Looking for a new mattress that will provide you with the best sleep of your life?
The average person spends one-third of their life sleeping. It’s how our bodies recharge and refuel for the day ahead. So make the most of a good night’s rest with the perfect mattress to support your slumber.
Not every mattress will fit every person. There are a variety of factors to consider, both in the mattress and the persons sleeping on it.
Before investing your money wildly, let’s take a look at how to choose the perfect mattress for you. We’ll break down the different types, and how that correlates to you as a sleeper.
Let’s dive in.
Types of Mattresses
First, let’s discuss the different types of mattresses that are being made today. They come in a variety of materials.
Latex
These types of mattresses are made with latex foam. They’re known for their comfort, responsiveness to contact, a good bounce, and their natural cooling properties.
Great for sleepers who naturally turn into a furnace at night. Also, those looking for a mid-range firmness in their comfort.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are made from memory foam. They provide great support, snug body contouring, and pressure relief while sleeping.
These types of mattresses are great for those looking for a warm, cozy, snug feeling while sleeping. Perfect mattress for those wanting a “hugging” experience while they drift off into a deep slumber.
Coils
Mattresses of this type are made up of finely packed coils, generally made of steel springs. They’re known for providing great comfort and support, right up to the edge of the bed.
Sleepers looking for a traditional mattress should look into coil options. They provide support, comfort, and a cool night’s sleep.
Pillow-Top
Pillow-top mattresses are an additional source of comfort to any of the above types. They’re a layer of soft foam added in above a latex, memory foam, or spring mattress.
These are great additions for any sleeper looking to add in an extra bit of comfort for their sleep. You can choose a mattress with a pillow-top in mind, or add one on later.
Hybrid
Mattresses can be quite customizable. If you desire, mix and match between the above choices to get the best of both worlds.
For example, those looking for the contouring of a memory foam and the cooling properties of latex can opt for a hybrid of the two. Find what fits your needs and desires with a hybrid mattress.
Adjustable
Higher-end mattresses can come with a variety of extra features to make your sleeping experience even better. Consider getting a mattress that has:
- An adjustable frame that allows an inclined back position and elevated feet
- A mattress with a built-in massage feature to vibrate and soothe the body into a relaxed state
- Built-in heating features to provide a warm sleeping environment
If you have a special condition requiring further needs, speak with your chiropractor or doctor about your sleeping needs.
How You Sleep
Now that we’ve covered the different types of mattress, let’s explore how you are as a sleeper. The way you sleep can help inform your decision when looking for the perfect mattress.
This is especially true for the firmness of the mattress. Mattresses are rated on a scale of 1-10 in firmness, with 10 being the most firm. It’s subjective to the sleeper, but we’ll give a rough guideline of what to look for below.
Back Sleeper
Those who sleep on their backs should look for a bed that provides softness and comfort.
As they’re on their backs, these types of sleepers are generally already in good alignment while they sleep. Most mattresses will be able to provide adequate support, relieving pressure points while the user sleeps.
Sleepers of this position should look for a mattress in the 4-7 range for firmness. Providing a contouring hug for the spine, while keeping the rest of the body supported and aligned.
Stomach Sleeper
Those who sleep on their stomachs require the most support. This is because the most amount of pressure is coming from their torso.
Mattresses with too soft a firmness won’t be able to compensate, and the sleeper can experience an inward curving of the spine. This can cause lower back pains and other problems.
Stomach sleepers should look for a mattress that can support the torso, laying it completely flat. For this reason, look for a mattress with a firmness between the 5-8 range.
Side Sleeper
Those who sleep on their sides will create a lot of pressure on their mattresses. So to compensate, they will need a mattress that can provide support while relieving the finite pressure points.
Side sleepers need a mattress that can contour to their body, hugging it for proper support and alignment. For this reason, these types of sleepers should find a mattress in the 3-6 range for firmness.
Varied Sleepers
For those that toss and turn throughout the night, there are mattresses that can help alleviate restlessness while providing support.
Like side sleepers, restless sleepers tend to have very high, focused pressure points. So you’ll want a softer mattress that will contour to the different shapes you make throughout the night.
Look for a mattress in the 2-5 range for softness.
Your Body Size
There is no best or perfect mattress for everyone. That’s because we’re all different shapes and sizes. But there is a perfect mattress for you.
To put it simply, how heavy you are and how tall you are will affect the type of mattress you need. Your weight will show how much pressure you put on your mattress. Similarly, your height will dictate how that pressure spreads across the mattress.
The taller you are, the pressure you put on the bed will be more evenly balanced across your body and the mattress. This means you can look for a mattress that’s a little less soft or a little less firm on the 1-10 scale, depending on what you’re looking for.
The heavier you are, the more pressure you’re putting on the bed in general. You’ll want to find a mattress that is a bit softer or a bit firmer, depending on what you’re looking for.
When you’ve reached this stage of looking for the perfect mattress, it’s best to start trying them out in stores.
How To Choose The Best Mattress
Finding a mattress that suits your needs perfectly will drastically improve your sleeping.
Start searching around now for the mattress that will deliver all you need. It’s a great investment that will keep your body and mind in proper form.
If you need help deciding what mattress to choose, consider speaking with a chiropractor. It’s better to start fixing your body aches and pains before they start. But if they do, a new bed and chiropractic services could be just what you need to feel great again.
