Guide to Choosing a Mattress: Types & Tips

Guide to Choosing a Mattress: Types & Tips

Did you know that the average person spends about one-third of their life asleep? With such a significant amount of time spent in bed, choosing the right mattress is crucial for your overall well-being. Having a good mattress means getting a restful sleep, waking up without body aches, and having more energy for the day.

Choosing the right mattress can feel overwhelming — we get it. That’s why we’ve compared the most popular options for Singapore’s nights to help you find the one that’s just right for you.

Read our comprehensive mattress guide to learn more about the essential factors to consider when purchasing a new mattress!

Which Type of Mattress Do I Need? – Comparison Table

Have to place an order as soon as possible? Check the table below, where we compare every mattress type based on key factors:

Mattress Type Firmness Cooling Price Support Durability
Hybrid Medium to Firm Excellent
(good airflow + foams)
💲 Mid to High Balanced support and comfort, great for all sleepers 8–10 years
Foam Medium to Medium-Soft Moderate
(may trap heat)
💲 Affordable Excellent contouring, good for pressure relief 6–8 years
Innerspring Firm to Extra Firm Good
(very breathable)
💲 Budget to Mid Strong, responsive support, less contouring 5–7 years
Latex Medium-Firm Very Good
(naturally breathable)
💲 Higher Responsive and buoyant, eco-friendly option 10–12 years
Airbed Adjustable Varies by the top layer 💲 High Customizable support, ideal for couples 8–10 years (with maintenance)


Understanding Mattress Types: Features, Pricing, and More

No matter what manufacturer you choose, you will end up choosing between 5 mattress types: hybrid, foam, innerspring, latex, and airbed.

Each has unique features to make your sleeping experience as smooth as possible. However, the right one for you will depend on your personal preferences.

Hybrid Mattress

  • Firmness: 🌗 Medium to Firm
  • Cooling: ❄️ Excellent – breathable coils + cooling foams
  • Price: 💲 Mid to High – premium feel
  • Support: 🛠️ Exceptional – contouring + bounce + edge support
  • Durability: ⏳ 8–10 years or more

Best for: Those who want both pressure relief and sturdy support. Ideal for all sleep positions.

Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds: foam comfort and innerspring support to ensure your whole body is well-supported.

Thanks to the foam layered with pocketed coils, this mattress type is ideal for sleepers desiring a balance between bounce and contouring.

One excellent example of a hybrid mattress is the Melody Sleep Frost Hybrid Mattress. This mattress offers a unique combination of cooling comfort and targeted support, making it ideal for the hot and humid climate of Singapore.

an illustration of the benefits of a hybrid mattress from Melody Sleep

Choosing the Frost Hybrid Mattress will elevate your sleeping experience with:

  • A cool-to-the-touch fabric for instant comfort
  • Breathable gel-infused foam that helps regulate temperature
  • Targeted zones that support your back and joints where you need it most

Say goodbye to disruptions with motion-isolating coils, sturdy edges, and a mattress that stays put all night.

💤 Choose Melody Sleep for Cushioned Comfort and Cooler Nights in Singapore

Hybrid Mattress Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
✅ Balanced support and comfort
✅ Excellent cooling performance
✅ Good for all sleep positions
✅ Strong edge support
✅ Reduced motion transfer (great for couples)
❌ Heavier and harder to move
❌ More expensive than basic foam or innerspring


Foam Mattress

a handprint on a soft foam mattress
  • Firmness: 🌗 Medium
  • Cooling: ❄️ Moderate – can trap heat
  • Price: 💲 Affordable
  • Support: 🛠️ Great for pressure relief, less bounce
  • Durability: ⏳ 6–8 years

Best for: Side sleepers and those who like a cradled feel.

Foam mattresses offer soft, contouring comfort that hugs your body. They are known for providing pressure relief and motion isolation. If you are seeking pain relief and a hug-like feel, this mattress type may be the right choice for you.

