Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Mattress

When shopping for a new mattress, the core material significantly influences comfort and support. The four primary types of supportive cores are latex, foam, air-supported, and innerspring. These materials form the foundation of your mattress choice, impacting its overall feel. Heavier individuals often prefer thicker mattresses with durable, interconnected coils that provide optimal support. Pocketed coils, wrapped individually and covered with fabric, minimize disturbance from movement, offering a more restful sleep experience.

An often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of mattress selection is the user's body weight. This should heavily influence your decision to ensure proper support and comfort. Tailoring the mattress to body weight and type helps optimize support, reduce pressure points, and enhance overall sleep quality.

The mattress's thickness plays a vital role in support and comfort, often more so than size. Memory foam mattresses, for instance, come in various types with consistent heights across sizes. Additional layers through customization, quilting, or upholstery can alter thickness and support. Sleep position also impacts your choice—different sleeping styles require specific support levels to protect the spine and reduce discomfort.

Back sleepers benefit from firmer mattresses providing support, typically in the 4-7 firmness range, to avoid pressure buildup. Side sleepers prefer medium firmness (3-6 on the scale) with plush, contouring surfaces that relieve pressure points and prevent pain. Stomach sleepers need firm support, around 5-7 firmness, to keep proper spinal alignment and prevent soreness.