Pick The Right Mattress For Your Sleeping Habits

By: Jamie Sward

Jamie Sward is a home and office decor expert for BedroomFurniture.com, a part of CSN Stores, where he has been for over a year. With a BA in Journalism from Indiana University, Jamie loves to write about the latest in design trends for the home. He currently resides in Boston, MA

Whether or not you get the full 8 hours of recommended sleep per night, if you're sleeping on the wrong mattress, you've got yourself a problem. While choosing a comfortable mattress is important, making sure that it's giving you adequate support while you sleep is crucial. If you find yourself tossing and turning in the middle of the night, or waking up the next morning with a sore back, chances are that you're sleeping on the wrong mattress. Here are some simple guidelines to help you through the process of buying a new mattress.

Before Shopping For A New Mattress:

A new mattress is an investment. A good, high quality mattress will likely last you for years; however they can cost you upwards of $1,000. It's a smart idea to consult your physician before purchasing a new mattress, see if he recommends anything specific based on your symptoms. While a firmer mattress does provide you with extra back support, everyone's body is different and not all mattresses work with all body types.

Something else to consider, a new mattress can be used with different beds, so don't feel like you need to replace the mattress every time you change up your bedroom decor. It's going to last you a while so make sure it's the right one! Before making such a hefty purchase, you need to do plenty of research and make sure that you get the right mattress for you.

Mattress Types:

• Memory Foam Mattresses: Despite its high price point, a visco foam memory foam mattress is a popular choice for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. The visco foam conforms to every part of the body while you sleep, promoting reduced pressure points and encouraging proper spinal alignment.

• Innerspring Mattresses: Another popular choice for those suffering from back pain, or restless sleep, an innerspring mattress contains coils which help insure that your body weight is adequately distributed while you sleep. In turn, your lower back is supported and peak pressure points are relieved. The presence of these coils also helps keep the rest of the mattress from sagging.

• Hypoallergenic Mattresses: If you suffer from allergies, a hypoallergenic mattress is your best bet. Mattresses made from breathable latex are naturally hypoallergenic, comfortable and they provide you with support, all of which help ensure a comfortable night's sleep. Certified organic mattresses are another option to consider - perfect for individuals who suffer from an array of chemical sensitivities. Organic mattresses are typically free of synthetics, toxic chemicals, fumes and are naturally resistant to dust mites.

Sleeping Posture & Your Mattress:

The type of mattress you purchase is obviously important, but so is how you sleep while using your new mattress. It's important to make note of your own personal sleeping habit - for instance, are you a side-sleeper, front-sleeper or back-sleeper?

• Sleeping on your Stomach: Many people will have you believe that sleeping on your stomach is unsafe. This isn't true if you're sleeping on the right mattress and taking other precautions. A firm mattress is better for stomach sleepers, as you want your body to lay flat. A soft mattress will cause your torso to sink lower into the mattress which could strain your lower back and neck. By placing a pillow under your hips, you alleviate this stress on your lower back and neck.

• Sleeping on your Side: Chiropractors tend to recommend side-sleeping as the healthiest for your body. A mattress with a little give might be a side-sleeper's best bet - either a foam mattress or a mattress with medium firmness. Additionally, you want to place one or two pillows underneath your head and neck to ensure that your spine remains straight and elongated. An extra pillow between the knees or a body pillow will also prevent your legs from knocking together while you sleep.

• Sleeping on your Back: Back-sleepers need to choose their mattress based on their personal preference. Some like a firm mattress, while others like it soft. Still others with chronic back pain need even more support and opt for either a memory foam mattress or an innerspring mattress. Whenever you sleep on your back, it's recommended that you place a pillow under your head and another under your knees. This is known to help reduce pressure on the lower back.

Let me reemphasize the importance of speaking to your doctor prior to purchasing the mattress. It would also be a wise idea to go into a couple mattress stores and test them out. Remember that a good mattress can last you for quite some time so putting in the necessary legwork will only save you money in the long run.