On the downside, foam mattresses may retain heat, which isn’t ideal for Singapore’s climate, and lack edge support, especially for heavier body types.

Foam Mattress Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
✅ Deep pressure relief and body contouring
✅ Great for side sleepers
✅ Quiet – no springs to creak
❌ Can trap heat
❌ Less bounce and responsiveness
❌ May sag over time without strong base layers


Innerspring Mattress

  • Firmness: 🌗 Firm to Extra Firm
  • Cooling: ❄️ Good – naturally breathable
  • Price: 💲 Budget to Mid-range
  • Support: 🛠️ Strong support, but less contouring
  • Durability: ⏳5–7 years

Best for: Back or stomach sleepers who prefer a traditional feel.

Innerspring mattresses offer a classic bounce with a firmer feel. They also provide strong edge support and breathability due to the coil structure.

Although this mattress type may be ideal for those who like a bouncy feel, it may not provide adequate pressure relief and could be noisy.

Innerspring Mattress Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
✅ Traditional firm feel
✅ Very breathable – good airflow
✅ Responsive – easy to move on
❌ Poor motion isolation (can disturb partner)
❌ Limited pressure relief for joints
❌ Shorter lifespan than other types


Latex Mattress

  • Firmness: 🌗 Medium-Firm
  • Cooling: ❄️ Great – breathable and moisture-wicking
  • Price: 💲 High
  • Support: 🛠️ Responsive and supportive
  • Durability: ⏳10 years

Best for: Eco-conscious buyers and those who want a buoyant, cooling sleep.

Latex mattresses are breathable and responsive. They are renowned for their durability and natural materials, making them suitable for eco-conscious individuals.

This mattress type is hypoallergenic – hence, resistant to dust mites and mould. Nonetheless, they can be firm and costly.

Latex Mattress Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
✅ Naturally cooling and breathable
✅ Eco-friendly (if natural latex)
✅ Hypoallergenic and mould-resistant
❌ Heavier than other mattresses
❌ Can be expensive
❌ Bouncy feel that is not ideal for everyone


Airbed Mattress

  • Firmness: 🌗 Adjustable
  • Cooling: ❄️ Varies – depends on top layer
  • Price: High – tech–based comfort
  • Support: 🛠️ Excellent when customised
  • Durability: ⏳8–10 years (with maintenance)

Best for: Couples with different firmness needs or tech-savvy sleepers.

Airbed mattresses offer customisable firmness with inflatable chambers. They allow users to adjust the firmness on each side, catering to couples with different preferences.

Although highly durable, airbed mattresses might require maintenance for optimal performance.

Airbed Mattress Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
✅ Customizable firmness on each side
✅ Great for couples with different needs
❌ Expensive and tech-reliant
❌ Requires electricity or batteries
❌ More parts = higher chance of malfunction


Which Type of Mattress Is Best for Your Body Type and Sleep Position?

The ideal mattress is not the one that costs the most; it is the one that supports your natural posture, minimises pressure points, and aligns with your sleep habits.

To determine what mattress type will satisfy your needs, consider the two most important factors: your body type and your sleep position.

See below how we break down these factors in our comprehensive mattress guide:

Essential Mattress Features for Each Body Type

When choosing a mattress, it’s important to remember that your body weight directly affects how comfortable and supportive it will feel. This is because your weight affects how deeply you sink into a mattress.

For example, if you choose a mattress that is too soft, it won’t be able to properly support your spine and joints. In comparison, sleeping on a high-density mattress may not only be uncomfortable but can also increase joint pain.

