Do I Need A Firm Or Soft Mattress

Should You Sleep On A Soft Mattress

Featuring plush, enveloping surfaces, soft mattresses accommodate a variety of sleepers. However, a soft bed isnt the perfect match for every sleep position or build.

Mattresses on the softer end of the firmness scale typically provide above-average pressure relief, which is a benefit to side sleepers who like a contouring feel in the hip and shoulder areas. Back sleepers may enjoy some light conforming but likely wont find an overly soft mattress supportive, and stomach sleepers almost always prefer a firm bed.

Softer mattresses typically arent as durable as firmer beds, so they require more frequent replacement.

Soft Mattress

• Not the best choice for most stomach sleepers
• Tends to sag over time and lacks support for those weighing more than 230 pounds
• May sleep hot when not specifically designed for breathability

Flip Or Rotate Your Mattress Regularly

Turning your mattress is important as it ensures the fillings are evenly distributed. It can help keep it firmer for longer and keep your mattress in good condition.

You should check the care booklet to see whether it needs flipping or rotating and how often. If youd like to know more about turning your mattress, we have more information in our helpful guide.

What To Consider When Purchasing A Firm Mattress Topper

Well give an in-depth overview of the top things to look for when purchasing a mattress topper. Shoppers looking for a firm topper should keep in mind that factors like their body weight, sleep position, existing mattress, and the thickness of the topper can all affect how firm it will feel to them.

PriceThe price of a topper will depend largely on its construction. Budget-friendly models often cost less than $100, while high-end toppers with down or innovative materials can cost over $1,000. There are plenty of options available to fit different budgets, and many high-quality mattress toppers are available at affordable price-points.

Sleeping PositionYour sleep position plays a major role in how you experience your sleep surface. Side sleepers typically prefer more contouring and cushioning to accommodate their hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers usually need more support to prevent their hips from sinking in too deeply. Because of this, side sleepers often prefer a thicker, softer topper, and back and stomach sleepers may favor a thinner, firmer option.

Quality MaterialsMaterials directly affect the performance and durability of a topper. Quality materials may last longer, which may be especially important for people seeking a firm, even sleep surface that resists long-term body impressions. While toppers made of quality components generally cost more upfront, they may be a better value if this quality enhances their lifespans.

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Other Factors To Consider When Choosing A New Mattress

In addition to plushness or firmness, there are other factors youll need to consider when figuring out how to choose a mattress. Every mattress manufacturer has its own unique method of achieving different degrees of firmness, but there are few specific strategies youll want to be familiar with.

• What kinds of materials are being used to build each mattress?
• How has the mattress design been optimized for maximum comfort and support?

LetsLets look at mattress materials and zoning designs to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

More Vulnerable To Sagging

Some soft mattresses can wear down quicker than firm mattresses because they arent as sturdy and durable. The soft comfort layers can flatten, grow lumpy, and develop sags. So, the bed will need to be repaired or replaced sooner than if you had a firmer mattress.

However, a high-quality mattress with a durable support core can last up to 10 years, no mattress how soft it is.

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What Does One Firmness Fits All Mean

One firmness fits all is a phrase used to describe the type of firmness that is going to suit the majority of sleepers. The truth is that most sleepers would prefer a bed that ranges between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale, which gives a medium or medium-firm feel.

With this in mind, it would be appropriate to assume that 6 out of 10 is the metric that the majority of people should consider. That being said, there are examples in which certain sleepers will want something more plush or firm, and this is dependent upon their body type and sleep posture.

However, we strongly suggest that you check the bed first and make sure that it is integral and reliable. Firmness is undoubtedly a critical characteristic, but there are other important considerations that youd have to consider too.

There are different types of beds available to consumers, some more helpful than others. Mattresses built with lower-quality materials, for instance, might be firm and yet fail to deliver the necessary support. The upside is that most top online brands provide generous trial periods, a good indicator of a quality product. These trial periods allow you sufficient time to test out the bed at home to ensure it’s a comfortable, supportive fit.

Place Your Mattress On The Floor

Placing your sagging mattress directly on the floor can help you sleep better, especially because floors offer even firmness and wont jostle around like plywood. This is certainly the cheaper alternative to getting a new mattress foundation, but it does come with its pitfalls.

Having your mattress on the floor can actually weaken support over time and leave it vulnerable to damage from dust and allergens.

