Everyone has a preferred sleeping position, this is your go-to when you lie down to fall asleep. Perhaps you sleep in the foetal position (47% of us do). Maybe it’s the soldier position that gets you to bed (works for 11% of the population), the starfish(7%), the yearner (13%) or any combination of these positions.
Regardless of the exact name, all sleep positions will fall into one of three categories; side, back or stomach. Your job now is to choose a mattress that will support your body in your preferred sleep position, all night.
Innerspring
This is the mattress construction most people are familiar with. It consists of a grid of metal springs, often wrapped in individual fabric pockets, topped with comfort layers.
Best for: nearly anyone, though the firmer support can make them easier to get in and out of if you’re overweight. If you are a side sleeper the comfort layers of a medium-firm feel will support your hip and shoulder, if you’re a back sleeper this same medium-firm feel will assist in maintaining your spines natural curve throughout the night.
Latex
These mattresses use a block of latex as the support core, rather than a spring unit. They can be topped with other comfort materials, or different grades of latex, and are known for their body-contouring and pressure relieving properties.
Best for: fans of a firm bed, especially those who have back pain. We recommend looking for a natural latex alternative for its hypoallergenic properties. This option is great for those that sleep on their stomach to ensure that the spine remains in a neutral position during sleep.
Memory foam
Provides contouring comfort and pressure relief. It can be a comfort component or a foam support core. The latest innovation is gel-infused memory foam, which encourages airflow for a cooler more comfortable sleep surface.
Best for: people with chronic fatigue or muscle pain who find it difficult to get comfortable. Side sleepers will benefit as it will provide pressure-relieving support to the hip and shoulder. Memory foam contours to your curves like a big hug! One big advantage: a memory foam mattress won’t shift as much as an innerspring when one partner turns or moves. So, if you’re often disturbed by your partner’s tossing and turning in the middle of the night, it might be time to invest in a memory foam mattress.
Air
Rather than springs or foam, some mattresses use air as the core support. Unlike traditional mattresses, this innovative technology allows the firmness to be adjusted to suit your changing needs over time.
Best for: All sleepers! There’s no one size fits all when it comes to comfort. The Air mattress alternative provides adjustable comfort control for couples who have dramatically different preferences in comfort and firmness. Better still, most allow you to select and adjust the firmness level on each side of the mattress at any time to suit your changing needs.
Although we have made suggestions, it’s important that you take into consideration your personal preference and test out the beds in store! Talk to the salesperson – they are there to help you! Let them know what your expectations and needs are so they can steer you towards a mattress that will meet your needs.
Remember, this is an investment into your health.
