Poor sleep can lead to anxiety, depression, pain and crankiness. If you can’t sleep, you can’t think properly. Over time, poor sleep can shorten your life. Getting the right mattress for your sleeping position, body type, and the thermostat is critical to quality sleep.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
From firmest to softest, tummy sleepers need the most cushion. There are many tummy sleepers who can actually go without a pillow. A tummy sleeper can prevent back pain on a medium or a soft mattress with a firm topper.
Back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress. Back sleepers who snore may also need a wedge pillow or an elevated head on their bed. Side sleepers need the most cushion. Side sleepers may find that they can soften an overly firm mattress with a latex or foam topper to increase cushion.
Figure Out Your Tolerance for Sinking
If you are a restless sleeper, a mattress that reaches up and envelopes you will not be comfortable. Such mattresses can also be quite warm, though you can change that with toppers, mattress protectors and bedding.
Extremely restless sleepers may be struggling with joint or back pain. Talk with your sleep provider about the best way to manage such pain before you get into bed so you can fall asleep and stay there. Restless sleepers with a sleeping partner may find that a full foam mattress is the best choice for motion isolation.
Heat Considerations
Many folks trying to get better sleep have invested in a memory foam mattress. However, some foam products leave you sweaty and miserable if you are a warm sleeper.
Back sleepers are often at risk of overheating. To reduce the risk of overheating, you may be more comfortable on a memory foam hybrid mattress that also includes coils. These mattresses often have a center coil bed for airflow and bounce combined with a foam top and side for cushions.
It’s also possible to get a mattress made of latex foam. Natural latex foam does not build up heat like memory foam, though it can be more expensive and heavier than a memory foam mattress. These mattresses are often available with organic cotton and wool cushioning.
It’s also a good idea to check out the gel-infused foam. These foam mattresses are made up of manufactured foam swirled through with cooling beads that disperse heat away from the sleeper. You can also get these in a topper, making them a nice addition to your summer bedding.
Budget
A new mattress can be quite expensive. If your funds are tight and your mattress is starting to lose its bounce or showing signs of crush damage, toppers can help. Modern mattress manufacturers offer toppers that include many features available in their mattresses.
For example, you can:
- get a gel-infused topper to cool down your bed in the summer
- get a copper-infused topper if you sweat when you sleep
- get a plush mattress topper if you’re struggling with joint pain
- get a firm mattress topper if your current mattress is sagging
While a topper is a temporary fix, you can stretch the life of your current mattress as you look for a replacement. Several toppers in a stack can also be flexible, easy-to-move the temporary mattress.
Bedding Options
Consider a mattress protector if your current mattress is OK, but you’re tired of overheating. Many mattress protectors are woven to be cool to the touch. A soft, comfortable bed that swallows you up will be miserable if it doesn’t also allow you to sleep cool.
To truly cool off your sleeping situation, start with a hybrid mattress that pairs coils and foam. If your budget allows, consider a hybrid with latex foam. Top it with a mattress protector woven for coolness and cover that with sheets that are also either woven for coolness or softness. For a bit of luxury, pair the cooling mattress protector with bamboo sheets.
The right mattress is a good start. Your bedding choices and the addition of a topper can do a lot to make even the best mattress more comfortable. You can also extend the life of a used-up mattress with a good topper.