Good mattress selection is crucial for a restful night’s sleep. You spend a third of your life on it, and unsatisfactory sleep affects the rest of your life, too. Good quality sleep is vital for your overall health and well-being.
There are so many mattress options available, it is difficult to make a decision. The biggest decision in mattress purchasing is whether to buy a firm or a soft mattress. Both have their pros and cons, but the decision is entirely up to you. Here are some tips to help with your decision.
What Makes A Suitable Mattress?
Aside from personal preference, a main factor when choosing a suitable mattress is your spine health. Your spine has three curves that are naturally present, so it needs to be supported when you’re horizontal.
A good mattress will hold your body in a neutral position. This means your spine will be held in its natural slight curve, and your head, shoulders, buttocks and heels are aligned. On a perfect mattress, you should feel no pressure at all, almost as if youre floating. The right mattress will help you relax, improve your posture, and encourage better sleep. A bad mattress can cause back pain and other problems that could affect your ability to sleep well.
Whats The Difference Between Firm And Soft?
Firm and soft mattresses have a distinct feel. Firm mattresses are more rigid and have less flexibility. When pressure is applied, a soft mattress will contract more easily.
Important to remember that mattress feel does not fall into one or two categories. It is more like a spectrum. This means theres lots of choice, which can be both a positive and a negative.
All materials can be used to make mattresses. The firmness or softness of a mattress either depends on the spring tension or general tension of construction within the mattress. A mattress may also have an outer layer or upholstery that affects its firmness. A memory foam topper, for example, can give a superficial feeling of firmness but not actually have the properties of a truly firm mattress.
Both types of mattress exist in a variety of budgets. However, in order to get exactly what you want, it can be worth spending a little extra.
Advantages Of A Firm Mattress
For those not experiencing troublesome back pain, a firm mattress is will generally be more comfortable. A firmer mattress will absorb more pressure. This means that there is less strain on the muscles, veins, and arteries. The circulation is better and muscles are less stressed.
A firm mattress also keeps your lower back from collapsing, which could allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping. A firm mattress can help ensure that the body’s weight is evenly distributed, meaning that no one area is feeling the brunt.
Because they offer a more stable surface, firm mattresses are better for people who sleep on their backs. Stomach sleepers tend to fare better on a firmer mattress, too.
The Drawbacks Of A Firm Mattress
On a superficial level, the switch from a softer to harder mattress can initially feel very uncomfortable. This is usually less noticeable over time.
For those with specific back problems such as arthritis and scoliosis, a firmer mattress can actually exacerbate pain. It is important to do extensive research before purchasing a mattress.
The Advantages Of A Soft Mattress
A softer mattress is usually recommended for those who are experiencing back pain on a standard mattress, or those who have pre-existing back problems. Theyre also recommended for lighter individuals as a harder mattress can end up not compressing for them at all.
Softer mattresses are generally better for those who sleep on their side, as they better cushion the shoulders and hips.
A softer mattress will align the spine better on the side.
There Are Some Drawbacks To A Soft Mattress
Although they may seem more luxurious and comfortable, soft mattresses can cause back problems for stomach and back sleepers as well as those who are heavier.
Soft mattresses can also be problematic for bed sharers. Bed-sharing partners who are heavier may find that their mattress sinks further, creating a unbalanced sleep surface. It can be difficult to find a firmness that is right for both partners.
In some cases, soft mattresses may be less long lasting than firm. All types of mattress tend to become softer over time, so starting from an already soft baseline can lead mattresses to become unusable after a shorter amount of time, though there are still many models that have excellent durability, even with a softer feel.
How To Choose The Right Thing For You
There are two major choices you need to make: whether or not you have back pain and what position you prefer. Those without back pain and who sleep on their back or stomach will likely favor a firmer mattress. Side sleepers or those with back issues may prefer something softer although it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Another thing that should be considered is weight. A heavier person may find a firm mattress deceptively soft, while a lighter person may not get a huge amount of give even from a softer mattress. Generally an average to heavy build will be better suited to a firmer mattress.
Another important element which should not be overlooked is personal preference. Regardless of which is more specialized for your spines needs, if you find it uncomfortable, youre unlikely to get a good nights sleep on it. That is why a mattress exists.
It is important to understand that not all mattresses are created equal. There is a spectrum of firmness within mattresses. Furthermore, one can compromise by having a firm mattress in terms of spring suspension, but adding a plush, soft topper.
Overall, its really important to properly test out a mattress in order to make an informed choice.
It is unlikely that you can just sit down in stores and get it done.
Summary
- There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when buying the perfect mattress for you.
- The two main factors in your mattress decision should be back pain and your sleeping position of choice.
- You should also consider your weight, your preference, and whether you will share the bed.
- There are not two types of mattress in the world, and properly testing different options is the best way to make a personal decision.
- Sleepopolis can also help we have plenty of in depth reviews of both firm and soft mattresses for your consideration, to help you make an informed choice.
FAQs
What makes a mattress good for how I sleep?
The best mattress for you will hold the body in a neutral position. The best mattress will hold the spine in its natural curve and align the head, shoulders and heels. The best mattress will feel as if the sleeper is floating on top of the air.
Who does a firm mattress work better for?
Firm mattresses are a great choice for people who have lower back pain.
Who would be the best suited to a soft mattress
Side sleepers who cannot find relief from a firm bed can choose soft mattresses. These mattresses can be beneficial for people who are lighter than average weight, as they may not compress as well as harder mattresses.
What should I consider when choosing between a firm and soft mattress?
Sleepers who are trying to pick out the best mattress should take their back pain and sleep position into consideration when choosing a mattress.
