This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Sleep Number.
Shopping for a new mattress sounds simple until you start looking. Memory foam or hybrid? Soft or firm? Cooling covers, pressure-relief zones, motion isolation, sleep tracking — suddenly, you’re comparing features that barely existed the last time you bought a bed. Even the most expensive option could be a poor match.
So the more intuitive approach is to find out how you actually sleep. The right mattress should provide comfortable support for your sleeping position, suit your body type, and accommodate practical needs such as temperature and sharing a bed. Here’s how to narrow down the options without getting lost in the marketing.
Start with your sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position offers one of the best clues to what kind of support you need. Side sleepers put more pressure on their shoulders and hips, so some cushioning can help those areas settle comfortably into the mattress. If the surface is too hard, you may notice pressure building around those points. A surface that’s excessively soft can create a different problem by allowing the hips to sink too far.
On the other hand, back sleepers generally need a balance of contouring and support around the torso and lower back, while stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer surface that keeps the middle of their body from dipping too deeply. Combination sleepers should be able to change positions easily. And just like how mattress firmness comes into play, the pillow you use also matters for neck support.
Choose firmness based on comfort and support
Mattress firmness is often described on a scale from one to 10, with the softer options at one end and firmer ones at the other. Such numbers can help you narrow your search, but they aren’t standardized across manufacturers. As Cleveland Clinic points out, one brand’s medium-firm mattress can be quite different from another’s.
Medium-firm is a reasonable place to start for many adults, but body type plays a role. A lighter sleeper may not compress the comfort layers very much and could experience the bed as harder. Someone with a heavier build may sink deeper into the same mattress. So you should check if your shoulders and hips are comfortable and your midsection is supported.
It’s also worth noting that preferences can always change. A mattress with adjustable firmness offers a way to fine-tune the surface over time instead of committing to a single setting from the outset.
Understand what the mattress is made of
Materials change how a mattress responds when you lie down. It also changes how easily you can move, and how much of a partner’s movement you will notice. According to Sleep Foundation’s mattress buying guide, foam typically provides close contouring and motion isolation, while traditional innersprings have a more responsive, bouncy surface. Hybrids combine elements of both designs, and latex often offers a springier, more buoyant sensation.
Here’s a quick way to compare the major options before you head to a showroom:
| Mattress type | What to expect | Worth considering if… |
|---|---|---|
| All-foam | Close contouring and typically good motion isolation; some designs retain heat | You like cushioning or are easily disturbed by movement |
| Innerspring | A bouncier surface with airflow through the coil system | You prefer a traditional, responsive mattress |
| Hybrid | Foam or latex comfort layers combined with a coil support core | You want cushioning with a more responsive foundation |
| Latex | Buoyant support with less of a deeply cradled sensation | You want easier movement and a more responsive surface |
| Adjustable-firmness | A support system whose firmness can be changed, paired with comfort layers that vary by model | You want to revisit your firmness choice or personalize each side |
Pay attention to pressure relief
Support and pressure relief also work together. So a mattress can check every firmness box and still make for an uncomfortable night if you regularly wake up shifting positions because one part of your body has become uncomfortable.
Look at the comfort layers and any targeted support zones, then test the mattress in your normal sleeping position. The idea is to avoid concentrated pressure without creating excessive sinking. Support and cushioning can coexist.
Consider whether you sleep hot or cold
Temperature deserves its own place on the checklist. The cold and warm side of the pillow makes all the difference during sleep sometimes, but a whole mattress is just as important. The right mattress not only gives the right firmness feel, but also prevents you from waking up in the middle of the night because of overheating.
Denser foam constructions may hold more heat, while designs that encourage airflow or incorporate cooling materials can offer a different sleeping environment. Built-in cooling materials and active temperature control are different. The former manage warmth passively; the latter actively change the sleeping surface’s temperature. Check which technology you’re actually paying for, and remember that your bedding, room temperature, and sleepwear contribute to overall comfort as well.
Think about the other person in the bed
Sharing a bed adds another set of considerations. Partners who disagree on firmness can struggle to compromise. Their movements can also matter. Some mattresses absorb motion better than others, making them worth considering for light sleepers.
Similarly, size is a big part of the decision here. A queen is 60 inches wide, while a king offers 76 inches, providing additional room to spread out. Measure your bedroom and consider the space around the frame before paying for an upgrade. Dual-sided firmness adjustment can be useful for couples who want different levels of support without buying separate mattresses.
Decide which smart features are worth having
This is where newer mattresses offer choices that go beyond the usual foam-versus-springs debate. Adjustable firmness lets you experiment with how much cushioning and support you prefer. Sleep tracking can also reveal patterns in sleep duration and consistency, giving you useful context when thinking about your bedtime habits. The information is best treated as a guide to your routine rather than a medical diagnosis.
For example, the Sleep Number ComfortNext mattress combines foam and adjustable air support, with five zones of targeted support and built-in cooling materials. Each side can be adjusted independently on compatible configurations, making it especially relevant for partners with different preferences.
Its Responsive Air technology makes small air-pressure adjustments during the night to help maintain the firmness level you’ve chosen, while the Sleep Number app provides sleep insights without requiring you to wear a tracker. Those options let you experiment as your comfort preferences change.
Test it properly, and check the fine print
A quick sit on the edge of a showroom mattress tells you very little. Lie down in the position you normally sleep in, stay there long enough to settle, and roll over a few times. Notice whether pressure builds under your shoulders or hips, whether your lower back has support, and whether changing positions is easy. If you share the bed, have your partner test it alongside you.
Sleep Number also offers a store locator for people who want to try its mattresses in person. Its stores provide complimentary pressure mapping and personalized guidance to help shoppers explore different mattress models and find a comfortable Sleep Number setting. This can be a useful starting point, especially if you’re comparing how different mattresses and adjustments change the surface under your body.
Before buying, look at the total price with the base, delivery, and setup included. Check the trial period, any return or pickup fees, warranty coverage, and whether particular features require an app, power connection, or compatible accessories. Such details matter just as much as a mattress’s advertised starting price.
This is a purchase you’ll literally live with every night, so there’s little reason to rush the decision. Begin with your sleeping position and preferred support, narrow down the materials and features that matter to you, and take time to test your finalists. The right choice is the one that stays comfortable in your actual routine—with enough flexibility to adapt when that routine changes.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a mattress
How do I know which mattress is right for me?
Start with your preferred sleeping position, body type, and comfort preferences. The right mattress should provide enough cushioning to relieve pressure while keeping your body comfortably supported. Consider temperature regulation, materials, and whether you share your bed.
Is a firm or soft mattress better?
Neither is universally better. Side sleepers often prefer more cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while stomach sleepers may benefit from a firmer surface. Medium-firm mattresses can be a useful starting point, but individual comfort and support matter most.
What type of mattress is best for couples?
Couples may benefit from mattresses that minimize motion transfer and offer enough space for both sleepers. Adjustable mattresses with independent firmness settings can be particularly useful when partners have different comfort preferences.
Are smart mattresses worth it?
Smart mattresses may be worth considering if you value adjustable firmness, sleep tracking, or temperature-management features. Models such as the Sleep Number ComfortNext mattress offer personalized adjustments that can help accommodate changing comfort preferences.
This content is paid for by the brands indicated. Digital Trends works closely with advertisers to highlight their products and services to our readers. Although this article is informational and not opinionated, it reflects thorough fact-checking by our team to ensure accuracy. Our dedicated partnerships team, not external advertisers, crafts all branded content in-house. For more information on our approach to branded content, click here.
