Modern minimalist bedroom with a gray upholstered bed featuring a Tempur-Pedic mattress, a stylish armchair, framed abstract art above a sleek headboard, and a bright window with sheer curtains. The room has a serene gray color scheme with decorative plants and books, and a gold desk lamp, creating a clean and contemporary ambiance.

Getting a good night's sleep every night of the week starts with investing in the right mattress. A quality mattress plays a critical role in helping you fall asleep quickly, sleep well all through the night, and wake up feeling rejuvenated in the morning.

Of course, the type of mattress that's best for you will depend on your unique needs. While most people put comfort at the forefront when looking for their perfect mattress, there are other factors to consider that are equally as important. Your sleeping position, weight, and personal preferences should all help determine whether you should purchase a mattress that's firm, soft, or somewhere in between. When you're ready to enhance your sleep quality with a new mattress, the bedding experts at Star Furniture are here to help make your shopping experience as smooth and dreamy as possible. Check out these important tips for selecting the perfect mattress for you.

The Science of Sleep and Sleeping Positions

Not everyone sleeps the same way. While some people enjoy falling asleep on their sides, others sleep best lying on their backs or stomachs. The best position to sleep in is the one that is most comfortable for you. It's good to be aware of how each sleep position could impact your quality of sleep or overall health, especially when considering what type of mattress is the right option for you.

The most popular sleeping position is side sleeping. Sleeping on your side is beneficial for many reasons, including keeping your spine properly aligned and making it easier for some individuals to breathe.

Back sleeping promotes good blood flow and can also keep your back properly aligned if you're sleeping on the right mattress or using an adjustable bed base. However, a too-firm mattress could cause lower back pain for back sleepers.

Similarly, a mattress that is too firm or too soft could lead to a misaligned back and discomfort in stomach sleepers.

Mattresses for Side Sleepers

There's no question that side sleeping is considered the best position in terms of keeping your neck and spine properly aligned. While this is true, it's important to remember that the wrong mattress could have a negative effect on the position of your back while you sleep. This can lead to poor sleep patterns as well as waking up with aches and pain. Because sleeping on one's side naturally puts pressure on the shoulder and hips, your chosen mattress should provide enough pressure relief on these specific points.

Firm mattresses won't offer enough "give" at these important pressure points for a side sleeper, resulting in uncomfortable sleep and soreness in the morning. On the other hand, mattresses that are too soft can cause the spine to curve too much and fail to provide enough support to keep the back properly aligned. For these reasons, a medium-soft mattress is the ideal option for side sleepers. Medium-soft mattresses can be made from a variety of materials, but two of the most popular options include memory foam and a combination of innerspring and foam.

Choosing a Mattress for Back Sleepers

Back sleeping is the second most common sleep position. When it comes to sleeping on your back, ensuring that your spine stays properly aligned is crucial. A mattress that's too firm won't conform to the natural curve of the spine while a mattress that's too soft will sag and might not provide an adequate amount of support. The best mattress for a back sleeper is one that conforms slightly to the shape of the back while prioritizing support. Of course, this perfect combination will come in different forms depending on your weight. Back sleepers who have an average weight tend to benefit from a medium-firm mattress. Those who are lighter than the average weight may prefer a medium-soft mattress and those who are heavier than the average weight may prefer a firm mattress.

The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, finding a mattress that gives you the right combination of comfort and support can be tricky. Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft may feel nice as you fall asleep but the lack of support could lead to lower back pain over time. For this reason, firm mattresses are often the best option for stomach sleepers. Unlike soft mattresses, a firm mattress can help keep your hips lifted up so that your spine stays in proper alignment, which helps prevent back pain in the long run.

Pro tip: to ensure your firm mattress is as comfy as it is supportive, look for one with an innerspring core and a foam surface for softness.

Mattresses for Combination Sleepers

If you sleep exclusively on your side, back, or stomach, figuring out which type of mattress would be best for you seems like a pretty straightforward process, but what if you sleep in multiple positions throughout the night? Whether you start out on your back and wake up on your side, fall asleep on your stomach and wake up on your back, or a combination of all three sleeping positions, finding a mattress that is versatile enough to support your body in every position is important. Choosing a mattress that is composed of a sturdy innerspring core and a plush topper can help you achieve the contouring comfort combination sleepers desire with the medium firmness you need to wake up feeling rested day after day. 

Special Considerations for Different Body Types

Your preferred sleep position isn't the only factor to consider when looking for your ideal mattress. Your body type can also impact how different mattresses feel and, most importantly, affect the alignment of your spine while you slumber. For instance, someone with a lighter body type may find a medium-support mattress to be firmer than someone with a heavier body type. Recognizing how your weight could impact the way a mattress feels can help you choose the best one for your preferred level of support. Here's a breakdown of which mattress types work best for certain body types:

  • Soft and medium-soft mattresses work well for people under 130 pounds.
  • Medium and medium-firm mattresses work well for people between 130 and 230 pounds, and side sleepers over 230 pounds.
  • Firm mattresses work well for back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds and side sleepers over 230 pounds.

