How to choose a good mattress? Practical guide to get it right

Choosing a mattress is one of those decisions that seem simple... until we start comparing materials, firmness, heights, bases and budgets. And it's normal: a mattress influences how we rest, how the body recovers and how we get up every morning.

At Colchón Exprés we see it every day: there is no “best mattress” for everyone. There is the mattress that is most compatible with you, with your way of sleeping, your base, your body and your sensitivity (heat, pressure, movements as a couple, etc.). That is why we have prepared this practical guide: so that you can move forward with confidence and make a well-informed decision, without stress and without unnecessary doubts.

Before you start: do this quick test (it will save you time)

Before getting into types of mattress or firmness, we recommend that you stop for a minute and answer these questions. This type of “test” block helps to make the choice, because it forces you to think about your real case (not the ideal). This approach is the same one we use in our practical guides, like the one on pillows, where we first identify posture, sensations and needs before talking about materials.

• How do you really sleep? (position in which you wake up)
• Do you sleep with someone? Do you notice movements?
• Are you sensitive to heat? Do you wake up with sweat or with a feeling of “oven effect”?
• What base do you have (or are you going to keep)? upholstered base, canapé, slatted bed base, articulated…
• What sensation do you like? more hug or more firm surface?
• What budget have you set for yourself? (taking into account daily use vs secondary room)

With these answers, the rest of the guide becomes much easier.

Mattress type

When someone asks us “which mattress to buy”, they are almost always comparing feel (comfort) and support (stability). The type of mattress determines both things.

Pocket spring mattress

It is usually one of the most balanced options if you are looking for:

• Good breathability (ideal if you are hot).
• Independence of beds (highly recommended as a couple).
• More “elastic” feeling of support and stable.

Quick recommendation: if you sleep as a couple and one moves more than the other, or if changes in posture bother you, pocket springs are usually a safe bet.

Memory foam mattress (or with visco layers)

The memory foam mattresses stand out. for its ability to adapt to the body and relieve pressure points (shoulders/hips). It provides a “welcome” feeling and can improve comfort if you tend to notice pressure on your joints.

Beware: some people sensitive to heat perceive more temperature in traditional viscose. That's why you should look at breathable layers and ventilation technologies.

HR foam mattress

HR foam (high resilience) provides uniform support and is usually a solid option in:

• Value for money
• People looking for a more stable surface
• Secondary rooms or second homes (as long as it is of good density)

Hybrid mattress

Combines pocket springs with comfort layers (visco, HR, etc.). It is a common formula when looking for:

• Independence + breathability (springs)
• Adaptation and pressure relief (top layers)

Quick recommendation: if you hesitate between springs and visco, a well-designed hybrid can be the middle ground.

Type of base or slatted base

There are many mistakes here. errors. The base is not a “detail”: it determines firmness, ventilation and durability.

Quick compatibility table

Common cases (and what to do)

Upholstered base

If you sleep on upholstered base, it is usually easy to get it right: it provides uniform support. In this case the choice focuses more on your body and your feeling of firmness.

Folding canapé

A canapé is usually stable, but it is important to keep an eye on:

• Final height (canapé + mattress).
• Breathability (especially if you are hot).

Slat bed base

Ventilates well, but as it is not a continuous surface, it is advisable to avoid options that may deform or lose stability with discontinuous supports (depends on the design of the mattress). We do not recommend using pocket spring mattresses on a slat bed base, since mattress manufacturers usually decline the guarantee of the pocket spring mattress if the A slatted bed base is its base because the spring can remain between slat and slat and end up causing sagging.

Articulated bed

You need a mattress suitable for articulation, with adequate structure and profiling to avoid wrinkles and tension. Within our articulated beds you will find a variety of sizes and prices.

Measurements: the reminder that avoids problems

Remember: if you reuse a base, it is crucial to know the exact dimensions of the space where the mattress will rest. A poor fit affects stability and can accelerate wear.

Number of sleepers and mattress size

The size of the mattress greatly influences rest. Sometimes the choice of the “best mattress” is simply spoiled by an insufficient size.

Direct measurement recommendations

• 1 person: 90 cm (standard)

• Couple: minimum 150 cm

• More real comfort: 160–180 cm if the bedroom allows

Independence of beds (key as a couple)

If you sleep with someone, look for materials and technologies that reduce the transmission of movement. In general:

• Pocket springs → very good independence

• High density viscosity / quality HR → can also perform very well

• Traditional springs → tend to transmit more movement

Individual needs of the sleeper

BMI and body weight

The higher the weight, the need is more support to maintain alignment:

• <60 kg: medium-soft firm

• 60–90 kg: medium firm

• >90 kg: medium-high firm or pocket springs

Practical advice: if you sink excessively, you are not resting: you are compensating for the posture.

Distribution of body mass

It's not just the total weight that matters: it matters where the body "supports" the most .

• If you load more on shoulders and hips, you need more adaptability in those areas to relieve pressure.
• If your body supports more evenly, you can prioritize stability.

Habitual sleeping posture

Posture determines the most compatible firmness:

• Side: medium-soft firmness (more relief in shoulder and hip)

• Face up: medium firm (stable alignment)

• Face down: high firmness (avoid sinking lumbar)

Mini postural checklist

If when you wake up you notice:

• shoulder loaded → adaptability is usually lacking

• lumbar tense → there is usually too much sinking / lack of support

• constant posture changes → there may be pressure or heat

Firmness level preferred

Firmness is a mix of:

• Your feel preference
• Your actual need for support

Quick recommendation: if in doubt, a well-constructed medium firmness usually works as a balance point (especially if you sleep with a partner and there are taste differences).

Heat sensitivity

If you are hot, prioritize:

• pocket springs or ventilated structures.
• breathable fabrics and layers
• HR materials with good ventilation

If you are cold, visco can be very comfortable due to its welcome.

Available budget

The budget must be related to use and objective:

• Daily use (main): it is advisable to prioritize durability, support and sustained comfort.
• Secondary room: can be optimized, but without falling into qualities that lose support soon.

Quick recommendation: in many cases the mid-range offers the best real balance between price, comfort and durability.

Common errors when choosing mattress

Given the experience we have of +20 years with mattresses, we have heard from thousands of customers who at some point have made some mistakes. After having heard so many mistakes, we have made a list of the most repeated ones. Furthermore, in this video Alejandro Prieto tells us and denies some of them.

• Buying only for price, without thinking about posture/base.
• Not taking into account the base (and then noticing “too firmness” or “sinking”).
• Choose a small size, especially in pairs.
• Confusing firmness with quality (they are not the same).
• Do not consider heat and breathability.
• Do not review total height (canapé + mattress).
• Do not ask for a recommendation based on your case (when there are clear doubts).

Summary table to choose your mattress

Conclusion: the best mattress is the one that fits the way you sleep

Choosing a good mattress is not about guessing or following trends. It's about understanding four things: your base, whether you sleep alone or with someone, your physical needs (posture/weight/heat) and your realistic budget. With these criteria, the choice is simplified and the success rate increases greatly. You can also rely on the best quality-price mattresses or the best-selling mattresses on our website to understand what the market says.

If you have doubts between two options, at Colchón Exprés we can help you choose the mattress most compatible with you with advice based on your case and your way of sleeping.