You’re thinking about buying a new mattress. You ask your friends for recommendations, read reviews, and stop by the store to discuss some options. After weeks of research, you buy what seems like the perfect mattress (which should be fiberglass-free), only to wake up sore and tired.
What went wrong? The whole point of buying a new mattress was to sleep more comfortably and wake up refreshed and ready to face the day. After all that research and time, it can be disappointing to discover that your choice wasn’t the best one, but you’re not alone. It’s common for people to buy a new mattress and realize it’s not exactly what they were hoping for. In many cases, it’s due to a simple factor: they didn’t take their preferred sleeping position into account when choosing a mattress.
Understanding bedding terms
When shopping for a new mattress, most people focus on the firmness of the bed or how soft or firm it is. While firmness can affect how comfortable a mattress is, it is often confused with support. In other words, there is a common misconception that a firmer mattress will provide more support, while a softer mattress will not provide as much support.
This is only partly true. The firmness of a mattress can affect how much support it provides, and therefore whether or not you wake up with aches and pains, but that’s only one factor. Your body weight (heavier people tend to feel more comfortable on mattresses toward the firmer end of the spectrum) and your preferred sleeping position also matter. Whether you typically sleep on your side, back, or stomach—or a combination of these positions—makes a big difference in how comfortable you are on any given mattress.
So what does this mean when shopping for a mattress? In short, whether you’re shopping for an organic mattress, a foam mattress, or a traditional spring mattress, you need to consider how you sleep before making a decision. This can make the difference between a comfortable bed and a miserable night’s sleep.
Best options for every job
Although the only way to know if a mattress is comfortable is to sleep on it, preferably for several nights, knowing what to look for can help you make the right choice from the start.
side sleepers
Most people prefer to sleep on their side, as this takes pressure off the shoulders and hips. It is also the most comfortable position for reducing heartburn.
The most important consideration for side sleepers is choosing a mattress that supports your shoulders and hips enough to ensure proper spinal alignment. If any part of the mattress sinks in too much, it can cause pressure, pain, and discomfort. For most people, this means choosing a mattress that falls on the “medium” end of the firmness spectrum; on a scale of 1 to 10, these rates range from 4 to 7.
However, body weight is also an important factor for side sleepers. In general, heavier individuals—those who weigh 230 pounds or more—should choose a mattress toward the firmer end, as it will provide enough support to prevent sinking and misalignment. Lighter individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely feel more comfortable on a softer mattress that offers more cushioning. Lighter individuals won’t sink as much into a firm mattress, which puts more pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Back sleepers
The back and stomach sleeping positions are the second most common sleeping positions. While some people choose to sleep on their backs for aesthetic reasons (not having your face on the pillow can reduce wrinkles and acne), it’s not the best option if you suffer from acid reflux or tend to snore. Sleeping on your back can also be uncomfortable for your lower back, especially if your mattress doesn’t provide enough support around your shoulders and head.
If you sleep on your back, you need a mattress that provides enough support to align your head and neck without sinking in too deeply. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are usually a good choice, as they provide support and comfort. Medium to medium-firm options are best, with mattresses on the firmer side being more suitable for heavier sleepers. However, all back sleepers should avoid mattresses that are too firm, as they won’t have enough cushioning for comfort.
People who sleep on their stomachs
Sleeping on your stomach isn’t the ideal position, as it puts more pressure on your lower back and spine. However, if this is your preferred position, you need a mattress that provides extra support in the middle area to keep your hips and body aligned. While a super-soft, plush mattress may be comfortable, it doesn’t provide enough support, and you’ll feel sore over time. Choosing the right pillow is equally important for stomach sleepers: avoid thick, high pillows in favor of a thinner pillow (or no pillow) to prevent your neck from being forced into an uncomfortable angle.
If you are one of the many people who change positions during the night, make your purchasing decision based on your dominant position. When you do, you can rest assured that you have purchased a smart mattress.
