How to Choose a Mattress [2024]

Sleep is important to us. It helps us relax and give our brains a break from what we’ve experienced from the previous day.

That’s why it’s vital to choose the right mattress for your slumber. Here, we made a list of points to focus on when it comes to choosing the perfect mattress.

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1. How firm it is

One of the many reasons there are lots of mattresses is that they manufacture a variety based on their firmness.

Your chiropractor will recommend that the mattress you use should be firm enough to support your back. This depends on your weight and your sleeping position.

A rule of thumb is that people who weigh more than 90 kg should opt for firmer mattresses. However, avoid getting one that’s too soft unless you want to experience back pains.

Another rule of thumb is to get firmer mattresses for those who sleep on their backs. For those sleeping on their side, opt for softer ones.

2. Your preferred temperature

Depending where you live, you may have experienced either shivering or sweating while sleeping even if you have your HVAC on.

This can be prevented by choosing a mattress with the right material and paired with appropriate bed covers.

For those feeling cold at night, you can opt for memory foam mattresses. They can retain heat easily as long as they’re paired with breathable bedcovers.

Beds made out of natural latex or pocket springs are your way to go when it’s too warm when you sleep. If you sweat a lot, it’s best to opt for spring mattresses as they are the most breathable.

3. Preferred sleeping position

Earlier, we mentioned how to choose the firmness depending on your seating position. There are four types of sleeping positions to think about.

Stomach sleepers are, as the name defines, those who sleep on their stomach. They put the most pressure on the lumbar spine.

Back sleepers put the most pressure on the middle and lower spine. If you have chosen the wrong type, it won’t catch your spine’s natural curve or your torso can add to the pressure.

The pressure points of side sleepers are of your hips and shoulders. On the wrong type of bed, it can make for an uncomfortable position at those points or cause strain on your spine’s form.

The last type of sleeping position is a combination of any of the previous positions. For this type, the sleeper would switch between sleeping positions, one of them lasts longer than the other.

If you just need guidance on ideal sleeping positions or back pain, you can consult professionals. Check out our lists on the best ones in your area:

4. Thinking about material

Aside from breathability, the material used in mattresses also affect other aspects of a person’s sleep.

Here are several types of mattresses based on material and their benefits:

Innerspring – Knows for its support system that uses coils, is not recommended for back sleepers and those who turn in their sleep a lot. It is popular for budget homeowners.
Latex – Very firm and very breathable. Great for people experiencing back and joint pain. Great for restless or calm sleepers.
Foam – Uses no coils. Versatile enough for both sleeping positions. Recommended for those with back problems and orthopedic complaints.
Airbeds – An inflatable mattress that usually includes a pump to adjust its firmness.
Hybrids – This type of mattress uses both a latex or foam layer and a coil layer. Great breathability for any type of sleeper.

5. Thinking of the children

Whether you are planning to have a family or you’re expecting a new addition, getting them a mattress is important to help them grow.

Our recommendation is to choose one big enough that can last until they’re teens or adults. Also, opt for brands that offer options that are made for children.

Do take note that some brands can carry children mattresses that can be as expensive as adult ones. Look over their features, price, and all the other criteria above for a good choice.

Aside from these, children’s mattresses should be easy to clean and have reversible firmness. These factors should also be considered with its firmness and your child’s weight.

6. Which mattress size

Depending on the brand, there are several sizes available for mattresses.

DFI Beds has five different sizes available, for example:

Single – 3’0″ x 6’3″
Small double – 4’0″ x 6’3″
Double – 4’6″ x 6’3″
King – 5’0″ x 6’6″
Super King – 6’0″ x 6’6″

After Super King, there’s another size named Queen Size. It is a North American mattress size that is 2 inches longer than the Super King.

With these sizes in mind, it is important to check your bedframe’s size before buying its matching mattress. Make sure to take a note of its dimensions before heading to the store.

Also take note of how many people should fit in the bed. If it’s only for one person, a Single mattress would be enough.

Families or people sleeping in groups can opt for either Double or larger for their mattress size. Take note that the wider the bed, the more people and space that is available for everyone.