What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Me?

How To Choose The Right Mattress For Your Needs

For many, good sleep is everything. Without the right mattress for your individual needs, it can be very hard to achieve this. Much of the comfort, cushioning and support you experience in bed is provided by the mattress, so getting this choice right is imperative to feeling fully relaxed as your drift off to sleep. The health benefits of high-quality sleep are plain to see, while the potential negative impact on your physical and mental health of not getting enough sleep are just as prevalent.

The goal of this guide is to help you identify the type of mattress that best suits you and your body, hopefully ensuring you have a better night’s sleep as a result. First, we will outline the main types of mattresses available for you to choose from.

Types of Mattresses

There are three main types of mattress on the market today which take up the bulk of demand. These are pocket spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses, which are summarised below.

Pocket Spring Mattresses

A pocket spring or pocket sprung mattress is one which has a number of springs within the mattress that operate individually, within their own pockets. This ability to move individually means that the mattress can distribute weight evenly and offer targeted support where the sleeper needs it. This is often the go-to choice for couples who has slightly different preferences for beds but is a good all-rounder.

Memory Foam Mattresses

A memory foam mattress is made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam that contours to the sleeper’s body by reacting to the heat and weight the body provides. This means the mattress moulds to fit the sleeping position and shape of the sleeper, which can provide the ideal support and pressure relief to many. The potential drawback of this is the difficulty with repositioning once the mattress has moulded to a body’s contours.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress could be the perfect mattress for you if you desire a combination of the two above. These ‘best of both worlds’ mattresses comprise of different layers to bring the benefits of both memory foam and springs. Often, this is the form of a pocket sprung mattress layer to the base, with a high-density and memory foam making up the other layers. This type of mattress is suitable to all.

Other Mattress Types

There are a number of less popular and rarer mattresses that may interest you, depending on your requirements.

• Innerspring Mattresses – These are made with heavy-duty steel coils, often suited to heavier individuals and those desiring high support.
• Gel Mattresses – These are similar to regular memory foam mattresses, but have gel cooling properties which are suitable for people who struggle with heat in bed.
• Latex Mattresses – As you’d imagine, a latex mattress is crafted from natural latex which is highly responsive to the sleeper. These are used by people who like a bouncier feel or have specific allergies.
• Water Beds – Water beds use a mattress full of water which offers a unique feel. With the nature of water, these water beds are less stable but do adapt to the shape of the sleepers.
• Air/Blow Up Mattresses – Perfect for camping or as an emergency sleeping option, airbeds and blow up mattresses are easy to use and put away again afterwards.

Mattress Firmness

Firmness is a key factor to consider when deciding which mattress is right for you. Generally, it comes down to personal preference, but there are potential health benefits to choosing different firmness depending on your weight, shape and sleeping position.

Soft Mattresses

Soft mattresses are ideal for lightweight individuals and side sleepers who require more cushioning to alleviate pressure points. These mattresses provide a plush, enveloping feel that conforms closely to the body, ensuring that your hips and shoulders are fully supported. This enhanced contouring helps maintain proper spinal alignment and can prevent discomfort and pain. Aside from the science, soft mattresses are great for anyone who prefers softer sleeping surfaces and seeks a luxurious, cradling sleep experience.

Medium Firm Mattresses

A medium mattress is a versatile option suitable for a wide range of sleep styles, making them very common. They provide a balanced blend of support and comfort, which is particularly effective for back sleepers. The medium-firm surface helps maintain proper spinal alignment by supporting the natural curve of the spine, reducing the risk of back pain. This level of firmness is also accommodating for sleepers who tend to move around and switch positions throughout the night, providing adequate support and comfort for all manner of sleeping postures.

Firm Mattresses

Firm mattresses offer substantial support, making them the best choice for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals. For stomach sleepers, a firm surface prevents the midsection/torso from sinking too deeply, which can misalign the spine and cause back pain. Heavier individuals benefit from the added support of a firm mattress as it helps distribute their weight more evenly, reducing potential pressure points. The robust nature of a firm mattress ensures durability and lasting shape over time.

Adjusting Mattress Firmness

Using a mattress topper is a way to adjust the firmness of a mattress to your liking. These toppers are available in various materials and thicknesses, allowing users to modify the comfort level of their existing mattress without purchasing a new one. For instance, a memory foam mattress topper can add a layer of softness and contouring to a firm mattress, while a latex topper can introduce more support and resilience to a soft mattress. Think of a mattress topper like another layer in a hybrid mattress.

Choosing A Mattress Based on Sleep Position

Sleeping position is another major factor you need to consider in the mattress buying process. The way you decide to lie while in bed can have a large impact in terms of potential pain in certain areas of your body and your overall posture. We aren’t here to school you on the best sleeping position to adopt, instead we will offer recommendations on the best mattress type for different sleep styles.

Best Mattress Type For Side Sleepers

For those who sleep on their side, often in a foetal position, softer to medium mattresses are recommended, as they tend to provide pressure relief on hips and shoulders which are taking the bulk of your weight in bed.

Best Mattress Type For Back Sleepers

If you sleep on your back in a largely neutral position, we recommend medium-firm mattresses because they help to maintain spinal alignment and offer balanced support throughout your whole body.

Best Mattress Type For Stomach Sleepers

Many people choose to sleep on their stomach and for these, we suggest a firmer mattress. The reason being a firm mattress will stop your body from sinking too far into the mattress and affecting your posture. Firm mattresses prevent your hips from sinking and maintain a neutral spine position.

Mattress Considerations for Specific Needs

What’s the Best Mattress Type For Back Pain?

We recommend a memory foam or latex mattresses if you struggle with back pain as they offer good spine alignment and pressure relief. Medium firm mattresses will also help relieve back issues.

What’s the Best Mattress Type For a Heavy Person?

If you are a heavier individual, we recommended a firmer mattress that provides the support you need and prevents you from sinking excessively into the mattress. Body weight is a key consideration when buying a mattress.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Couples?

It can be tough finding a mattress that suits both halves of a couple if your partner has different preferences to you. As such, we recommend a hybrid mattress that will be the best of both world. It’s also good to consider mattresses with motion isolation, like memory foam or pocket springs, which will minimise disturbance from your partner’s movements.

Mattress Buying Guide Conclusion

Through reading this guide, you should feel better informed about exactly what kind of mattress you need to purchase in order to fulfil your individual needs. We’ve covered two key areas – mattress materials and mattress firmness – before delving deeper into advising on the right mattress for specific needs. Sleeping position, also known as sleep style, is one of the key factors you should always have in your mind when buying a mattress, along with your preferences around softness and comfort, and your body weight.

Now you know what mattress you need, feel free to explore the high quality and reasonable range of mattresses available here at Home Treats UK, including memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid.