Understanding which mattress suits your sleeping style is crucial once you know the different types on the market and your budget. Your sleep position plays a significant role in determining the support and comfort you need, making it a key factor in your mattress buying decision.

Sleeper Type: Side Sleepers

Side sleepers are the most common, but they don't distribute their weight evenly, often leading to pressure points. Ideal mattresses for side sleepers should alleviate these pressure points. Look for softer options, typically incorporating materials like latex, memory foam, gel foam, serene gel foam, or graphite memory foam. Gel memory foam is particularly effective for contouring and relieving pressure points. Hybrids, combining pocketed coil innerspring support with memory foam, are also a great choice for side sleepers, offering the right balance of support and cooler sleep.

Our Pick for Side Sleepers:

Sleeper Type: Stomach Sleepers

Stomach Sleepers - A Unique Challenge

Stomach sleeping, though less common, can stress the spine, neck, and chest, potentially causing discomfort. Experts often recommend other positions, but for those committed to stomach sleeping, a firm mattress is key. Options like firm memory foam or individual pocketed coil with supportive foam tops are ideal. The crucial factor is preventing lower back arching, which can lead to stiffness. Mattresses on the firmer side, particularly those with zoned lumbar support for enhanced mid-section support, are best suited for stomach sleepers.

Our Pick for Stomach Sleepers

Sleeper Type: Back Sleepers

Back sleepers, though less common than side sleepers, distribute their weight more evenly during sleep. However, this position doesn't inherently support the spine's natural curve. For these sleepers, it's crucial to find a mattress that offers robust support yet allows for adequate contouring. This combination aids in keeping the spine neutrally aligned while minimizing pressure on the back and neck. Medium-firm to firm mattresses are generally recommended for back sleepers. It's important to avoid overly soft mattresses that might cause the hips to sink, leading to discomfort and inadequate support. Many mattress brands enhance their products with targeted lumbar support, a feature particularly beneficial for back sleepers. Additionally, considering an adjustable base to elevate the head and feet can be a game-changer, offering extra comfort and support tailored to the needs of back sleepers.

Our Pick for Back Sleepers:

People with Lower Back Pain:

For individuals with lower back pain, choosing the right mattress is crucial for a restful sleep and pain management. Proper support and spinal alignment are key to preventing morning stiffness or aggravated back pain. Contrary to some beliefs, an extremely firm mattress, akin to sleeping on the floor, is not necessarily the best solution. Comfort is equally important in easing back pain. A mattress that is too firm may exacerbate the issue rather than alleviate it.

Those with lower back or general back pain should opt for mattresses that offer robust lumbar support to ensure correct spinal alignment. This, combined with high-quality foams like Gel memory foam or other specialty foams, can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce pain. Additionally, opting for a mattress that comes with a 100-night trial period can provide extra reassurance, allowing you to test and ensure the mattress meets your specific needs for comfort and support.

With that said, the best mattresses for back pain sufferers tend to be:

Again, buying a mattress is an individual process. If someone tells you a firmer mattress will help, but your back feels better with a medium or softer mattress – go with what your body is telling you.

Our Pick for People with Lower Back Pain