What Bed Mattress Should You Choose for Better Sleep?

This sounds riveting Baz.

Thanks!

Look, I’ll be honest - choosing a mattress isn’t exactly the most thrilling shopping experience you’re ever going to have.

Whilst it’s not as dull as buying insurance it’s probably not going to fill your head with excitement for weeks on end. But….

…is this the kicker then Baz?

🛏️ You spend about 1/3rd of your life in bed (or at least we should!).

And research shows that the hardness and type of mattress you have matters. So getting the right mattress is actually a big deal.

And besides, you don’t want to end up sleeping in something that looks like this >>>>>>>>

FAIR! So what’s the issue then?

The issue? Well, not all mattresses are created equally! As with many things in the health space the ‘mattress world’ is a maze of jargon, marketing hype and confusing claims.

Pocket springs? Open coil? Memory foam? Latex? Hybrid?

It’s enough to make you want to give in and take an immediate 💤💤💤 on the floor!

So, I have broken it down clearly and simply so that you can find a mattress that actually suits your sleep style, rather than one that just sounds fancy.

Open Coil - The ‘Old Skool’ Choice

The open coil mattress is often the most budget-friendly option. It’s the one most of us grew up sleeping on and - yes - it will do the job. These mattresses use a system of connected springs that distribute weight across the surface.

Open coil mattress inner

🟢 Good points - Cost-effective (i.e. relatively cheap), do the job, good for occasional use

🔴 Need to consider - Lack of long-term comfort or tailored support, poor motion isolation (you’ll feel your partner’s every toss and turn)

*Lasts - generally 6 to 10 years

To think about - could be better for guest bedrooms where only occasionally used, kids’ beds

Pocket Sprung - The ‘Supportive Superstar’

A different beast altogether! Pocket sprung mattresses use individually wrapped coils that move independently - so you get targeted support where you need it. If you share a bed and don’t want to be woken up from your sleep every time your partner rolls over, - this is a solid choice.

Pocket spring mattress inner

🟢 Good points - A balance of firm support and softness, couples who don’t want to feel each other moving, will last linger

🔴 Need to consider - This won’t give your that “hugging” mattress feel - these tend to have a more traditional, structured firmness

*Lasts - 8 to 15 years

To think about - the key is the coil count. The higher the count, the more support and durability you get. Aim for at least 1000 springs if you want something that lasts

Memory Foam - The ‘Love-It-or-Hate-It’ Choice

Memory foam has become very popular in recent years. Why? Well it molds to your body to provide a pressure-relieving, cushioned feel that can be better for back and joint pain. That said (!), it’s not for everyone.

🟢 Good points - People who love a softer, body-contouring feel, side sleepers, and those with joint pain.

🔴 Need to consider - not for hot sleepers (memory foam tends to retain heat), these are a bit ‘sinky’ so not for those who prefer a firmer surface

*Lasts - 7 to 10 years

To think about - if you are a hot sleeper and you like the idea of memory foam but don’t want to overheat, look for models with cooling gel or an open-cell structure to help with airflow

Latex - The ‘Natural, Eco-Friendly’ Choice

You want an alternative to foam but still crave comfort? Then latex is probably the choice for you.

It’s naturally hypoallergenic, highly durable, and has a bouncy, responsive feel without the “sinking” sensation of memory foam.

🟢 Good points - Good for hot sleepers due to its open cell structure and breathability, allergy sufferers, long lasting (will probably last a decade or more), good for eco-conscious buyers

🔴 Need to consider - Expensive, not for those who prefer a super-soft mattress, they often have pocket springs so check they are not a hybrid!

*Lasts - 10 to 25 years

To think about - latex comes in two types:

Dunlop is denser/firmer, and

Talalay is lighter/bouncier

Hybrid - The ‘Best of Both Worlds?’

Hybrid mattresses combine elements of memory foam, latex, or gel with pocket springs to create a balanced feel. These are ideal if you want the support of a spring mattress but the contouring comfort of foam or latex.

🟢 Good points - People who want a mix of support and softness, hot sleepers (if the hybrid includes cooling tech), those who can’t decide between foam and springs.

🔴 Need to consider - expense, heavier, could be unnecessarily complicating things

*Lasts - 7 to 10 years

To think about - hybrids can be fantastic if you choose the right blend. Look for ones that offer good airflow and durable support.

Great Baz. But which mattress do I go for?

So - now you know the major types. But which one is actually right for you?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet -

• You sleep on your side

  A medium-softer mattress (memory foam, latex or hybrid) can help support and relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips. However, the heavier you are the firmer mattress you will need to stop sinking in and misaligning your spine/body.

• You sleep on your back

  A medium-firm mattress (like a pocket sprung or latex or hybrid)) will give you support.

• You sleep on your stomach

  Whilst I generally do not recommend sleeping like this, a firmer mattress helps prevent back strain (avoid deep memory foam).

• You share a bed

  Memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses minimize motion transfer, so you’re not waking up every time your partner moves.

• You overheat at night

  Stay away from traditional memory foam - look for cooling gel or breathable latex, or pocket springs.

Finally - don’t take my word for it, go and test some mattresses out…..

Whilst there is a lot you can do do sleep better? Your mattress is an investment in your sleep, your health, and ultimately, your quality of life.

It really can mean the difference between waking up feeling refreshed or dragging yourself through the day with back pain and exhaustion.

A 2021 review of studies found that a medium-firm mattress was best for comfort, sleep quality and alignment.

Take your time.

Whilst the information here will help - there are a LOT of variations out there and the quality obviously varies. It’s ALWAYS a personal choice.

So - just get out there and actually test out different types (if possible), look at multiple reviews for specific models and prioritise what feels best for your body.

Happy sleeping!

*Lasts - please be careful around this - this guidance is very loose as it depends on a wide variety of factors including how you treat them, build quality, brand etc.