Choosing the right mattress is one of the most important decisions you can make for your sleep and overall well-being. The right mattress should support your body, promote proper spinal alignment, and provide lasting comfort throughout the night.
Because every sleeper has different preferences, body types, and sleep positions, there is no single mattress that works for everyone. Understanding a few key factors can help you choose a mattress that best fits your individual needs.
This guide explains the most important things to consider when selecting the right mattress.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position plays a major role in determining the type of mattress that will provide the best support and comfort.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers typically need a mattress that provides pressure relief for the shoulders and hips. Softer comfort layers can help cushion these areas and support better spinal alignment.
Many side sleepers prefer a soft to medium mattress.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers usually benefit from a mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine while helping prevent the hips from sinking too deeply.
A medium to medium-firm mattress is often a strong choice for back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers generally need a firmer mattress that helps keep the hips elevated and reduces excessive arching of the lower back.
A medium-firm to firm mattress often provides better support for stomach sleepers.
Choose the Right Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness refers to how soft or firm a mattress feels when you lie on it. The right firmness level can help keep the spine aligned while relieving pressure points.
Common firmness options include:
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Soft — deeper cushioning and contouring
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Medium — a balance of comfort and support
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Firm — stronger support with less sinkage
- Extra Firm — Maximum support with minimal sinkage
Many sleepers find that medium to medium-firm mattresses provide a comfortable balance of support and pressure relief.
Understand Different Mattress Types
Different mattress materials create different comfort experiences.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses contour closely to the body and provide excellent pressure relief. They are also effective at reducing motion transfer between sleeping partners.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine supportive coils with foam comfort layers. They offer a balanced feel with both support and cushioning, along with improved airflow.
Latex
Latex mattresses provide a more responsive and breathable sleep surface. They often feel more buoyant and supportive than memory foam.
Consider Mattress Size
The size of the mattress should match both your sleep needs and the size of your bedroom.
Common mattress sizes include:
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Twin
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Twin XL
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Full
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Queen
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King
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California King
Couples often prefer queen or king mattresses for additional sleeping space and comfort.
Think About Temperature and Cooling
Some sleepers naturally sleep warmer than others. If temperature regulation matters to you, look for mattresses designed with cooling features such as:
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Breathable covers
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Gel-infused foam
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Coil systems that promote airflow
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Latex comfort layers
These features can help support a cooler and more comfortable sleep environment.
Motion Isolation for Couples
If you share your bed with a partner, motion isolation can be an important consideration.
Mattresses that absorb movement help reduce disturbances when one person shifts position or gets out of bed during the night.
Memory foam mattresses are often especially effective at minimizing motion transfer.
Edge Support
Strong edge support helps you use the full mattress surface more comfortably. This can be especially helpful for couples or for sleepers who tend to sit or sleep near the edge of the bed.
Hybrid mattresses often provide stronger edge support because of their coil systems.
Test Comfort and Support
Comfort is highly personal. What feels right for one sleeper may feel very different for another.
If possible, take advantage of a sleep trial or an in-home testing period to experience the mattress in your own sleep environment.
Giving yourself time to adjust to a new mattress can help you determine whether it provides the right level of comfort and support.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mattress involves looking at your sleep position, preferred firmness, mattress materials, and personal comfort preferences. A mattress that supports proper alignment and provides consistent comfort can make a meaningful difference in sleep quality.
Taking the time to understand these factors can help you choose a mattress designed for better sleep and long-term comfort.
Need Help Choosing the Right Mattress?
Explore our mattress collection or contact our team if you need help finding the right mattress for your sleep style, comfort preferences, and support needs.