How to buy a mattress without any surprises?

In a mattress, what is important is primarily whether its functionality meets the reported needs and whether it solves the problems we experience. This is influenced by both the technology used in its production and the methodology used in the entire mattress creation process. It is also important where the individual materials come from and the specific properties of each of them. Meanwhile, among consumers, knowledge about mattresses, not only in Poland but also in other countries around the world, is between 1% and 2%, which is a frighteningly low percentage.

Find out how to buy a mattress so as not to be disappointed. We are not telling you which mattress to buy, but exactly how to buy a mattress. We emphasize that you do not have to buy it from us. But arm yourself with the knowledge that will help you make a choice, regardless of the place of purchase. Thanks to this, the purchase of a mattress will no longer be a process in which you have to rely on unreliable information from a person whose only goal is to sell and multiply profits of their shop. Having expert knowledge will help you avoid stress and misunderstandings. Learn also what distinguishes ONSEN® from other mattress manufacturers, and what mission we are guided by.

Functional mattress for sleeping, what to sleep on, foam in the mattress

Why do we say how to buy a mattress?

We talk about how to buy a mattress, because the mattress industry is often manipulated, and customer ignorance is exploited for profit. Customers who are not well informed about products can be an easy target for sellers using various sales techniques, largely based on manipulation, to sell everything from low-quality mattresses at inflated prices to expensive bed frames or other accessories. Even though throwing down the gauntlet to the mattress industry also has negative consequences for us, sometimes bordering on criminal activity, we are not intimidated and persistently strive to increase consumer awareness.

Some mattress companies have their own, unique way of selling their products. They create innovative marketing strategies, offering exclusive deals or special promotions, giving discounts reaching up to 70% while maintaining profitable sales. Other companies are so self-confident and perfidious in their actions that they use aggressive sales tactics and spread lies. One example of such a fraud is the claim that polyurethane foams are not produced in Poland, which can be considered a tactic violating collective consumer rights. In fact, Poland is one of the largest producers of it in the world. Some sellers are so brazen that they even encourage customers to check the provided information in the store, knowing well that almost no customer will do so.

The lack of reliable knowledge among customers means that the seller becomes their authority on the spot. Customers often trust such a seller who seems to be well informed, even if the information they provide is incorrect or misleading. This creates a field for manipulation and exploitation of the customer's ignorance. That's why it's so important for customers to be well educated before buying a mattress. This allows them to make informed decisions, avoid manipulation, and choose the product that will best meet their needs. It will also force companies to operate in a more transparent and honest way, which will benefit both consumers and the entire industry.

Best mattresses, which mattress to choose, sleeping on a couch

What is the purpose of buying a mattress?

When buying a mattress, we simply have to realize for what purpose we are buying a mattress. The answer to this question is the foundation of every purchase decision. A mattress is not an ordinary item. It is a tool designed to improve the quality of our sleep, and that is its primary purpose.

Understanding what this mattress is supposed to do for us, what job it is supposed to perform, is crucial. We therefore need to know what problems we have that the mattress is supposed to help us solve. This can include back pain, as well as insomnia, allergies, or other health difficulties. We also need to understand our individual needs. Hence, it's worth knowing the philosophy of jobs to be done, which we apply at ONSEN®.

All of this should influence our choice. As long as consumers do not gain sufficient knowledge, there will be relatively poor mattresses available on the market at high prices. As a result, many customers will end up buying a mattress that is not really what they need. That's why it's so important for us to be well informed and aware of our needs when buying a mattress.

The purpose of a mattress is to have functionality that solves your problems and satisfies your needs.

One should look for a mattress that has as many functional features as possible to satisfy these needs. However, remember that the functionality of a mattress consists of many factors, such as proper dynamics, firmness, durable and flexible cover, thoughtful construction, and importantly, the type of foams used. The key to buying the right mattress is the ability to translate these functionalities into our own needs. However, they should be evaluated independently and with reliable knowledge.

