When it comes to healthy sleep, most people think of the mattress first. Although it plays a central role for restful nights, there are other factors that you should not neglect. Extras such as toppers or slatted frames also make a decisive contribution to your sleeping comfort - and we will show you how to make the most of these little helpers to make every night truly restful.
What many underestimate
Sleep comfort does not end with the choice of mattress - it is created by the interaction of various components. Even a small adjustment can often have a big effect. Which slatted frame does your mattress lie on? And which pillow is your head resting on? Even the room climate has a significant influence on the quality of your sleep. Issues such as ergonomic support and correct pressure relief become particularly important when you consider how much time we spend in bed. A new mattress that suits you is a good start - but only the perfect interplay of all elements will ensure that you have a truly restful sleep.
What counts apart from the right mattress:
The slatted frame
The slatted frame is the base of the bed on which your mattress rests. It usually consists of a rectangular frame, into which the wooden slats – also known as “slats” – are clamped. They are designed to cushion the weight in order to support the mattress and also provide ventilation. By preventing the mattress from sagging, the slatted frame has a significant influence on your sleeping posture. There are different types of slatted frames:
Rigid slatted frame
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Inexpensive to purchase
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Simple assembly
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No individual adjustment
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Less comfort for back or joint problems
People without specific physical complaints and budget-conscious buyers
Manually adjustable
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Manually adjustable head and/or foot section
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Adaptable to different needs
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Adjustment is a little more complicated
People who want more flexibility or like to read in the evening
Motorised
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Motorised adjustment of head, back and leg sections
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Adjustments possible by remote control
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More expensive than manual or rigid slatted frames
People with health restrictions (e.g. back pain) or who want maximum comfort
Disc slatted frame
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Optimum adaptation to the body
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Promotes air circulation
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More expensive than conventional slatted frames
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Lying sensation can be unfamiliar at first
People who want a high level of comfort and optimum body adaptation
When deciding on a slatted frame, you should take your mattress, your budget and your personal needs into account. However, you should always bear this in mind: A high-quality mattress can only work properly if the slatted frame supports it.
The topper
A mattress topper is a thin layer, usually between four and ten centimetres high, which is placed on top of your mattress. A topper has several functions: Firstly, it can increase comfort by making the sleeping surface softer or harder, and secondly, it also protects the actual mattress from wear and dirt. It can also have a cooling or warming effect thanks to the different materials used: This can significantly help you regulate your temperature during the night. In the case of mattress toppers, the material in particular has an impact on the respective properties.
Cold foam topper
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Supportive, but rather firm
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Ideal if you perspire
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Less adaptable
Stomach sleepers or people who prefer a firmer sleeping experience
Visco foam topper
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Relieves pressure points
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Very adaptable, → "memory effect"
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Can retain heat
Side sleepers and people with back pain or joint problems
Gel topper
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Pressure-relieving, but more elastic
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More breathable, less heat accumulates
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Slightly more expensive
Suitable for people who want the same comfort as memory foam, but don't want to sink in as much.
Latex topper
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Elastic & precisely adjustable
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Durable & breathable
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Heavier and more expensive
Side sleepers and people with back pain or joint problems
However, a topper can also be useful if the feel of your mattress is too hard or too soft, but you don't want to invest in a new mattress. A topper can also provide point-elastic support if you suffer from back or joint problems. However, a topper is no substitute for a good mattress. If your mattress is already sagging or simply not adapted to your needs, even a topper cannot solve the problem.
The bedding
Pillows and duvets are among the most important components of our sleeping environment - they are crucial to how relaxed and rested we wake up. Ergonomically designed bedding supports the body in its natural posture and relieves pressure on muscles and joints.
The pillow
Even if your pillow takes up comparatively little space in your bed, it is no less important for your sleep. The right pillow helps to keep your spine in a natural position. If your pillow does not match your sleeping position, this can lead to neck tension, headaches or back pain. Depending on the filling, your pillow should be replaced every two to five years to ensure that your head is at the correct height.
Good for people who want a “cosy” pillow. A rectangular pillow (e.g. 40x80 cm) is more ergonomic than a square one, as the shoulder should not rest on the pillow.
Provides targeted support for the cervical spine and is therefore particularly suitable for back sleepers, side sleepers and people with neck or shoulder problems.
A long, narrow pillow that is tucked between the head, arms and legs. Good for side sleepers with back or hip problems.
Which pillow suits which sleeping position?
The duvet
For restful sleep, it is not only important what you lie on, but also what you cover yourself with. For example, the duvet is essential for thermoregulation - the duvet retains your body heat at night and prevents you from cooling down. At the same time, the right duvet can also prevent you from overheating and sweating excessively at night in summer. Some people also cannot sleep without a blanket - because they lack the feeling of safety and security that they otherwise get from being wrapped up in a blanket.
Down duvet
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Warm, slightly breathable
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Long-lasting
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Not for allergy sufferers
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Very warm in summer
Ideal if you get cold quickly and like it cosy
Microfibre blanket
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Washable, easy to care for
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Suitable for allergy sufferers
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less durable
Ideal if you suffer from allergies and wash your blanket frequently
Teamwork for your sleep
Healthy sleep is not created by the mattress alone - comfort is teamwork. The slatted frame, topper and other sleep aids play an equally important role and influence how restful your night actually is. Anyone investing in their sleep should therefore make sure that all components are combined correctly in order to realise their full potential. Professional advice can be crucial here: it ensures that the mattress, slatted frame and topper are optimally matched to each other - leading to noticeably better sleep and long-term well-being.