The right mattress advisor makes the difference between waking up refreshed and suffering from morning back pain. In the Terrabed online shop, you will find the perfect mattress tailored to your body weight, sleeping position, and personal needs. Those who pay attention to these 4 factors when buying a mattress demonstrably sleep better: firmness level, mattress type, lying zones, and breathability.
No single mattress fits everyone. A mattress for side sleepers has different characteristics than a mattress for back sleepers. Knowing the differences helps you make the right decision when buying, without lengthy testing.
Mattress Firmness Level: H1 to H5, what does that mean?
The firmness level (H1–H5) describes how firm or soft a mattress is. It is not a quality feature but an adjustment feature; when chosen correctly, it keeps the spine in a healthy position.
Important: Manufacturers do not standardize firmness levels uniformly. An H3 from brand A can feel different from an H3 from brand B. Personal lying sensation remains crucial.
Firmness level overview by body weight:
- H1 (very soft): under 60 kg, rarely for adults, more common for children's mattresses
- H2 (soft): 60–80 kg, ideal for lighter individuals and side sleepers
- H3 (medium-firm): 80–100 kg, the best-selling firmness level in Germany
- H4 (firm): 100–130 kg, for heavier individuals and stomach sleepers
- H5 (very firm): over 130 kg, maximum support for high body weight
If you are between two firmness levels, it is better to choose the firmer option for cold foam mattresses, as the foam will give over time. For pocket spring mattresses, the firmness remains more stable.
Sleeping Position and Mattress: How to Make the Right Choice
Mattress for side sleepers
Side sleepers need a mattress with high point elasticity. Shoulders and hips must sink deeper than the rest of the body to keep the spine straight. Recommended: firmness level H2 or H2–H3. A cold foam mattress with 7-zone technology performs well here, as it specifically relieves pressure on the shoulder and hip areas.
Mattress for back sleepers
Back sleepers require a medium-firm to firm mattress (H3–H4). The lumbar spine must be securely supported without sagging. Too soft means: the pelvis sinks too deep, causing back pain. Too firm means: pressure points on shoulder blades and coccyx.
Mattress for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers place significant strain on the cervical spine. A firm mattress (H3–H4) prevents the abdomen from sinking too deep and forming a hollow back. Without adequate support in the pelvic area, back and neck pain will develop in the long term.
Combination sleepers
Those who change positions at night are best off with H2–H3. This medium firmness level offers enough flexibility for all sleeping positions and does not restrict freedom of movement.
Cold Foam or Pocket Spring? The 2 Most Important Mattress Types Compared
Cold foam mattress
A cold foam mattress consists of highly elastic foam, produced without heat. It precisely conforms to the body, has good point elasticity, and is suitable for allergy sufferers, as the fine-pored foam does not provide a breeding ground for mites.
3 advantages of the cold foam mattress:
- High point elasticity: each body area is individually supported
- Durable and dimensionally stable: no sagging with correct density
- Hypoallergenic: no breeding ground for dust mites
Disadvantage: Cold foam retains heat. Those who sweat at night may find a cold foam mattress too warm. A suitable slatted frame with a maximum slat spacing of 5 cm is mandatory, otherwise the foam will push through.
Pocket spring mattress
A pocket spring mattress consists of individually sewn-in springs that react independently of each other. This creates a dry, cool sleeping climate, ideal for those who tend to sweat at night.
3 advantages of the pocket spring mattress:
- Good ventilation: dry, cool sleeping climate due to air circulation
- High point elasticity: individually reacting springs adapt to the body
- Durable: spring cores retain their shape for many years
Disadvantage: Pocket spring mattresses are more susceptible to dust and less suitable for allergy sufferers. Barrel pocket spring mattresses offer even higher quality but are significantly more expensive.
Orthopedic Mattress and Mattress for Back Pain: What Really Helps
An ergonomic mattress supports the natural S-curve of the spine. This means: shoulders and hips sink slightly, but the lumbar spine remains in its natural curve. If this balance is disturbed, back pain arises.
For lower back pain, a mattress with high point elasticity and targeted pressure relief helps most. A cold foam mattress with 7 lying zones precisely relieves the lumbar spine. Those suffering from neck pain benefit from a slightly firmer version that stabilizes the shoulder area.
Important: A mattress does not replace medical treatment. Clarify the cause of your back pain with a doctor first; the mattress is a complementary measure, not a therapy.
What Stiftung Warentest mattress tests show: Price does not determine quality. In tests, inexpensive cold foam mattresses regularly perform better than expensive models with poor zoning. Crucial factors are density (for cold foam, at least 40 kg/m³) and the quality of the lying zones.
