How Do You Choose the Right Mattress?
The best mattress for you depends on several factors, including your sleeping position, preferred firmness, mattress type, body weight, budget and personal comfort preferences.
There is no single mattress that is right for everyone. The aim is to find one that provides the right balance of comfort and support for the way you sleep.
7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Mattress
Start with these seven factors to narrow down your options and find a mattress that suits your needs.
How Do You Sleep?
Your sleeping position can help determine how much cushioning and support you need.
How Firm Should It Be?
Think about the feel you prefer and how it works with your sleeping position.
Which Type Suits You?
Compare pocket sprung, memory foam, latex and hybrid constructions.
What Size Do You Need?
Choose a size that gives you enough sleeping space and fits your bed frame.
What Should It Be Made From?
Consider how foam, latex and springs affect the feel and responsiveness of a mattress.
What Can You Spend?
Set a realistic budget and compare construction, materials and features.
What Protection Is Included?
Check the sleep trial, exchange policy and warranty before buying.
Choose a Mattress Based on Your Sleeping Position
Your usual sleeping position is one of the most useful starting points when choosing a mattress. Different positions can benefit from different combinations of cushioning and support.
A softer or medium feel may provide additional cushioning around the shoulders and hips while maintaining support.
A medium to firmer feel may provide the stable, supportive surface many back sleepers prefer.
A supportive mattress can help limit excessive sinking around the middle of the body.
A responsive mattress can make changing position easier if you move between your side, back and front.
What Mattress Firmness Should You Choose?
Mattress firmness is highly personal. Body weight, body shape and sleeping position can all affect how deeply you sink into a mattress, meaning the same mattress may feel different to different people.
Softer
A more cushioned, enveloping feel that may suit sleepers who prefer deeper pressure relief.
Medium
A versatile option that can balance cushioning and support for many sleepers.
Firmer
A more stable feel with less sinking into the mattress.
Which Type of Mattress Is Best?
Different mattress constructions create different feels. The main types include pocket sprung, memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses.
Pocket Sprung
Pocket springs are individually encased and can provide responsive support. Their open structure can also allow good airflow through the mattress.
Memory Foam
Memory foam contours around the body and can provide a slower-response, more embracing feel.
Latex
Latex provides a naturally responsive, buoyant feel and can offer cushioning without the deeper sink associated with some foams.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, commonly foam or latex comfort layers with a spring support system.
Memory Foam vs Pocket Sprung Mattresses
If you're deciding between memory foam and springs, consider how you want your mattress to feel when you lie down and move during the night.
Memory Foam
- More contouring and embracing
- Generally slower response
- Can feel more enveloping
- Good option if you enjoy a close-fitting feel
Pocket Springs
- Responsive and supportive
- Generally faster response
- Easier movement across the surface
- Open spring structures can offer good airflow
Neither is universally better. Your preferred feel, sleeping position and individual comfort should guide the decision.
Other Things to Consider
Once you've narrowed down the main mattress types and firmnesses, a few additional factors can help you make your final choice.
Body weight can affect how deeply you compress the mattress. Heavier sleepers may sink further into softer mattresses, while lighter sleepers may experience the same mattress as firmer.
If you tend to feel warm at night, consider the mattress cover, comfort layers and overall construction. Spring systems and some latex constructions can provide good airflow.
Couples should consider motion transfer, differences in firmness preference and whether the mattress provides enough personal sleeping space.
Depth can affect the overall feel and sleeping height, but thickness alone does not determine quality. Check compatibility with your bed frame and bedding.
What Mattress Size Should You Choose?
Choose a mattress size based on the amount of sleeping space you need, the number of people sharing the bed and the available bedroom space. Always check the dimensions against your existing bed frame or base.
A practical choice for one sleeper, children's rooms, guest rooms and smaller bedrooms.
A popular option for couples or individual sleepers who want additional space.
Provides additional sleeping space for couples with room for a larger bed.
Offers a spacious sleeping surface for couples who want more room.
How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress?
There is no universal price that guarantees a good night's sleep. Instead, compare mattresses based on their materials, construction, features and expected durability within your budget.
Before Buying
- Set your maximum budget
- Compare similar mattress constructions
- Check the materials and support system
- Consider the warranty
- Check delivery and collection arrangements
- Look for an applicable sleep trial
Don't Choose on Price Alone
A more expensive mattress isn't automatically better for you, while a lower-priced mattress may not provide the construction or feel you need. Focus on comfort, support and value.
Should You Try a Mattress Before Buying?
If possible, trying a mattress can help you understand its firmness and feel. However, a short showroom test doesn't always tell you how a mattress will feel after sleeping on it for several nights.
Spend enough time in your normal sleeping position to assess comfort and support.
Think about whether you prefer a responsive surface, deeper contouring or a traditional spring feel.
Read the full sleep trial terms, including eligibility, exchange and return conditions.
Common Mattress Buying Mistakes
- Choosing a mattress based only on price
- Assuming the firmest mattress is always best
- Ignoring your sleeping position
- Buying the wrong size
- Ignoring mattress depth and bed-base compatibility
- Not checking the mattress construction and materials
- Forgetting to read the trial and warranty terms
Instead, start with how you sleep, consider the feel you prefer, compare mattress constructions, check the size and compatibility, then make sure the price and protection offered fit your requirements.
Mattress Buying Checklist
Before ordering your new mattress, make sure you've considered:
- Sleeping position – side, back, front or combination
- Firmness – softer, medium or firmer
- Mattress type – pocket sprung, memory foam, latex or hybrid
- Size – check the mattress dimensions against your bed
- Depth – consider overall sleeping height and bedding
- Materials – check the comfort layers and support system
- Budget – compare construction and value, not price alone
- Trial and warranty – read the conditions before ordering
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right mattress?
Start with your sleeping position and preferred firmness, then consider mattress type, size, materials, body weight, budget and any available sleep trial.
What mattress is best for side sleepers?
A softer or medium mattress may suit side sleepers who want additional cushioning around the shoulders and hips. The ideal choice depends on the individual sleeper and mattress construction.
Is a firm mattress better for your back?
Not necessarily. The right mattress should provide a comfortable balance of cushioning and support for the individual sleeper. Firmness preference can vary according to sleeping position, body weight and personal comfort.
Which is better, memory foam or a pocket sprung mattress?
Neither is universally better. Memory foam generally provides a more contouring feel, while pocket springs can offer responsive support and good airflow. Your preferred feel should guide the choice.
Are hybrid mattresses a good choice?
Hybrid mattresses can be a good option if you want to combine the cushioning of foam or latex with the support and responsiveness of springs. The exact feel depends on the individual construction.
How often should you replace a mattress?
There is no fixed replacement date for every mattress. Lifespan depends on the materials, construction, usage and care. Visible sagging, deterioration or a noticeable decline in comfort and support can indicate that it may be time for a replacement.
Explore Our Mattress & Bed Buying Guides
Looking for more specific advice? Explore our related buying guides for help choosing the right mattress or bed.
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