We must therefore be skeptical of information obtained from sellers. Although they could be a source of valuable information, their main goal is usually to sell a mattress that will bring them the highest profit. The seller does not take any risk because you usually can't return a mattress in the store, or additional fees are deducted for returns and exchanges. Therefore, understanding the customer's needs is usually not in their interest.

Mattress for the spine, premium mattresses, bedroom for two

Why is the construction of a mattress important?

The construction of a mattress is a key factor that determines its quality, but also its broadly understood functionality and ability to meet needs. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to understand what is hidden under the - often impossible to remove - mattress cover. Knowledge of mattress construction is essential for assessing its usefulness. The quality of materials in the mattress determines their dynamics, lifespan, and basic functions. These factors influence whether our needs will be met or not.

Generally, sellers in stores, showrooms or markets, often suggest that we lie down on various mattresses made of different materials. They ask about our budget, weight, and other issues that are basically irrelevant. The most important thing remains awareness of our needs and knowledge about the construction of the mattress. This way, we can make a purchase even with our eyes closed.

It is also worth reminding ourselves of our own sleep experiences in the last 5 years or 10 years. Often we are aware that we slept on a mattress that was too hard, too soft or sagged. But we don't know the basic, fundamental reason for this, because we don't know the construction of the last mattress. Without this knowledge, we can make a mistake again, often the same one.

Mattress complaints are sometimes unreasonably limited.

Consumers who tell us about their experiences in other mattress stores very often complain that they try to make a complaint about sagged mattresses, but their complaints are rejected. The mattress industry often refuses to acknowledge complaints about sagged mattresses if they look even from the outside. Usually, the feelings of customers do not matter. After all, we sleep on a mattress, it's not a museum piece!

Therefore, such reasons for rejecting complaints are unacceptable and should be the subject of proceedings by the appropriate institutions. These complaints, when you think sensibly, should definitely be acknowledged, because they simply used poor quality materials. But as long as offers do not indicate specific parameters of foams, consumers have nothing to refer to in complaint letters.

We must demand specific parameters of materials. We cannot agree to avoid disclosing them or giving English proprietary names, which carry no content, or rely on the alleged trade secret. The foam parameter is clear for each manufacturer and each defines it in the same way.

For example, HR4037 is a high-resilience foam, which is indicated by the letters HR. Its density is 40 kg/m3, which is indicated by the first two digits of the parameter. The last two digits indicate that this foam has a hardness of 3.7 kPa. Currently, you can encounter a change in the hardness parameter from kPa (kilopascals) to N (newtons), and in the case described it will be about 150 N.

Parameters of foam in a mattress, functionality of a mattress, foam in mattresses

Let's not hide the fact that primarily understanding these parameters is the key to enabling a real verification of mattress quality. Unfortunately, in Poland, the practice of providing only general information is common, such as that something is - for example - an unspecified high-resilience foam. Moreover, when we finally fight for information, the mattress parameters usually indicate that it is a closed-cell foam marked with the letter T.

We must remember, therefore, that the structure of the mattress is crucial for its functionality and thus the ability to satisfy our needs during sleep. Knowing the parameters of the foams allows for a conscious choice, which will minimize the risk of making mistakes leading to dissatisfaction with your needs. Therefore, it is worth investing a little time and effort in understanding the structure of the mattress, even before we decide to buy a mattress.

Foam mattress, T, HR, V, with memory shape

How to determine the functionality of a mattress?

To define its functionality, it is worth comparing a mattress to another product that we buy just as rarely. Let's take, for example, a passenger car. When buying a car, we first determine whether it is a vehicle for us. We will look for a car with a specific equipment, as well as a specified number of seats or doors. Assuming that we are looking for a car for a 4-person family, we will immediately reject sports models. Wanting to buy a decent new car, we will set a budget between 70,000 and 130,000 zlotys.

Usually, we then make comparisons, and also look for true and reliable opinions in different places. We check what we need in the car and what is only an unnecessary gadget. So usually we already have some knowledge and discernment. And if not us, then our acquaintances. We are also able to verify every parameter of the car, which translates into its functionality. As a result, we can relate them to our needs. It is also easy to test them during a test drive. Using a car on average for just over an hour a day, over a period of 10 years, will give us about 6,000 hours. However, the fact that we had the opportunity to use our own knowledge and assessed its functionality, gives us satisfaction with the decision made.

