Stories

In a world full of countless mattress types, technologies, and feels, it's no secret that mattress shopping can feel overwhelming. When buying a new mattress, many shoppers struggle to feel confident with their new mattress choice. There are a few key factors to help you narrow down your options and find your perfect night's sleep much sooner.

First, consider your sleeping position. The three most common positions include stomach, side, and back. However, many individuals are combination sleepers, in which case experts recommend going by the position you spend the most time in (this isn't necessarily the position you fall asleep in).

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers usually prefer a medium feel—not too soft, not too firm. The Stearns & Foster® feels that will best suit a side sleeper who wants a happy medium is our Pillow Top Medium, available in our Studio Collection, or our Medium feel, available in our Studio, Lux Hybrid, or Reserve Collections. These feels will adequately support your hips and shoulders without too much "give" or pressure on your joints.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers tend to prefer a firmer feel to help keep their spine appropriately aligned throughout the night. That’s why we recommend the Pillow Top Firm feel if you’re a stomach sleeper, available in our Estate and Reserve Collections. Stomach sleepers seeking the firmest bed should consider the Estate or Lux Hybrid mattresses in Firm.

Back Sleepers

Like stomach sleepers, back sleepers require a mattress that provides adequate support and spinal alignment. Pillow Top Firm and Firm feels will be excellent feel options to take into consideration. Our current collections offering a Pillow Top Firm feel include the Estate and Reserve, while you’ll find our Firm feel in the Estate or Lux Hybrid Collections.

Next, consider your body type. If you have a smaller frame, you may enjoy a softer mattress as your body can sink into the plush feel easier than a firmer model. A firmer mattress may feel more comfortable if you have broader shoulders and hips.

Finally, and arguably the most important factor to consider when selecting a mattress: personal preference. While a medium feel is overwhelmingly the most popular option in the mattress world, for some, it may still feel too plush, and vice versa for others. We offer a wide range of feels to accommodate your individual feel preference and support needs. So, what works best for you?

Every sleeper is unique – and while these suggestions may be a helpful starting point in selecting a mattress, you know your body best. That’s why we offer additional feel options, including Soft and Pillow Top Soft (our softest), to accommodate a wide range of preferences. To feel these differences for yourself, visit a Stearns & Foster retail store near you to find YOUR perfect fit.