Restful sleep for our
well-being

Sleep guide

Welcome to the Hasena sleep and mattress guide!

In a world that is getting faster and faster and constantly running at full speed, a restful sleep is very important for our well-being and health. The choice of the right mattress plays a decisive role in this, because it influences not only our comfort, but also the quality of our sleep. 
In this guide, you will learn interesting facts about the different types and sizes of mattresses, sleeping positions and what to look for when buying a mattress.
Whether you want to relieve back pain, improve sleep quality or simply find the perfect mattress, this guide is your reliable companion on the road to a restful sleep and a relaxed wake-up.
 

Table of contents:
Hardness level
Sleeping position
Body types
Mattress types
Mattress sizes
Mattresses for allergy sufferers
When should you buy a new mattress?

Hardness level

We spend around one third of our lives sleeping. Sleep fulfills many important functions and, along with nutrition, exercise and social life, ensures our physical health. Many people are familiar with back pain caused by mattresses that are too hard or too soft. Depending on individual sleeping habits, sleeping position, body weight, body size and body type, the perfect mattress with an optimally matched firmness level can massively increase sleeping comfort. Depending on the personal sleeping position, the degree of firmness of a mattress supports the spine and thus helps to achieve a natural posture during sleep.

Hardness level recommendations:

Body weight Sleeping position Reclining comfort Hardness level Popularity/demand
less than 60 kg Side, belly very soft H1 rarely
60 to 80 kg Side, belly soft H2 often
80 to 100 kg Side, belly, back soft to hard H3 very often
more than 100 kg  back  hard H4  frequent

How hard the mattress should be depends first of all on the individual body weight. The following applies here: the heavier, the harder the mattress may be. In addition, age also plays a role. Seniors and children have less developed muscles, which is why they should tend to lie somewhat softer.

Hardness level 1: The softest hardness level
The softest variant of a mattress is useful for low body weight up to 60 kg.

Hardness level 2: The medium hardness level
For a mattress with a medium level of hardness, your weight should be between 60 and 80 kg in order to provide optimal support for your spine.

Firmness level 3: The most popular hardness level
Mattresses with hardness level 3 are the most frequently purchased. They are most suitable for adults weighing 80 kg or more.

Hardness level 4: Strong hardness level
If you weigh 100 kg or more, a mattress with hardness level 4 is the best choice.

In addition to the above recommendations, the personal lying sensation plays a major role.
 

Sleeping position

Depending on whether you are a side, back or stomach sleeper, different firmness levels are recommended. People who sleep on their side need a softer mattress. A mattress on which you can sink in a little. Back sleepers, on the other hand, need a harder mattress to support their spine.

Side sleepers
Side sleepers tend to move more often. For this reason, it is important that the mattress has a certain degree of flexibility or high point elasticity. Shoulders and hips should sink in slightly when lying down so that the spine remains in line. Latex and cold foam mattresses are particularly suitable for this purpose, especially gel mattresses.

Back sleepers
In the supine position, it is important that the spine remains in its natural S-shape. Therefore, the mattress should support this shape. Mattresses with an innerspring core or made of cold foam are best suited for back sleepers, as they have high point elasticity.

Belly sleepers
Belly sleepers should choose a mattress that is firmer in the pelvic area and does not sink in. This prevents them from falling into an unhealthy hollow back while sleeping. Spring mattresses are ideal for stomach sleepers. But also cold foam or gel mattresses with zone structure offer an optimal as well as necessary support function.
 

Body types

Depending on your body type, different mattress types and firmness levels are recommended to support your body exactly where it needs it and to support a natural sleeping position.

Body type X
Shoulders and hips are wider than the waist, forming an X. Both the shoulder and hip zones of a mattress should be slightly softer for this body type. This allows the shoulders and hips to sink comfortably into the mattress at night. The waist zone between the hip and shoulder zones should be slightly firmer to support the middle.

Body type A
The hips are wider than the waist, and the shoulders are narrower than the hips. This body type needs a mattress where the hip zone is slightly lower in the mattress than the shoulders. This way, the hips can sink comfortably into the mattress, and are relieved of pressure during sleep.

Body type Y
The shoulders are wider than the waist, and the hips are almost as wide or the same width as the waist. This body type sleeps best when the shoulder zone is slightly lower in the mattress than the hip zone. This allows the shoulders to sink comfortably into the mattress and keeps the spine in a natural S position.

Body type I
The hips, waist and shoulders are approximately the same width or the shoulders are slightly wider than the hips and waist. The mattress that fits this body type has evenly distributed zones. This means that the hip, waist and shoulder zones have more or less the same firmness.

Mattress types

There are several basic types of mattresses: Innerspring, cold foam, visco foam, gel foam and latex mattresses. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, which you should take into account when making your personal choice.

Visco foam or memory foam mattresses are made of shape memory polymer and have thermoelastic properties.

