Every sleeper is different, and there are a lot of factors that can determine what mattress will be best for you: age, body shape, weight, sleep preferences, sleep position, injury, illness, partner comfort, and more. So, how do you choose the right mattress for your sleep style?
The expert team at Dreamwool Beds has put together this handy mattress comfort guide to help every sleeper know where to start when selecting their next mattress.
The Right Materials
Your first priority when choosing your next bed should be to find one that is filled with high-quality, natural materials at meaningful volumes. Synthetics like memory foams can trap heat, leading to night sweats and sleep disturbance. For maximum breathability, look for materials like natural latex and Merino wool.
Then, you should consider whether you would prefer a pocketspring or a latex mattress; these options offer two different but equally luxurious sleep experiences. Pocketsprings provide a flatter style of firmness, with latex offering a bit more contour and deflection.
What firmness should I choose?
There really is no such thing as an ideal firmness or a one-size-fits-all solution; the only way to know for sure what you need is to lie down on the mattress and try it for yourself. We recommend spending at least a few minutes trying it on both your back and your sides. If you’re tossing up between two options, go with slightly softer; a bed will always feel firmer after eight hours of rest than it did after a 10-minute test on the shop floor.
As you’re weighing up which firmness could be right for you, here are a few factors to consider:
Age
Most of us will find that our sleep preferences change with age, often leaning towards a softer mattress as we get older.
Injury
Injuries and chronic pain can affect your choice of firmness, particularly if you have sensitive joints, which may require a softer level of support, or lower back injuries, which may benefit from additional firmness.
Partner Comfort
Your partner’s comfort may also dictate your firmness selection. Softer mattresses can absorb more movement, reducing partner disturbance.
Weight and Body Shape
Smaller and lighter people often prefer a softer mattress, while larger and heavier people may need firmer support. Similarly, a curvier person with a pear-shaped body might be more comfortable with a slightly softer mattress than a person of the same weight and size who has a more rectangular shape.
Sleep Style
All of these factors, combined with your sleep style, can help you select the best mattress for your needs. Your preferred sleeping position can play a big role in what firmness of mattress is best for you. Back sleepers may benefit from slightly firmer support, while side sleepers often prefer a softer, more contouring mattress.
Let’s look at a few different types of sleepers to see how their selections might compare.
50kg Side Sleeper
Often, the best mattress for side sleepers is one that is slightly softer. This is also true for someone whose body shape is smaller and less curvy, as the softer surface will contour around them for optimum support.
50kg Back Sleeper
Back sleeping typically requires a little extra support, though you’d still want to be mindful of this sleeper’s weight and body shape. They could be well-suited for either a soft or a medium firmness.
120kg Side Sleeper
It’s worth considering this sleeper’s body shape, as a side-sleeper with bigger shoulders might prefer a softer surface that allows them to deflect into the mattress. If they carry more of their weight in their mid-section, a firmer mattress with extra support would be appropriate.
120kg Back Sleeper
This person would probably be best suited to a firmer mattress with extra support, but again, it’s also worth taking into account factors such as body shape, age and injury.
Don’t Compromise on Sleep
The best investment you can make in tomorrow; is a good night’s sleep. To find the best latex, pocketspring or adjustable mattress for you and your individual sleep style, do your homework, look for all-natural materials, talk to your salesperson, and ask to see samples of what’s inside.
For partners with different sizes, shapes, and sleep preferences, we’d highly recommend a Twin Super King, which gives each sleeper a full single mattress to themselves, tailored to their own sleep style and comfort preferences, without the need for compromise.
Let the expert team at Dreamwool help you find your perfect fit by booking a consultation today!