Choosing different firmness levels is the most important factor when finding your dream mattress. This guide will explain everything you need to look out for when deciding which firmness is best suited for your next mattress. This Blog covers you the side sleeper, the back sleeper, and Stomach Sleepers.
What Is Mattress Firmness?
A critical part of the mattress experience is if the bed feels soft or firm when you lay on it. People often confuse it for support, but they are not the same. Firmness and support are two separate properties, with firmness covering how a mattress may feel when you first lay down. In contrast, support refers to how well the mattress can help maintain your spinal alignment throughout the night.
When determining the perfect level of firmness for your new mattress, know that firmness is what you will feel initially, and support will help prevent potential issues with your back or other complications.
Understanding the Mattress Firmness Scale
They incorporate a firmness scale of 1-10 on mattresses. The levels in a thumbnail sketch format:
- Soft (1-3): Mattresses with a soft feel are always comfortable and have a slight sink. These types are usually the best for side sleepers, as they can help cushion your shoulders and hips.
- 4-6 (Medium)- These mattresses balance soft and firmness. Best for Those who sleep in different positions or couples with varying preferences
- 7-9 (Firm): Firm beds are as hard as the surface gets. They are perfect for back or stomach sleepers, helping to keep your spine level.
- Extra Firm – 10 (Rare): Few people should consider this. It is ranked as one of the best spring mattresses, which are relatively stiff, white, and then the sleeping surface.
What Makes a Soft vs. Medium vs. Firm
In terms of how to choose the proper firmness for your new mattress, all this corresponds to a combination of what is most comfortable for your sleep style and body type. Here is a breakdown of the distinction.
Soft Mattresses
Side sleepers should choose softer mattresses. Soft mattresses are good because they can let your lower body sink in a bit and cushion essential places like your shoulders and hips. However, a soft mattress may not provide the support you need if you are more extensive.
Medium-Firm Mattresses
Medium-firmer mattresses are the perfect in-between. This makes them the options best suited for most people and those that work better for couples who don’t share sleep needs or have different preferences. A medium-firm mattress is often comfortable for back sleepers and people who move around at night.
Firm Mattresses
Closest to the ground: This option is ideal for back and stomach sleepers. These mattresses offer proper support and keep your spine aligned correctly. They are also suitable for the heavier person as they only sink a little.
Pick the Right Firmness for Your New Mattress
Best Soft Mattresses
Puffy Lux Mattress
Best Medium Firm
Best Firm Mattresses
Helix Dusk Luxe
Foster Estate Mattress
Choosing the Perfect Firmness According to Your Sleep Position
Sleep position is one of the most vital aspects in determining what type of mattress firmness you should be shopping for. So, what else suits the best for the other posts?
Back Sleepers
Back Sleepers — Most back sleepers should look for a medium-firm to firm mattress (6-8 on the mattress firmness scale). A firmer surface will help keep the spine straight and stop your hips from sinking too low into the bed, which can spell back pain.
Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, you need a softer bed (a 3-6 on the firmness scale). A softer mattress can cradle your shoulders and hips to relieve pressure while conforming to your body.
Stomach Sleepers
For those who sleep on their stomach, a firm mattress (7-9 on the scale) is necessary to prevent your hips from sinking too low. Choices such as this can help keep the spine aligned and avoid any back pain.
Combination Sleepers
A medium-firm mattress (4-7) works well if you move about a lot during the night. It provides the required support while you lay on your back and stomach but is soft enough, so when you sleep sidelong.
The Mattress Firmness and Your Body Weight
Finally, your body weight is also something you need to consider when determining how to choose the right mattress for your next bed. Heavier people will put more pressure on a mattress compared to lighter folks, they may require more firmness as well to keep comfortable.
- Lightweight Sleepers (130 lbs or Less): If you are a petite individual, a softer mattress (1-4) may be best, as it will offer ample padding without feeling stiff.
