1. Firmness

A mattress's firmness isn't just a matter of comfort. In fact, a number of other factors come into play when choosing, particularly your body type and the position you sleep in. For example, softer mattresses generally suit lighter people better. And if you often sleep on your stomach, a firmer mattress is recommended. If a mattress's firmness isn't right for you, you'll likely have poor nights (a mattress that's too soft or too firm, too enveloping or not comfortable enough...). Not only will this affect your sleep quality, but it could also cause long-term health problems (the most common being back pain).

So take the time to find out what type of firmness suits your body and habits. Don't hesitate to try several mattresses to learn what you prefer.

2. Structure

Two types of structure dominate the mattress world: spring mattresses and foam mattresses. The biggest difference between these two structures is the feel. It's mainly a matter of personal preference:

• Spring mattresses are more dynamic and emphasize every movement, which can be disruptive for a couple. On the other hand, this type of mattress often holds up better over time (and through your changes in position).

• Foam mattresses, meanwhile, are more stable and static than spring mattresses. However, they tend to be softer and more enveloping. You'll need to pay close attention to the composition of the mattress's internal structure.

3. Innovation

The upside of a growing market is that the number of innovations grows too! Several companies are working on developing innovative products and materials to improve your nights. A few concrete examples: Emma Mattress's Airgocell comfort foam or Tempur's smart cool surface. Far from being gimmicks, these innovations can genuinely improve your mattress and make up for gaps other models might have in terms of comfort, support, or even warmth.

So don't hesitate to look into the composition of mattresses in detail to find the one that best meets your needs.

4. Warranty

A mattress is a long-term purchase. Unfortunately, it isn't immune to defects. So be sure to check the warranty conditions offered by the supplier. A good mattress warranty generally covers 10 years and includes potential manufacturing defects.

5. Reviews

What better way to get to know a product than through the voices of people who've already used it? Our advice: look everywhere — read reviews published on the site, on social media, from consumer associations...

EXTRA: Service

Today, mattress companies stand out not only for the quality of their products, but also for the quality of their service. More and more of them go out of their way to look after their customers: delivery right to your door, 100-night trials, free extra pillows... While not always essential, these little "extras" can improve your customer experience.