Check the table below to see what mattress features will increase your sleep quality for years based on your body type:

Body Type What to Look For Ideal Mattress Features
Lightweight
(<60 kg)
Softer surfaces to allow adequate contouring Plush or medium-soft top layers
Average
(60–100 kg)
Most mid-range firmness levels work well Medium to medium-firm feel, balanced support
Heavyweight
(>100 kg)
A firmer, more supportive structure to prevent sagging High-density foam, reinforced coil systems


Sleep Positions and Ideal Firmness

Now that you know which features to look for in a mattress, it’s just as important to choose the right firmness for your sleep position. While everyone has different sleep habits, waking up with aches and pains is often a sign that your mattress isn’t providing the right level of support.

Below is a quick reference based on common sleep positions:

Sleep Position Recommended Firmness Why It Works Best Mattress Types
Side Sleeper Medium to Medium-Soft Cushions shoulders and hips, reduces pressure points Hybrid
Memory Foam
Back Sleeper Medium-Firm Supports natural spine curve, prevents lower back sinkage Hybrid
Latex
Stomach Sleeper Firm Keeps hips elevated to avoid spinal misalignment Innerspring
Firm Foam
Combination Sleeper Medium to Medium-Firm Adapts to movement throughout the night Responsive Hybrid with Zoned Foam


How to Choose a Mattress in Singapore?

Choosing the right mattress type in Singapore means considering more than just comfort. Homeowners should choose a mattress that is suitable not only for their body types, but also for climate, room size, and even delivery options.

Consider Singapore’s Humid Climate

Because of the country’s warm, humid climate, you should opt for a breathable and moisture-resistant material. Sleeping on a mattress made from materials that resist mould growth and don’t trap heat can significantly enhance your sleep quality.

There are three types of mattresses that provide good airflow and cooling abilities:

  • Hybrid (e.g., Winter Hybrid Mattress from Melody Sleep)
  • Natural (e.g., latex)
  • Gel-infused (e.g., memory foam)

Measure Your Room Size Carefully

The last thing you want is to invest in the perfect mattress only to find that your bed frame doesn’t fit well or takes up too much space in your room. Hence, make sure to correctly measure your bedroom space to ensure your mattress fits comfortably without overcrowding.

At Melody Sleep, we offer four mattresses sized for Singaporean households:

  • Single: 91x190cm
  • Super Single: 107x190cm
  • Queen: 152x190cm
  • King: 183x190cm

If space is limited, choosing a bed frame with built-in storage lets you maximise your room while neatly tucking away bed sheets and other items underneath.

🛏️ Maximise Your Space with a Storage Bed Frame from Melody Sleep

Check Delivery and Setup Options

Finding your perfect mattress only to later find out you must pick it up yourself or pay extra for delivery can increase costs and make the buying process more frustrating.

That’s why we recommend checking whether the retailer offers convenient home delivery, setup, or old mattress removal services, especially if you live in high-rise apartments or condos.

At Melody Sleep, we strive to provide an excellent buying experience for our customers throughout the whole process. By purchasing our mattresses, you benefit from:

  • Free same-day delivery
  • 200-night free trial
  • Add-on services that include mattress unboxing and old mattress removal.

Other Important Factors to Keep in Mind

In addition to climate, room size, and delivery options, there are a few more factors to consider when buying a mattress in Singapore:

  • Comfort and support: Choose a mattress that matches your preferred sleeping position and body type to provide proper spinal alignment.
  • Durability: Treat mattresses as a long-term investment. A good-quality mattress can last up to 10 years or more. Hence, opt for long-lasting materials suitable for Singapore’s climate.
  • Price and value: Compare prices across brands and retailers, and watch for seasonal sales to get the best deal without compromising quality.
  • Return policy: Choosing the right mattress can be difficult when shopping online or with just a brief in-store test. Always check the return or trial period to ensure you can exchange your mattress if it doesn’t meet your needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Mattress

Finding the right mattress definitely requires thorough research, and reading comments only may be enough. Here are some common mistakes people make when mattress shopping, and how to avoid them for a better night’s sleep:

1. Choosing the Wrong Firmness

It’s okay to choose a mattress based on its look and size, but it won’t guarantee a restful sleep. Choosing the right level of firmness based on your body type and weight will ensure a proper spinal alignment and prevent joint aches in the morning.

