Before you start looking into which mattress is best for back support, it’s good to know a few main facts. Do you know the difference between buying a new bed in Hong Kong with latex compared to innersprings? We asked the Heveya team for some tips on the topic.
What types of beds in Hong Kong should we consider?
An innerspring mattress has a steel coil support system. To stop the springs from digging into your body, the system is topped with layers made of foam. These can include memory foam, PU foam and latex that are glued and sewn together.
Latex, on the other hand, is an elastic and resilient material made from the sap of a rubber tree. There are generally three different types of latex mattresses: a natural latex mattress, which is 100 percent natural latex with no chemical foam; an organic latex mattress, where the source of the latex used is organically farmed; and a blended form of mattress that combines the natural product with synthetic latex, a man-made imitation of latex.
With natural and organic latex mattresses, the natural sap product is mixed with air. Then it’s baked inside a mould and vulcanised into mattress blocks.
What are the differences in durability?
Since coil springs are made of steel, over time they start to lose tension. The result is a sagging effect that can lead to discomfort.
Natural latex mattresses are better known for their durability than any other mattress in the industry. Why? Because latex doesn’t sag, but bounces back to its original form. In general, most spring mattresses last seven to 10 years while latex mattresses can last 15 to 20 years or more.
Which mattress is best for back support and comfort?
Spring mattresses offer a good level of support and bounciness that is created by the springs inside. However, the level of comfort is entirely dependent on the top layer of foam. For someone who likes to sleep flat and hates the feeling of sinking in, a spring mattress could be a good choice, at least until the mattress begins to sag.
Also responsive and bouncy, latex mattresses instead conform to the shape of your body, allowing for “motion isolation” – that is, they can absorb the tossing and turning of someone sleeping next to you! – and provide entire body and back support as you settle deeper into your mattress.
When is your mattress firmness just right?
When a mattress is too hard, you’ll be sleeping on top of it with all your weight supported by just two pressure points (the shoulder and the hip) – the result being reduced circulation. Too saggy, on the other hand, and your body doesn’t get the support it needs. This can be particularly bad for back support.
High-quality materials like 100 percent natural latex instead offer “progressive support”; that is, they mould perfectly to your body contours while being elastic at the same time. Latex is made of millions of molecular “springs” that help keep your spine in the right alignment all night, providing pressure relief and improving circulation. This is the reason health professionals usually recommend latex mattresses for clients with back pain.
Which mattress is the most hypoallergenic?
Natural latex mattresses are also hypoallergenic, and ideal for people with asthma or allergies. This is because they’re naturally resilient to allergens including bed bugs, dust mites, bacteria, mould and more.
As for spring mattresses, there are numerous hypoallergenic options available in the market. However, while the top layer stays protected, the space between the innersprings allows for the accumulation of bed bugs and dust mites.
If you’re looking for a new bed in Hong Kong, you’ll want to understand which mattress is best for back support. With designs that are naturally comfortable, non-toxic and sustainable, the team at Heveya can help. They’ll match you with an organic latex mattress that provides the ideal level of comfort. They have a range of firm, medium and soft mattresses to suit different body weights, heights and personal preferences. You can visit the showroom to try the mattresses out and find the one that’s “just right”.
Find Heveya at 28/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau (located in TREE’s Flagship Store).
2870 1582 | heveya.hk
This article providing insights about which mattress is best for back support first appeared in the Autumn 2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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