- 130 to 230 pounds: Medium-Firmness (5-7). A medium-firm mattress typically offers ample comfort and support.
- For Sleepers Over 230 Pounds (Heavyweight): It would help if you had a firmer mattress to support the extracurricular activities. (7-9)
Mattress Firmness for Couples
This can be hard for a partnered person who shares their bed. The two of you might not have the same firmness preferences. Note: If that is the case, a medium firm feels like meeting your needs and desires in one mattress may be as good as it gets, or keep an eye out for mattresses with split firmness so you each can get what feels best.
Different Types Mattresses and their Effect On Firmness
Also, the type of mattress you need plays a massive part when you want to know the best firmness for your new bed. Not ticking off all the essential firmness boxes (as you would with any variety of other handmade mattresses), each mattress feels pretty unique compared to its brethren at a given level of firmness.
Memory Foam
Feel -Memory foam mattresses typically feel softer as they mold to your shape while you lie on them. Perfect for offering relief from both pressure and for the side sleepers. However, they may be too soft for heavy people or stomach sleepers at times.
Latex
Latex — latex mattresses are a bit bouncier and firmer than memory foam. They offer a nice, medium firm (8) feel and perform quite well in terms of pressure relief and spinal support to suit back or stomach sleepers who prefer slightly firmer beds.
Innerspring
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses generally feel firmer and have more bounce. They are perfect for when you have to sleep on your back or stomach since they provide more support than the others. However, if you need more support, choose a crap mattress that combines an innerspring and foam.
Hybrid
There are hybrid mattresses that combine innerspring coils and layers of foam or latex. Coil mattresses with foam comfort: These give the support of coils but the softness of foam and can be a good choice for many people.
Best Memory Foam
Casper Original Foam Mattress
Best Latex
Best Innerspring
Avocado Green Mattress
Saatva Classic Mattress
FAQs About Mattress Firmness
The ideal firmness differs for every sleeper based on position, body weight, and personal comfort. Mattresses designed for side sleepers typically are softer than other types, and back and stomach sleepers need firmer support. Also significant is your body weight: heavier bodies need firmer support, so this can often be the way to go.
Side sleepers: Side sleeping puts extra pressure on the shoulders and hips, so these sleepers should look for a soft mattress (a level 3-6) to give more cushion. A softer mattress uses better pressure relief and offers your bones the benefits of vanilla mattresses being comfortable for the body.
If you sleep on your back or stomach, a firmer mattress might be better for your back. These mattresses suit the spine and your quest to avoid back pain. However, a mattress that is too firm may cause discomfort. The basic idea is to get support where you need it (your lower back and your head) while staying comfortable.
The 5-7 range on the firmness scale for a medium-firm mattress is alright for both of you, but if you prefer a soft aerated bed and the other wants to sleep on concrete, it will be tough. Better yet, choose a split-firmness mattress to allow each sleep style to be at their preferred comfort level.
To test a mattress for firmness, lie down on the mattress in your normal sleep position for at least 15 minutes. Notice if there is any area in your body that feels uncomfortable or not supported. When ordering online, read the reviews and shop brands that offer sleep trials or hassle-free returns.
Closing Thoughts On Choosing A New Mattress Firmness
The perfect firmness level for your mattress is the balance of comfort and support. Consider your sleep style, weight, and what you find comfortable. If a mattress is too soft or too firm, it can be both uncomfortable and leave you waking up in pain.
If you are currently looking at buying a brand new mattress, then for god sake, take your time and lie on as few different mattresses as possible. Do some research, and if you are buying online, the manufacturer offers a sleep trial period. Getting good sleep means you should try to look for the correct mattress firmness.
Read More:
Hybrid vs Memory Foam Mattresses: Which Is Best for You?
5 Benefits of Chiropractor-Approved Mattresses
How Euro-Top Mattresses Enhance Sleep Quality
The Ultimate Guide to Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
How to Prolong the Life of Your Mattress: Expert Tips
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