Are You Sleeping on the Wrong Mattress? Choose the Best Mattress to Sleep On

We often think we've bought the best mattress to sleep on, but that's not true. In this article, we'll show you how you could be sleeping on the wrong mattress even if it's new, beautiful or, theoretically, of excellent quality. And, more importantly, how to spot the signs of incompatibility and correct the mistake before it affects your health and well-being.

Choosing a mattress is like choosing a pair of shoes: if it's not the right size, the right support or the right comfort, it will hurt.

Which mattress is best for sleeping well? How to know if you've made the right choice

If you're looking for a good night's sleep, start with an essential question: is the mattress you're sleeping on really right for you?

It may have been a good investment at the time of purchase - but if it doesn't offer the support, comfort or breathability your body needs, it's failing in its most basic function: allowing you to rest.

The truth is that there is no universal "best mattress for sleeping". In other words, what works for one person may be uncomfortable for another. And often, even without visible signs of wear and tear (such as sinking or stains on the mattress), the body is already giving warning signs.

Knowing how to choose the right mattress - and how often you need to change your mattress - is key to ensuring restful nights, good postural health and energy throughout the day.

 

1. How to choose a mattress that respects your body and helps you sleep well

Sleeping well isn't just about lying down and closing your eyes - it's about aligning your spine, distributing your weight well and allowing your muscles to relax. If you feel more pressure on areas of your body (shoulders, hips, back), or wake up sore or stiff, it's a sign that the mattress isn't doing its job.

2. The best mattress for sleeping is not always what it seems

Spend all night in bed but wake up exhausted? This could mean that your sleep was superficial - and often the mattress is to blame. A mattress that is too firm or too soft forces the body to change position several times, interrupting deep sleep cycles.

Medium-firm mattresses tend to be the most versatile - but the ideal is to test. Not everyone needs the same level of firmness.

3. Do you sleep better in a hotel than at home? Find out if you have the wrong mattress

Are you surprised by how well you sleep in a hotel or even on a relative's sofa? That's one of the clearest signs that your mattress isn't providing the rest you need. Try taking note of the type of mattress you found there: was it pocket sprung? Foam with memory foam? These details can give you important clues.

4. Thermoregulation and comfort: the ideal mattress for sleeping well in any season

If you wake up sweating - even in winter - or feel constantly cold, your mattress may have ventilation or thermal regulation faults. The internal structure of the mattress and the upholstery fabrics are key to maintaining the ideal temperature. 

5. Body or life changes? Find out how to choose the right mattress for you

Gained weight, lost weight, pregnant or sleeping in a different position? The mattress that used to be perfect may no longer be suitable. The choice of mattress should always be adapted to your current stage of life.

6. Has the mattress lost its firmness or is it noisy? These signs indicate that it's not the best place to sleep

Even if the mattress is new, signs such as visible sagging, softer areas, noises or a "tilting" sensation indicate that the structure may not be offering effective support. This affects not only comfort, but also spinal health.

And yes, it's true, stains on the mattress, deformations or a bad smell are also warnings that something isn't right.

7. Mattress with dust mites or allergens?

It may not just be the dust in the air - your mattress could be accumulating dust mites, fungi and other allergens. Mattresses that are not anti-allergenic or that no longer have good ventilation can be real enemies for those with sensitive skin or respiratory problems.

Choose mattresses with hypoallergenic fabrics and antibacterial treatments.

 

How often should you change your mattress?

The recommended average is between 6 and 7 years - but if the mattress isn't right for you, you may need to change long before then. Sleeping well is vital for physical, mental and emotional health - and the mattress is the foundation of it all.

 

Is it time to correct the error? We'll help you

At Mercado do Colchão, we help hundreds of people every day to find their ideal mattress. We have foam mattresses, pocket spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses and bonnel spring mattresses -all made in Portugal, with quality materials, made-to-measure options and free delivery.

And because we know that each body is unique, we offer personalized advice until 10pm, a quality guarantee and after-sales support.

 

Frequently asked questions: Are you sleeping on the wrong mattress?

To make your decision even simpler, we've put together some of the most common doubts from those who suspect that their mattress may be interfering with their rest:

 

How do I know which mattress is best for me?

The best mattress to sleep on depends on several factors: body weight, usual sleeping position, thermal sensitivity, possible back problems, allergies and comfort preferences. As a starting point:

• Do you sleep on your side? Choose mattresses with good adaptability;
• Do you sleep on your stomach or are you heavier? A firm mattress can provide better support;
• Hot at night? Choose a mattress with thermoregulating fabric and a ventilated core.

 

Firm mattress or soft mattress: how to choose?

The firmest is not always the best - especially if you sleep lightly or on your side. A mattress that is too hard can put pressure on your shoulders or hips. An excessively soft mattress can sink into critical areas and cause poor posture.

Medium firmness tends to be the most balanced choice for most people.

 

Can a new mattress be the wrong mattress?

Yes, a mattress may be new but poorly chosen. It may have been bought on impulse, on the basis of a promotion, or without taking its physical characteristics into account. That said, it's very important to get expert support or testing before you buy - whether online or in store.

 

Can your mattress affect your mood or productivity?

No doubt about it. A mattress that prevents deep, continuous sleep can cause accumulated fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches and even increased susceptibility to stress. Sleeping well is more than rest: it's mental health, emotional balance and quality of life.

 

If you're not sure whether your mattress is right for you, try sleeping on a topper for a few days. If you feel significant improvements, it may be a sign that you need a different model.