The difference between a mattress and a car is colossal, however. Let's assume that we are buying a popular 160x200 mattress made of two layers. The first layer of it is visco foam, while in the second layer there is another polyurethane foam, or even springs. This is currently the most popular type of mattress in Poland and a few other European Union countries. So we go to the mattress store, and then we sit on this mattress. Alternatively, we lie down on it and supposedly test it for a few minutes, sometimes up to several minutes.

However, here comes the first of the difficulties. While driving a car we were conscious, but on a mattress we sleep under conditions of complete unconsciousness and relaxation. Additionally, at home we don't sleep in the clothes we wore to the store. We are increasingly practicing sleeping naked, or alternatively we use light pajamas. Therefore, testing a mattress in store conditions is completely senseless due to the different conditions. It should take place in our own bedroom for at least 32 nights.

The functionality of the mattress is primarily related to your needs.

Contrary to the information repeated by many sellers, the fact that visco foam was created for the needs of NASA decades ago will have no bearing on the evaluation of the functionality of the mattress. It was not invented for mattresses and simply is not suitable for use in their top layers. However, the whole marketing aura allows them to sell these mattresses for even 10,000 zlotys and more.

In fact, it is unique, as it is characterized by viscosity, similar to liquids and gases. Its structure is cross-linked, and changes hardness under the influence of temperature. All its manufacturers produce it at a temperature of 15℃. In these conditions, its density and hardness parameter is determined, which directly affects its dynamics. But when this temperature changes, its properties also change. Increasing the temperature causes it to soften, stretch and literally suck us in. For this reason, even 50% of adult users of this type of mattress declare that they would return it if it were possible.

In the store, where the temperature is around 19℃, a popular memory foam mattress will only slightly soften or not at all under the influence of human body temperature. Especially since the customer lies on it for a very short time. The sinking effect is to some extent perceptible, but only because it is a lazy foam and the body weight itself crushes it. Under these conditions, however, this second element, which is temperature, does not work.

Even assuming that we also maintain a temperature of 19℃ in the bedroom, our bodies always have a constant temperature of 36.6℃. Additionally, we are covered with a duvet there. Over time, the warmth of the human body penetrates deep into the mattress, causing the body to sink. However, this process may take even tens of minutes, which is why we do not notice it in store conditions. In addition, the mirror heat reflection effect begins to work, which further heats our bodies and increases sweating.

Mattress H3, medium mattresses, mattress manufacturer, Polish company

How to understand the properties of foam in a mattress?

It's worth noting that thermoelastic foam is often used in the production of mattresses and pillows due to its unique properties associated with its viscosity. It is known for conforming to the shape of the body through its softness. However, more and more people rightly claim that placing this foam in the top layer of a mattress or in pillows is a big mistake.

It seems that the mattress industry does not react quickly enough to these opinions, which causes frustration among dissatisfied consumers. Criticism is particularly loud among English-speaking customers, who often share their opinions on specialist portals and forums. They detailed their experiences with memory foam mattresses and pillows, highlighting the various difficulties they encounter.

The most commonly reported difficulties relate to the properties of the foam itself. This type of polyurethane foam is sensitive to temperature and pressure. When we lie on it, the heat of our body causes it to soften and sink, effectively creating a mold of it. In theory, this is to provide optimal support for our body curves. However, in practice, after a few dozen minutes, this foam turns into a layer that does not support the body and hardly lets air through at all. This low air permeability leads to increased heat accumulation, which causes discomfort for most people.

This is particularly painful for people with naturally higher body temperatures or those who tend to sweat during sleep, including women in menopause or people with increased body weight. It's also worth remembering that memory foam is characterized by low dynamics, which means it does not respond quickly to changes in sleep position we adopt. For people who turn over at night, this can mean difficulty moving as they may feel as if they are sunk into the sunken mattress.

