Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your health – it allows your body and mind to get the rest they need to function correctly. Your mattress plays a huge role in your quality of sleep each night so choosing the best one for you is crucial. There are a few factors to consider that will help you find your perfect mattress, whether you’re looking for the best soft mattress for a side sleeper, or a supportive mattress to aid back pain. Read on to find out more!
Popular types of mattresses
When trying to find the best mattress for you, it helps to know the type of products that are popular, and that you’re likely to come across throughout your search. Here are a few of the most popular types of mattresses that you’ll have to choose from:
- Innerspring: An innerspring mattress is made up of pocket springs. It’s one of the most traditional and affordable types of mattresses on the market. They are a good choice for those that need additional support but lack pressure relief. They are springy to the touch, and if you’re sleeping with a partner, they are not the best when it comes to motion isolation. However, they are at a lower price point and have sufficient airflow to keep you cool.
- Memory foam: These mattresses are made up simply of foam – unlike the innerspring. They contour to your body, provide both support and cushioning, and pressure relief, and you won’t feel your partner roll over in the night, as the foam absorbs the motion.
- Hybrid: These mattresses are a mixture of both.They are made up of two or three layers that often feature both coils and foam, and the most modern include a gel layer to keep you cool in the warmer evenings. These mattresses combine the support of an innerspring with the cushioning of a memory foam mattress, and they are suitable for almost any sleeper.
- Latex: These mattresses are made up of only latex. They provide support and cushioning and are great for eco-friendly shoppers. These mattresses do tend to be more expensive, but they are some of the most durable, so you’re bound to get the most from your money.
Think about sleeping position
Once you’ve got an idea of the types of material you’re likely to come across, the next important factor when it comes to finding the perfect mattress for you is to think about the position you sleep in. You may not realise it, but this has an impact on your quality of sleep, and comfort.
There are three main types of sleeping positions which are as follows: Side sleepers, which as the name suggests, like to sleep on either side. A side sleeper needs pressure relief to the hips and shoulders which take the most weight in the night, as well as support to keep the spine in alignment.
The next is the front sleeper. This sleeper is most comfortable face down and needs adequate support so that its body stays in alignment and does not sink, putting pressure on the lumbar region. And finally, we have the back sleeper. Someone that sleeps on their back also needs sufficient support to keep the spine in alignment, as well as additional, light contouring. As you can see, each sleeper requires a different combination – so checking which you are will help you to choose the best mattress for you.
Firmness
This is a subjective factor, but it does help to choose a mattress that can help to keep you both supported, and comfortable. Generally, the lighter the person, the softer the mattress. For example, if you weigh under 230 pounds and you sleep on your side, you’re going to need a medium-soft mattress. If you’re over 230 and a side sleeper, you will need a firm mattress. You can find a chart online to help you. You should also keep in mind what you find most comfortable, or you could try a few different mattresses out before you buy to see which you think is best.
Consider your budget
Mattresses are an investment, and some are more affordable than others, as we touched on earlier with the innerspring mattresses. When it comes to mattresses, most of the time you get what you pay for. Whilst it may seem more economical to purchase an innerspring model – are you going to get your money’s worth? Or will you end up buying a new mattress when that has worn out in a couple of years?
Generally, your combination hybrid mattresses and latex are some of the most expensive, but also some of the most advanced – if you’re looking for a comfortable, durable option spending a little more on your mattress might be the best way to go.