2. Neglecting Sleeping Habits

The way you sleep should help you choose the right mattress. As we explained before in this guide, each person has unique sleeping habits, whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach, or switch positions throughout the night, your mattress should support your posture and pressure points accordingly to ensure restful, pain-free sleep.

3. Overlooking Materials

Innerspring mattresses were once the only choice on the market. However, buyers now have multiple options, ranging from hybrid to latex mattresses. That’s why it’s important to research each mattress type (or check our table above) to see which one suits your personal needs the most.

4. Focusing on Price Only

Price is still the biggest factor in choosing a mattress; however, it shouldn’t be the only one. After all, it’s an investment for years, and you should look into the extra features a mattress can provide. Going for the most expensive won’t guarantee the comfort you’re seeking, and buying the cheapest mattress may feel like money wasted only after a few nights of uncomfortable sleep.

5. Choosing the Wrong Size

Some buyers make a mistake purchasing a mattress that overwhelms the room. You don’t need the largest size to sleep comfortably — a queen-sized mattress paired with a storage bed frame offers plenty of space for you and your partner, while also maximising functionality with hidden storage.

Closing Thoughts

In your quest to find the perfect mattress, understanding the various types, firmness levels, and how they cater to different sleep positions and body types is crucial.

Investing time in researching and selecting the right mattress tailored to your needs will pay off with improved sleep quality and overall well-being. So, take these insights and go out there equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision that will benefit your sleep health in the long run.

Melody Sleep mattresses are thoughtfully designed for comfort, cooling, and long-lasting support — perfect for Singaporean homes. With certified materials, ergonomic designs, and convenient delivery options, it’s never been easier to find your best night’s sleep.

Explore our collection of mattresses and upgrade your sleep with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of mattress do I need?

The best mattress depends on your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences.

Foam mattresses offer contouring comfort, innersprings provide firm support, hybrids combine both benefits, latex is durable and breathable, and airbeds allow adjustable firmness.

Can a mattress help with back pain?

Yes. Mattresses that offer proper spinal alignment and balanced support can reduce back pain. Medium-firm mattresses with zoned support often work well, but personal comfort and medical advice should guide your choice.

How do I know which mattress is right for me?

Consider factors like your preferred sleeping position, any aches or pains, climate, and budget. Visit our showroom in Singapore to thoroughly check the mattresses or benefit from our 200-night risk-free trial after purchasing a mattress.

How do trial periods and return policies work when buying a mattress?

Many mattress companies offer trial periods where you can test the mattress at home. If you're not satisfied within the specified period, you can usually return it for a refund or exchange. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions before making a purchase.

How can I determine the right firmness for my mattress?

To determine the right firmness, consider your sleeping position and personal preference. Back sleepers usually prefer medium-firm, side sleepers opt for a softer mattress, while stomach sleepers need a firmer surface for support.

What should I consider when selecting a mattress for children?

When choosing a mattress for children, prioritise safety, support, and comfort. Opt for hypoallergenic and durable materials. Consider their age, size, and any specific needs they might have to ensure a good night's sleep. This way, the mattress will help maintain healthy spinal alignment for your child’s growing body.

At Melody Sleep, our mattresses are certified with CertiPUR-US® or OEKO-Tex, proving that we strictly adhere to high safety and environmental standards.

When is it time to replace my mattress?

It's recommended to replace your mattress every 7-10 years or earlier if you notice sagging, discomfort, or reduced support. Factors like age, quality, and usage frequency can affect when you should replace your mattress to ensure optimal sleep quality.

Is it better to shop for mattresses in-store or online?

Shopping for mattresses in-store allows you to test them physically, while online shopping offers convenience and often better prices. Consider your preference for trying out mattresses in person versus the convenience of online shopping.

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