How to Choose a Mattress: Size, Firmness and Sleep Position
To choose a mattress, first match its size to your bed frame, then pick the firmness for how you sleep: softer for side sleepers, medium-firm for back sleepers and firmer for stomach sleepers. Then lie on it for 10 to 15 minutes before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Size first: the mattress must match your bed frame, especially a European-size frame.
- Side sleepers usually prefer softer to medium; back sleepers medium-firm; stomach sleepers firmer.
- Heavier people often need more support; lighter people may find a firm mattress too hard.
- Test it properly: lie in your usual sleep position for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a protector from day one to keep the mattress clean and fresh.
How do you choose a mattress?
Choose in three steps. First, match the size to your bed frame, which matters most with European and Turkish beds. Second, pick a firmness that suits how you sleep: softer for side sleepers, medium-firm for back sleepers and firmer for stomach sleepers. Third, lie on it for 10 to 15 minutes in your usual position before you buy. Everything else, from type to thickness, comes after those three.
Step 1: Which mattress size do you need?
The mattress must fit the frame it sits on. Canadian beds use twin, double, queen and king sizes measured in inches, while European and Turkish beds are usually made for metric mattresses. A mattress that is too small leaves a gap; one that is too big will not sit flat.
| Size | Inches (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 90 x 200 cm (European single) | 35.4 x 78.7 in | Kids, teens and guest beds |
| 120 x 200 cm | 47.2 x 78.7 in | Teens and one adult who wants more room |
| 180 x 200 cm (European king) | 70.9 x 78.7 in | Couples who want plenty of space |
Our European vs Canadian bed size guide compares every size, and our guide to fitting a mattress to a Turkish bed explains what to do with a Canadian mattress. A Canadian twin is not the same as a European single, as our twin vs single guide shows.
Step 2: Which firmness suits your sleep position?
The goal is a mattress that keeps your spine in a natural line while cushioning the parts of your body that press into it. The right firmness depends mostly on how you sleep.
| Sleep position | Usually suits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Side | Soft to medium | Lets the shoulders and hips sink in so the spine stays straight |
| Back | Medium to medium-firm | Supports the lower back without pushing on the hips |
| Stomach | Medium-firm to firm | Stops the hips sinking and arching the back |
| Combination | Medium | Balances support and comfort as you turn |
Body weight matters too. Heavier people often need more support to stop sinking too far, while lighter people may find a firm mattress hard and need a softer one. Couples with different needs should test together and choose a feel that works for both.
Step 3: Which mattress type should you choose?
| Type | Feel | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam | Contouring, quiet | Pressure relief; couples who move at night | Some foams feel warm |
| Pocket spring | Bouncier, airy | People who sleep warm or like to move easily | Quality depends on the coils and comfort layers |
| Hybrid | Springs with foam on top | A balance of support and cushioning | Usually heavier to move |
| Latex | Springy and responsive | People who want a lively, supportive feel | Often heavy and pricier |
Thickness is part of the feel too. Our mattress thickness guide explains what a 20, 25 or 30 cm mattress means for comfort and for your sheets.
How do you test a mattress in a store?
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can slip off.
- Lie down for 10 to 15 minutes in your usual sleep position, not just a quick sit on the edge.
- Bring your own pillow if you can, so the height feels like home.
- Test together if you share the bed, and roll over to feel the motion.
- Check the edges by sitting and lying near the side.
- Compare two or three mattresses back to back.
What should you check before you buy?
- The exact size and thickness, measured against your frame.
- Sheets: a thick mattress needs deep-pocket fitted sheets.
- The base: a solid, supportive base or slats helps any mattress last.
- The route in: check doors and stairs, especially for a large mattress.
- A mattress protector: use a washable, breathable one from the first night.
When is it time for a new one? See our guide on when to replace your mattress.
Shop the look
Our mattresses
We sell mattresses in three sizes to fit our beds and other metric frames: the 90 x 200 cm single, the 120 x 200 cm and the 180 x 200 cm king. Each one is 30 cm (about 11.8 in) thick. The best way to judge the feel is to lie on them in our showroom, and our team can tell you more about each one. See all our mattresses.
Try a mattress in our Hamilton showroom
Come and lie down at Home Centre Green, 110 Lancing Dr, Unit 2, Hamilton, ON L8W 3A1, with free parking outside. Bring your bed frame measurements so we can check the fit.
We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. We are closed on Sundays. Call or WhatsApp us on (905) 253-0202, or send us a message.
Frequently asked questions
What firmness of mattress is best?
There is no single best firmness; it depends on how you sleep and your body. As a general guide, side sleepers often prefer soft to medium, back sleepers medium to medium-firm, and stomach sleepers firmer. The aim is a mattress that keeps your spine in a natural line while cushioning your shoulders and hips.
What mattress is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers usually do best on a soft to medium mattress that lets the shoulders and hips sink in a little, so the spine stays straight. If you wake with a sore shoulder or hip, the mattress may be too firm for you. Try it in the store lying on your side.
Is a firm mattress better for back pain?
Not necessarily. A mattress that is too firm can push on the hips and shoulders, and one that is too soft can let the back sag. Many people find a medium-firm mattress a good balance. If you have ongoing back pain, ask your doctor or physiotherapist for advice before choosing.
How long should I test a mattress in the store?
Lie on it for at least 10 to 15 minutes, in the position you usually sleep in, with your own pillow if you can bring it. Try two or three mattresses, and if you share the bed, test it together. A quick sit on the edge does not tell you how it will feel at night.
What size mattress do I need for a Turkish bed?
Most Turkish and European beds are made for metric mattresses such as 90 x 200, 120 x 200 or 180 x 200 cm, which differ from Canadian twin, double and king sizes. Check the size the frame was made for and buy a mattress to match. We sell mattresses in all three sizes for our beds.
Home Centre Green Design Team
The team behind our Hamilton showroom. We help customers choose Turkish-made sofas, beds and carpets every day, and we write these guides to answer the questions we hear most in store.
