Blog

The Best Sleeping Mattresses: How to Choose the Right One?

Young woman sleeping on her side, on a comfortable and restful mattress.
7 minutes

And now it’s time to see how we can choose the most important item in the house: the sleeping mattress!

It’s responsible for your mental and physical health, as all doctors stress the importance of a deep and restful sleep for our mind and body.

So which are the best sleeping mattresses and how do we choose the right one?

Below, we’ll break down the key things to look out in order to choose the right mattress for you.

Before we get to our main topic, read in our related article everything you need to know in order to make the right choice between a metal vs a wooden bed frame!

Let’s get started now!

1. Mattress type

Almost all bed mattresses can be classified into one of the following four types: foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses and latex mattresses.

Innerspring mattresses are the best known and most traditional ones. In recent years, however, other types of mattresses have gained in popularity, offering better performance.

Let’s take a look at them:

Foam mattresses

These mattresses are made entirely with foam and without springs. And they are probably the best springless sleeping mattresses.

This is because they tend to provide above-average body support, great pressure relief and motion isolation, making them suitable for people who sleep on their sides.

Memory foam is the best known type of foam used in these mattresses.

The distinguishing feature of these mattresses is that they take the shape of your body and return to their original position when you get out of bed, providing excellent pressure relief, while they are ideal for those suffering from back pain.

So, if you are wondering about what kind of mattress to choose for your back, then a memory foam mattress is probably an excellent choice for you!

Innerspring mattresses

This type of mattress has an internal support system based on springs and a few other layers of different materials.

The springs may indeed offer some support, however they often have low pressure relief. Their sleeping surface is more intense and they have limited motion insulation.

Good sleeping Phaistos mattress lying outdoors, on a wooden bed frame.

See the product here: Phaistos mattress.

Innerspring mattresses are distinguished for their durability and breathability.

Innerspring mattresses are further divided into two subcategories:

  • Bonnell innersprings

Bonnel innerspring mattresses are supported by a steel rod and are reinforced above and below by pads or foam.

They are further subdivided into anatomical (medium) and orthopedic (firm) mattresses.

These are cheaper mattresses and can provide support for heavier body weights, but are not renowned for their comfort.

  • Pocket innersprings

There are also the pocket innerspring mattresses, in which the springs are independent, as they are located in fabric pockets and are not joined together.

In this case the springs are also combined with cotton or foam materials. This type of mattress is more responsive to the shape and movement of your body.

An important difference between them and Bonnell mattresses is that they are softer and therefore more comfortable.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses have two central layers; an internal spring support core and a solid foam system.

The foam layers can include foam or latex, and sometimes even include a smaller spring layer.

These mattresses provide a blend of bounce and support with low heat retention and suit people who sleep in various positions during the night.

So, if you’re looking for good sleeping mattresses that combine the positives of both foam and innersprings, then hybrid mattresses are perfect for you!

Latex mattresses

There are mattresses whose every layer is made of latex. They are known as latex mattresses.

There are two different types of them; mattresses made of synthetic (petroleum derivative) and natural latex, which is produced from the rubber tree and is a healthier but more expensive option.

Latex has some excellent properties, such as reaction to pressure, temperature regulation, etc.

These mattresses offer top bounce and durability with moderate support, while they are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and other allergens.

2. Mattress firmness

Comfort is subjective, which means it’s important to find a mattress that fits you. We are referring to the firmness of the mattress, meaning how hard or soft it feels.

In order to compare our options, we use a 1-10 hardness scale. Your sense of a mattress’s firmness depends on your own personal definition of what is soft, medium or firm, as well as your body type, weight and size.

You shouldn’t confuse support with firmness. A supportive mattress is one that sets the spine in an even line without creating pressure points.

Firmness refers only to the actual “feel” of the bed. You can find a supportive mattress across the entire range of firmness. The average preferred level of firmness ranges between 4-7.

The choice you make should aim for a balance between comfort and support based on your sleeping position:

  • Soft mattress: ideal for side sleepers as they offer the right padding to relieve pressure on the shoulders and the hips.
  • Medium mattress: suitable for most sleeping positions, offering support and comfort.
  • Firm mattress: suitable for people who sleep on their backs or on their stomach, as they provide the necessary support to maintain proper spinal alignment.

3. Body type & weight

Your body type and weight influence the final choice of your mattress, which should provide adequate spinal support, comfort and other important features.

Anatomical Queen size sleeping mattress, on a wooden bed frame, lying in an outdoor area with sea view.

See the product here: Papingo mattress.

Let’s see which mattress to choose, depending on your body type:

  • Up to 70 kg

The sinkage into the mattress is relatively small.

Such a body type often benefits from a softer mattress, especially if you sleep on your side.

