How to choose a mattress for the way you sleep

The right mattress depends mostly on how you sleep, your body and what feels comfortable to you. Use this guide to narrow your choice, then try before you buy.

Start with your sleeping position

Side sleepers

When you sleep on your side, your shoulder and hip carry most of your weight. A surface with enough give for them to sink in slightly helps keep your spine straight. If you wake with a sore shoulder or hip, your mattress may be too hard for you.

Back sleepers

Back sleepers usually need even support under the lower back so the hips do not sink too far. Many people find a medium-firm feel works well. In a 2003 trial of adults with long-term low back pain, people given medium-firm mattresses reported less pain and disability after 90 days than people given firm ones.

Front sleepers

Sleeping on your front can let your hips sink and arch your lower back. A firmer, supportive surface helps keep your body level.

Combination sleepers

If you change position during the night, look for balanced support that is comfortable on your back and your side, and a surface that makes it easy to turn over.

Think about who shares the bed

• Couples: choose a size that gives you both room to move. If you often wake each other up, ask about how much movement the mattress passes across the bed.
• Body weight: heavier sleepers usually need firmer support and a thicker mattress; lighter sleepers may find a softer feel more comfortable.
• Children and guest rooms: a supportive, easy-to-clean mattress in the right size matters more than extra layers.

Measure before you buy

Measure the inside of your bed frame (length and width) and how deep the frame is. Royal Foam mattresses come in King, Large and Queen sizes and in 12, 15 or 20 inch thicknesses. Send us your measurements on WhatsApp and we will match the size, or quote a custom size.

Try it, and check the details

• Lie on the mattress in your usual sleeping position for a few minutes, not just a quick sit.
• Ask about the warranty terms for the mattress you choose.
• Ask about delivery to your area and when it can arrive. How delivery works.

Sources

• Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. The Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599–1604. PubMed

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have ongoing back pain or sleep problems, speak to a doctor.