The Best Mattresses for Each Type of Sleeper and Pain Point

We consulted with a physical therapist on the best mattress to match your unique sleeping position and style. Here’s what we learned.

A Collaborative Approach

It’s not easy to name the best mattresses because there are so many variables at play. To help narrow down the options, we spoke with physical therapist Gregory Minnis, DPT, about the features that may cater to each sleeping position and pain point.

“The best mattress is, quite simply, the one you sleep best on,” he says. “Everyone has their own personal preference, and it’s important to find the mattress that allows you to sleep comfortably and not be in pain.”

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After talking with Minnis, we looked high and low at mattresses in a range of categories. These are our top suggestions for all types of sleepers.

Factors to Consider

Before buying a mattress, it’s essential to consider a few factors. These include:

Mattress Type and Materials

Mattresses are generally categorized as innerspring, hybrid, or foam. True innerspring mattresses were popular years ago. But today’s versions usually fall into the hybrid category, meaning they’re a mix of innerspring coils and top comfort layers. Foam mattresses can include both memory and latex foams for support and comfort.

The materials in a mattress are also an important consideration. For example, if you have a latex allergy, you’ll want to steer clear of any mattresses made with latex foam. If you tend to sleep warm, materials designed to regulate your body temperature, such as cooling gel infusions and open-cell foam, are good choices.

Organic materials can be another selling point. But if organic materials are important to you, it’s always a good idea to look for mattresses that are made with certified ingredients. Certifications like CertiPUR-US and Greenguard are signs that a mattress is made without harsh chemicals and meets strict standards for emissions.

Dominant Sleeping Position

Whether you’re a back sleeper, a side sleeper, a stomach sleeper, or some combination of the three, your sleeping position plays a role in choosing the right mattress. Without the right level of support, you’re setting yourself up for poor sleep and pain.

Back sleepers tend to need a firmer surface to provide proper spinal alignment. People who sleep on their sides will benefit from a mattress that offers pressure point relief. This means a cushioning surface that will cradle your body. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, be aware that it can be hard on your spine and may lead to back and neck issues. Look for a mattress that offers firm support to keep you aligned throughout the night.

People who move from one position to another throughout the night are known as combination sleepers. In most cases, a medium-firm mattress will offer the right amount of comfort and support for this active style of sleeping. A mattress that responds well to movement, such as a latex or hybrid model, is a good choice.

Firmness

Mattress firmness is a common descriptor you’ll notice when shopping for a mattress. It’s a reference to how the mattress feels when you’re lying on it. Firmness is usually rated on a scale of 1-10. Medium-firm mattresses — rated 5-7 — are the most popular. This range offers a nice balance of support and comfort.

Still, comfort is subjective, and what’s firm to you might be too soft to someone else. Plus, there’s no universal firmness scale, and mattress brands use their own definitions for firmness. That means there’s quite a bit of variation from one brand to the next.

Trial Period and Warranty

Shopping online for a mattress can be convenient, but a mattress is often a big investment. What happens if a mattress just doesn’t work out?

In that case, you’ll want a generous trial period and return policy. Most reputable mattress companies offer trial periods ranging from a couple of months to well over a year. This is so you can really test out a mattress for the long term. It can take time for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface.

Most return policies require buyers to give a new mattress at least 30 days before moving forward with a return or exchange. Look carefully at return policies. Will you be responsible for shipping or restocking fees? Do you need to make arrangements for the return yourself?

Before buying a mattress, be clear on what goes into the return if you aren’t happy with your purchase. Most mattresses come with some kind of warranty, but it may not cover everything. Check the fine print in case there’s an issue down the road.

Conclusion

Picking the right mattress is crucial for a good night’s sleep and can be a daunting task. By considering the type of mattress, materials, dominant sleeping position, firmness, and trial period and warranty, you can find the perfect mattress for your unique needs. Remember to prioritize comfort and support, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a physical therapist or other expert for guidance.

FAQs

Q: What is the best mattress for back sleepers?

A: Back sleepers tend to need a firmer surface to provide proper spinal alignment. Look for a mattress with a medium-firm to firm rating (5-7 on a 1-10 scale).

Q: What is the best mattress for side sleepers?

A: Side sleepers will benefit from a mattress that offers pressure point relief. Look for a mattress with a softer rating (3-5 on a 1-10 scale) and a cushioning surface that will cradle your body.

Q: What is the best mattress for stomach sleepers?

A: Stomach sleepers tend to need a firmer surface to keep them aligned. Look for a mattress with a medium-firm to firm rating (5-7 on a 1-10 scale) and a support layer that will keep your spine in alignment.

Q: How long does it take to adjust to a new mattress?

A: It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for your body to adjust to a new mattress. Be patient and give your body time to adapt.

Q: What is the best return policy for a mattress?

A: Look for a return policy that allows for a minimum of 30 days to try out the mattress. Also, consider whether you’ll be responsible for shipping or restocking fees, and whether you’ll need to make arrangements for the return yourself.

Q: What certifications should I look for in a mattress?

A: Look for certifications like CertiPUR-US and Greenguard, which indicate that the mattress is made without harsh chemicals and meets strict standards for emissions.