In general, firm mattresses are recommended for stomach and some back sleepers, soft mattresses are recommended for side sleepers, and medium mattresses are recommended for the majority of back sleepers.

The Biggest Mistake Most People Make When Buying Mattress Is To Assume Firmer Means Harder. A firm mattress does not mean hard mattress; it means steady support. A soft mattress can have the same support as a hard one does. Opting for the firmest mattress you find comfortable is what orthopaedic experts generally recommend.

You should look at the two key factors when deciding if it is too hard or too soft; the support which is provided by the internal spring unit and the comfort provided by the padding. You body frame is supported by the spring unit and the comfort system conforms to you body’s shape, cushioning it from the spring unit.

You spine is the key to your choice; when you lie on your back it should maintain a natural curve and be straight when you lie on your side. The padding is designed to cushion your body from the spring unit under underneath and support your lower back and waist.

A bed that is too firm will give you pressure points at the heaviest points of your body, reducing blood circulation which signals your body to turn over causing you to toss and turn. Muscles in your back and neck have to work harder to keep your spine straight, and so this all equates to a disturbed, tense nights sleep.

Alternatively a soft bed requires more effort for you to roll over, and the spine won’t be properly aligned. As your muscles work to compensate for lack of support this causes tension in the body.

Above the springs is what provides the comfort and level of support. The quality of the mattress is related to the quality of the filling, and it will last longer with a superior filling.

The way that the padding is constructed makes a difference to the lifespan of the product. Specialist hand tufting is when each layer is hand stitched in place this prevents the materials from moving around, more expensive mattresses would have this.

The outer cover is known as the ticking, more affordable mattresses have flat cotton covers and the higher market ones have quilted damask covers often made from linen, silk, cotton or wool fabric.

The base that your mattress sits on makes a huge difference, it must support it properly or the mattress will have a shorter life span. There are two types of bases those with fixed or flexible slats. Fixed slats are the most common and are fixed to the bed frame, ideal for inner spring mattresses. If possible slats should be no further than 5cm apart.

Foam and latex mattresses work best on flexible slats. These sorts of slats are attached to the frame with pivoting holders and allow some give.

The following points have been constructed with the elderly or inform and those who have asthma or back problems in mind.

• Older people or those that have back problems may find that inner spring mattresses can be very heavy and so difficult to flip or turn regularly. As an alternative a foam mattress or one sided mattress may be more suitable.

• The same people may also be affected by the height of the bed which shouldn’t cause difficulties (from being to high or too low). When you sit on the side of the bed you shouldn’t need too much effort to stand and your feet should reach the ground comfortably.

• Soft padding may help alleviate pressure pain from sitting or lying in the same position for too long. The underlying support should still be firm enough to allow you to roll or sit up easily

• It is important to ask you doctor or back care specialist for advice before buying a mattress if you have a history of back pain. A firm bed may help with lower back pain, however some back conditions may be aggravated if it’s too firm.

• Asthmatics and allergy sufferers can read more about mattress advice for asthma here.

Do you wake up sore?

• Do you wake up feeling un-rested?
• Is your mattress more than 9 years old?
• Is there a noticeable sag in the middle of the mattress?
• When you lay your hand on the mattress with about 3 pounds of pressure and slide it over the mattress do you feel lumps?

If you answered yes to 2 or more of the questions above you should consider the purchase of a new mattress.
If you answered yes to 3 or more of the above questions you should purchase a new mattress right away. You will be amazed how much better you will sleep with a new mattress.