How To Choose a Mattress: Everything You Need to Know
Gemma HenryYou might think that mattresses are just something to flop on to at the end of a busy day and not given their actual purpose much thought...
Until you notice you need a new one that is.
It turns out that your mattress is a really vital part a good night’s sleep and choosing the wrong one can actually be a big deal. Sleeping on the wrong mattress won’t just interfere with a solid eight hours of shut eye, it could potentially aggravate your back and neck, leaving you with uncomfortable aches and pains. (1).
There are so many factors which come into choosing the right mattress. You’ll need to consider the size of the mattress, the type of mattress, and even the position that you sleep in.
Don’t worry though, we’re here to help make choosing a mattress so much easier.
What are the different types of mattresses?
Let’s start by first looking at the different types of Bensons for Beds mattresses .
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are designed and built with a high-density foam, specifically designed to mould to the natural contours of your body, to offer comfort and support. This helps to relieve pressure while you sleep.
Pocket sprung mattresses
Pocket sprung mattresses are made using individual springs, each of which are surrounded by fabric. These springs work independently, to adapt and contour to your body, offering great levels of support and comfort and perhaps most importantly, preventing you and your partner rolling into the middle of the mattress during the night, as you sleep.
Orthopaedic mattresses
Orthopaedic mattresses offer firmer support for your joints and muscles and they can help to relieve your pressure points. Orthopaedic mattresses are usually recommended for people who suffer from aches and pains while they sleep.
Open coil mattresses
Open coil mattresses, or sprung mattresses as they are sometimes called, are what you might think of when you think of a traditional mattress. They are made with an inter-connected spring system with a comfort layer.
Open coil mattresses distribute your weight evenly, keeping you feeling comfortable all night and reducing pressure on any one part of the body.
Rolled up mattresses
A rolled-up mattress is exactly what it says on the tin – a mattress which rolls up! They’re an ideal choice if you want to collect your new mattress from your local Bensons for Beds store, or if you live in a high rise building, with limited access.
Mattress comfort rating
As well as the different types of mattresses available, each mattress at Bensons for Beds also comes with a comfort rating. This allows you to see how soft or firm a mattress is. Finding the right comfort level is key in getting a good night’s sleep.
Our mattress come in a range of comfort ratings. Choose from soft, medium, firm and extra firm.
Each type of mattress and comfort rating is suitable for certain types of sleepers.
READ MORE: More information can be found about Firmness Ratings in our article ‘Find the best mattress for you.’
Best mattresses for your sleep position
The first question you should ask yourself in the hunt for a new mattress is what type of sleeper are you? The position you mainly assume at night-time will play a huge part in your choice of mattress.
Best Mattress for side sleepers
If you like to sleep on your side then you’re not alone. Sleeping on your side is the most common way to sleep. It’s also one of the healthiest positions to sleep in as it can help to improve breathing, aid digestion and reduce aches and pains. (2)
Side sleepers may benefit from choosing a softer mattress. Soft mattresses allow plenty of give, which means that they can contour to your body’s natural shape, keeping the spine aligned. They also provide support for your pressure points.
A soft memory foam mattress would also work well for you too. These mattresses for side sleepers mould to your body, while giving you excellent support while you sleep.
Best mattress for back sleepers
Yep, you guessed it – a back sleeper is someone who sleeps on their back. After side sleeping, this is the second most common sleeping position.(3)
One of the best type of mattress for back sleepers are pocket sprung mattresses. These mattresses are made with individual springs, each encased in its own fabric pocket. These move individually, to provide personalised support wherever your body needs it most.
Best mattress for front sleepers
It isn’t really recommended that you sleep on your front as this position can lead to strain in the back and neck. In turn, this strain may lead to a poor night’s sleep and cause you to wake up with aches and pains.
However, if you’ve found a position you’re comfortable with, we know it’s difficult to change that. If you can’t resist sleeping on your front, then you might benefit from a firm or extra firm mattress.
This will help to keep you comfortable and offer you a good level of support. The firmness will stop you from sinking into the mattress which would cause additional pressure on your back and neck.
What if I change positions?
Good question! You might not necessarily be able to narrow down your sleeping position into just one of the types mentioned above. You might be continually changing position during the night.
If this is you then you should try to figure out which position you spend most of your time in during the night. Think about what feel most natural when you first lie down and how you wake up.
What is the best mattress if you suffer from a bad back?
A bad back can make sleeping a nightmare, if you’ll excuse the pun. Memory foam mattresses can be a good choice if you suffer from back pain. They mould to your body, absorb your weight and help to relieve additional pressure on your joints.
Each night, as your sleep, your memory foam mattress will “remember” you and help keep the shape of your sleeping position.
Remember, if you have ongoing back problems, then your GP may be able to advise you on the right type of mattress.
READ MORE: You may also find more useful information in our article: Best types of mattress for a bad back
The best mattresses if you’re overweight
If you’re on the heavy side, then it can sometimes be difficult to find a mattress which is perfectly comfortable. When you’re an above average weight, then it can help to look for a firmer mattress which can offer you support where you need it.
Should you share your bed with a partner, then the best mattress for overweight couples may be pocket sprung mattress. These mattresses offer tailored support with their individual pocket springs and this will help to stop you from rolling into and disturbing each other during the night.
The best mattress for couples
In a couple, it’s unlikely that you both need exactly the same thing when it comes to a mattress. Your different weights, sleeping positions and comfort needs means that you will need something to suit both of you.
iGel Advance 2000 Mattress
A pocket sprung with additional perimeter support, like the iGel Advance 2000 mattress is definitely a good choice. This type of mattress will cater to both of you, thanks to the individual small springs within the fabric of the mattress and the AdvantEdge™ premium edge support. The separate springs will work independently, for you both, offering personalised support and comfort.
Pocket sprung mattresses are also much more breathable than latex and memory foam mattresses which means that you won’t get too hot while you sleep. This is especially important if one of you like a cosy sleep whereas the other likes to be cool!
The best mattresses for hot sleepers
Hands up if you often wake up during the night sweaty? It’s nothing to be ashamed of, as a lot of people find that they get too hot when they’re asleep. This could be due to the temperature of the room, the pyjamas you wear, factors such as the menopause or even just your bedding.
If you need a mattress which helps to keep you cooler, than try an innovative iGel mattress. iGel advance technology uses temperature regulating material which transfers heat seven times faster than standard foam, which helps to regulate your body temperature. It also wicks away moisture to keep you feeling fresh all night.
sleeppro® at Bensons for Beds
Even though you’re now armed with all this information about mattresses, it can still be difficult to know exactly which mattress will suit you. Since a mattress isn’t an everyday purchase , you may be worried that you’ll make the wrong choice.
The best way to get a feel for the difference between the comfort ratings is to try them out. At Bensons for Beds, you can now do this in a more innovative way than ever before with our sleeppro® technology.
When you take a lie down at our Comfort Station, innovative technology allows you to experience the different firmness ratings at the touch of a tablet screen. Smart fabric also detects any particular areas requiring support , helping to guide you towards the perfect choice of mattress.
Further help choosing the right mattress for you
If you want further information about our superb range of mattresses, get in touch with one of our friendly team. You can give us a call on 0808 144 6160, or shop online now.
Gemma Henry - Content Lead
Gemma finds sleep fascinating and describes the discovery aspect of her role as eye-opening. Her keen eye for detail and dedication to thorough research ensures that Bensons customers get the informative sleep-based advice they're looking for.