Finding the best mattress for you can be a tall task. With hundreds to choose from and many different styles, how do you know which is best for you? We’re going to dive into each of the main questions we receive in our office in an attempt to simplify the process for you.
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What is the best type of mattress to buy?
The tough part of the mattress buying process is that there is not one perfect mattress that works for everyone.
There are many types of mattress on the market, but let’s simplify them to
Memory foam
Coil Spring
Hybrid (coil and foam)
Adjustable air
Water bed
What does scientific research say?
At least two systematic reviews point toward an adjustable air bed. These studies emphasize the importance of variable support and stiffness based on the participants comfort. Essentially saying, if you can make the bed more custom to your needs than you will likely find more comfort. This is especially important with partners who tend to have different sleeping positions and preferences.
Most studies and authors conclude that the answer is really dependent on a number of factors and not one consensus on a specific type of mattress.
We can conclude that nearly every expert agrees that a water bed is not optimal.
Firmness
The optimal firmness is again based on your preferences and sleeping position, but more on that later.
The scientific research studies available today suggest that a medium firm mattress is the most commonly suggested. Firmness provides a level of support for the spinal column. While too firm can leave some feeling sore, too soft leads to less support for the joints of the spine and often leaves a person waking with achy sore pain.
Multiple studies have concluded that mattresses that are too soft do not provide adequate lumbar support. One study reports a soft mattress increases loading on the cervical discs by up to 49%. This excess strain will have you waking with an achy neck!
Adding a foam mattress topper to your bed often makes an old bed even less supportive and likely leads to increased pain.
A medium firm mattress can provide an adequate amount of support while offering comfort in a best of both worlds situation.
Sleep position
Your sleep position can change mattress recommendations due to spinal loading. The principles are based on how much you sink in due to the weight of your body. The optimal bed and pillow allow for your spine to be in the most neutral or straight position.
Stomach sleepers - the chest and hips will sink into the mattress the most due to the weight. This can leave your neck in a precarious position if your mattress is too soft. Having your neck and lower back bent backwards all night will certainly irritate the muscles and joints. Typically stomach sleepers need a more firm mattress.
Back sleepers - Again, due to weight your hips and chest will sink in the most. Typically a back sleeper will prefer a more firm mattress. Fill in the gaps with an appropriately sized pillow to keep everything neutral.
Side sleepers - Due to the weight of your chest and hips, the shoulder and hip can feel jammed or bruised if you were to sleep on too firm of a mattress. Most side sleepers prefer a softer mattress. Always fill in the gap of your head and between your knees with an appropriately sized pillow.
In the end, go with the firmest mattress that is still comfortable.
How long does a mattress last?
A mattress typically lasts between 5-10 years. There are different factors that play into the lifespan of a mattress: weight of the person, laying in the exact same position for years, material of the mattress, how often they are rotated or flipped, etc.
Research has shown that most people wait too long to replace their mattress.
Conclusion
Go to a mattress store and try out different types of beds based on your sleeping position. While there, lay on a mattress for at least 5-10 minutes as there is a difference between comfort when you first lay down and support after a few minutes.
Buy the firmest mattress that is still comfortable.
Be sure there is a return policy that allows a return if you change your mind. Most retailers now allow for a 30, 60, or 90 day return/exchange.