Foam mattresses are the best choice, as long as we are aware of the properties and parameters of foams.

The most important problem that our customers frequently report to us, who previously owned poor mattresses, is the lack of proper support for the spine and body. The principle of operation of memory foam is based on adjusting to the shape of the body, but after several dozen minutes, it sinks very deeply. It does not provide even support for the whole body.

Some parts of the body may sink deeper into the mattress than others, leading to an unnatural lying position, and consequently also to improper support of the spine. For example, the hips of a person sleeping on their side may sink too deeply, leading to spinal curvature, which should be kept in a straight line. However, for people sleeping on their backs, this type of foam does not provide support for the lumbar spine, which is located in the lower part of the back. These problems can lead to discomfort and pain, especially after a longer period of use.

Hence, high-resilience foam is a significantly better choice to be used in the first layer of the mattress for several reasons. Firstly, it is characterized by high elasticity, which means that it quickly returns to its original shape after deformation. This feature makes it perfectly adapt to the body, providing optimal support and distribution of weight. Thanks to this, the mattress provides appropriate stability and comfort during sleep. Despite its advantages, high-resilience foam is often less promoted compared to memory foam. Many manufacturers focus on advertising mattresses with visco foam, which can simply be sold more expensively.

In the context of mattress construction, it should be noted that it is recommended to place high-resilience foam in the first layer, that is, above memory foam. This is due to the difference in properties of both materials. As is known, memory foam tends to sink under the body, while high-resilience foam provides elasticity and support at pressure points for many years. Placing high-resilience foam on top allows for the use of its body-adapting properties, while also benefiting from the advantages of memory foam in the layer underneath. Thus placed, it can support the body's contouring, thereby enabling the maintenance of its correct position.

Closed-cell foam mattresses should be avoided, that is, any foams marked with the T parameter. Foams of this type are less durable and do not have the proper dynamics. This means that they do not provide the necessary elasticity and support, which are essential for sleep comfort. T foam may initially be harder compared to other polyurethane foams, which gives an illusion of its durability. Over time, however, its cells will start to crack, and the mattress will warp. This can lead to inadequate weight distribution, which in turn leads to improper support.

T foam, flexible mattresses, orthopedic mattress, healthy sleep, sleep hygiene

Is this chaos necessary?

The range of mattress models on the market is enormous. Customers are disoriented by the number of different brands, types, and information. This is when salespeople appear, who often ask us about our budget first. Generally, we are not asked about our needs, problems, sleep positions, and other important issues. And if we are, it's not a priority and only superficially. As ONSEN®'s practice shows, it should be a half-hour interview. The goal is not only to make the customer feel cared for but to really take care of them. It turns out that the madness of most salespeople is methodical. Unfortunately, it doesn't translate into the customer's well-being, as it is a sales method.

Meanwhile, it is consistently overlooked that for people sleeping on their side and back, a medium-firm mattress is always chosen. It should be ranked between 6 and 7 on the 10-point American mattress firmness scale. Only young, slim people who sleep on their stomach may consider a harder mattress, with a firmness up to 8. Certainly, nobody should sleep on mattresses that are softer. Under no circumstances should a mattress be chosen based on weight.

What should a mattress be like, hard mattress for the spine, mattress firmness scale

The process of buying a mattress and pillow online is somewhat different from what happens in brick-and-mortar stores. For some reason, it has become established that a mattress needs to be checked in person and touched. Given the current state of knowledge and the amount of false information circulating on the internet, this simply makes no sense. Consumers often buy mattresses for absurd reasons. For example, because a particular model is just attractive to them. However, a mattress is a product that we sleep on, and then it's unconsciousness that begins to control our movements. This is something we under no circumstances can achieve outside of our own bedroom. And it's not aesthetic values that matter then.

The scant knowledge or blatant manipulation of many mattress sellers is evidenced by the answers they give to questions posed by aware consumers. Sometimes, they insist that visco foam is not one of the types of polyurethane foams, but a derivative of them, or that it is made from powder or granules... Meanwhile, other types of foams simply do not exist, perhaps with the exception of specific latex foams, and their main components are always two liquids - isocyanate and polyol. They are also called proprietary names to avoid the obligation to provide specific parameters.

