In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and online shopping has transformed the way we purchase goods, including mattresses. However, if you’re not used to shopping online, you may be unsure where to begin when deciding how to buy a mattress online.
In South Africa, the online mattress market is booming with an abundance of options on the market. That’s why shopping for the perfect mattress can be overwhelming at times. In this 10-step guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps and considerations when buying the perfect mattress online.
Advantages of Online Mattress Shopping
The convenience of online shopping cannot be overstated.
Customers are no longer limited by physical places and operation hours, allowing them to research, compare, and browse at any time, from the comfort of their homes.
Additionally, the shopping experience is less stressful as there’s no pressure from pushy salespeople.
Your 10-Step Online Mattress Shopping Guide
1. Understand Your Sleep Needs:
Begin by assessing your sleep preferences and requirements.
Consider factors such as your weight, sleep position, firmness preference, potential health concerns, and whether you’re a hot or cold sleeper.
In this guide, we’ll explore these factors in more detail because understanding your requirements will not only streamline your online shopping experience; but it will also ensure that you find the perfect mattress that will last for years to come.
2. The Right Mattress for Your Body Type:
Different body weights place varying levels of stress on mattresses, which is why selecting the right one can contribute to better comfort and support.
Generally, most people will benefit from a medium-firm mattress. Those who have a larger build should consider a firm mattress to provide adequate support.
3. The Best Mattress for Your Sleeping Position:
Your sleeping position directly affects the alignment of your spine and the distribution of your body weight. Once again, the firmness recommendation that supports most sleeping positions is a medium-firm mattress.
It is worth mentioning that memory foam mattresses are sensitive to the heat released by your body while you sleep. This causes wear and tear, and the material quickly starts to break down, diminishing its ability to provide consistent and even firmness across the entire sleeping surface. Unfortunately, this means that the support for various sleeping positions is quickly compromised when you sleep on foam.
4. Consider a Mattress That Regulates Your Temperature When Sleeping:
Beds or mattresses made from organic latex and pure wool are adaptable to various seasons. The combination of organic latex’s breathability and pure wool’s insulating properties allows for a comfortable sleep experience regardless of the external temperature. This contributes to a consistently better night’s sleep, all year round.
The temperature-regulating properties of organic latex and pure wool make them a favourable choice for a new bed or mattress, as opposed to other beds and mattresses on the market. This is because conventional mattresses which contain synthetic materials (i.e. memory foam) tend to trap heat, creating an uncomfortable sleeping environment.
5. Think About How Your Bed Can Support Your Sleep Health:
The right sleep environment significantly influences your overall well-being and quality of life.
Remember that the materials in your mattress play an essential role in creating a conducive sleep environment.
If you are concerned about your overall health and well-being, you’ll want to ensure that you’re sleeping on materials that do not off-gas harmful carcinogenic chemicals. If you’re prone to allergies and asthma, a hypoallergenic mattress is the best option to help you achieve a great night’s sleep. Lastly, if you have certain medical ailments that cause you to spend the majority of your time in bed, then you would want to look for a bed that supports your joints and muscles while helping to prevent bedsores.
Choosing organic latex and pure wool provides a healthier sleep environment and does not off-gas harmful chemicals because these materials are entirely natural. Additionally, the inherent hypoallergenic properties, resist allergens, making them ideal for those with allergies or asthma. This resistance extends to dust mites, promoting a cleaner sleep space.
Lastly, pure wool is breathable, and regulates temperature and moisture, thereby preventing discomfort and reducing the risk of bedsores for individuals who spend prolonged periods in bed. The combined benefits provide a holistic approach to promoting sleep health and overall well-being.
6. Researching Reputable Online Mattress Brands:
Remember to take your time when doing your research so that you understand the benefits of investing in a quality sleeping surface. A sale may influence you to make an impulsive purchasing decision but remember – you always get what you pay for in the long run.
Choosing a reputable online mattress brand is paramount to a positive shopping experience. Look for brands with a solid track record in product quality and customer service.
7. Remember to Read the Reviews!
Reading reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other customers.
Google reviews are a valuable resource for consumers when making informed purchasing decisions, especially for high-ticket items like mattresses. Furthermore, as a trusted source of consumer feedback, they help you truly understand the quality, comfort, and durability of a mattress based on the real experiences of other shoppers.
Some of our reviews are available on our website, and Facebook, but you can also easily search for Naturelle Beds on Google to find out what our customers have to say about us.
8. Understanding The Different Mattress Types:
Choosing the right mattress is an important decision, as it can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall health. However, with the vast variety of options available, navigating the mattress market can feel overwhelming.
Understanding the different types of mattresses and their advantages and disadvantages can help empower you to make an informed purchase that caters to your specific needs and preferences. Remember to carefully research the specifications and customer reviews of any mattress before making a purchase decision.
To assist you with your research process, we have listed some of the most popular mattress options on the market as well as their advantages and disadvantages:
Innerspring Mattresses:
These mattresses have a core support system made up of steel coils or springs, which may be individually wrapped or connected.
It is important to remember that not all innerspring mattresses are equal in quality. Innerspring mattresses vary significantly in terms of construction, materials, and overall durability.
Coil count, the strength of the metal coils, and the materials that are layered over the coils (what you lay on while you sleep) play an important role in the quality and longevity of the mattress.
Advantages:
- Typically offer good support and firmness when new
- Enhanced airflow due to the open coil structure
- Generally, more affordable compared to other types
Disadvantages:
- May not provide sufficient motion isolation especially if each pocket coil is not individually wrapped
- Innerspring mattresses that contain memory foam typically have a shorter lifespan
Memory Foam Mattresses:
Made from polyurethane foam that contours to the shape of your body and retains its shape when pressure is removed.