Advantages

  • well suited for side sleepers
  • Weight can be distributed evenly
  • pressure relief; no pressure points
  • suitable for allergy and asthma sufferers
  • joint pain is relieved
  • reduces movements and promotes peaceful sleep
  • suitable for neck and back pain

Disadvantages

  • not suitable for restless sleepers or belly sleepers
  • unfavorable springback
  • moderate ventilation properties (promotes sweating)
  • heat can accumulate
  • temperature-dependent (foam becomes softer when the ambient temperature is warmer)
  • high body weight
  • completely different lying properties in summer than in winter

Innerspring mattresses consist of several metallic steel springs surrounded by a foam layer. In pocket spring mattresses, the springs are also sewn into fabric pockets.

Advantages

  • adapt to any load
  • breathable, good air circulation 
  • no heat storage
  • dimensionally stable and durable
  • suitable for high body weight
  • strong support in the back and neck area

Disadvantages

  • not suitable for children and seniors
  • springs can give way over time
  • high body weight
  • Possible cupping over time
  • not suitable for (strongly) adjustable or motorized slatted frames

Cold foam mattresses are made of foamed plastic (polyurethane).

Advantages

  • suitable for restless sleepers
  • low body weight
  • elastic, breathable, adaptable
  • easy to clean
  • suitable for adjustable slatted frames
  • for allergies and orthopedic problems
  • high thermal insulation for warm sleep

Disadvantages

  • heats up quickly
  • contains chemicals
  • cupping with inferior products
  • not suitable for heavy night sweats

Gel foam mattresses are filled with a combination of cold foam and proportionally viscous gel. They are the further development of visco foam or memory foam mattresses.

Advantages   

  • recommended for restless sleepers
  • promotes muscle relaxation
  • suitable for allergies and asthma
  • temperature neutral, no heat retention
  • light, flexible and durable
  • ergonomically adapts to the body

Disadvantages

  • high own weight
  • not designed for overweight
  • no high degree of hardness possible

Mattress sizes

While there are a variety of different widths, a standard length of 200 cm has become established for the mattress length. This is perfectly adequate for most people. The following guiding formula applies as an orientation: The mattress length should exceed the body height by at least 20 cm. For tall people from 1.80 meters, a mattress with a length of 210 cm or 220 cm can therefore already prove to be useful. In addition, there is also a shorter length of 190 cm, which is also suitable for those who like to save space in the room.

Mattress sizes for singles

Among the common mattress sizes, 100 x 200 cm is the most popular size for single beds. Here you have enough space to comfortably stretch out on the mattress. Those who have a restless sleep and move particularly much at night, can choose a larger mattress in the width of 100 or 120 cm. The 100 x 200 cm mattress size is also often used for senior beds. Mattresses in the size 140 x 200 cm offer a generous, comfortable lying surface. They are suitable for people who have a lot of space available in the bedroom and want to treat themselves to a true oasis of well-being. In addition, a wide mattress is recommended for singles who spend a lot of free time in bed, for example, for a leisurely series marathon at the weekend.

Mattress sizes for couples

Mattresses are suitable for couples from a size of 140 x 200 cm. The "French measure" is considered the classic among double beds and ensures cozy togetherness. Another advantage of this mattress size is the continuous lying surface: Here you can enjoy the closeness to your partner without disturbing "visitor's crack". The 140 x 200 cm mattress size is also suitable for the teenager's room. It offers sufficient freedom of movement without taking up too much space and can be moved directly into the first own apartment. Those who share a bed for a longer period of time often choose mattress sizes of 160 x 200 cm or 180 x 200 cm. In addition to the comfortable lying surface, both mattress formats offer the advantage that they can also be used by partners with different lying needs. For example, both partners can choose an 80 or 90 cm wide single mattress in their preferred firmness level and combine it with a topper to turn the two mattresses into a cozy, continuous lying surface.

Mattress sizes for families

Do you often have "threesomes" at home because your offspring want to be close to their parents at night? - For couples with one or more children, mattress sizes from a width of at least 180 cm are suitable. It becomes even more comfortable with the largest available mattress in 200 x 200 cm. This will provide you with a comfortable resting area for the whole family and you can snuggle comfortably in the family bed without anyone running the risk of falling out of bed. Of course, mattresses in this size range are also suitable for childless couples who want to fulfill their desire for a spacious bed.

 

Mattresses for allergy sufferers

Allergies can manifest themselves in many ways and have different causes. Since a deep sleep is essential for health, this should not be disturbed by allergic reactions.  For this reason, allergy sufferers should choose a mattress made of hypoallergenic materials that are free of harmful substances and animal hair. Innerspring mattresses, cold foam mattresses and gel mattresses are best suited because they contain few to no chemicals and less foam. For asthmatics, a latex mattress is recommended. You should also pay attention to washable covers for mattress and topper.

When should you buy a new mattress?

Mattresses are exposed to daily use. This includes the absorption of body fluids, such as sweat and the formation of bacteria. With each change of bed linen, also regularly clean the mattress. For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner is suitable against dust, mites and other dirt. In addition, daily airing after getting up is recommended. In general, mattresses with removable covers are hygienic longer, because they can be washed like bed linen. However, the mattress should be replaced after seven to ten years at the latest, as the supportive strength of the material usually decreases after this time. If the quality of sleep or the feeling of lying changes, a new mattress should also be purchased.