How to find the best mattress for your body and sleep needs

Hannah Shore

Silentnight’s Sleep Expert

Research found seven out of ten people were sleeping on the wrong mattress, seeking expert advice on what the best mattress is for your body will be invaluable to enhancing your quality of life.

“A ‘bad night’s sleep’ can often start with an unsupportive mattress,” explains Hannah Shore, Silentnight’s Sleep Expert, who explores how mattresses support bodies during sleep and how they perform in real-life sleep environments.

“If your spine isn’t supported in the correct way, your muscles cannot relax and you may wake up with aches and pains. If you find the right mattress, you enjoy a more restorative sleep. This leaves your back muscles and whole body feeling more relaxed and gives you the positive effects of a good night’s sleep.”

The science behind finding the best mattress

Silentnight, the UKs most trusted sleep brand, recognise that we are a nation of unique sleepers and therefore have multiple solutions based on the sleeping styles and physiology of each customer. “Buying a mattress is more of a science than one might imagine. We take in lots of information about our customers’ sleeping needs and experiences when advising them on an appropriate mattress,” says Hannah.

Foam mattresses are great for those
who wake up with aches and pains.

So, what should customers look for in a mattress? “The level of support your mattress offers can affect your spinal alignment; the larger the stature of an individual, the firmer the support needed from the mattress. If you’re waking up in the morning with aches and pains, it could be because it’s not the right mattress for your unique body shape and size,” explains Hannah.

The best mattress is what’s right for your body

Firmness is far from the only factor to consider. Silentnight research shows that finding the correct mattress is one way to help people deal with some of these issues.

“Unfortunately, there isn’t just one mattress that suits everybody,” says Hannah. “Everyone has their own unique sleeper needs. Some people overheat, others are cold, some people are restless, others are not. We need to find the right materials to ensure we enhance these unique sleeping environments.

“Foam mattresses are great for those who wake up with aches and pains. These mattresses offer great pressure relieving qualities, however, some people find them a little too hot. Fibre mattresses such as polyester and natural fibres are very breathable and have temperature regulating qualities, but can provide a firmer feel,” explains Hannah.

Maintaining and changing a mattress

The average lifespan of a mattress is five to eight years — but be aware of how it looks and how you feel. “If there are lumps and bumps in the mattress that never used to be there, or it is noisy from the springs, you may need to change your mattress. The main indicator is if your body does not feel refreshed in the morning, if it is aching and it never used to, or if you are struggling to get comfortable and cannot sleep then these are also signs you should change your mattress,” says Hannah. The other key factor in the mattress lifespan is how it’s maintained.

“Humans produce lots of heat and moisture which can transfer to the comfort layers on the top of mattresses. And when you consider dead skin cells, it’s crucial you keep your mattress fresh and clean. Following the cleaning instructions that come with your mattress is essential.”

The best mattress isn’t going to be the same for everyone, and not all mattresses require the same care. Take your time and get your mattress from somewhere reliable, because good sleep will set you up for the rest of the day – and your life.