How to choose a mattress based on how you sleep

Your favourite sleeping position is one of the most important factors when choosing a new mattress. While we all change positions when sleeping, most of us have a dominant position and catering to this can improve sleep quality.

Here’s how to choose a mattress based on how you sleep:

Side sleepers

Side sleepers need a balance of cushioning and support because of the small surface area pressing into the mattress.

A medium or medium-soft mattress (medium if you weigh more than 150lbs) is best to ensure pressure relief on your hips, legs and spine. Medium mattresses are suited to most sleepers, so they are also a good option for couples.

Regarding materials, side sleepers do best with memory foam and hybrid mattresses like the fantastic Mlily Bamboo and Sleepsoul Cloud. 

Pictured: Mlily Bamboo, Bamboo Charcoal infused Memory Foam helps to regulate moisture, odour and temperate for a healthier, more complete sleep.

Back sleepers

Back sleepers need firmer support to align the spine and neck, and a medium-firm mattress offers this without sacrificing a soft comfort layer.

Studies have found that a medium-firm mattress is best for chronic back pain. A firm mattress will be better if you prefer mattresses with little to no give.

Material wise, back sleepers do best with pocket spring mattresses for support, although an open coil mattress is fine if you are on a budget.

Stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress for extra support. Otherwise, the chest can sink into the mattress, causing discomfort. A medium-firm or firm mattress is best for stomach sleepers to ensure the back doesn’t arch unnaturally.

Most stomach sleepers do best with medium-firm. Heavier people (over 200lbs) might find a very firm mattress unforgiving when stomach sleeping.

The best mattress technology for stomach sleepers is memory foam or hybrid. Any mattress that contours to your body will be perfect.

No dominant position

A medium mattress is the best option if you don’t have a dominant sleeping position. This is soft enough for tummy sleeping and supportive enough for back sleeping.

Medium mattresses suit the widest range of people, providing a balance of squishiness and support. If you sleep in multiple positions during the night, a medium mattress will keep you comfortable most of the time to stop you from tossing and turning.

In terms of mattress type, pocket spring and open coil mattresses are best if you like bouncier beds (which aids in changing position). 

Pictured: Sleepsoul Cloud Mattress, Available from Bedstar. The Online Bed Superstore.

Mattress types and how they sleep

Now that you know what firmness matches your sleeping position, you can start looking at the different types of mattresses available.

Foam, hybrid, and sprung mattresses are available in medium-soft to very firm, but they feel different and provide a different experience.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses contour to your body and absorb shock, providing ultimate movement isolation. They usually have a medium-firm or firm feel because of the denseness of the foam, which provides robust support.
• Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses have a compact innerspring system for bounce and generous layers of foam, balancing body contouring and bounce to offer memory foam comfort with some of the springiness of pocket springs.
• Open coil: Open coil mattresses are more springy than pocket spring mattresses and offer less (but still good) support. This is a cheaper mattress technology usually found in medium-firm and firm feels.
• Pocket spring: Pocket spring mattresses are available in medium-soft to very firm and offer the best sleeping experience for most people. They are bouncy but isolate movement with individual springs sewn into pockets.

Memory foam and hybrid technology is best for side and front sleepers, while pocket spring mattresses are best for back sleepers. 

If you’re on a tight budget, pure foam mattresses offer excellent value for money but lack bounce, making changing positions harder. Most people prefer a hybrid or pocket spring mattress for a balance of bounce and cushioning.