Table of Contents
Why does your mattress matter?
Adults spend roughly one-third of their lives sleeping. The wrong mattress can cause chronic back pain, shoulder stiffness, and sleep deprivation. Research shows that a properly matched mattress increases sleep duration by an average of 42 minutes and reduces chronic lower back pain by 57%.
Firmness (ILD) — The most important factor
ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) is the international standard for measuring mattress firmness. It measures the force in pounds required to compress the mattress by 25%.
ILD by Sleep Position
Side sleepers: ILD 19-28 (shoulder/hip pressure relief) Back sleepers: ILD 25-35 (spinal support) Stomach sleepers: ILD 31-40 (prevents lower back over-arching)
Under 120 lbs: ILD 19-25 120-175 lbs: ILD 25-31 175-220 lbs: ILD 31-37 Over 220 lbs: ILD 37-44+
Materials — What's the difference?
Memory Foam: Best pressure relief, body-contouring, weak cooling
Natural Latex: Good bounce, breathable, durable, expensive
Hybrid: Spring support + foam comfort, balanced choice
Pocket Coil: Best airflow, bouncy, some motion transfer
Height — Is thicker always better?
Mattress height should match your body weight and sleep setup. Heavier sleepers need thicker mattresses to avoid bottoming out. For floor sleeping, 15-20 cm is typical; for bed frames, 25-30 cm is standard.
Cooling — Do you sleep hot?
Mattress surface temperature affects sleep quality more than room temperature. If you sleep hot, consider gel memory foam, hybrid, or natural latex mattresses.
How to test a mattress in-store
After checking specs online, testing in-store gives you the most accurate feel.
Find a mattress close to your recommended ILD
Lie in your usual sleep position for at least 10 minutes
Slide your hand between your lower back and the mattress (if it slides in easily, it's too firm)
Check for pressure at your shoulders and hips
Lie on your side and check if your spine stays aligned
Deeper guides
Focused, long-form guides on specific topics.
Find your ideal specs
Answer a few science-based questions and get science-based mattress specs tailored to your body and sleep style.
Start Free Matching