can lead to back pain and sleep disorders. If your torso is higher than your head and legs, the mattress is too hard.
In addition to height and weight, your sleeping position should be taken into consideration: side sleepers usually prefer softer mattresses. For back and front sleepers, harder mattresses tend to be more suitable.
Good to know: information on the degree of hardness is not subject to any standard. Each manufacturer has its own definition. Only by testing mattresses can you determine which degree of hardness is right for you. Lie on the mattress with your whole body and get into different sleeping positions. Testing the mattress with your hand is not enough.
4. Correct choice of mattress for double beds
For double beds, one person may need a different mattress to the other – for example, due to different body weights. In this case, it might be better to buy two single mattresses. Depending on the size of the bed, a mattress width of 80 or 90 centimetres is suitable. Make sure that both mattresses are the same length. You can bridge the gap between the mattresses with what is known as a bed bridge.
5. Do I need a slatted frame?
A good mattress alone does make a comfortable bed. Slats are mandatory – except for with box spring beds. Slatted frames have two essential tasks: supporting the mattress and ensuring adequate ventilation.
Slatted frame with additional features
A flexible slatted base offers special features. It helps to provide ideal support for individual parts of the body and balances movements. With the help of skirting sliders, up to seven individual zones can be set harder or softer. A flexible grate is effective for thin foam and latex mattresses.
An adjustable slatted frame offers additional comfort – either manually or electrically at the touch of a button. This allows you to adjust the mattress exactly to your needs.
What is a plate base?
Some slatted frames do not have actual slats, but rather movable square modules. These “plates” are made of plastic and are available in different degrees of firmness.
This gives a springy yield and is flexible in all directions, which ensures the mattress adapts to your body. Module frames are also available in a combination of slats and plates.
6. Conclusion: which mattress should I buy?
There is unfortunately no general answer to this question. Every body is different and needs vary significantly.
A specialist will advise you on the choice of material, firmness, heat storage and climate compensation of the mattress. It’s also worth trying the mattress in store. Depending on the company, you may be allowed to test the mattress and slats for some time and, if necessary, exchange them within a certain period.
This article was first published on 05.02.2014
