How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Sleep Style
Buying Guide

How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Sleep Style

December 19, 202412 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Side sleepers need softer mattresses with pressure relief for shoulders and hips
  • Back sleepers benefit from medium-firm mattresses that support spinal alignment
  • Stomach sleepers require firmer mattresses to prevent lower back strain
  • Memory foam excels at pressure relief and body-conforming comfort
  • Consider your body weight when choosing mattress firmness level

Choosing the right mattress is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health, well-being, and quality of life. The average person spends approximately one-third of their life in bed—that's roughly 26 years over a lifetime! This means your mattress choice directly impacts not just your sleep quality, but your energy levels, mood, productivity, and even long-term physical health. With options ranging from traditional regular mattresses to advanced memory foam designs, finding the perfect match for your unique sleep style can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision and finally get the restful sleep you deserve.

Understanding Your Sleep Position: The Foundation of Mattress Selection

Person sleeping comfortably on a quality mattress in Philadelphia bedroom
Your sleep position determines the ideal mattress firmness and support level for optimal rest.

Your sleep position is the single most important factor in determining which mattress type will provide you with the best night's rest. Each sleeping position places different amounts of pressure on various parts of your body, and understanding this is crucial for preventing pain and ensuring proper spinal alignment throughout the night.

Side Sleepers: The Most Common Sleep Position

Approximately 74% of people are side sleepers, making this the most prevalent sleep position. If you're a side sleeper, your shoulders and hips bear the brunt of your body weight, creating pressure points that can lead to discomfort, numbness, and pain if not properly cushioned. Side sleepers typically need a soft to medium mattress that allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly while still providing adequate support for the spine.

Memory foam mattresses are particularly excellent for side sleepers because they conform precisely to the body's curves, distributing weight evenly and eliminating pressure points. Our memory foam mattresses are specifically designed to provide this type of responsive, body-hugging comfort that side sleepers need.

Back Sleepers: Optimal Spinal Support Required

Back sleepers make up about 10% of the population and need a mattress that maintains the natural S-curve of the spine. When lying on your back, the lumbar region (lower back) needs adequate support to prevent it from sinking too deeply into the mattress, which can cause lower back pain over time.

A medium-firm mattress typically works best for back sleepers, providing enough cushioning for comfort while maintaining proper spinal alignment. Our memory foam mattresses provide excellent support and pressure relief, making them an excellent choice for back sleepers who want superior comfort.

Stomach Sleepers: Firmness is Key

Stomach sleeping is the least common position, practiced by only about 16% of sleepers. While not generally recommended by sleep experts due to potential neck strain, those who prefer this position need the firmest mattresses available. A firm mattress prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply, which would create an unnatural arch in the spine and lead to lower back pain.

If you're a stomach sleeper, look for mattresses rated 7 or higher on the firmness scale. Consider our regular mattresses paired with a quality box spring which provide the firm, stable foundation that stomach sleepers require.

Mattress Types Explained: Finding Your Perfect Match

Different mattress types including memory foam mattresses in Philadelphia store
Understanding different mattress types helps you make an informed purchasing decision.

The mattress industry has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, offering consumers more choices than ever before. Understanding the pros and cons of each mattress type will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Memory Foam Mattresses: The Pressure Relief Champions

Memory foam was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve seat cushioning and crash protection for airline pilots and passengers. Today, it's one of the most popular mattress materials due to its exceptional pressure-relieving properties. Memory foam responds to heat and pressure, conforming precisely to your body's contours and distributing weight evenly across the sleep surface.

The benefits of memory foam include excellent motion isolation (perfect for couples), superior pressure point relief, and a "hugging" sensation that many sleepers find incredibly comfortable. However, some people find that memory foam retains heat, so look for models with cooling gel infusion or open-cell construction if you tend to sleep hot. Browse our complete memory foam collection to find options that fit your needs and budget.

Innerspring Mattresses: Traditional Comfort and Support

Innerspring mattresses have been the industry standard for over a century, and for good reason. They offer excellent support, good airflow for temperature regulation, and a responsive, bouncy feel that many sleepers prefer. Modern innerspring mattresses feature individually wrapped coils that contour to your body better than older designs while minimizing motion transfer between sleep partners.

For those who prefer a traditional feel with modern improvements, pair any of our mattresses with a quality box spring for complete sleep solutions at exceptional value.

Box Springs: The Foundation of Great Sleep

A quality box spring provides essential support for your mattress and can extend its lifespan significantly. Box springs absorb shock and reduce wear on your mattress, while also raising your bed to a comfortable height. We offer box springs in all sizes, including split options for Queen and King sizes that make moving and setup easier.

Our box spring selection starts at just $70 for Twin, with Full at $100, Queen regular at $100, Queen split at $130, and King split at $130.

Regular vs. Memory Foam: Choosing What's Right for You

We offer both regular and memory foam options for Twin, Full, and Queen sizes. Regular mattresses provide traditional support at budget-friendly prices, while memory foam upgrades offer superior pressure relief and body-conforming comfort. The memory foam upgrade is typically $30 more than the regular option in each size.

Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Your Space and Lifestyle

Queen size mattress in spacious Philadelphia bedroom with modern decor
Queen mattresses offer the perfect balance of sleeping space and room efficiency.

Selecting the appropriate mattress size is about more than just fitting your bed frame—it's about ensuring you have enough space to sleep comfortably while maintaining adequate room for movement and furniture in your bedroom. Here's a detailed breakdown of each size option:

Twin Mattresses (38" x 75"): Perfect for Children and Compact Spaces

Twin mattresses are the smallest standard adult mattress size, ideal for children's rooms, bunk beds, daybeds, and guest rooms with limited space. They're also popular in dormitories and studio apartments where space is at a premium. For growing children or taller teenagers, consider a Twin XL (38" x 80"), which offers an additional 5 inches of length.

Our cheap twin mattresses start at just $150, making them an affordable option for families furnishing multiple bedrooms or landlords outfitting rental properties.

Full Mattresses (54" x 75"): Ideal for Single Adults

Also known as a "double" mattress, the full size offers 16 inches more width than a twin, providing comfortable sleeping space for a single adult. Full mattresses are popular among teenagers transitioning from twin beds, single adults in apartments, and guest rooms. However, they may feel cramped for couples.

Check out our full mattress deals for quality options at budget-friendly prices.

Queen Mattresses (60" x 80"): The Most Popular Choice

Queen mattresses are the best-selling mattress size in America, and for good reason. At 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, they provide ample space for couples while still fitting comfortably in most master bedrooms. The queen size also offers the best value in terms of price per square inch of sleeping surface.

Our queen mattress selection offers both regular models starting at $220 and memory foam options at $260. Add a split box spring for $130 for a complete sleep setup.

King Mattresses (76" x 80"): Maximum Sleeping Space

King size mattresses are ideal for couples who want maximum personal space, families who co-sleep with children, or anyone who simply enjoys spreading out. At 76 inches wide, each partner gets about the same width as a twin mattress. Keep in mind that king mattresses require larger bedrooms—experts recommend at least a 12' x 12' room.

Browse our king mattress options for spacious comfort at discount prices. We also offer California King (72" x 84") for taller sleepers who need extra length.

Where to Buy Your Mattress in Philadelphia: Local Advantage

Cheap Mattress Philadelphia store with wide selection of affordable mattresses
Visit our Philadelphia store for personalized mattress recommendations and same-day delivery.

When it comes to buying a mattress, Philadelphia residents have a significant advantage: access to local mattress stores that offer personalized service, immediate availability, and same-day delivery options that online-only retailers simply cannot match.

Benefits of Buying Local in Philadelphia

Shopping at a local Philadelphia mattress store offers numerous advantages over online purchasing. You can test mattresses in person, feeling the firmness, support, and comfort levels for yourself before making a decision. Our knowledgeable sleep experts can assess your specific needs, answer questions, and recommend the best options based on your sleep position, body type, and budget.

At Cheap Mattress Philadelphia, we serve customers throughout the city and surrounding areas. Whether you're in Center City, South Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, or Fishtown, we offer convenient access to quality mattresses at unbeatable prices.

Same-Day Delivery Throughout Philadelphia

One of the biggest advantages of shopping locally is immediate gratification. When you find the perfect mattress at our store, you don't have to wait weeks for delivery—we offer same-day delivery when you order before 2pm! This means you can be sleeping on your new mattress tonight.

Our delivery service covers all Philadelphia neighborhoods including Germantown, Manayunk, Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, and Mount Airy. We also extend delivery to surrounding communities like King of Prussia, Upper Darby, and Norristown.

Flexible Financing Options

Don't let budget constraints prevent you from getting the quality sleep you deserve. Our financing options make it easy to afford the mattress you need with flexible payment plans. We offer no credit check financing, 90 days same-as-cash programs, and low monthly payments starting at just $25. Most applications are approved within minutes, so you can take your new mattress home the same day.

Ready to find your perfect mattress? Contact us today or visit our store to experience the Cheap Mattress Philadelphia difference. Our sleep experts are here to help you achieve the best night's rest of your life!

Ready to Find Your Perfect Mattress?

Visit Cheap Mattress Philadelphia today for the best deals on quality mattresses with same-day delivery throughout the Philadelphia area!

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat mattress is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers typically do best with soft to medium mattresses that provide excellent pressure relief. Memory foam mattresses are ideal as they contour to your shoulders and hips, preventing pressure points and maintaining spinal alignment.

QHow firm should a mattress be for back pain?

For back pain, a medium-firm mattress is usually recommended. It provides enough support to keep your spine aligned while still offering comfort. However, the best firmness depends on your body weight and sleeping position.

QIs a firm or soft mattress better?

Neither is universally better—it depends on your sleep style and body type. Heavier individuals often need firmer mattresses for proper support, while lighter sleepers may prefer softer options for comfort.

QHow often should I replace my mattress?

Most mattresses should be replaced every 7-10 years. However, if you're experiencing poor sleep quality, visible sagging, or waking up with aches and pains, it may be time for a new mattress sooner.

CM

Cheap Mattress Philadelphia

Your trusted source for affordable mattresses in Philadelphia since 2010. We're committed to helping every customer find the perfect mattress at the right price.

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