Choosing a mattress is not simply about finding one that feels soft or firm in the showroom. Your body weight, sleeping position, preferred firmness and the type of support you need all affect how comfortable a mattress will feel night after night.
A mattress that feels perfect for one person may feel too soft, too firm or insufficiently supportive for someone else.
At Matiz Enterprise, we stock a wide range of mattresses from trusted Nigerian brands, including Vitafoam, Mouka, Royal Foam, Sarafoam and Olive Foam, with options for different body types, sleeping styles and budgets.
So, how do you know which mattress is right for you?
1. Consider Your Body Weight
Your body weight affects how much pressure you place on a mattress and how deeply you sink into its comfort layers.
A mattress that works well for a lighter person may not provide enough support for someone who weighs significantly more. Similarly, a very firm mattress may feel uncomfortable to someone with a lighter body because it may not provide enough cushioning.
As a general guide:
Under 50 kg
Lighter sleepers may find that very firm mattresses feel hard and uncomfortable because there is less body weight to compress the mattress.
A mattress with adequate cushioning and moderate support can help provide a more comfortable sleeping surface.
Around 50–70 kg
People in this range have a wider selection of suitable mattresses. Medium or medium-firm mattresses can provide a good balance between cushioning and support, depending on sleeping position and personal preference.
Around 70–100 kg
As body weight increases, adequate support becomes increasingly important. A mattress with good structural support can help prevent excessive sinking around the hips and shoulders.
Medium-firm, firm and appropriately constructed orthopedic or hybrid mattresses may be worth considering, depending on your sleeping position.
Above 100 kg
Heavier sleepers should pay particular attention to mattress construction, support and durability.
A mattress should provide sufficient support without allowing the body to sink excessively. Stronger support systems, high-density foam and suitable spring or hybrid constructions may provide better long-term performance.
However, weight alone should not determine your choice. Your sleeping position and comfort preferences are equally important.
2. Think About Your Sleeping Position
How you sleep has a major influence on the type of mattress that will feel comfortable.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers place more pressure on their shoulders and hips.
A mattress that is excessively firm may create uncomfortable pressure points around these areas. A mattress with some cushioning can allow the shoulders and hips to settle into the surface while still providing adequate support.
Memory foam and suitable hybrid mattresses can be worth considering for side sleepers who prefer additional pressure relief.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers generally need a mattress that supports the natural curve of the lower back without allowing the hips to sink excessively.
A medium-firm surface can provide a useful balance between cushioning and support for many back sleepers.
The key is to find a mattress that feels supportive without creating uncomfortable pressure around the shoulders, hips or lower back.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers can benefit from a more supportive sleeping surface that helps prevent the midsection from sinking too deeply.
A mattress that is too soft may allow the hips to sink lower than the rest of the body, which can make the sleeping position uncomfortable.
A firmer mattress may therefore be preferable for many stomach sleepers, although individual comfort still matters.
Combination Sleepers
If you change positions throughout the night, you may want a mattress that provides support while also making it relatively easy to move from one position to another.
Responsive foam, latex and hybrid mattresses can be useful options for people who do not stay in one sleeping position throughout the night.
3. Understand the Different Types of Mattresses
Once you understand your body and sleeping position, the next step is to consider mattress construction.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses come in different densities and firmness levels. They can provide a practical and affordable option for many sleepers.
They are available in a wide range of designs, making it possible to choose an option based on your preferred level of comfort and support.
Orthopedic Mattresses
Orthopedic mattresses are designed with enhanced support in mind and are often chosen by people who want a firmer, more supportive sleeping surface.
However, "orthopedic" does not automatically mean that a mattress is suitable for everyone. Your body weight, sleeping position and personal comfort should still be considered.
Spring Mattresses
Spring mattresses use a spring support system combined with comfort layers.
They can provide good responsiveness and airflow, while different spring constructions offer different levels of support and comfort.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, commonly springs with foam or other comfort materials.
They can offer a combination of support, responsiveness and cushioning, making them an option worth considering for sleepers who want characteristics from more than one mattress type.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are known for their responsive feel and can provide a combination of cushioning and support.
They may be particularly appealing to people who prefer a mattress that feels less "sinking" than some types of memory foam.
4. Don't Choose a Mattress Based on Firmness Alone
One of the most common mistakes when buying a mattress is assuming that the firmer the mattress, the better it must be.
That is not necessarily true.
A mattress can be too firm for your body and sleeping position, just as a mattress can be too soft.
The goal is to find the right balance between:
- Support
- Comfort
- Pressure relief
- Body weight
- Sleeping position
- Personal preference
Someone who sleeps on their side may prefer a different firmness level from someone who sleeps primarily on their stomach.
5. Test the Mattress Before Buying
If you are purchasing a mattress in person, take some time to test it.
Lie down in your normal sleeping position rather than simply sitting on the edge for a few seconds.
Pay attention to:
- Whether your shoulders and hips feel comfortable
- Whether your lower back feels properly supported
- Whether you feel that you are sinking too deeply
- Whether the mattress feels excessively hard
- Whether you can change positions comfortably
If you are buying for someone else, their body weight, sleeping position and comfort preferences should also be considered.
6. Consider the Mattress Size Too
Choosing the right mattress is not only about firmness and support.
Make sure the mattress is appropriately sized for the person or people who will use it and that it fits the bed frame or base correctly.
For couples, consider whether both people have enough sleeping space and whether their comfort preferences are similar.
If two people have significantly different body types or sleeping preferences, it is particularly important to test the mattress together where possible.
7. Buy From a Trusted Mattress Dealer
A mattress is something you use every night, so authenticity and product quality matter.
Buying from an established and trusted dealer can also make it easier to obtain genuine products and manufacturer warranties where applicable.
At Matiz Enterprise, we supply mattresses and sleep products from leading brands including Vitafoam, Mouka, Royal Foam, Sarafoam and Olive Foam.
Our selection includes different mattress types, sizes and support levels to suit different needs and budgets.
Whether you are looking for an everyday mattress, an orthopedic mattress, a spring mattress, a hybrid mattress or a more premium option, we can help you find a suitable choice.
Find the Right Mattress for You
There is no single mattress that is perfect for everybody.
The best starting point is to consider your body weight, sleeping position, preferred firmness and the level of support you need.
If you are still unsure, speak with a mattress specialist before making your purchase. At Matiz Enterprise, we can help you compare available options and choose a mattress that fits your needs and budget.
Shop quality mattresses online or visit our store in Surulere, Lagos.
Matiz Enterprise
34, Ijesha Road, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Call or WhatsApp: +234 803 715 4363
We deliver mattresses and sleep products across Nigeria.