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Mattress Guide For College Students

Written by CB Community

College is an important part of every teenager’s life. When you reach the age of college, there are a few things that you need to consider.

If you are going to be living in a dorm, then you need to ensure you have a mattress that will give you appropriate support.

Sleep is critical for a student. When you do not sleep enough, there are a few complications that you may experience.

Some studies report that up to 60% of students may not get enough sleep when they are in college or university. College students that suffer from sleep deficiency may experience academic failure and an impaired mood. You may also experience poor concentration.

Learning how to get a good night’s sleep with a busy college schedule takes more than just creating a routine.

A lot of students fail to recognize the important part that a mattress plays in their ability to sleep well. Take a look at what you need to look for when buying your first mattress for the college dorm.

The Role Of A Mattress For College Students

Two mattresses may seem similar, yet when you sleep on them, the experience on each is completely different. This is because there are many different mattress designs on the market.

Some of these mattresses are able to give you exceptional comfort at night. Others, however, may rather cause you to get up with back pain in the morning.

As a college student, you have probably already experienced the dreadful effects of a poor night’s sleep. Consider a night where you went out to a party – you only got a few hours of sleep. The next morning, you find it difficult to focus in the classroom.

If you find that you experience sleepiness and concentration problems in the classroom, even if you went to bed early the previous night, then you are not sleeping well.

One common reason for this is your bad mattress. When you feel comfortable at night, and your spine is properly aligned, you may sleep better. This means less sleepiness the next day.

How To Choose The Right Mattress

Choosing the right mattress can be a bit tricky. There are personal factors you need to consider, as well as elements related to the mattress you might want to buy.

These personal factors will make the process of finding the right mattress significantly easier:

  • Sleeping Position: Your sleeping position matters. If you sleep on your side, then you can choose a softer mattress. Other sleeping positions, however, require a firmer mattress. Sleeping on your back when you have a mattress that is too soft will not help to ensure your spine remains in proper alignment throughout the night. In turn, this may cause back pain. If you are a combination sleeper, then you should also consider a firmer mattress.
  • Body Weight: Your body weight is another critical factor to take into account. If you are not heavy, then you can choose to buy a soft mattress if you prefer. Heavier body weight is not as compatible with a soft mattress. If you are heavy and sleep on a soft mattress, your body will sink into the mattress. This puts your spine out of alignment and causes you to feel uncomfortable.
  • Budget: Another important thing to consider is your budget for a mattress. This is actually one of the most important elements. You cannot buy a mattress that is more expensive than what your budget will allow. Know what the maximum amount of money is you can spend on a mattress. When shopping for a mattress, filter your options based on your budget. This reduces the number of products you have to filter through too.

There are also a few factors related to a mattress that you need to consider. These include:

  • Firmness: You can choose between a variety of firmness levels when buying a mattress. Studies show that some firmness levels are better than others. Choose a firmness that will suit your sleeping position, body weight, and your personal preferences.
  • Mattress Type: The main types of the mattress include all-foam and innerspring options. You can choose between these, or rather opt for a hybrid mattress. This mattress gives you a combination of innerspring and all-foam design elements. Some people prefer a specific design over others. If you need a firm mattress with better edge support, then a hybrid or innerspring mattress might be better. For a mattress that is responsive, consider a memory foam option.
  • Pricing: The pricing of a mattress should be considered before you make the purchase – even if it fits into your budget. Do not opt for the cheapest option on the market, but also make sure you do not overpay. There are affordable options for times when you are on a low budget – you can get a quality mattress at a low price, for example.
  • Materials: It is a good idea to consider the materials used to construct the mattress too. Organic cotton is becoming a popular choice for the production of mattress covers. This is a soft and eco-friendly material.
  • Foam Types: There are different types of foams that can be used in a mattress. Memory foam is very popular. This material offers a responsive feel to it. Latex is another popular option. A latex mattress has more of a bounce when you lay down and move around. The feeling on each differs, so you need to know what you prefer before choosing the foam used in your mattress.

Find the Right Mattress

Buying the right mattress can help college students sleep better. Unfortunately, many college students are not sure what to look at.

This means you may end up buying a mattress that does not help you sleep well at night. In turn, expect concentration problems and even a possible problem with your academics.

Consider the factors we shared in this post to ensure you buy a mattress that will help you avoid these issues.

About the author

CB Community

Passionate members of the College Basics community that include students, essay writers, consultants and beyond. Please note, while community content has passed our editorial guidelines, we do not endorse any product or service contained in these articles which may also include links for which College Basics is compensated.