How do you know which mattress is best for you? Trying out the different mattresses in the store is the way to find out. There are a number of points to watch out for. The mattress should not only support your body comfortably, but it should also allow you to turn over easily. And once you have turned over, to find a comfortable position as quickly as possible.

Checklist for testing the mattress

If you lie on your back:

•  Your back must not be too ‘arched’ or too ‘rounded’.
• The mattress must provide good support for your lower back.
• Some mattresses allow you to sink into them a little, with others you lay on top. Test and see which you prefer.
• Which mattress is the most comfortable when you are lying stretched out?

If you lie on your side

• Which mattress does your shoulder sink into most comfortably?
• Which mattress allows you to turn most smoothly from one side to the other?
• On which mattress can you most quickly resume a comfortable position after turning?

The top layer

The top layer of a good mattress absorbs moisture and provides heat insulation. The measure to which it does this depends on the ticking (the material used to cover the mattress).

Damask ticking

• Smooth and cool.
• Suitable for summer and for people who easily feel hot in bed.

Velour ticking

• Pile fabric for warm feel.
• Suitable for winter and for those who like to feel warm in bed.

Quilted ticking

• With a layer of sheep’s wool, cashmere or camel hair for extra comfort.
• May be combined with other materials, such as wild silk (pure natural silk).

3-Dimensional ticking

• Machine washable.
• Open structure for good ventilation.
• Cool, so ideal for summer use, and for people who easily feel hot in bed.
• Please note washing instructions!

 
The inside

The inside of the mattress is responsible for wicking away the moisture absorbed by the top layer. There are various systems to choose from.

Pocket springs

• Springs in separate pockets.
• A great deal of air; good ventilation and moisture transport.
• Often come with extra comfort layer and pressure distributer between springs and ticking.

Foam (e.g. latex and polyurethane)

• Good ventilation (but not as good as pocket springs).
• Good insulation; ideal if you tend to feel the cold.

Talalay® latex

• Special type of latex with improved ventilation.
• Great elasticity.
• Good insulation; ideal if you tend to feel the cold.

Hard or soft?

The firmness of a mattress determines whether you sink into it or lay on top of it. The decision between hard and soft is largely a matter of personal choice. A softer mattress encloses your body more and therefore feels warmer than a hard mattress. However, choosing a warm or cool ticking allows you to compensate this extra warmth.

 
Symmetrical or non-symmetrical?

The upper side of a mattress needs to absorb moisture and provide insulation, while the underside needs to disperse this moisture by evaporation. This makes it sensible to choose a so-called non-symmetrical mattress: a mattress with a top and bottom each designed for their specific task. These mattresses often use felt in their upper side, a material with excellent ventilating properties. An added benefit is that you never have to turn a non-symmetric mattress.

Heating and massage for extra comfort

A number of Auping mattresses are available with built-in heating. This means you can heat your bed (and in some models the foot section alone) to just the right temperature before going to bed. You can also use this facility to dry your mattress during the day.

There is also an Auping mattress available which can be used to provide deeply penetrating heat, focused right where it is most needed: in the muscles of the lower back. This mattress also has an air-massage option. Here small air ducts are filled with air one by one, creating a soothing massage that sends a soft tingling through your back without any vibration of the bed or mattress.