Mattresses and pillows are the main topics people have the most trouble with. generally speaking, firmer is better for people who sleep on their sides, not on their bellies. A body pillow that is long provides more stability for your shoulder area. You may as well bite the bullet and purchase from a department store, discount stores are not high quality.

Types of Bedding

Traditional

Manufacturers like to play name games with the models to keep consumers from making informed decisions when choosing coil and spring based beds. A lot of people complain that they do not even know what they are getting when they make a purchase. To make a better decision, it would be best to inquire as to the number of coils and gauge of the steel used in the springs , as this reflects the firmness. Also inquire about the layers of padding.

Memory type foam

The most widespread problem with these mattresses are the heat producing factors. If you tend to be warm natured when you sleep, this would be a turn off for you. Some people also have a tendency to sink down into the foam, making it difficult to move out from a position.

Air Types

I have received mixed reviews, the negatives have been that when two people have a large size differential between them the system does not work well. Others have complained about the noise.

Rubber latex

Latex is my choice out of all of these. They are firm, yet still have the resiliency of a foam mattress, without the heat conductivity problem. You do not feel the sinking feeling with these, either. The price is comparable to a high end bed. Europeans have kept this secret long enough!

Pillow types

Finding the right pillow can be worse than the bed. I do not repeat do not like the pillows with the dip in the middle or so called orthopedic beds. Firstly, for many people 40 and above, extending their neck causes compression of the spine and if you sleep on your side you want your head neutral and not dipping one way or the other. When buying a standard pillow at the store, look for a firm pillow that will fill the space between your neck and tip of your shoulder. Recently I found the company which actually customizes pillows to the individual specification. The measure you in the office and a very nice firm pillow is returned which cost no more than the space age pillows sold in the store.