The Role of Mattress Firmness and Support

If there's one thing to keep in mind when shopping for a new mattress, it's that not every mattress has the same firmness level. Some may be firm and supportive while others may be soft and springy. Knowing which firmness level is recommended for your sleeping position and body weight can help point you in the right direction for sleeping peacefully, preventing discomfort on your pressure points, and supporting your lower back.

Regardless of what the firmness scale and sleep experts may recommend, the best mattress is the one that's most comfortable for you. With this in mind, don't just take online guidelines and reviews at their word. Try out different mattresses in person to see for yourself which one works best for your unique needs.

Close-up of a luxurious navy blue Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress with intricate stitching details, showcasing the brand label, and set on a bed frame, highlighting its premium quality and design.

Understanding Mattress Types and Materials

Mattresses can be made from a variety of materials to achieve specific purposes. While some materials can provide the support that people expect to find in a firm mattress, others can create the plush contouring effect of softer mattresses. Being familiar with the different types of mattress materials and how they feel can help you determine which ones to look for as you shop for your ideal mattress. Some of the most common mattress materials include:

  • Memory foam: These mattresses are made entirely from a specialized foam that is known for its soft feel, pressure relief, and motion isolation.
  • Innerspring: These mattresses are known for being supportive, springy, and durable. They usually include some type of plush layer on top of their innerspring coils to ensure they're as comfortable as they are supportive.
  • Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine the supportive structure of innerspring coils with the comfort and pressure relief of memory foam or latex layers, offering a balanced sleeping experience. They are designed to provide the best of both worlds: the bounciness and airflow of traditional spring mattresses, and the contouring, motion isolation of foam mattresses.

Importance of Mattress Size and Thickness

Many people don't consider thickness to be a determining factor when shopping for a new mattress, but you should. Some individuals assume thick mattresses are better quality and thin ones are more cheaply made, however, this isn't always the case. Here's what you need to know about how the thickness of your mattress may impact your sleep and which thickness may be best for your individual needs:

  • Slim (8-10 inches): Slim mattresses are composed of a supportive core and covered by a thin comfort topper. They're a good option for children or people who find it challenging to get in or out of their beds.
  • Standard (10-12 inches): Standard mattresses are the most common thickness category. They can provide a good amount of comfort and support. They're a good option for people between 130-230 pounds, especially those who sleep on their backs.
  • Thick (12-14 inches): Thick mattresses can offer superior comfort and support, depending on which one you prefer. They're ideal for people who weigh more than 230 pounds as well as side sleepers who need additional relief on their pressure points.
  • Extra Thick (14+ inches): Extra thick mattresses can feel extraordinarily comfy without being saggy. They're a good option for anyone who wants special contouring and support while they sleep or side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. 

Additional Features for Enhanced Sleep

Finding the right level of support, comfort, materials, and thickness in a mattress aren't the only factors that can help you get your best night's sleep. Many mattresses offer additional features that can take your everyday sleeping experience to the next level. Whether you tend to feel hot as you sleep throughout the night, struggle to stay asleep when your partner gets out of bed in the morning, or are concerned about the longevity of your mattress, you can rest assured that the right mattress can address all of these concerns. Here are some extra features that are worth looking for when shopping for your dream mattress:

  • Cooling Technology: By choosing a mattress that includes a special cooling gel to help regulate its temperature while you sleep, you'll never have to worry about waking up in a sweat again.
  • Motion Isolation: You and your partner can get in and out of the bed without disturbing the other when you choose a mattress that includes motion isolation.
  • Edge Support: If you've noticed that your old mattress has saggy edges, be sure to look for a new mattress with strong edge support, which can help preserve its longevity and make sure it stays supportive and comfortable for the long haul.

Personalized Comfort with Star Furniture’s Mattress Experts

Finding a mattress that is supportive, comfortable, and complements your personal sleep preferences is one of the most important things you can do for your well being. After all, getting a good night's sleep is a critical part of feeling your best and staying healthy for years to come. With this in mind, it's worth taking the time and effort to find the right mattress for your preferred sleeping position. 

If you're ready to enhance your quality of sleep by investing in a quality mattress that is catered to your sleep preferences, working with an expert can make all the difference. At Star Furniture, our trusted sleep experts are ready to help you navigate through the many mattress options that are available today. We're proud to provide a diverse range of mattresses catering to a variety of needs, including all sleeping positions.

Visit us online to browse our large selection of mattresses, then stop by our mattress store to try some out for yourself. We can't wait to help you get your best night's sleep with a new mattress.