How To Choose A Mattress – What Matters And What Doesn’t

First Things First: Is It Time for a New Mattress?

If your mattress is eight years old or more, chances are it's past its best. That’s roughly the average lifespan, depending on the quality and how well it's been looked after. But even if your mattress looks fine on the surface, it might not be giving your body the support it needs.

You might also find that your sleep habits or body have changed — whether due to injuries, health conditions (like back pain, arthritis, or sleep apnoea), or even just lifestyle shifts. If you’re waking up stiff, tossing and turning at night, or struggling to get comfortable, it might be time to consider a change.

Know Your Mattress Types (and What They’re Actually Good For)

🧠 Memory Foam

Memory foam moulds to your shape, making it a great option if you need pressure relief. It’s especially popular among people with joint or back pain because it cushions the body so well. Look for newer foams with cooling layers if you tend to overheat at night.

Best for: Back and side sleepers who want comfort and support
Consider if: You have joint pain or like the feeling of being cradled

🌱 Latex

Natural latex is breathable, springy, and hypoallergenic. It tends to be firmer and more responsive than memory foam — you won’t sink in as much. Latex is often seen as a more eco-friendly option too.

Best for: Sleepers who like bounce and don’t want to feel “stuck”
Consider if: You want a cooler sleep and a natural material

🛏️ Hybrid

Hybrids combine foam layers (memory foam or latex) with pocket springs. This gives you the best of both worlds: the bounce and airflow of springs, plus the comfort of foam. They tend to offer excellent support and are popular for couples with different needs.

Best for: Almost everyone — especially combination sleepers
Consider if: You want support without sacrificing comfort

🌀 Innerspring

The old-school classic. Modern innerspring mattresses use individually wrapped coils (called pocket springs) which help reduce motion transfer and improve support. They’re bouncy, breathable, and tend to be more affordable.

Best for: Stomach sleepers and anyone on a tighter budget
Avoid if: You need contouring for pain relief

☁️ Pillow-top

A plush layer stitched onto the top of a mattress adds an extra bit of squish. You’ll find this on both innerspring and hybrid models. Great if you like a soft surface but need underlying support.

Best for: Those who love a bit of hotel-luxury feel at home
Watch out for: Cheap versions that flatten quickly

Sleeping Position Matters — More Than You Think

Believe it or not, the way you sleep plays a huge role in choosing the right mattress. Let’s break it down:

💤 Side Sleepers

You need pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. Look for a medium to medium-soft mattress that contours to your curves without creating pressure points.

Top picks: Memory foam, softer hybrids, or latex with a plush top

😌 Back Sleepers

Spinal alignment is key here. You want a medium-firm surface that supports your lower back without pushing your shoulders or hips up too much.

Top picks: Medium-firm memory foam, hybrids, or firmer latex

🧍♂️ Stomach Sleepers

This is the trickiest position because your hips can sink, leading to back pain. You’ll need a firmer mattress to keep your body aligned.

Top picks: Firm hybrid, innerspring, or latex

😣 Tossing and Turning All Night?

If you’re a restless sleeper or share your bed with someone who is, look for a mattress with good motion isolation. Foam and hybrid models tend to do best here.

Also consider cooling materials — you might be tossing because you’re too warm.

Try Before You Commit — Home Trials Are a Game-Changer

Forget testing a mattress in-store for 5 minutes. It’s just not enough time to know how your body will react over a full night, let alone a few weeks.

That’s why many online mattress brands now offer home trials ranging from 30 to 365 nights. You sleep on it. You test it properly. If it’s not right, you send it back (usually at no cost).

Our tip? Always buy from a brand with a home trial and a solid return policy. Your body needs time to adjust — and it’s the only real way to find out what works.

Mattress Size: Think Room and Lifestyle

It’s not just about what fits in the room. Think about how you sleep, whether you share your bed, and how much space you actually need to stretch out.

Pro tip: Measure your room before buying. And leave space for other furniture — and walking around!

Smart Mattress Shopping in 2025

Let’s recap with a few golden rules:

🛒 Shop Online

The choice is massive, reviews are helpful, and delivery is often free. Plus, you get home trials.

💷 Set a Budget

You don’t need to break the bank to get a good mattress, but think long-term. A better mattress = better sleep = better quality of life.

🔍 Do Your Research

Check trusted reviews. Look at the materials. Compare warranties and trial periods.

🧠 Don’t Get Fooled by Marketing

Ignore the buzzwords like “sleeping on a cloud” or “ultimate softness” — they’re often just fluff. What matters is how the mattress feels to you.

Things That Don’t Matter (As Much As You Think)

• Testing in a showroom: It tells you nothing. Home trials win every time.
  
  

• Thread count: Save that energy for choosing your sheets. Focus on mattress construction and feel instead.
  
  

• Fancy names: Just because it’s called “luxury comfort bliss foam” doesn’t mean it’ll suit your body. Strip it back to basics.
  
  

Bottom Line: Choose What Feels Right for You

Mattress shopping isn’t about following trends or choosing the “best rated” model on some list. It’s about finding your best night’s sleep. So take your time, consider your sleep style, try before you buy if you can, and don’t be afraid to return something that’s not quite right.

Because at the end of the day (literally), you deserve to wake up feeling rested, restored, and ready to go.

Happy mattress hunting! 💤