Innerspring and memory foam and hybrid – oh my! With so many mattresses on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one best suits your comfort and sleep preferences. One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new mattress is the firmness level or “feel”. While the feel of a mattress is a personal preference, your sleep position can play a role in the feel that’s right for you. The three most common sleeping positions are back, side and stomach. However, sleep is not one size (or position) fits all, and most sleepers are combination sleepers – utilizing at least two sleeping positions throughout the night. Let’s dig in a bit deeper to help you better understand the mattresses that back, stomach and side sleepers may prefer.

Back Sleepers

When searching for a mattress, back sleepers should choose an option that will provide proper spinal alignment. To achieve this, a medium-firm to firm feel is typically best. A firmer feel will allow your shoulders and lower body to be supported and align your spine properly, without putting pressure on your hips and lower back.

Recommended Feels for Back Sleepers: Medium, Firm, Ultra Firm

Side Sleepers

Sleeping on your side is the most popular sleeping position and is associated with major benefits like reduced back pain, improved breathing, and better digestion. When it comes to a mattress, side sleepers tend to experience the most comfort from a soft to medium feel – this provides proper support to your shoulders and hips without “giving” too much and creating pressure points.

Recommended Feels for Side Sleepers: Ultra Soft, Soft, Medium

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers, like back sleepers, need a mattress that will properly align their spine throughout the night. Therefore, a mattress that is medium to firm in feel will likely provide the best comfort. If you’re a stomach sleeper on a softer mattress, you may find yourself sinking in – pushing your spine into a concave position that could result in back pain.

Recommended Feels for Stomach Sleepers: Medium, Firm, Ultra Firm

The key to finding your perfect mattress is remembering that sleep is not “one size fits all” – every sleeper is unique in their preferences and habits. While we hope these suggestions provide a starting point in your shopping journey, trust your body! To accommodate all comfort preferences, Sealy® offers a wide range of mattress models in a variety of feels. This helps every sleeper discover their best night’s sleep. Ready to find your perfect match? Visit a Sealy retail store near you, or feel free to reach out to one of our Sleep Experts!