Deborah TorresEver since the invention of the bed, people have been sleeping on mattresses. The mattress industry has grown exponentially in recent years with each year topping the next. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find the best bed for you.
We break down seven alternatives to traditional mattresses so you can find something that works for your body and your budget.
Why Look for Mattresses Alternatives
In recent years, there has been more awareness of the toxic chemicals used in mattresses. These chemicals have been linked to health and environmental problems and most people would not want these chemicals in their homes.
As a result, many businesses have begun making mattresses with natural materials that do not contain any toxic chemicals. This has led to an increased number of eco-friendly sleeping options that are affordable and comfortable.
What Is Eco-Friendly Mattress?
Eco-friendly mattresses are typically made from natural and organic materials such as wool or soybeans. The use of these materials minimizes the effects on the environment and reduces the use of toxic chemicals. Natural materials often support your weight better than synthetic materials, which means that it will not sag over time.
Why Use Eco-Friendly Mattress?
Some of the many reasons to purchase eco-friendly mattresses are that they are healthier for the environment, smell better, provide strong support, and are often less expensive.
Eco-friendly mattresses are made with recyclable materials and free from chemicals. These advantages make these mattresses a natural choice!
Alternatives to Traditional Mattress
There are many alternatives for those that don’t want to sleep on a traditional mattress. Here, we will explore some of the best and most notable options to see if one of these is right for you.
Sleeping Bag
Laying on a mattress, or any other material that gathers heat, causes you to overheat. This causes your body to sweat and sometimes even wake up during the night. An option for sleepers who are used to sleeping on their stomachs is to use a sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags are also an affordable alternative if you are trying to save money on rent or mortgage because they are not expensive.
Air Mattress
Back pain, allergies, and other medical issues can be a cause for concern when it comes to sleeping on a traditional mattress. As such, many people opt for an air mattress as an alternative.
Air mattresses offer a couple of advantages over regular mattresses: they are less expensive and easier to take care of.
Japanese Shikibuton
Japanese shikibutons, which are more traditional than the Western-style bedding, is a popular alternative to a mattress in Japan. As a result of their popularity, they have been quickly gaining momentum in Western cultures as well. These traditional sleeping mats can often be found at any Japanese department store and come in various sizes and colors with different filling.
Shikibutons are also much thinner than mattresses, making it much easier to fold or slide under your bed for storage. The use of the shikibuton helps bring you closer to nature by offering a more organic option for sleep.
Hammock
A recent trend in the sleepyhead community has been to choose a hammock instead of a mattress. Hammocks can be assembled and taken down easily and quickly, and the material is resistant to damage making it last much longer than a traditional mattress.
Mattresses take up too much space and cost more than a hammock so people are choosing the space saving and economical option for their sleeping needs.
Camping Mat
Camping mat as an alternative to mattresses is becoming a popular choice among many people. This is due to the fact that camping mats are much cheaper and lightweight than the standard mattress.
When you purchase a camping mat, it often comes with a carrying bag and takes up minimal space in your suitcase which allows you to pack more clothes.
Furthermore, camping mats come in different thicknesses depending on how firm or soft you want your sleeping surface.
Reclining Chair
Recent studies have shown that getting too much horizontal position may increase the risk of developing cancer. In the same vein, sleeping on a mattress for prolonged periods of time can result in deep-seated and chronic pain and muscle and joint problems in the back and neck.
For this reason, sitting up in a reclining chair is recommended as an alternative to a mattress when one has to sleep at night.
Japanese Futon
Futon is a traditional type of Japanese furniture consisting of a mattress that can be folded up, and a frame which it lays upon. Futons can be unfolded to create a sleeping space on the floor for one person, or a sleeping place for two people.
It also comes in handy when you have guests over and need extra bedding. We would recommend futons to anyone who has limited space because they take up much less room than mattresses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mattress companies are growing increasingly concerned that bedding preferences are changing, and this is causing them to lose money. There are so many alternatives for those that don’t want to sleep on a traditional mattress. While not all people may want to take the risk of sleeping on an alternative mattress, the ones who do will be glad they did.
