How To Choose a Mattress for Better Sleep, According to Health Pros

Updated on December 27, 2023

Quality sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy wellbeing and improved productivity in your life. Not only can it help to improve your cognitive function, but it can work to bolster your immune system and enhance your mental health.

One of the most critical factors that influence the quality of our sleep is the mattress we choose for ourselves, and health professionals have continually emphasized the importance of selecting the right mattress when seeking to support your sleep needs.

So, if you’re looking to sleep better at night, here is just some of the professional advice that is frequently offered by professionals when looking for a mattress that promotes better sleep.

1) Understand Your Needs

Before embarking on your search for the perfect mattress, it’s important to understand your sleep needs.

Remember, everyone’s body is unique, and factors such as sleep position, weight, and any existing health conditions can play a role in determining the most suitable mattress for you.

When choosing your mattress, many health professionals recommend considering your individual requirements to ensure that your choice aligns with your specific needs.

2) Consult with Health Professionals

If you have existing health issues or suffer from problems such as chronic pain, it’s a good idea for you to consult with a healthcare professional before deciding on your mattress.

Physical therapists, sleep specialists, or even your GP can provide you with valuable insights into the type of mattress that may alleviate your specific health concerns.

Their expertise can guide you in choosing a mattress that promotes spinal alignment and supports pressure points, helping to relieve some of your discomfort and allowing you to sleep better each night.

3) Consider Your Sleep Position

Different sleep positions place varying demands on the body, and this means that the ideal mattress for you will depend on your sleep position.

For example, health professionals often emphasize the importance of spinal alignment, especially for those who sleep on their back or side.

Back sleepers typically benefit from a medium-firm mattress, while side sleepers may find a softer mattress more suitable as it can provide comfort to their hips and shoulders.

4) Evaluate Mattress Type

With so many mattress types on the market, each with its unique features, it can be hard to know which is right for you. However, there are three options that are typically recommended by health professionals:

Memory Foam 

Invented by NASA, memory foam mattresses conform to the shape of your body, providing excellent support and comfort. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with joint or back pain.

Innerspring

 Innerspring mattresses use coils for support, offering a more traditional feel. These mattresses are perfect for those who prefer a firmer and more breathable surface.

Latex

 Latex mattresses are known for their durability and offer a responsive and supportive surface, making them ideal for various sleep positions.

5) Select the Right Firmness

The firmness of a mattress is a crucial factor in promoting a good night’s sleep, and health professionals tend to advise against choosing an excessively firm or soft mattress. However, it’s important to remember that the right firmness level depends on personal preferences and sleep position.

While a soft mattress might sound comfortable, one that is too soft may not provide enough support for your back and joints.

6) Consider Any Allergies

For individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, selecting a hypoallergenic mattress is essential for ensuring that you get regular quality sleep.

Health professionals recommend mattresses with materials that resist allergens and more breathable mattresses help to reduce mould growth and promote a healthier sleep environment.

7) Try Before You Buy

Choosing a mattress is an important decision that shouldn’t be rushed. If you can, it’s a good idea to visit mattress stockists in person to try out a different range of options.

However, if you aren’t able to visit a store, luckily many brands offer a trial period where you can return your mattress for a full refund if it isn’t suitable.

8) Seek Out Quality

A mattress is an investment in your overall health and wellbeing, so it’s essential that you prioritize quality.

While you might think a quality mattress is out of your price range, experts such as Archers Sleep Centre offer a wide range of quality, affordable single mattresses that can help you sleep better.

Have you recently purchased a new mattress? Share your shopping tips in the comments below!

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.