We spend more than a third of our lives in bed. It’s where we rest, relax, sleep and feel safe and snug, so a good mattress is important.
Quality mattresses aren’t cheap, so it’s worth knowing what to look for when buying one.
Chelsea Cleaning doesn’t sell mattresses, but we do offer excellent, professional cleaning of mattresses across the greater Cape Town area.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to buying a mattress that will help you make an informed choice. Alternatively, skip ahead to the relevant sections by clicking on the links below:
Mattress dimensions in South Africa
| Mattress size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single | 91 cm × 188 cm |
| Single XL | 91 cm × 200 cm |
| Three-quarter | 107 cm × 188 cm |
| Three-quarter XL | 107 cm × 200 cm |
| Double | 137 cm × 188 cm |
| Double XL | 137 cm × 200 cm |
| Queen | 152 cm × 188 cm |
| Queen XL | 152 cm × 200 cm |
| King | 183 cm × 188 cm |
| King XL | 183 cm × 200 cm |
Which mattress firmness to choose
| Firmness level | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plush / Soft | Maximised comfort & cushioning for pressure points | Side sleepers |
| Medium | Balanced support with gentle cushioning | Back & side sleepers |
| Firm | Enhanced support for optimal spinal alignment | Back & stomach sleepers |
Other features to look for
If you share a bed, choose a mattress with a high motion-isolation rating and strong edge material.
A high motion-isolation rating ensures you’re not disturbed by your partner’s movements in bed. The strong edge material prevents sagging, increases the sleeping surface and extends the life of the mattress.
Sleepers who get overheated and perspire at night are advised to take breathability factor into account. Mattresses made with cotton, wool, bamboo and other natural fibres are more porous and breathable.
Similarly, beds with latex or open-cell foam layers, individually wrapped coils and/or ventilation channels, are designed to support all-night air circulation.
Lastly, determine if the mattress is covered by a guarantee, warranty and good returns policy.
Mattress terminology to know
To ensure you get a suitable mattress, we’ve unpacked a few terms that are prone to ambiguity.
Mattresses with a “lifetime warranty” are not covered for life. However, they’re replaced if there are any manufacturing defects. Normal wear and tear, and damage caused by you or your pets, are not covered.
“No-turn mattresses” have nothing to do with the returns policy. These mattresses are padded with latex or memory foam on one side, and don’t need to be turned to prevent uneven wear.
“Instant support” refers to a high level of firmness of the mattress, rather than immediate comfort and support with first use. The term is used along with “ortho support”, “ultra-support” or “high-density foam” support.
Types of mattresses
In South Africa, you have the choice of five main types of mattresses.
Continuous coil
A continuous coil mattress is constructed from a single, continuous length of wire, coiled into a series of supportive springs or coils. It’s one of the cheapest options. Depending on size, it currently retails for around R4,000 to R7,000.
This type of mattress is comparatively light and easy to turn. It’s usually filled with high-density foam for added comfort and support.
Best for: children and adults weighing less than 100 kg, or for occasional use in a guest room or second bedroom.
Pocket spring
Pocket spring mattresses comprise dozens of thin-gauge, knotless coils individually wrapped in fabric pockets. The springs aren’t wired together. They work independently, allowing for more flexibility and support, and preventing transfer of movement between sleeping partners.
Prices range from R7,000 to R12,000, depending on the make, model and size.
Best for: just about anybody. Pocket spring mattresses cater for different body weights, shapes and sizes, and provide good support and comfort levels.
Latex
Latex mattresses are firm, solid, well ventilated and durable. Body-contouring capabilities provide increased comfort and support, and prevent discomfort due to pressure points.
The density of the latex foam determines the firmness, so you can opt for a gentle-firm, firm or extra-firm mattress.
Latex doesn’t transfer motion and is resistant to dust mites, mould and mildew. Mattresses can cost up to R35,000, so they’re expensive.
Best for: anybody who wants advanced comfort and support, along with zero motion transfer.
Memory foam
A memory foam mattress forms contours around your body to provide incomparable comfort and support. Partner-related sleep disturbances are non-existent, and the mattress is designed to prevent back pain.
Be aware that foam is highly responsive to temperature, which may be a problem for people who get hot in bed.
This type of mattress has a long lifespan compared to conventional coil mattresses and, as with latex, the foam holds its shape. The price is similar to latex mattresses.
Best for: people who need added support, particularly anyone with lower back pain.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are constructed with multiple layers of materials to provide enhanced comfort and support.
Core elements are an innerspring support system overlaid by a foam comfort system made from latex or foam, or both.
These firm, yet comfortable mattresses offer pressure relief, limited motion transfer and consistent air flow. Solid edge support and adequate bounce are typically part of the design.
Depending on the make and size, expect to pay around R7,500 to R16,000 for a hybrid mattress.
Best for: couples, and anyone looking for a good night’s sleep, regardless of sleeping style.
Professional cleaning of mattresses
You can prolong the life of your mattress and ensure it is hygienic, fragrant and free of mites and pathogens by having it professionally cleaned.
At Chelsea Cleaning, we offer a professional mattress cleaning service that includes:
- high-power vacuuming
- industry-leading stain removal formulas and emulsion cleaners to treat soiled areas
- steam clean that uses hot-water extraction
- final vacuum and air drying.
