Herbie Murray
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining and improving our health, and a mattress is a huge factor in our ability to sleep well. While the prospect of mattress shopping can be daunting, it is important to take the time to choose the right one for you. Mattresses aren't meant to last forever, and you should consider getting a new one if your sleep quality is declining or your mattress is more than eight years old. When choosing a mattress, there are several factors to consider, such as your sleeping position, body type, budget, and the size, shape, material, and design of the mattress. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of mattresses available, how to determine the right firmness for your sleep style, and how to choose a mattress within your budget. We will also provide tips on what to do and what not to do when shopping for a new mattress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mattress age | A benchmark to determine if you need a new mattress is if your current one is over 8 years old. |
| Sleeping position | Back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress to support the spine's neutral alignment. Side sleepers need a softer mattress for pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers need a medium-firm to firm mattress. |
| Body type | Different body types require different levels of support from a mattress. |
| Comfort | Comfort is subjective, but it is critical to find a mattress that feels right for you. |
| Firmness | Firmness describes how hard or soft a bed feels, and is usually measured on a 1-10 scale. |
| Pain | If you experience back, shoulder, or joint pain upon waking, your mattress may not be supportive enough. |
| Size | The mattress size depends on the number of sleepers and the amount of space in the bedroom. |
| Material | Mattresses can be made from memory foam, polyfoam, latex foam, or a combination. |
| Design | The mattress should have good stability and isolate motion. |
| Budget | Budget-friendly options are available, but more expensive mattresses may offer more features. |
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What You'll Learn
Know your sleeping position
Knowing your sleeping position is key to choosing the right mattress. The right mattress will provide adequate support and comfort, optimizing your sleep quality.
Side sleepers, for instance, make up the majority of sleepers. This position is considered best for people with neck and back pain, especially with a small pillow placed between the knees to alleviate any stress on the hips. A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress is recommended for side sleepers, as it cushions their impact points, with a softer mattress that contours to the body's curves to prevent uncomfortable jamming in the night.
Back sleepers make up a smaller proportion of sleepers. This position is good for those with hip and back pain, as it keeps the hips elevated and aligned with the spine, reducing pressure. A medium-firm mattress is recommended for back sleepers, as it provides a balance that prevents the hips from sinking out of alignment with the shoulders, which can result in a bowed back and pain.
Stomach sleepers make up an even smaller proportion of sleepers. Sleeping on the stomach helps keep the airway open but can strain the spine and neck. A medium-firm to firm mattress is recommended for stomach sleepers, with only light conforming to maintain the spine's natural curvature.
People who sleep on their right side may want to reconsider, as this position can increase pressure on the heart and is not advised for anyone with a heart condition. Additionally, side sleeping can cause wrinkles, as half of the face is in contact with a pillow or mattress, leading to friction and exposure to sweat and oils.
If you change positions frequently throughout the night, you are considered a combination sleeper. A medium-firm mattress may be the best option, as it provides a blend of comfort and support. Combination sleepers may want to avoid memory foam mattresses, as the body-contouring benefits can make it difficult to change positions. Instead, consider latex or other responsive foam types, as well as hybrids, which combine innerspring support with foam comfort layers.
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Consider your body type
When choosing a mattress, it's important to consider your body type. This is because everyone's body is shaped differently, which can impact the loading on your spine as you sleep. For instance, if you are experiencing back pain, you may need a firmer or softer mattress to keep your spine properly oriented during sleep. Lower back pain is the most common type of back pain and can be caused by a mattress that is too soft or too firm, which puts pressure on the natural curvature of the lumbar spine.
Side sleepers tend to need a softer mattress that contours to the body's curves to prevent uncomfortable jamming in the night. This can be anything within the 4–6 range on the typical firmness scale of 1–10, with 6.5 being the standard for medium firmness. A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress can also cushion the impact points of side sleepers. Back sleepers, on the other hand, need a balance of firmness and softness to maintain neutral spine alignment. A medium-firm mattress, or one that falls within the 5.5–7 range on the firmness scale, can help prevent tension in the shoulders, lower back, and spine.
For stomach sleepers, a medium-firm to firm mattress with light conforming is recommended to reduce pressure on the lumbar spine. If you are a combination sleeper who changes positions throughout the night, a medium-firm mattress may be a good option. However, memory foam mattresses may be difficult to adjust positions on, so you may want to consider latex or other responsive types of foam, as well as hybrids.
In addition to sleeping positions, other physical factors such as weight and height can influence the level of support and comfort you need from a mattress. For taller individuals, a California King mattress provides extra legroom, while a twin XL is ideal for those who want more legroom but have limited space. Couples may prefer a queen or king-size mattress, which offers ample space and movement without feeling restricted.
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Assess your mattress's firmness
Mattress firmness is a key feature when choosing a mattress as it determines the overall level of comfort and support. Firmness is subjective, and each person will experience the firmness of a mattress differently. Generally, a mattress that is too firm or too soft can put pressure on the natural curvature of the lumbar spine, so it is important to find the right balance.
