How to Choose a Mattress: The Ultimate Buying Guide

When you align your body properly during sleeping hours, you give your muscular-skeletal system a better chance to rest—whether it’s from hours hunched over a computer screen or spending seasons in the garden.

To avoid sleep-time soreness, body support is a crucial element when choosing a mattress. 

Get in the Zone

A lot goes into making a comfortable mattress fit for all sleeping styles and body types. The good news is that Casper mattress experts succeeded in creating zoned mattresses that ergonomically aligns spines and supports various sleeping positions.

When perusing the options, look for a mattress that has proper zoning requirements for body support.

1. Shoulders/Upper Back
   There should be a soft zone for the shoulders to sink into the mattress.
2. Waist/Lower Back
   This area should be more firm to provide more support for the back and allow it to relax.
3. Hips
   The hip zone should have medium-firmness that cradles the hips.

05 Select Your Desired Mattress Firmness

When determining how to pick the right mattress, you must consider your preferred firmness level.

There is a common misconception that the firmness of a mattress affects its support, but really, firmness is subjective and does not equate to support. This is because firmness is determined by how far a sleeper sinks into their mattress, while support is measured by how well the mattress maintains a sleeper’s alignment.

FIRMNESS is measured by how much the sleeper sinks into the mattress

SUPPORT is measured by how the mattress is maintaining the sleeper's spinal alignment.

When deciding between a firm or soft mattress, just make sure to choose one that is designed with zoning requirements for adequate support.

On the same mattress, a heavier sleeper will inevitably sink deeper than a lighter sleeper. So, when is a mattress too firm? To which, the perception of firmness will be determined by the individual.

So how does one determine the best mattress firmness for them? Personal preference! As long as a mattress is zoned properly and supports your body correctly, you are free to choose a softer or firmer mattress.

Zoning in a Firm vs. Softer Mattress

06 Assess Your Sleeping Position

We’ve all been there—tossing and turning without a moment’s shut-eye. But did you know that we still toss and turn even during deep sleep? In fact, people change positions at least 20 times per night.

Most sleepers often start off on their sides and transition to their backs throughout the night—or vice versa. As such, it’s important to find a mattress that can provide adequate support for different sleeping patterns and positions.

Look for a mattress that accommodates different sleeping patterns and positions.

 

Back sleepers Back-sleepers, rejoice! Lying flat on your back is the best way to maintain the natural curvature of your spine and evenly distribute your weight across your body as you sleep. There is also more flexibility in your spine and reduced risk for injury. Although, it helps to find a mattress that gives you a little extra support under your lower back to relieve lower back pain.	Side sleepers This is arguably the most common sleeping position. Because your spine has less flexibility bending sideways, inappropriate support for your body could easily lead to back discomfort. Side sleepers should look for a mattress that provides appropriate support at different body segments to straighten your spine while you sleep.	Stomach sleepers Stomach sleepers are prone to spinal misalignment and early-morning soreness. When facing down on a soft mattress with poor support, your body can get stuck in an uncomfortable backbend which may cause muscle fatigue. If possible, find a firmer mattress to keep your spine and head aligned better as a stomach sleeper. This will better work with your body’s natural flexibility and help to avoid morning aches.	Combination sleepers Since combination sleepers toss and turn throughout the night, they need balance in a mattress, which can come in the form of mattress zoning.

 

 

 Are you in the market for something you can rely on—a firm and sturdy foundation?

Or are you more enamored with something plush and pliant—something that really supports your soft spots?

No matter your preference, there’s a mattress out there for you. But first, you must review the different mattress types:

Innerspring The most traditional of the mattress types, innerspring mattresses are made up of coils and springs that are hidden under layers of fabric, latex, or foam. However, the majority of the mattress is designed with coils or springs.	Foam Foam mattresses are typically made with a combination of different foam types. They are different types of foam mattresses based on whatever foam type is most dominant in its layers. Some foams are bouncier than others while others, like memory foam can absorb large amounts of pressure and motion transfer. Some firm mattresses are made of foam to help with your posture, specifically with spine alignment.	Hybrid What is a hybrid mattress, you ask? A hybrid mattress combines both springs and foam. They’re supportive and plush.	Latex Latex is a rubber-like material that provides a firm but comfortable sleeping experience, similar to memory foam. However, while similar, there are distinct differences when comparing latex vs. memory foam

With a roster like that, you’re sure to find yourself drifting through countless sheep-filled dreamscapes. Aside from looking up different materials, do a thorough mattress review. This includes researching different mattress manufacturers and finding out what other customers say about them. You should also consider your body type into consideration so that you not only find the right mattress type but also the right mattress size.

08 Solutions for Sleeping Hot

If you sleep hot at night, be sure to choose a mattress that’s designed with cooling technology.

Mattress Protector This cooling mattress protector is made with light-as-a-feather material that keeps your mattress clean while keeping you cool.	Lightweight sheets These cooling sheets are shaped with a grid weave for maximum breathability.	Duvets There is a variety of lightweight, cooling duvets that engulf you in comfort without all the over-heating.

09 For the Best Night’s Sleep, Choose Casper Mattress

You don’t need a pile of mattresses to achieve comfort. For those dreaming of plush, cloud-like mattresses that offer maximum comfort, choose Casper.

Our collection of dreamy mattresses come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to cozy Casper mattresses, just choose your pick of the bunch:

 Like with any good investment, you also have to be mindful of the price. So, find out how much the mattress cost before buying it. Regardless of your choice of mattress, Casper is sure to please.