How to Choose the Right Mattress

The right mattress will always be a crucial component when you’re trying to ensure a good night’s sleep. But how can you know what mattress is best for you? 

The question of how to choose a mattress is a trickier one to answer than you might initially think. There are just so many mattress brands, types, and levels of firmness, that you can easily feel overwhelmed by the choices out there. 

So, we’ve pulled together a handy guide, outlining some of the key factors for consideration when you’re next browsing for a mattress. 

Choosing Between the Various Mattress Types

First things first, there are four main types of mattress: foam, innerspring, hybrid and latex. Knowing the basics of each mattress type can serve as a good foundation for your mattress search.

A foam mattress is made entirely from foam, with no coils. You’ve probably heard of a memory foam mattress; they’re the most common. They provide above-average body contouring, pressure relief and motion isolation. In this category, you might look to the Tempur Sensation Supreme for the best comfort and support.  

An innerspring mattress, meanwhile, uses a support system based on coils. These mattresses have bouncier sleeping surfaces, and tend to offer more limited motion isolation than their memory foam counterparts. Our AB range has a selection of innerspring mattresses for you to browse. 

As for hybrid mattresses, these almost describe themselves – they're “hybrids” of the two mattresses mentioned above. Mattresses in this category combine bounce with contouring, and are also known for their low heat retention. Think something like the Tempur Hybrid Supreme. 

Finally, latex mattresses offer top-notch bounce and durability, as well as moderate contouring. This type of mattress is an excellent purchase for an eco-conscious shopper. Among the options at Arighi Bianchi, one to consider could be the Dunlopillo Firm Rest 18cm Mattress.

Getting the Firmness Level Right

There are a few ways to narrow down how firm a mattress you will need. 

Have you been wishing for a harder or softer mattress when lying in bed at night? How does the mattress at home compare to the mattress at the most recent hotel you stayed at? 

If you’re shopping for your next mattress in person, test out the feel of each mattress, assuming you have the opportunity to do so. This will help you evaluate the mattress’s comfort.

What Are Your Typical Sleeping Positions?

The position you are in when you fall asleep and the position you wake up in can provide key information when choosing a mattress. 

Your body needs different support to maintain spinal alignment, based on sleep posture, to avoid aches and pains. 

If, for example, you sleep on your back, you will experience the greatest pressure in your lower back. Back sleepers do best with a Medium Firm to Firm mattress, with light to moderate contouring. This helps accommodate the natural shape of the back, without causing strain. We recommend checking out the Tempur Original Elite Mattress.

Alternatively, you might normally sleep on your side. If so, you will have sharp pressure points in the shoulders and hips, where the body is at its widest. Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or too firm can lead to misalignment. A Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattress would therefore suit a side sleeper best. Try the Dunlopillo Millenium 24cm Mattress for the best of both worlds. 

If you’re a front sleeper – by which we mean, you sleep on your stomach you may be putting pressure on the lumbar spine. In order to stay out of a U shape and not feel suffocated, a stomach sleeper would do best with a Firm mattress. If you were to purchase the Hypnos Orthocare 10 Mattress, for example, you can choose between firm and extra firm. 

Finally, if your tendency is to alter your sleeping position through the night, you are advised to choose a mattress based on the position you spend the greatest time in. For the best support across all sleeping positions, choose a Medium-Firm mattress. You should also ensure whatever mattress you pick is responsive and allows for easy movement in bed.

Your Body Type Will Also Play a Role

Your spine alignment can also be affected by your weight and body shape. Giving some consideration to both, along with your sleeping position, will further help ensure you choose only the most suitable mattress.

If you’re quite light – typically weighing less than 130lbs (around 58kg) – you will benefit from a softer mattress, by which we mean a foam or hybrid one. Take a look at the Tempur Cloud Supreme, which offers a soft, but still supportive feel.

If your weight is between 130lbs (58kg) and 230lbs (104kg), you can probably choose a mattress based on your sleep position.

Anyone over 230lbs (104kg) may sink further into the mattress. In order to maintain spinal alignment and get optimal rest, these people do best with a firmer mattress that is fairly responsive. 

How Much Money Should You Put Aside for a Mattress?

A mattress is one of the most used pieces of furniture in the house, so it’s seriously worth a decent investment. Typically, a mattress costs anywhere between £200 and £2,000, depending on type and size. 

To those who find these prices daunting, bear in mind a great mattress is always worth it. We also offer 0% finance, so you can spread payments out over a period of time. 

Sleep is at the heart of our lives, and a good night’s sleep sets you up to fulfil your potential each day. So, there’s no need to feel overly intimidated by the process of buying a mattress. And with all of our mattresses at Arighi Bianchi coming with a 10-year guarantee, if you’re still asking yourself “what mattress should I buy?”, you can be sure that ours are a safe and worthwhile purchase.