Does what you sleep on have an impact on how well you sleep? Absolutely. Experts generally agree that, yes, slightly different surfaces have helped people improve their sleep, and sleep is an important part of overall health. Aside from that, what seems to be comfortable for each individual is a matter of personal preference.
What characteristics distinguish a good mattress?
Sleeping on a medium-firm mattress, particularly one with adjustable firmness, appears to promote comfort, proper spinal alignment, and quality sleep. In general, a mattress should support the healthy curvature of your spine, not overheat you, and fit your budget and other needs.
What matters about mattress types?
Experts agree that getting enough sleep is one of the most important things we can do to maintain and improve our health. A mattress is an important factor in our capacity to sleep well, but many people overlook its significance and continue to use a mattress that does not provide adequate support and comfort. A new mattress can be an expensive investment, but it can activate your potential to sleep better. As with any major purchase, you should make an informed decision.
MATTRESS TYPES
If you're just starting your search for a new mattress, you've probably noticed that there are a lot of options. Starting with mattress types could be a good way to get your bearings. Almost all mattresses are classified as one of five types: foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, or airbed. Innersprings are the most well-known and have traditionally been the mainstay in homes across the country. Other mattress types, on the other hand, have grown in popularity in recent years. These other mattress types have grown in popularity primarily by providing a more dynamic performance. They've also become more affordable and accessible as the online mattress industry has grown. Knowing the fundamentals of each of these types can be a good starting point for continuing your search for the best mattress.
· Foam: These mattresses are entirely made of foam, without any coils. Because they deliver above-average body contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation, they are ideal for side sleepers and couples. The most well-known of the foams used in these mattresses is memory foam.
· Innerspring: A coil-based support system and a few other layers comprise an innerspring mattress. While the coils provide a little support, innersprings frequently lack pressure relief. Their sleeping surface is more bouncy and has less motion isolation. These are more popular among budget consumers due to their lower price point.
· Hybrid: The main components of a hybrid are an innerspring support core and a substantial foam comfort system. The comfort layers may include foam or latex, as well as a shorter layer of coils in some cases (called micro-coils). Depending on how they are constructed, these mattresses provide a combination of bounce and contouring with low heat retention and can be suitable for sleepers in any position.
· Latex: Another all or genuine mattress is one in which all of the layers of the mattress are made of latex rubber. We will refer to latex mattresses as such for the sake of simplicity. These have a moderate contouring and provide excellent bounce and durability. When made with natural and organic latex, they are a popular choice among eco-conscious shoppers.
· Airbed: An air chamber serves as the airbed's support core. A built-in pump is controlled by a smartphone or remote to add or remove air with the push of a button, giving sleepers the most firmness flexibility. Couples like airbeds because each side can be set to a different firmness level.
FIRMNESS
So even though comfort is subjective, it's critical to find a mattress that feels right to you. The firmness of a bed describes how hard or soft it is. To compare options, we have used a 1-10 firmness scale. It isn't scientific, but it does convey how a mattress feels and who it might be best suited for.
Firmness Scale |
Firmness Level |
Best For |
2 |
Extra Soft |
Side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds |
3 |
Soft |
Side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds |
4 |
Medium Soft |
Sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds; side sleepers weighing less than 230 pounds |
5 |
Medium |
Back and side sleepers weighing 130-230 pounds |
6 |
Medium Firm |
Sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds; side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds |
7 |
Firm |
Side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds; back and stomach sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds |
8-9 |
Extra Firm |
Over 230-pound back and stomach sleepers |