Ahead of World Sleep Day on Friday March 13, Respa Beds is encouraging people across Ireland to look at one of the most important factors in a good night's sleep - choosing the right mattress. With more than 75 years of experience, this leading Irish bed and mattress manufacturer is highlighting how the right combination of comfort, support and mattress design can play a meaningful role in helping people sleep more soundly and wake feeling better.
For many people, sleep is one of the first things to suffer during busy periods, seasonal changes, or times of stress. Yet while routines, screen time and bedtime habits often dominate the conversation, the mattress itself can have a major impact on sleep quality. A mattress that is not suited to an individual’s body, sleeping position, or comfort preference can lead to disturbed sleep, restlessness and a less restorative night overall. Factors such as sleeping position, firmness level, support, pressure relief, breathable materials, durability and personal comfort all play an important role.
“People often underestimate just how personal mattress choice really is," said Deirdre Kelly, senior production manager at Respa Beds. "There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to better sleep. The right mattress should support your body properly, feel comfortable from the moment you lay down and suit the way you sleep every night.”
According to Ms Kelly, side sleepers often benefit from a mattress that offers cushioning around pressure points such as the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer feel with more structured support. Couples may also need to consider motion transfer, edge support and how to balance different comfort preferences in one bed.
“A good mattress should help your body feel supported and settled, not tense or unsettled,” she commented. “If you regularly wake up feeling stiff, find yourself tossing and turning, or notice that you sleep better elsewhere, those can all be signs that your current mattress is no longer meeting your needs.”
Materials matter too. From pocket sprung constructions to natural fillings, latex layers and comfort foams, mattress components can influence everything from breathability and responsiveness to long-term durability. Deirdre Kelly advises shoppers to consider how warm they sleep, whether they prefer a more cushioned or more supportive feel, and how important longevity is when making their decision.
She also recommends trying a mattress properly in-store where possible, taking time to lay in a natural sleeping position rather than simply sitting on the edge. Shoppers should ask questions about construction, support systems, filling materials and care, and think carefully about whether their current mattress is still performing as it should after years of use.
“Better sleep supports better living,” she added. “When you sleep well, you are more likely to feel energised, focused and ready for the day ahead. Choosing the right mattress is an investment not just in comfort, but in overall wellbeing.”
Top tips for choosing a mattress that supports better sleep
• Know your sleeping position: Side sleepers often benefit from softer cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer, more supportive mattress.
• Choose the right level of firmness: Comfort is personal. What feels perfect to one person may feel too soft or too firm to another, so take time to find what works best for your body.
• Look for quality materials: Pocket springs, natural fillings, latex and breathable comfort layers can all influence how supportive, durable and temperature-regulating a mattress will be.
• Test the mattress properly: When trying a mattress in-store, lie down in your normal sleeping position for several minutes rather than just sitting on the edge.
• Consider long-term support: A mattress should continue to support your body properly night after night, so durability and construction matter just as much as initial comfort.
• Rotate your mattress regularly: Rotating your mattress every few months can help distribute wear more evenly and extend its lifespan.
• Don’t rush the decision: A mattress is an investment in your sleep and wellbeing, so it’s worth taking the time to choose one that truly suits your needs.
For more information, visit www.respabeds.ie
