There are many things to consider when purchasing a new mattress. The first things that usually come to mind are: “What is my budget?” and “What is size will fit in my space and best suit my needs?”. However, it is equally, if not more, important to dig into what type of mattress you need to get optimal sleep each and every night. Sleep is vital to our health and wellbeing. Therefore, a little guidance into the type of mattresses, such as firmness, that will best benefit your sleep position, body type, health conditions, and more can make all the difference in being completely satisfied with your investment.
Sleeping Position
Side Sleepers: Considered to be the most common sleeping position, side sleeping includes benefits such as improved breathing and digestion, as well as reduced back pain. However, sleeping on your side may cause shoulder, hip, and lower back pain without proper support from your mattress. Mattresses that contour to the shape of the body provide pressure point relief that could provide side sleepers with a comfortable night’s sleep since they cushion these areas that press deeper into the mattress.
- Firmness: Medium-Soft to Medium-Firm
- Types to Consider: Hybrid, Pillow-top, Memory Foam
Back Sleepers: Back sleepers are in the best position to support the head, back, and neck alignment, as it allows the spine to rest in a neutral position. However, sleeping on your back can put too much pressure on the lower back if the mattress is too soft, allowing the torso to sink more deeply than the upper and lower body. Because of this, it’s important to find that is supportive enough to support your spine yet cushioned for comfort, especially for your lower back, hips, and shoulders.
- Firmness: Medium to Medium-Firm
- Types to Consider: Memory Foam, Hybrid, Pillow-top
Stomach Sleepers: Ohhh, stomach sleepers! The best advice we can give you is to stop sleeping on your belly. In addition to many other issues, stomach sleeping makes you prone to waking up with aches and pains each morning due to the stress this position puts on the neck and spine. But if this is the only way for you to get a good night’s sleep, it’s important to choose a mattress on the firmer side that prevents sinking, especially around your midsection. While that extra plush mattress may seem comfy, you most likely need the resistance of a firm mattress to prevent misalignment of the spine and additional discomfort.
- Firmness: Medium-Firm to Firm
- Types to Consider: Memory Foam, Hybrid
Combination Sleepers: Do you change positions throughout the night? If so, you’re a combination sleeper. One way to choose your mattress is to base your decision on the position in which you spend most of the night. If there’s no primary position, medium-firm is likely your best bet for optimal comfort. It is also key to choose a responsive mattress that allows you to easily move and change positions throughout the night. Because of this, you may want to avoid memory foam as it could make you feel stuck. Latex or other types of foam that respond well to movement could work, but a hybrid will most likely bring you the best of both worlds.
- Firmness: Medium-Firm
- Types to Consider: Hybrid
Body Type
Lightweight sleepers, weighing less than 130 pounds, will likely need a softer mattress as a medium-firm mattress may feel firmer to them than someone with a higher bodyweight. On the flip side, people weighing over 230 pounds will likely get the most support from a firmer mattress.
When it comes to height, it’s important to note that twin and full mattresses are about the same length (Twin - 75” long, Full - 74” long). Folks around 6 feet tall or taller will likely want to invest in a Queen or King since they are 80” long, or maybe even a California King (84” long).
Let’s talk about those Cal King mattresses… Contrary to popular belief, a California King (72” x 84”) mattress is LONGER than a regular King (76” x 80”). These are generally recommended for people over 6 feet tall (especially those who sleep on their back or stomach), narrow bedrooms, or those who sleep with their pets at the foot of their bed. For couples, bedrooms with extra width, or families who sleep with small children, we suggest you go with a King size mattress.
Health and Wellness
Are you a hot sleeper or a snorer? Do you have back pain or arthritis? Circulation problems or digestive issues? Believe it or not, your mattress type and firmness level could help you get a better night’s sleep.
However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a “one size fits all” scenario. You need to consider it all—your sleeping position, body type, lifestyle, and more—to find the right solution for you. For example, if you are a side sleeper who runs hot when you sleep, a memory foam mattress may provide pressure relief and contouring you need, but could cultivate more heat. This is where our HSD Sleep Map and expert team come into play. We take the guesswork out of it for you!
One innovative sleep solution that can help any type of sleeper get relaxing, restorative sleep is our TEMPUR-Ergo® Smart Base. These adjustable mattress bases automatically respond to snoring, assist with pain relief and recovery, and so much more! Check out the video below to learn more about how a TEMPUR-Ergo® Smart Base can maximize your comfort and sleep.
As your Middle Tennessee mattress dealer, we keep our Sleep Center filled with the best mattresses from top American-made brands. Our showroom also features our HSD Sleep Map which uses cutting-edge technology to match you with the best mattress for your unique sleep style in minutes! Come give it a try at our furniture warehouse at 547 Mt Hope Street in Downtown Franklin!