Point Elasticity and Pressure Relief: The Underestimated Quality Features
Point elasticity describes how precisely a mattress reacts to individual body parts. A mattress with high point elasticity yields exactly where pressure occurs—at the shoulder, hip, and knee—and springs back in all other areas.
Pressure relief is particularly important for side sleepers and people with joint problems. Without sufficient pressure relief, numbness and tingling can occur—common sleep problems that many mistakenly attribute to stress.
Latex mattresses traditionally have the highest point elasticity. Modern pocket spring mattresses achieve similar values and surpass simple unzoned cold foam models. For maximum pressure relief, combine a mattress with a good slatted frame and a high-quality topper.
Breathable Mattress: Correctly Assessing the Sleeping Climate
Poor sleeping climate is one of the most common reasons for interrupted sleep. A breathable mattress regulates moisture and temperature, which prevents sweating and promotes deep, restful sleep.
Comparison of breathability by mattress type:
- Pocket spring mattress: very good ventilation due to air circulation between the springs
- Cold foam mattress: moderate ventilation, improved by climate channel incisions in the foam
- Visco foam (memory foam): poor ventilation, strongly retains body heat
Those who sweat heavily at night should choose a pocket spring mattress. Those who feel cold at night or sleep in a cool bedroom will be warmer and more comfortable with a cold foam mattress.
Choosing a Mattress by Body Weight: The Simple Rule of Thumb
Body weight is the most important single factor in mattress selection, even before sleeping position. A mattress that is too soft for a high body weight leads to hollows and back pain. A mattress that is too firm for a low body weight creates pressure points.
For couples with different weights, either a mattress with 2 different firmness zones or 2 separate mattresses on a wide bed frame is recommended. This way, everyone sleeps optimally without compromise.
For individuals over 100 kg, a sturdy slatted frame is as important as the firmness level. A slatted frame that is too soft or damaged makes even the best mattress ineffective.
Order the Perfect Mattress in the Terrabed Online Shop
In the Terrabed online shop (terrabeds.de), you will find a carefully curated selection of cold foam mattresses, pocket spring mattresses, and orthopedic mattresses in all firmness levels from H2 to H4. All mattresses are certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and free of harmful substances.
Our mattresses are delivered directly from Germany, compactly rolled or folded, and fully unfold within 24–48 hours. Free shipping for orders over €50. Visit terrabeds.de and use our online mattress advisor for a personal recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mattress Purchase (FAQs)
Which mattress suits me, and how do I find out?
Three factors are decisive: body weight, sleeping position, and personal warmth sensation. If you weigh under 80 kg and are a side sleeper, choose H2 in cold foam. If you weigh over 90 kg and sleep on your back, H3 or H4 in pocket spring is well advised. Our mattress advisor on terrabeds.de guides you step-by-step to the right recommendation.
What do firmness levels H2 and H3 mean specifically?
H2 is soft and suitable for individuals up to approx. 80 kg. H3 is medium-firm and the most popular firmness level in Germany, ideal for 80–100 kg. Both firmness levels are available in cold foam and pocket spring. Important: Each manufacturer defines the limits slightly differently, so personal lying sensation is the ultimate test.
Cold foam or pocket spring, which is better?
Neither is generally better. Cold foam adapts more precisely to the body and is warmer, good for people who feel cold at night. Pocket springs ventilate better and stay cooler, good for people who sweat at night. Allergy sufferers prefer cold foam. Those who need a stable sleeping climate choose pocket springs.
Which mattress helps with back pain?
An ergonomic mattress with high point elasticity and appropriate zoning helps most. For lower back pain, H3 with 7-zone cold foam is recommended. It is important that shoulders and hips can sink in, but the lumbar spine remains supported. Clarify the cause of the discomfort with an orthopedist beforehand.
How long does a good mattress last?
A high-quality mattress lasts 8–10 years. Cold foam mattresses with a density below 35 kg/m³ lose their dimensional stability sooner. Pocket spring mattresses retain their stability longer. After 8 years, you should check the mattress for visible hollows and pressure points.
What does point elasticity mean and why is it important?
Point elasticity means: the mattress reacts only at the stressed point, not over the entire surface. With high point elasticity, a side sleeper's shoulder sinks in, while the spine remains straight. With low point elasticity, the mattress acts like a board, creating pressure points and impairing circulation.
Can I buy a mattress online without trying it out?
Yes, if you know the basic rules. Body weight and sleeping position determine 80% of the right choice. In the Terrabed online shop at terrabeds.de, you also receive a 30-day return period so you can test the mattress in your own bed. Many customers make more conscious decisions when buying online than in a store, because they can compare at their leisure.
