A mattress is responsible not only for a good night’s sleep but also for your spine health. With so many options available, choosing the right mattress for you may get tough. While choosing one is a personal decision depending on your comfort and budget, there are a few things to consider. Factors like material, type, and sleeping position play a significant role in determining the comfort level of your new mattress.

Here are a few aspects to keep in mind when buying a new mattress:

• Sleeping position
  Your sleeping position plays an important role when deciding your mattress firmness. Mattresses usually fall into the soft, medium, medium-firm, and firm categories, of which medium and medium-firm are the most popular.
• Side-sleepers
  Sleeping on the side is one of the most common positions. Many doctors also recommend it to avoid back pain. For side sleepers, it is best to get a soft or medium firmness mattress, so their back stays aligned while they sleep. A mattress that is too firm can put pressure on the hip and shoulders.

• Stomach sleepers
  Stomach sleepers should prefer getting a firm mattress, as it stops the pressure points from sinking in too far when sleeping in this position.

• Back sleepers
  For back sleepers, getting a medium firmness is recommended so that your back has proper alignment throughout the night.

• Combination sleepers
  Combination sleepers are people who change their sleeping positions throughout the night and sleep in more than one of the above positions. For combination sleepers, a mattress with medium firmness is advisable for support throughout your sleep.

Material and type of mattress
The most popular mattress types are memory foam and innerspring mattresses. However, companies are also offering other types, with varying firmness levels. Here are some common options to consider:

Memory foam
Memory foam mattresses offer great pressure relief. The foam conforms to the body, taking pressure off the joints and allowing for a comfortable night’s sleep. They are advisable for people with back pain, as they promote proper spine alignment and reduce the strain on the hips and shoulders. The only downside to memory foam mattresses is that they can trap heat easily. However, many companies are now offering built-in cooling features to make these mattresses more comfortable.

Latex
Latex mattresses are firmer versions of memory foam mattresses, generally made from natural latex obtained from rubber trees. They tend to be a bit expensive but an eco-conscious choice.

Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have a steel coil, making them more firm, and providing more bounce. They are recommended for stomach and back sleepers as they help align the back and reduce pressure on the joints. If you are considering buying an innerspring mattress, consider the coil gauge (how thick the steel is) and coil count (quality mattresses have at least 400 coil counts in a queen-sized mattress).

Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses use a combination of memory foam, latex, and coil. They are a popular option offered by many online retailers. The coils offer support at the bottom of the mattress, and the memory foam offers pressure relief on the top of the mattress. Because of their construction, they offer excellent airflow and firm support and are more durable than foam mattresses.

Adjustable
Although adjustable mattresses are not very common, they are great for people who are picky about their firmness. Adjustable mattresses offer customizable air chambers that let people control firmness levels. These are particularly useful for couples who have different preferences when it comes to mattress firmness.

Airbed
Airbeds are an excellent option for people who are looking for a temporary mattress that can be deflated and stored away. They also offer customizable firmness and are great for a camping trip or a night out. People purchasing airbeds for nightly use can also opt for additional comfort in the form of foam or other mattress toppers.

Waterbeds
Waterbeds are great for people who like soft, bouncy mattresses while sleeping. The water in these beds can be heated or cooled to your liking, adding an extra layer of comfort. Even though they don’t offer much support, they may be suitable for people with back problems. They may also require occasional maintenance for leaks.

Motion isolation
This aspect is particularly important for people sleeping with a partner. Motion isolation keeps you from feeling your partner’s movements in bed so that you can sleep comfortably. Usually, foam mattresses offer the best motion isolation. If you don’t want an all-foam option, you can consider buying a hybrid mattress with individually wrapped coils.

Temperature regulation
The mattress temperature plays an important role when it comes to your sleep quality. A hot bed can lead to sweating or trouble staying asleep. Many cooling mattresses have been designed to help you sleep, with features like air-cell or open-cell foam, gel infusions, and covers made from moisture-wicking or stay-cool fabrics.

Another very important factor to consider when buying a mattress is the company’s policy. A trial period, free shipping, free returns, or a good warranty period are some features that can make or break your mattress experience. So, be sure to verify the details, especially when shopping online.

Once you’ve researched and decided on what kind of mattress would be most suitable, it is time to purchase it. Here, another important decision to make is whether you’d like to shop for a mattress at a nearby store or order online. Shopping at local stores allows you to test the product and its firmness before making the purchase. Keeping an eye out for local sales can also help you get the best price for your mattress, making it a comfortable and cost-effective decision. 

When shopping online, you will have more access to people’s reviews, along with all other relevant information like sales, discounts, and warranty extensions, at the click of a button. Choosing the right mattress can take some time, but this effort guarantees your comfort and sleep quality, making it worth it.