Nowadays, four types of mattresses dominate the market. These are usually differentiated by their filling material. The most common mattress types are:
Foam mattress
Spring mattress
Natural mattress
Latex mattress
With the two first-mentioned mattresses there are still further sub- or mixed forms. Foam mattresses are divided into gel foam mattresses, cold foam mattresses and visco foam mattresses. You can find innerspring mattresses in the variants of barrel pocket spring mattress, bonell spring mattress as well as box spring mattress.

The harmonious combination of mattress and slatted frame ensures a restful sleep. If you have a foam or gel mattress, I advise you to use a slatted frame with many slats and close spacing. A slatted frame that you can adjust is also suitable for these types of mattress.
However, if you sleep on an innerspring mattress, you will need a slatted frame with fewer slats and greater spacing. The reason for this is that this mattress is usually divided into lying zones.
With cold foam or visco foam mattresses, make sure that the slatted frame has at least 28 slats with a minimum spacing of three to four centimetres. Otherwise, the slats press into the mattress and disturb your lying feeling.

This depends above all on your body weight. A mattress must be adapted to your body weight so that your shoulders and pelvis can sink in optimally. If this does not happen, your spine will not lie straight and your intervertebral discs and vertebrae will not be able to relax properly.
Hardness levels and their permissible body weight
Hardness grades
Body weight
H1
up to 60 kilogram
H2
60 to 80 kilogram
H3
80 to 100 kilogram
H4
100 to 120 kilogram
H5
over 120 kilogram
Regarding the different degrees of hardness, you should know that there are no uniform standards. The hardness levels vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For this reason, I always advise you to try them out.

The density (RG) tells you how many kilograms of plastic are contained in one cubic meter of foam.
If your mattress is labeled with a low density, it means that the foam is made up of little material and a lot of air. A high density, on the other hand, means that there is a lot of material in the mattress.
Therefore, the density is an absolute indicator of quality and value.
Properties of the volume weight
Low density (under 40 RG)
High volume weight (from 40 RG)
low restoring force
high restoring force
Low longevity
high longevity
susceptible to depressions and hollows
dimensionally stable
high breathability
low breathability
rather suitable for light people
suitable for heavy people

As soon as you are regularly plagued by back pain, I advise you to choose a mattress that supports your body optimally at every point. My recommendations are:
Visco foam mattresses: These mattresses respond to weight as well as body heat, allowing them to conform to your body. They provide a floating lying feeling.
Box spring beds / box spring mattresses: They convey a particularly good adaptability and point elasticity. Older people in particular appreciate the higher entry height.
Gel foam mattresses: These mattresses combine the supportive effect of visco foam with the breathability of cold foam. Thanks to the point-elastic foam, your body is well supported and can relax fully.

Mattresses for toddlers should not be too hard and you should avoid horsehair and coconut. Ecological considerations are important, but don't overdo it when it comes to children's mattresses.
I advise you to go for a cold foam mattress without ergonomic shapes. This is ideal for your child's growing body. From a height of 150 centimetres, you can then consider getting a mattress with a shoulder zone or similar.

If you have bought a new mattress and it is delivered rolled up, wait between 48 and 72 hours before using it.
This is because the processed foam is compressed and compressed. After unpacking, the material must first "open up" again to reach its normal size.
If you do not keep to this period, the mattress may not be able to fully develop its ergonomic shape. This may lead to back pain.

There are a few tips you should take to heart when caring for your mattress. One is to turn and rotate your mattress every one to two months. This helps to ensure even wear and sufficient ventilation. You can also stand the mattress up occasionally so that more air can get to it. The market offers so-called reversible mattresses, which have a summer and winter side.
Secondly, it is important to clean the mattress cover. House dust and mites accumulate in it over time and penetrate to the core of the mattress. For this reason, modern mattresses are equipped with a removable mattress cover, which usually has a circular zipper. You simply put it in the washing machine every three months.
Furthermore, I advise you not to vacuum your mattress with a vacuum cleaner. This can damage the structure of the mattress.
As a further care tip, I recommend that you place a mattress protector under the sheet. This way you won't wear out the mattress too much and it will last for a long time.

As a rule, you should replace a mattress after about eight to twelve years. After that it loses its support and becomes worn out.
Other factors also influence the lifespan of a mattress. These include the amount of moisture released by your body, your body weight and how you have cared for the mattress.
For hygienic reasons in particular, it therefore makes sense to replace a mattress after twelve years at the latest.

You can dispose of a worn-out mattress in the bulky waste, for example. To do this, simply place it outside your door and the waste disposal service of your city or municipality will pick it up.
Another, more costly option is to take it to a recycling centre. Just check on the Internet to see if there is one near you and find out what kind of waste it accepts.
You can also donate your old mattress to charity, friends or acquaintances. Of course, this requires that the mattress is still in good condition.
Manufacturers often offer to take back your old mattress. Manufacturers often make this offer when you buy a new mattress. However, this return is usually associated with costs.