Buying a new mattress is an investment in your health and wellbeing. The lasting effects of sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your cognition, hormones, and mental health. By choosing the right mattress, you’re setting the foundation for quality rest.
Knowing which mattress is right for you starts with knowing your own body. Here are some practical steps to help you choose the mattress that will let you achieve your best sleep.
Consider Your Preferred Sleeping Position
First, start by considering your preferred sleeping position. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you’ll need something in the medium-firm to the firm range. It’s integral to have a firm mattress for back sleepers and stomach sleepers to support spinal alignment.
Side sleepers need a bit more give in the mattress to ensure the support contours to their bodies in the side-lying position— ideally, a medium-rated mattress for adequate support.
If you’re a back sleeper and don’t like firm mattresses, invest in a thin mattress topper to ensure the right balance between support and comfort.
Consider Your Body Type
Your body type also provides insight into the best mattress for you. Heavier individuals will sink more than lighter individuals, meaning they need a firmer mattress. Lighter individuals— even back sleepers— might not get the right balance of support and comfort with a firm mattress and benefit from something softer, like a medium-firm.
If you share a bed with someone who has a different body type than you, aim for something in the middle or invest in a mattress topper.
Note Any Specialty Considerations
Your body is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not work when choosing a mattress. If you have an underlying condition, like scoliosis or arthritis, the firmer mattress could do more harm than good. In addition to health concerns, factors like limited mobility, athleticism, and sleep apnea could impact what you need from a bed.
Take some time to consider your unique circumstances and research mattress options based on your needs.
Set Your Budget
Once you have a better idea of the type of mattress you need, set a realistic budget. Fortunately, you can get a great mattress without breaking the bank; price isn’t always synonymous with quality. However, giving yourself more financial wiggle room will help you find the best mattress to promote healthy sleep.
Shop for Quality
Next, shop around for recommended mattresses that have a proven track record of good quality. Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from your network to find something that lasts. Take five-star ratings with a grain of salt, and dig into the lower ratings as well. Lower ratings shouldn’t be a deterrent— it’s difficult to please everyone— but they often provide valuable insights into things you hadn’t otherwise considered, like shipping, customer service, etc.
Look for a Money-Back Guarantee
Finally, look for a mattress brand that offers a money-back guarantee with a trial period. Testing a mattress in the store isn’t a realistic way to fully assess your comfort and quality of sleep. Most high-quality mattress brands will offer up to a month of testing the bed at home.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can find the perfect bed to help you achieve your best sleep.