Advantages:
- May provide short-term pressure relief and motion isolation
- Can be a cheaper option
Disadvantages:
- Naturally retains heat, resulting in a warm and often clammy sleeping environment, leading to night sweats and discomfort
- Some people find the “sinking” feeling unpleasant
- Short lifespan: The exposure to your body heat degrades the foam, which causes these mattresses to quickly lose their ability to provide adequate support
- Off-gasses toxic carcinogenic Volatile Organic Compounds
- Low cost is synonymous with poor quality
Hybrid Mattresses:
Combines elements of innerspring and memory foam or latex, often with a pocketed coil support system and a comfort layer of foam or latex.
Advantages:
- Blends the support of coils with the comfort of foam
- Typically offers good motion isolation when new
- Can cater to a variety of sleep preferences – also when new
Disadvantages:
- Contains memory foam and carries the same disadvantages listed above
- Prices can vary widely depending on the materials used
A medically reviewed article published by Amerisleep (2023) found that memory foam and mattresses that are not made from natural or organic materials may contain harmful substances like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and flame retardants. Exposure to these chemicals in synthetic mattresses can potentially lead to allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Organic Latex and Pure Wool Mattresses:
Organic latex is made from sap extracted from rubber trees without synthetic additives.
Pure wool is made entirely from natural sheep’s wool, without the addition of synthetic fibres or fillers.
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable
- Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mould
- Durable with a longer lifespan
- Regulates your temperature while you sleep
Disadvantages:
- Limited availability compared to conventional mattresses (not mass-produced)
- Generally a pricier investment option compared to other mattress types due to the high-quality materials used in the construction process.
Why Combine Organic latex and Pure Wool?
We are proud to say that we are the only manufacturers in South Africa that use this unique combination of natural materials.
Why Choose Organic Latex:
If you prioritize high-quality natural materials, durability, and mattress longevity then organic latex is a great choice. Additionally, organic latex mattresses offer excellent support and are resistant to dust mites and allergens.
Why Choose Pure Wool:
Wool is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. A mattress with pure wool helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night. Wool is a miracle fibre and the highest quality sleeping material available for your comfort and health.
We love the combination of organic latex with wool because it is genuinely sustainable, does no harm to the planet, plants, animals, or you.
At Naturelle we emphasise the fact that, in the past, your choices were limited; however, with information at your disposal, the benefits are clear. Our intention is not to urge you to purchase our beds solely to save the planet – that’s a moral decision on your part.
Instead, we encourage you to consider Naturelle for the well-being of yourself, your children, and future generations.
It is important to remember that “natural latex” is very different from 100% organic latex:
“Natural latex” mattresses are available on the market; however, they differ from 100% organic latex mattresses based on the benefits they provide. The manufacturing process also differs, as “natural latex” is typically processed using the Talalay method which involves the use of chemicals like ammonia and sulphur-based compounds.
9. The Importance of Guarantees and Warranties:
When shopping for a new mattress, guarantees, warranties, and return policies are important aspects to consider because they provide assurances and protect you as a customer.
Guarantees and Warranties:
Guarantees and warranties are terms that are often used interchangeably. They typically cover manufacturing defects and workmanship issues. The duration of each will vary based on the manufacturer and the quality of the materials used. Most manufacturers offer a 5-year guarantee or warranty – especially for memory foam mattresses or those containing memory foam.
We are proud of our Triple Assurance Guarantee – the only one of its kind in the country!
Our policy is as follows:
To demonstrate the high quality of craftsmanship, Naturelle hereby grants a Guarantee of Quality valid from purchase to Lifetime Ownership within the Guarantee period.
Should any imperfection, which is due to faulty materials or workmanship become apparent in your Naturelle mattress or bed set within the guarantee period from the date of purchase, the company will make this good without charge.
We craft our beds and mattresses to last over 25 years.
Satisfaction Guarantee:
In addition to our extensive craftsmanship guarantee, we offer the following satisfaction guarantee:
We are so confident you’ll love our mattresses that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the quality of your mattress, simply return it for a full refund.
10. The Naturelle Advantage: Elevating Your Online Mattress Buying Experience
In the dynamic realm of online mattress shopping in South Africa, the journey to a restful night’s sleep can be overwhelming but rewarding, as long as you can make informed choices.
Naturelle’s organic latex and pure wool sleep solutions emerge as a champion; offering comfort, sustainability, and health benefits. These materials create a sleep environment that adapts to seasonal changes by accounting for temperature fluctuations while reducing your exposure to seasonal allergens.
Amid diverse mattress options, Naturelle Beds stands out with its environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, and durable mattresses, a stark contrast to memory foam alternatives.
Our Triple Assurance Guarantee illustrates our commitment to quality, ensuring longevity and satisfaction for over 25 years.
As you explore online reviews, we invite you to discover positive experiences shared by others on Google, our website, and our Facebook page.
Isn’t it time you prioritise your health, comfort, and well-being? The solution is simple. Your journey to a rejuvenating night’s sleep starts here – why not make it a conscious and rewarding choice?
Invest in a transformative sleep experience with Naturelle Beds!
REFERENCES:
Amerisleep. 2023. Hypoallergenic Mattress Guide – Best Mattresses for Allergies and Asthma. Available from: < https://amerisleep.com/blog/hypoallergenic-mattress/>. [Accessed December 2023].