Buying a mattress is a big decision. Always pay attention to details.

Shopping online is safer as it reduces the risk of manipulation. Although the internet is dominated by the message of the manipulating majority, those seeking reliable knowledge can find it. It should also be remembered that the purchase of a mattress remotely allows for its return within the statutory period, which is 14 days. A reliable manufacturer like ONSEN® provides as much as 100 days for a return. Moreover, the conditions for this return are clear and in line with the customer's interest, which cannot be said about the regulations of most other stores. At the same time, the possibility of return in brick-and-mortar stores is notoriously hampered, limited or does not exist at all. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with every detail of the offer.

When shopping in a traditional store, we are exposed to many sales tricks that we will not experience on the internet. Of course, there are other methods online that may allow sellers to manipulate, but even basic knowledge will allow to verify the truth. The situation with online mattresses is therefore much better, but you still need to stay vigilant. It should also be noted that most often the mattress manufacturer sells their products cheaper than stores. This allows to reduce sales costs and avoid markup. Unfortunately, some behave dishonestly, lowering the quality of the product and significantly inflating prices. But again, reliable knowledge comes to our aid.

At ONSEN®, customers always have the certainty that the mattress is made directly for them. We do not create products for stores that want to apply their own markups and artificially generate costs. We take direct, full, and unrestricted responsibility for how our best mattresses and pillows behave in your bedrooms. We do not have anything whose quality is poor and the cost of production is low. We create the best mattresses and pillows on the market, with a low markup.

ONSEN® offers one universal Osaka Air mattress, which is the best mattress available on the market. This meets the needs of even the most demanding customers and fulfills all known mattress functionalities. Moreover, it has the status of a first-class medical device. It is subject to a 15-year warranty and a program allowing for a return of the mattress within 100 days, which minimizes the risk of purchase to zero. Therefore, we share the confidence and trust we have in this ideal mattress with everyone who cares about their health and comfort during sleep.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

Foam mattress 160x200, memory foam mattresses 140x200, mattress manufacturer, latex in mattress

FAQ: How to buy a mattress

What to ask when buying a mattress?

First and foremost, always ask for specific parameters of the materials used in the mattress. Foams always have the same designation, consisting of 1-2 letters and 4-5 digits. These indicate their type, density, and firmness. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the sales regulations and return conditions. It's worth ensuring that an unsuccessful purchase can be returned without additional fees.

How do you know when it's time to change the mattress?

You should change your mattress when you notice changes in your daily functioning. This includes sweating or waking up during the night, or not getting enough sleep. It's also time for a change when you observe a decrease in work efficiency or reduced physical performance. Various conditions, especially those related to the spine or head, can also be a reason to replace the mattress. An unsuitable mattress can also cause specific symptoms that need to be individually observed. Of course, the mattress should be replaced when it is sagging, has protruding elements, or is in poor hygienic condition.

What should a mattress be like?

The primary task of a mattress is to solve your problems and meet your needs. To make the right choice, it is necessary to analyze the functionalities of the mattress in detail. Pay particular attention to what the mattress contains inside.

Can a sagging mattress be claimed under warranty?

Often, mattress sellers refuse to acknowledge claims regarding a sagging mattress. They typically rely on visual condition rather than customer experiences and objective data. Customer feelings are usually not taken into account. However, such action is unjustified and should not happen. However, until the descriptions and offers indicate specific parameters of the materials used in mattress production, customers don't have a reference point to use in complaint letters.

Are there foam mattresses made of a different foam than polyurethane?

No, every type of foam is polyurethane foam. The most popular, cheapest, and least durable is closed-cell foam, indicated by the parameter "T." However, it should be avoided in mattresses. The second type is open-cell high-resilience foam, indicated by the parameter "HR," which has excellent dynamics and durability. The third and final type is viscoelastic foam, indicated by the parameter "V." While there are also latex foams available, they are a completely different product.