Finding the right mattress is about more than just comfort – it’s about supporting your body in a healthy, natural position while you sleep. A good mattress keeps your spine aligned, helping to prevent aches, pains, and restless nights.

The ideal level of firmness depends on how you sleep. If a mattress is too soft, your body may sink too deeply, causing your spine to curve and leading to back pain. If it’s too firm, it can create pressure points and stop your spine from following its natural line. The best mattress is one that strikes the right balance – firm enough to support you, but soft enough to contour comfortably to your shape.

Your sleeping position also plays a key role. Side sleepers generally need a bit more cushioning, while back sleepers benefit from medium-firm support. Stomach sleepers often do best with a firmer surface to stop their hips sinking too low.

The illustration below shows what proper and improper spinal alignment looks like in different sleep positions. Use it as a guide to help you find the mattress that’s just right for you.