However, each person has their own preference on how firm they would like their mattress to be.

So our advice is the following:

If you want a firmer mattress, then calculate around one less degree of firmness than you originally thought (on the 1-10 scale we talked about before), since firmer mattresses are usually made for bigger people.

Foam or hybrid mattresses are ideal options.

  • 70 – 100 kg

Solid foam, hybrid or even latex mattresses are great for you, as long as you find the degree of firmness that suits you.

If you want your mattress to be softer, choose a mattress with thick upper foam levels to provide adequate cushion as you push the structure. Conversely, for a firmer mattress, choose one that has fewer upper foam levels and more support layers.

  • Over 100 kg

The best sleeping mattresses for these body types and body weights over 100 kilos are hard mattresses.

A hard mattress will allow you not to sink too much into it and, thus, will not disturb the alignment of your spine.

Latex and hybrid mattresses are suitable in these situations. We recommend that you choose a mattress with thicker upper foam levels made from high density materials.

If your body type is characterized by larger shoulders or hips, you may need a softer mattress with better support, especially if you tend to sleep on your side.

And of course, don’t forget your height. Consider the dimensions of the mattress carefully to ensure you can stretch comfortably in it.

4. Sleeping positions

The parts of your body that need more support to maintain spinal alignment vary depending on your sleeping position.

For this reason, choosing a mattress that fits your sleeping position can enhance comfort and help prevent pain.

Let’s take a look at what sleeping positions exist and which mattresses are best suited for each one of them:

  • Supine position

When you sleep on your back, you put the most pressure on your lower back.

A medium or firm mattress with little to moderate support will help you to avoid sinking too much, if at all, and help maintain your spinal alignment. Which will reduce the risk of waking up with back pain.

  • Side sleeping

The pressure points where the body is wider are mainly in the shoulders and hips.

Thematic image for the best sleeping mattresses. Man lifts white mattress from bed.

This means that you need a mattress that has the ability to adapt and take the shape of your body and provide the necessary protection for your shoulders and hips.

So the best mattresses for you are foam mattresses and, ideally, of medium firmness (soft to medium or medium to firm).

  • Prone position

In the prone sleeping position, the pressure is bigger on the lumbar spine (i.e., low on the back).

A firm mattress can keep you from getting U-shaped, since it prevents your back from sinking too deep, which could cause back pain and other back problems. It will also help you from feeling like suffocating when you lie down.

  • Combination

If you don’t have a fixed sleeping position and tend to change frequently during the night, experts usually suggest choosing according to the position you’re in most of the time.

If there is no main position, a medium firmness mattress offers the best support.

5. Mattress dimensions

Another key factor that you should definitely consider before settling on a mattress is the size or dimensions of the mattress (i.e., length and width).

This criterion is directly related to who will be sleeping in the bed (hence to the size of the bed).

By the way, discover our selection of top handmade bedroom sets and make your bedroom exactly the way you want it!

So, if you live alone, then you’re likely to prefer a single mattress. But if you live with your partner, then a double mattress will probably be essential.

Let’s see the types of mattresses according to their dimensions:

  • Single mattresses: 190 cm long x 90 cm wide
  • Semi-double mattresses: 200 x 120
  • Double mattresses: 200 x 140
  • Queen size mattresses: 200 x 160
  • King size mattresses: 200 x 180 or 220 x 200

6. Motion isolation

A good sleeping mattress should have good motion isolation, especially when sharing a bed with a partner.

This feature prevents you from feeling your partner’s movements throughout the night, ensuring a restful and peaceful sleep without interruptions.

Memory foam and latex mattresses are known for their excellent motion isolation properties.

7. Limb support

Strong limb support is essential if you like to sit on the edge of your bed or need the extra support when getting in and out of bed.

Some mattresses are designed with reinforced edges to prevent sagging and maintain a firm sleeping surface.

8. Durability

Young woman sleeping face down on a bed with white sheets and pillow.

Make sure you also take into account the lifespan and warranty of the mattress.

High-quality mattresses often come with long warranties, which reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability of their product.

A mattress is a long-term investment in your sleep quality, so choosing a mattress that will last is worth it.

8. Budget

Set a financial limit before you go out into the market in search of a mattress.

There are a variety of options available at different prices, so you can find the product that meets your needs without spending a fortune.

Always keep in mind that a cheaper mattress doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inferior in quality, so research and comparison of features and prices are essential before buying.

The best sleeping mattresses & factors to consider – Summary

So which are the best sleeping mattresses and how to choose the right one?

Reading the above article will probably help you give the right answer and enable you to make the best possible choice to ensure comfortable and quality night’s sleep and your overall well-being.

So, if you want a comfortable and restful sleep, take a look at our top quality mattresses and choose the perfect one for you!

Leave a Reply