Not sure whether you should look at firm, plush or pillow top mattresses? The answer may lie in the position you sleep in most often.
Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side you need a support system that tightly conforms to you body so the mattress will support you evenly along the entire length of your body.
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If your mattess is
too firm you'll feel greater pressure at the hip and shoulder which may
result in morning back pain and may cause circulation issues.
- Individually pocketed coils provide a closer fit to your body than standard bonnell style coils.
- All foams conform to one degree or another to the weight of your body. Memory foam and latex foams absorb more pressure than polyfoam.
- You will probably be happiest with a pillow top or plush mattress.
- Statistically over 80% of us sleep on our sides.
Back SleepersIf you sleep on your back you will probably sleep comfortably on any firmness.
- Most back sleep typicially prefer firm support and a softer, more luxurious upholstery layer.
- If you have low back pain, you want to make sure that your mattress conforms along the curve of your spine because pressure in hips can put undue pressure on the low back.
- Ask your sales rep to show you a Plush mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
Chiropracters around the world try to convice stomach sleepers to retrain themselves to sleep on their sides or backs. It's difficult to change a lifelong pattern which makes it that much more important to find the right mattress.
- A bed that is too soft will allow the stomach sleepers back to sway down into the mattress. This sway will kink the lower back and create lower back pain.
- Neck pain may follow since the spine will try to adjust itself to relieve the pressure and the back becomes more out of alignment.
- When trying mattresses, start with a 13g coil to provide firm support and prevent back sway. Then add cushioning based on personal preference. A plush firm mattress is a great place to start.
- Women generally prefer more cushioning.
Try before you buy!
Whatever your sleep style, make sure to test your mattress in that position. Don't let a sales person rush you and don't be shy to ask to be left alone to try the mattresses. Try to spend at least 10-15 minutes on a bed. What feels comfortable in the first minute or two may feel different as your body adjusts to the mattress and the mattress to your body.