The firmness of a mattress is determined by how much you sink into it and how much pushback you experience. Softer mattresses tend to have thicker comfort systems, which create a hugging sensation and relieve pressure points. Firmer mattresses have thinner comfort layers and provide more pushback, which can help keep your spine in a neutral alignment.
To assess the firmness of a mattress, you can consider your body type and sleeping position. If you are a side sleeper, a softer mattress that contours to the curves of your body can help prevent uncomfortable jamming at the shoulders and hips. A mattress that is too firm may not provide enough contouring, resulting in difficulty sleeping and achy joints. For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress that falls between 5.5 and 7 on the firmness scale can help maintain a neutral spine alignment and prevent aches and pains. For back sleepers, a mattress that is too firm can cause unnecessary tension in the shoulders and lower back, while a mattress that is too soft can cause the hips to sink out of alignment with the shoulders.
It is important to note that mattress firmness is not the only factor to consider when choosing a mattress. The quality of the materials and the support provided by the mattress are also important. A mattress can be firm but fail to provide the necessary support, especially for people with back pain. Therefore, it is recommended to look for a mattress that comes with a trial period, allowing you to test out the mattress at home to ensure it is comfortable and supportive for your individual needs.
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Research mattress types
There are three basic types of mattresses: innerspring, foam, and adjustable air. Each type delivers a different sleeping experience. To choose the right mattress for you, consider what you've enjoyed sleeping on in the past, the amount of bounce you like, and how far you like to sink into the mattress.
Innerspring mattresses are constructed with a steel-coil foundation topped with layers of fibre padding (often cotton or wool), foam, or both. They are more resilient than foam mattresses, making it easier to shift positions, and they tend to retain less heat. However, they often earn lower stability scores than all-foam mattresses.
Foam mattresses provide a cushiony, cradling surface, with each type of foam offering a slightly different feel. The layers cradle your body without the slow, contouring sink of memory foam, making them less cuddly but easier to move around in. Memory foam mattresses are constructed with the liquid from a rubber tree plant, giving them a subtly springy feel.
Some mattresses are a mix of memory and non-memory foam polyurethane layers, while some combine one or both of these synthetic layers with latex. Latex foam mattresses tend to be denser and more durable than other foam mattresses.
Adjustable air mattresses are built with an air chamber as their support core. A pump, controlled by a smartphone or remote, is built into the mattress to add or remove air, allowing sleepers to adjust the firmness. Couples love airbeds because each side can be set to a different firmness level.
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Understand the importance of comfort and support
A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining and improving your health, and a mattress is a crucial factor in achieving that. However, many people overlook the importance of a comfortable and supportive mattress, continuing to use one that fails to meet their needs.
The right mattress provides a balance of comfort and support, ensuring your spine maintains proper alignment throughout the night. This alignment helps prevent aches and pains and reduces the risk of more serious health issues. For example, a mattress that is too soft may cause your hips to sink out of alignment with your shoulders, resulting in a bowed back and shooting pains up the spine. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm can put unnecessary tension on the shoulders and lower back.
Your sleeping position plays a significant role in the level of comfort and support you require. Side sleepers usually need a softer mattress that contours to their body's curves, providing pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers require a medium-firm mattress to achieve a neutral spine alignment, alleviating tension across the back. Meanwhile, stomach sleepers often prefer a firmer mattress to support the natural curvature of their spine and prevent excessive sinking.
Additionally, your body type and weight influence the support and comfort you need from a mattress. Lighter individuals tend to benefit from softer mattresses, especially if they sleep on their sides, as they don't sink in as much. People with broader shoulders or hips may also prefer softer mattresses for better contouring. Conversely, those with a higher body weight may opt for thicker mattresses with high-density materials to accommodate more sinkage and ensure spinal alignment.
When choosing a mattress, it's essential to consider your personal characteristics, such as sleeping position, body type, and weight, to find the perfect balance of comfort and support for a restful night's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Mattresses are not meant to last forever. You should start considering a new one once your sleep quality starts to decline or when your current mattress is more than 8 years old.
There are three basic categories of mattresses: innerspring (or spring), foam, and hybrid. Foam mattresses are made with layers of foam (memory foam, polyfoam, latex foam, or a combination) and offer the best balance of cushioning, support, breathability, and motion isolation. Innerspring mattresses are more breathable and cooler than foam mattresses. Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring support with foam comfort layers and are more responsive to movement.
The optimal mattress firmness depends on your sleeping position. For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress is best to prevent tension in the shoulders, lower back, and hips. For side sleepers, a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress will cushion impact points. For back and stomach sleepers, a medium-firm to firm mattress with light conforming is best.
The mattress size depends on the amount of space in your bedroom and who will be sleeping in the bed. A twin-size bed is great for small children and small bedrooms, while a queen-size bed offers enough space for two people or one person who likes to move around. A king-size bed is ideal for couples who want more room to move about throughout the night.
When choosing a mattress, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you experience back or joint pain, look for a mattress that provides adequate support and pressure relief to keep your spine in neutral alignment. If you sleep with a partner, consider a mattress with good stability and motion isolation to minimize disturbances. Other features to consider include size, shape, material, design, and price.
