Choosing Your Perfect Mattress – 5 Step Guide

1. How old is your current mattress?

The general rule is to replace your mattress every 8 - 10 years. However, if you’re not sleeping well then you can throw that 8 year benchmark out the window. Your sleep habits should be the largest factor in determining if you should change your mattress. Sleeping poorly? It’s time for a change.

2. What mattress type is best for you?

When selecting a mattress, the biggest choice will come down to either foam or coils. Foam offers great hug, contour, and a unique feel. Coil is a more traditional feel with great bounce.

3. What firmness level is right for you?

The right firmness for you is connected with your weight and personal preference, the best way to find it out is to try it. Spend as long as possible laying on the bed you may choose, usually your body will tell you if it is the right firmness.

4. What positions do you sleep in?

Most sleepers prefer a Medium firmness, this is good for all sleeping positions and most weight / body types. If you go for a Plush firmness you are most likely a side sleeper. If you go for the Firm firmness you are probably a stomach or back sleeper.

5. How much do you weigh and what is your body type?

Support from a mattress is directly related to your body weight. The heavier you are, the more the support foams have to work to provide optimal comfort. Weight effects how much support you will receive from your mattress based on total sinkage and pressure points. If you’re very large you will generally need a thicker mattress that provides better deep compression support. Additionally, very heavy sleepers may find that softer mattresses create too much sinkage due to the increased weight and pressure. Lighter sleepers typically engage more with the top layers and less with the core and base layers. Look for mattresses that have top layers that meet your firmness desires.