How do you sleep?

No two people sleep in exactly the same way. Some of us sleep on our backs, others on their sides, and some on their tummies. There is lots of research that claims that sleeping on your side is best, because it takes the strain off the back and hips, and women tend to favour this position. It’s really important for side sleepers not to choose a mattress that’s too firm, as there needs to be plenty of give to support the curve of shoulder and hip.

Approximately ten to fifteen percent of the population sleep in their backs, and it can be problematic because it encourages snoring and sleep apnoea. However if that is your favoured position then a firmer mattress will help support your lower back.

If you sleep on your stomach you need to make sure that your mattress is always in tip top condition. If the mattress is too soft then your spine is thrown out of alignment and there isn’t enough support for your neck which can cause back pain.

Clearly the most important thing that affects quality of sleep is comfort, so ensuring that your mattress supports you properly is crucial. Weight plays a part when you’re making the decision about which type of mattress to buy, and the chart below is a guideline that will help you make a decision.  At the heavier end of the scale it’s important to realise that a Firm mattress may need a topper so that there is both support and cushioning.

Firmness	Notes	Sleep Position	Weight
Very Soft	Rare and hard to find in any quality mattress	Side Sleepers	Less than 8 stone/50 kilos
Soft	Soft enough for hip and shoulder to be supported	Side Sleepers	Up to 12 stone/76 kilos
Medium	What most people are comfortable on	Side, Back and Stomach Sleepers	Up to 16 stone/105 kilos.
Firm	Very little sink or give	Side, Back and Stomach Sleepers	Up to 20 stone/130 kilos
Extra Firm	Like sleeping on the floor!	Stomach Sleepers	Above 20 stone/130 kilos