how to choose the perfect mattress for you

• It’s important that your mattress is the same size as your bed as a mattress which hangs off the side of your bed will not be able to effectively support your body and may even damage the mattress.

• The best mattress for you will depend on your preferred sleeping position, temperature, and any discomfort you experience whilst sleeping.

• If you do experience discomfort such as back or neck pain, you should opt for a firmer mattress which offers support and comfort, keeping your spine in place when you lie on your back. Alternatively, memory foam and hybrid mattresses may offer support for some people who experience discomfort while they sleep.

When you’re shopping for a brand-new mattress, you may find yourself overwhelmed with choices. There’s no need to keep tossing and turning thinking about better ways of sleeping, Silentnight’s sleep experts have used their years of experience helping Britain sleep better to help you choose the perfect mattress.

Join us as we explore what makes each mattress different and explain how selecting the right mattress can make all the difference in helping you achieve a better night of rest.

what types of mattresses are available?

The first step in choosing the perfect mattress for you is understanding the different mattresses available. There are several different factors used to categorise mattresses which you should consider when determining how suitable each one is for you and your bed.

Size: Your mattress should be the same size as your bed to guarantee it provides the necessary support you need for a good night’s sleep. Using a mattress that’s too big or too small may lead to damage to the bed, or the mattress itself.

Mattress and bed sizes in the UK are standardised, making it simple to find a mattress that’ll fit your bed however, you can always check our bed and mattress size guide for more advice.

Firmness: Whether you’re looking to sink into a deep sleep or prefer to sleep on a surface with more support, mattress firmness is a vital factor to consider. While mattress firmness can be measured differently, at Silentnight we keep it simple. Ranging from soft, to medium, to firm, our range covers the entire spectrum of sleep support to help find the right firmness for you.

Note that your body weight also influences firmness - generally, heavier individuals need firmer support, whilst lighter sleepers may benefit from softer options.

Support System: The right support system can be the difference between a peaceful slumber or a restless night. The support system is the bottom layer of the mattress, made up of springs or foam and includes memory foam, open coil, or pocket sprung mattresses. To find out more about the different mattress support systems, check out our guide.

what mattress is best for me?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selecting a mattress is simply considering its physical properties, rather than your own sleep habits. While choosing a mattress which fits your bed is important, it’s not the only factor you should be looking for.

sleeping position

While we all adopt different positions throughout the night as we toss, turn, curl, and sprawl, there’ll be a position which feels natural as soon as your head hits the pillow. Believe it or not, the position you sleep in plays a huge role in finding the right mattress for you.

best mattress for side sleepers

For those of us who sleep on our sides, the best night’s sleep is about finding the perfect balance between comfort and back support. That’s why a soft-medium or medium mattress is often the way to go for side sleepers, ensuring your spine stays neutral whilst you sleep. Alternatively, opt for a firmer mattress and add a mattress topper for added comfort.

best mattress for front sleepers

Sleeping on your front can put a lot of pressure on your neck, especially if you have firmer pillows. To keep your neck straight and spine aligned, go for a medium-firm or firm mattress which will keep your body in a comfortable position as you sleep. Silentnight’s range of soft, yet sturdy, wool mattresses offer the ideal comfort and support for front sleepers.

best mattress for back sleepers

Sleeping on your back is considered the best position for sleep as it keeps your body naturally aligned. A medium-firm or firm mattress is the best choice for back sleepers however, if you know you like to change positions as you sleep, a medium-firm or medium mattress will offer support no matter how you end up lying.

Mattresses from Silentnight’s Mirapocket® and Miracoil® ranges are perfect for back or front sleepers as they offer zonal support which focuses on your hips as you lie flat in bed.

best mattress for partners that sleep in different positions?

Even if you’ve met the partner of your dreams, it’s slightly unrealistic to expect them to have an identical sleeping position to you. That’s why many couples choose a hybrid mattress such as the UltraGel™ range which is designed to target pressure relief regardless of your sleeping position. For more tips to help you and your partner choose the perfect mattress, check out our couples mattress guide.

discomfort while sleeping

Discomfort while you sleep can often lead to restless sleep and waking up feeling in pain. While our sleep habits also play an important role in avoiding discomfort while sleeping, choosing the right mattress can also make all the difference when it comes to helping you fall asleep, and stay asleep, each night.

what is the best mattress for back problems

Traditionally, a firm mattress was viewed as the catch-all solution to preventing back pain while you sleep. Although a firm mattress is effective at easing back issues, especially for those who sleep on their back, each person’s sleep struggles are more specific to them.

Other sleepers may prefer softer, memory foam mattresses that relieve pressure whilst still offering spine support and providing more effective relief from back pain.

If back discomfort is still leading to restless nights, you should read our full guide covering the best mattress for a bad back for more information.

what is the best mattress for hip pain?

Relief from hip pain while sleeping is usually achieved with a mattress which provides direct support to the hips. For side sleepers with hip problems, a memory foam mattress is perfect for providing relief. For back or front sleepers, a firm or medium-firm mattress which offers targeted support through zonal support may be best.

what is the best mattress to prevent snoring

Individual’s who prefer to sleep on their back are more likely to snore as their airways becomes narrower than in other positions. However, it may initially be hard to adjust to a more snore-aversive position such as on your side. The best mattress for preventing snoring is one which makes side sleeping more comfortable such as a soft, foam mattress which facilitates contouring and healthy breathing.

what is the best mattress for hot sleepers?

The best mattresses for hot sleepers should allow air to flow freely between its layers. While memory foam mattresses may offer unmatched comfort, they’re dense which makes the transfer of heat difficult. Hybrid mattresses such as Silentnight’s comfort breathe™ are the perfect choice for hot sleepers, allowing air to flow freely through the mattress whilst remaining comfortable.

what is the best mattress for children?

The right mattress makes all the difference when we sleep, and choosing one for our little ones is just as important. The best children’s mattresses should allow them to sleep soundly while they grow and ensure they stay comfortable even if they move around in the night. This means they should offer support across the whole mattress whilst prioritising temperature control and breathability to stop your child getting too hot at night.

For more children’s sleep tips, check out our top tips for making your child’s bedroom a sleep-friendly place.

sleep better with silentnight

Finding the perfect mattress for you has never been easier than with Silentnight. Our 60-night comfort exchange allows you to exchange your mattress for a different product if it’s not helping you to sleep better each night. Even better, for our just sleep™ range, we offer a 365-night trial, giving you plenty of time to get to grips with your mattress to decide if its right for you.

We’re committed to helping the nation sleep better every night. To discover even more expert sleep advice from Silentnight, check out the sleep blog.