- Your sleeping position – are you a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or back sleeper?
- Your body type – are you petite, medium-sized, or plus-sized?
- Desired comfort level – are you hot at night, or do you have any health conditions?
- Solo or partner sleepers – will you be sharing your bed with someone else?
- The type of mattress – there are many different types of mattresses on the market such as memory foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid, and more.
Now that you know the factors to consider, we’ll explore each of these factors in more detail to help you choose the best mattress for you.
Mattress Types
In order to make an informed decision, you need to understand the different types of mattresses and how they can affect your sleep.
There are four main types of mattresses:
Let’s take a look at their different features and benefits.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most common type of mattress. High-quality innerspring mattresses have a powerful coil system that provides support and absorbs movement.
Innerspring mattresses generally come in a wide range of firmness options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Some of the benefits of innerspring mattresses include:
- Excellent support for your back and spine
- Wide range of firmness options
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are made from a viscoelastic material that contours to your body. They provide excellent support and pressure relief.
Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for people who want to reduce pain and pressure points. Some of the benefits of memory foam mattresses include:
- Reduced pain and pressure points
- Good for side sleepers
- Minimizes motion transfer
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made of natural or synthetic latex. They are very durable and provide excellent support.
Latex mattresses are a strong option for those who want a durable mattress with excellent support. Some of the advantages of latex mattresses include:
- Excellent support for your back and spine
- Good for people with allergies
- Durable
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine a variety of comfort foams, such as memory foam, and innerspring (usually pocketed coils). Hybrids offer the comfort of a memory foam mattress with the additional support of an innerspring. The innerspring, or pocketed coils, allows for airflow that helps to prevent heat buildup.
Adjustable Mattresses
Each of these four types of mattresses is usually compatible with adjustable bases and is ideal for people who need to adjust their sleeping position. They allow you to adjust head and feet of the mattress to provide customized comfort and support.
Some of the benefits of adjustable mattresses include:
- Customizable sleep positions to meet your specific needs
- Good for people with various health conditions such as back pain, joint pain, and swelling in the legs and feet
- Great for preventing snoring
- Perfect for promoting relaxation to prepare you for sleep such as reading in bed
- Many adjustable bases have massagers that vibrate and help you to relax
Now that you know the different types of mattresses let’s take a look at some factors to consider when choosing a mattress.
Your Sleeping Position
The first factor to think about when choosing a mattress is your sleeping position. Are you a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or back sleeper? Each sleeping position has different needs when it comes to finding the perfect mattress. Let’s take a look.
Side Sleeper
If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is of medium-level firmness and provides excellent support. This will help to relieve any pressure on your hips and shoulders while you sleep. A memory foam mattress is a great option for side sleepers as it contours to your body and provides the perfect amount of support.
Stomach Sleeper
If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is firm yet not too hard. This will help to prevent your stomach from sinking into the mattress and causing back pain. A memory foam mattress or an innerspring mattress with a firmer coil system are both good options for stomach sleepers. This is because they provide the necessary support while still being comfortable.
Back Sleeper
If you’re a back sleeper, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is medium or firm. This will provide the support your back needs while also alleviating any pressure on your hips and shoulders. A memory foam mattress or a latex mattress are both good choices for back sleepers.
Combo Sleeper
A combo sleeper is someone who sleeps in multiple positions throughout the night. Generally, combo sleepers want a mattress that is medium firm but provides good support. A memory foam mattress or a latex mattress are both good options for those with a combination sleeping style.
Your Body Type
The next factor to consider when choosing a mattress is your body type. Are you petite, medium-sized, or plus-sized? Each body type has different needs when it comes to finding the perfect mattress.
Petite
If you’re petite, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is soft yet supportive. This will help to relieve any pressure on your hips and shoulders while you sleep. Any soft memory foam, innerspring, or hybrid mattress will do for petite sleepers. Just make sure that you are getting the proper support that you need
Medium-Sized
If you’re medium-sized, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is medium-firm yet not too hard. If you are a stomach sleeper, a medium-firm mattress will help to prevent overarching your back and sinking into the mattress, and causing back pain. A medium to medium-firm mattress is also suited for side sleepers to properly support the curve between your hips and shoulders. Most medium-firm innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, or latex mattresses are solid options for medium-sized sleepers.
Plus-Sized
If you’re plus-sized, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is firm yet not too hard. A firm mattress will support your body where you need it and will still be comfortable. A firm innerspring, latex, or hybrid mattress is a good choice for plus-sized sleepers. A firm memory foam mattress might be okay but the problem lies in the ability to move and get in and out of bed. This is because memory foam gives way to pressure as it heats up causing you to sink into the mattress during the night. This might make getting in and out of bed difficult. Try out a firm memory foam mattress in the store to see how it feels.
Tall
One of the most important considerations for a tall person choosing a mattress is the mattress length. Having your feet hang over the edge is probably not ideal for you. While XL innerspring, latex, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses work well for tall people, an adjustable bed is a great addition to relieve back pain or discomfort while sleeping.
Desired Comfort Level and Health Condition
The next factor to consider when choosing a mattress is your desired comfort level while sleeping. Having the right mattress is key to making sure you get the best night of sleep. As such, it’s imperative that you take your health conditions into account when making your decision. If you suffer from aches and pains, or you tend to run hotter while you’re sleeping, you’ll want a mattress that has features to address those needs.
Hot Sleeper
For those who struggle with overheating while sleeping, you’ll want a mattress that regulates temperature. A memory foam mattress with cooling gel technology is a great option for those who tend to sleep hot.
Aches and Pains
If you suffer from general aches and pains, you’ll want to look for a mattress that offers a higher level of comfort. A memory foam mattress is a great option as it contours to your body and provides support where you need it most. You might also consider an adjustable mattress, so you can customize the firmness level or position to your needs.
Swollen Feet
If you suffer from swollen feet, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is specifically designed to help with circulation. A latex mattress is a great option as it offers a firm yet supportive surface.
Scoliosis
If you struggle with scoliosis, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is specifically designed to help with back pain. A memory foam mattress is a great option as it contours to your body and provides support where you need it most.
Arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis, you’ll want to look for a mattress that is specifically designed to help with joint pain. A memory foam mattress is a great option as it contours your body and provides support where you need it most. You might also consider getting an adjustable mattress, which can help you to find the perfect position for sleeping.
Your Sleeping Partner
Finding a bed to share with a partner can be a tricky business. You’ll want to find a mattress that is comfortable for both of you while also accommodating different sleeping styles or body types.
If you are sharing your bed with a partner, you’ll want to take their needs into consideration when choosing a mattress. Do they prefer a softer or firmer mattress? Are they a hot sleeper? How often do they get up during the night?
Couples often find that mattress with low motion transfer is the best option. However, an adjustable bed, particularly one that allows for adjustments on both sides, is a great option for couples as it allows each person to find their perfect sleeping position.
The Bottom Line
The major factors you need to consider when choosing a mattress are your sleep position, body type, and level of comfort. You’ll also want to take into account any health conditions that might affect your choice of mattress. If you are sharing your bed with a partner, you’ll need to find a mattress that accommodates both of your needs.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a good idea of what type of mattress is right for you. Ultimately, the best mattress for you will be the one that provides the perfect combination of comfort, support, and durability.
If you’re still not sure which mattress is right for you, we invite you to come to your nearest Las Vegas, NV, or St. George, UT, Best Mattress store to try out some mattresses for yourself. Our knowledgeable staff would be more than happy to help you find the perfect mattress for your needs.
Additionally, you can take this mattress quiz to help you find the best mattress.
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