Nothing beats a good night’s sleep.

However, it’s more than a good idea. Along with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet, proper rest is essential to maintaining good health.

According to MedicalNewsToday, increased productivity and concentration, better weight management, and lower chances of heart disease are positive effects of good rest. Of course, that brings into focus what you’re sleeping on. It’s often overlooked, but you should know that the mattress you sleep on will impact the quality of your sleep.  

More than getting a mattress for the right price, knowing how to choose it is important. In the long run, doing so will be beneficial. So, if you want to purchase a mattress, this article is for you.

We’ve done the research for you. Here are three simple tips to help you choose your mattress and enjoy a restful sleep.

Three tips for choosing the right mattress

1. Consider your sleeping position.

Do you sleep on your back, side or stomach? If you’re not sure, think about which position you’re in when you first awake. Before choosing your next mattress, you need to consider your sleeping position. Healthline advises that back and stomach sleepers benefit from medium to extra-firm foam or hybrid mattresses as they maintain spinal alignment. In contrast, shoulders and hips become pain points for people who favour their sides, requiring a softer bed for appropriate support.

2. Pay attention to your weight.

You want a choose a mattress that offers proper support and comfort. However, your weight has some bearing on both. A softer mattress will be beneficial if you weigh 130 lbs or less, especially if you’re a side sleeper and need shoulder or hip support. A firmer mattress works well if you’re between 130-230lbs. Similarly, go for a firm mattress if you’re over 230 lbs. Medium to extra-firm options are most suitable. However, be sure to keep your sleeping position in mind when choosing.   

3. Research mattress types before selecting one.

When shopping for a mattress, you’ll find you have several types from which you can choose. Each has distinctive features that offer varying levels of comfort and support. While most of us are familiar with innerspring and foam, particularly memory foam, there are also latex, hybrid, air and water mattresses. 

Typically, the surface options have varying degrees of softness and firmness. Also, some mattresses are springy while others are not. For example, the steel coils in an innerspring mattress make it quite bouncy. Although they are still manufactured, they are less prevalent today. On the other hand, foam sleep surfaces are firmer. The best of both worlds is found in hybrid mattresses. Hybrids offer a similar bounciness as they are made with steel coils, yet with relative firmness as they also contain foam or rubber latex.

If you’re prone to body aches and pains, contouring is an additional feature that you should consider. Contouring mattresses are excellent for relieving pressure. For this reason, foam, and to some extent latex, are popular choices. However, foam mattresses are more responsive. Although those made of latex rubber are very bouncy, body contouring is minimal.  

When it comes to versatility, air and waterbeds, top the list. Sleep Foundation notes that the former works well for couples as each side of the bed can have a different level of firmness. Each partner can adjust the firmness to their liking, enjoying a different sleeping experience. Undoubtedly, bouncy waterbeds provide substantially little support. Still, Healthline discloses that research has shown its impact on lower back pains may be better than other mattress types.

Your quality of sleep is closely tied to what you’re sleeping on. When choosing a mattress, you want to be sure it is comfy and meets your support needs. Whichever type you select, be sure it provides you with restful sleep because that will impact your overall health.

Sources: Healthline, MedicalNewsToday and Sleep Foundation.