Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to staying healthy and happy.
Experts advise that getting good sleep is one of the best ways to maintain and improve our health. A mattress is a massive part of our ability to sleep well, yet many people neglect its value and keep using a mattress that fails to provide enough comfort and support.
Finding the ideal level of mattress firmness is key to unlocking the door to serene, undisturbed sleep. If you’re debating between a soft embrace or a more supportive surface for your nightly repose, refer to this guide to help you navigate towards the mattress that aligns with your sleep preferences.
1. Determine your Budget
Buying a new mattress is a serious investment in your comfort but also a serious financial investment. While the mattresses with various features usually have a higher price, this doesn’t mean that a more expensive mattress is always better.
Online mattress businesses can remove much of the markup and offer high-quality products for nearly 30% of the cost you’d pay in-store.
Here are some guidelines for you:
- Don’t always go with the cheapest option – This is a principle for most products you buy online. Don’t spend less than $500 for a queen mattress simply because it means higher toxicity, lower durability, and lower sleep quality in general.
- Higher Price does not mean Higher Quality – Remember that the mattress’s price doesn’t always mean quality, especially if you are shopping in-store
- $1500 is ideal for Queen size – This price places you in the luxury end of the online mattress market and gives you an extensive number of options
- King / Cal King will cost slightly more – If you want a King / California King, you may consider increasing your budget to $1,800. You will have more choices, especially for the higher-end market.
2. What position do you sleep in?
Everyone sleeps in their own unique way: side, back, stomach, or a little bit of each. Each sleeping position has its individual specific needs and ideal firmness level. So, take a moment and think, what’s your favorite sleeping position because that determines the perfect mattress.
If you sleep on your side:
Numerous people who often sleep on their sides, experience discomfort and pain in their shoulders and hip joints.
It’s recommended that you go with a little softer option than for a back sleeper because they provide an equal distribution of pressure while you’re sleeping.
It would be best to choose a mattress with a firmness level of 3-6 (out of 10), which is under medium soft. Avoid very firm mattresses, which may cause pain at the key pressure points.
If you sleep on your stomach:
The essential thing for stomach sleepers is to provide even distribution of weight across your whole body as your torso will apply most pressure. That is why a firmer bed will provide the best support.
It’s recommended that stomach sleepers use a mattress in the 5-7 range, which falls under medium to medium-firm. Consider a dense innerspring, firm foam, or air-filled mattress.
If you sleep on your back
Only approximately 15% of people are back sleepers, according to The Better Sleep Council. If you fall into this category, you need a particular mattress to offer you the night’s rest you are seeking.
It’s recommended a firmness level in the 4-7 range. It’s known that memory foam mattresses provide the highest comfort for people who sleep on their backs.
Support and firmness are both critical for back sleepers, to keep the spine in a healthy alignment.
3. Choose Your Ideal Type and Material
Nearly all mattresses can be classified as one of five types: innerspring, foam, latex, hybrid, or airbed. Understanding the basics of each of these types can help you choose the best mattress.
Innerspring
This is the most common form of the mattress and one of the most affordable options.
An innerspring mattress has a coil-based support system and a few other layers. While it is known to last for decades, the sleeping surface is bouncier and often lack in pressure relief.
Best for: People who want durability, firm support, cooling, and great bounce.
Latex
These mattresses are filled with latex foam, which is a particularly breathable material so that you won’t overheat in the middle of the night.
Extremely durable, the latex mattress it’s a good option for those with allergies or asthma. They can feel mildly solid at first, so they’re best for those who prefer a firmer bed.
There are two types to choose from:
- Natural – While it’s a more healthy option and environment-friendly, it is also more expensive. Expect to pay around $2000 for a good natural latex mattress
- Synthetic – Made by mixing synthetic polymers with natural tree sap. Cheaper of course, but less healthy in turn.
Best for: People who want proper cooling, responsiveness, and bounce.
Memory foam
Memory foam was first developed in the 1970s by NASA as a safety material for seat cushions to protect pilots and passengers during plane crashes.
It uniquely adapts to every inch of the body that is pressed into it. When you lift your body, it slowly regains its original form.
The memory foam option may not be the best choice for those who require a refreshing night’s sleep. One of the most frequent problems that people confront is that the material retains heat.
Best For: People who want body shaping, contour, pressure relief, and good support.
Hybrid
The hybrid mattress is a combination of memory foam and traditional spring. You get the best of both worlds: contouring and lack of motion transfer of foam and the support of springs.
The quantity of foam for these beds varies greatly depending on the level of firmness desired. It is recommended to choose one that has close to 3 inches of foam.
Best For: People who want the best all-around product with good support, cooling, bounce, and pressure relief.
