We spend around a third of our lives sleeping, and the squishy thing underneath us plays a pivotal role in how well we sleep.
Sleep is also essential to our health, so our mattress plays a significant role in our lives on a broader level.
The best mattress for a great night’s sleep considers only two things:
- Sleeping position
- Body composition (weight)
Sleeping position
You can cut through the noise when choosing a new mattress simply by figuring out how you sleep most of the time.
The primary position you sleep in determines the baseline firmness you need, and this rule is universal. Anyone can use it to choose a mattress.
Here are the basic rules:
- Front sleepers need a softer mattress
- Back sleepers need a firm mattress
- Side sleepers need a medium mattress
Now, theer part of these rules leaves scope for some fine adjustment with firmness. There are a few levels of firmness you can choose from:
- Soft
- Medium-soft
- Medium
- Medium-firm
- Firm
To fine-tune your mattress, we also need to consider body composition.
Body composition
The heavier you are, the more you sink into a mattress. Heavier people need a firmer mattress, and lighter people need a softer mattress.
You don’t want to sink into a mattress, but you don’t want it to be a granite slab either. We can choose a specific feel to accommodate this.
- If you weigh less than 140lbs, a soft mattress is perfect
- If you weigh less than 160lbs, a medium-soft mattress is perfect
- If you weigh less than 180lbs, a medium mattress is perfect
- If you weigh 180lbs to 200lbs, a medium-firm mattress is perfect
- If you weigh over 200lbs, a firm mattress is perfect
Most people should choose a medium mattress because it provides good comfort and support. If you weigh less than 160lbs, consider a medium-soft mattress, and if you weigh 180lbs to 200lbs, choose a medium-firm mattress.
People over 200lbs should choose a firm mattress with a memory foam comfort layer to have enough support and plush comfort.
If you like sleeping on a firm mattress, by all means, go for a firm mattress, but don’t fall into the trap of sacrificing comfort, or else you might wake up with aches.
When to replace a mattress
Your mattress is an intimate part of your life. But be honest: when was the last time you replaced your mattress?
Most experts recommend replacing a mattress every decade, but the reality is most of us get rid when it gets lumpy or starts sagging.
This can be before or after a decade, depending on the mattress type and how often it is used.
Here are some signs you need a new mattress:
- It has lumps and bumps
- It sags
- It’s uncomfortable (if you toss and turn a lot, this is a sign)
- You wake up with aches and pains
- You sink into the mattress (a warning it no longer provides support)
It would be best to replace your mattress when it reaches a decade old. Even if it appears fine, its performance has probably degraded considerably.
Different types of mattresses
There are three main types of mattresses:
- Spring mattresses have open coils (interconnected springs) or pocket springs (individual springs) with foam or padding comfort layers.
- Pure foam mattresses are memory foam or latex foam. They provide the most pressure relief with body contouring.
- Hybrid mattresses have a smaller spring support system with generous memory foam comfort layers.
Some people enjoy the spring and bounce of a sprung mattress, while others enjoy the cushioning of memory foam. If you enjoy both, a hybrid mattress will be ideal.
Mattress recommendations
Here are a few mattress recommendations to get you started:
- Affordable all-rounder – Sleepsoul Balance 800 (medium, £399 king)
- Great for side sleepers – Mlily Bamboo Deluxe (medium-soft, £799 king)
- Great for front sleepers – Giltedge Beds Euphoria (medium-soft, £479 king)
- Great for back sleepers – Sleepeezee Hotel Comfort 800 (medium-firm, £539 king)
- Pure luxury – Silentnight Geltex 3,000 (medium, £999 king)
Overall
The best mattress for a great night’s sleep will support your preferred sleeping position and provide support without being too squishy. Look for a balance of support and cushioning to get the best night’s sleep possible.
All mattresses pictured are available from Bedstar The Online Bed Superstore.
