The quest for the perfect night’s sleep begins with what lies beneath you –
but with so many options in mattresses, how do you choose the right one for you? Your ideal match isn’t only the most comfortable one, it’s the one that keeps your spine aligned – and that depends on your weight, your sleep position and whether you run hot or cold at night.

THE MATTRESS MENU

Mattresses fall broadly into four types:

Foam Composed of layers of memory foam or latex, these mattresses contour to your body, relieving pressure points and absorbing motion, so your partner’s nocturnal motions won’t disturb your slumber. While you sink slowly into memory foam – it’s sometimes described as feeling like a hug – latex feels more like floating. Some foams retain heat,
so are not ideal for those who run hot at night.

Innerspring With a foundation of steel coils topped with padding or foam, innerspring mattresses have been around for decades. While these allow for better airflow and therefore tend to be cooler than foam, they have more bounce, so you’ll know about it
if your partner is having a restless night.

Hybrid An ideal compromise, these mattresses combine a supportive coil base with plush foam layers on top. They’re the Swiss Army knife of mattresses, delivering the best of both worlds – though usually at a higher price point.

Adjustable Air While other mattresses offer only one firmness level, the inflatable air chambers in adjustable mattresses allow you to choose from multiple firmness settings that can be adjusted at any time. Each side typically has its own chamber, allowing you to each choose your preferred sleep surface.

BODY TYPE AND SLEEP POSITION

Because heavier individuals will sink further into a mattress, firmer mattresses are better for keeping the spine aligned. On the flip side, lighter individuals may find firm mattresses have little give, so a softer option is needed to provide optimal support.

Side sleepers need cushioning for shoulders and hips – the widest parts that bear the most pressure. Medium to medium-soft mattresses typically work best.

Back sleepers will sink into a banana shape on a soft surface but a hard surface won’t support the natural curves of the spine. Medium-firm options are often the Goldilocks solution.

Stomach sleepers need firmer support to keep hips from sinking too deeply, which can create that dreaded back arch (and morning pain).

LIFESPAN AND UPKEEP

Some mattresses age better than others. Latex models can last 12-15 years, while memory foam averages 7-10 years. Hybrid and innerspring options typically need replacement after 6-8 years.

Most modern mattresses are built with a specific top side so shouldn’t be flipped – but rotating them 180 degrees every 3-6months prevents body impressions from becoming permanent.

INNOVATION STATION

Mattress technology is constantly advancing to provide improved sleep and address common issues. Some innovative solutions include:

Smart beds with incorporated sensors that track everything from your heart rate to breathing patterns, to provide sleep insights and offer personalised recommendations. Some detect when you’re snoring and automatically adjust your head position, others use AI to automatically adjust firmness and temperature throughout the night.

Adjustable bases, which can raise and lower head and feet at the touch of a button, can help alleviate snoring, acid reflux and sleep apnea.

To combat the heat retaining properties of foam mattresses, manufacturers may add a layer of gel, or infuse the foam with tiny gel beads that absorb heat. Phase change materials take this a step further with gels that change from solid to liquid states as the temperature around them changes.

The ultimate cool mattresses, however, are those with active cooling technology, which push cool air or water through your mattress via internal tubes. It’s essentially air-conditioning for your mattress. Simply set your preferred temperature and the technology will maintain it throughout the night.

There’s no such thing as the ‘best mattress’ – only the best one for you. So choose wisely, sleep deeply, and wake up ready to take on the world.