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How Is Firmness Measured

At Tuck.com, we rate mattresses using the following 1-10 firmness scale:

• 1 : An extremely plush sleep surface that sinks deeply beneath a sleepers body.
• 2-3 : A very plush surface that conforms closely and sinks somewhat deeply.
• 4 : A plush surface with adequate conforming and minimal sinking.
• 5 : An even balance of firmness and conforming with little sinking.
• 6 : A low-conforming surface with very little sinking.
• 7-8 : A sufficiently firm surface that conforms to a degree without any sinking.
• 9-10 : An extremely hard surface with no conforming or sinking.

Its important to note that mattresses with firmness settings of 1, 9, or 10 are quite rare because the vast majority of sleepers prefer surfaces with firmness settings of 2 to 8. As a result, most mattresses sold today fall between Soft and Firm.

Firm Vs Soft Mattresses Pros And Cons

A good mattress is the foundation of a good nights sleep, so choosing which one is right for you really is a big decision. You spend a third of your life on it, and unsatisfactory sleep affects the rest of your life, too. Getting good quality, restful sleep is essential to general health and wellbeing.

The variety of mattress options on the market is enormous, making the final decision trickier than ever. And one of the biggest decisions in terms of mattress buying is the choice between purchasing a firm vs soft mattress. There are pros and cons for either, and really the choice is extremely personal. Here are some tips to help with your decision.

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Whats The Difference Between Firm And Soft

The obvious difference between a firm on soft mattress is the feel. A firm mattress is more rigid to the touch and has less give. A softer mattress will compress more easily when pressure is applied.

Its important to note that mattress feel is not just split into two categories its more of a spectrum. This means theres lots of choice, which can be both a positive and a negative.

All types of mattress can be made from all materials. The firmness or softness of a mattress either depends on the spring tension or general tension of construction within the mattress. However, a mattress can also include an outer layer or some upholstery which affects the perceived 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.

Should You Sleep On A Firm Mattress

While mattresses with a firm feel provide comfort and support to a range of sleepers, this firmness level doesnt work for everyone.

Stomach and back sleepers often require a firm mattress to achieve good spinal alignment. However, firm beds dont provide much contouring or pressure relief, so side sleepers often prefer plusher models.

Durability is a significant benefit of firm beds. Soft beds may weaken and collapse over time, but firm mattresses stand up well under weight, even for people weighing more than 230 pounds.

Firm Mattress

• May not provide enough cushioning for side sleepers or people under 130 pounds
• Lacks conformity to ease pressure points
• Typically not recommended for people with certain conditions affecting the lower back, such as scoliosis or arthritis

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Who Should Use A Plush Mattress

Lighter weight individuals will sleep better on a plush mattress. When you weigh less, you dont sink into the comfort layer as deeply as heavier people. Plus, you receive benefits from the support layer, including proper body alignment.

Side sleepers tend to benefit most from the support, proper body alignment and pressure relief offered by a plush bed.

If you experience shoulder and hip pain a plush bed can help reduce discomfort.

Who Is A Soft Mattress Best For

Soft mattresses usually appeal most to side sleepers and those who weigh under 130 pounds. Lightweight sleepers exert less force on a mattress than heavier sleepers, which means firmer mattresses often dont compress enough to provide lightweight sleepers with cradling and pressure relief. When a mattress is too firm, side sleepers are particularly prone to pressure buildup in their hips and shoulders. A soft mattress will allow a side sleepers hips and shoulders to sink in more, promoting better spinal alignment.

Back and stomach sleepers below 130 pounds who like a plusher surface may also enjoy a softer mattress. However, since back and stomach sleepers often prefer a slightly firmer feel, a soft mattress may not be as important for these sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers frequently need extra support to prevent their midsections from sinking in too deeply. The right soft mattress should be able to support your body and without sacrificing plushness.

Sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds who prefer a plush feel may also enjoy soft mattresses. This is especially true of side sleepers, who may experience sharp pressure points on an overly firm mattress. Some side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds may also appreciate the hug of a soft mattress, though sleepers in higher weight groups may experience excessive sinking in the hips and shoulders, which could place a strain on the spine.

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Who Should Use A Medium Mattress

Medium firm mattresses are most popular amongst people as they serve the best of both worlds that is, comfort like a soft mattress and support like a firm mattress. However, just like soft mattresses, medium-firm mattresses also suit some people better than others. Lets take a look at for whom medium mattress is best for.

Combination position

Combination sleepers frequently alter positions during the night thus, they require a firmness that keeps the spine stable and stress spots softened while lying on their side or back. A medium mattresss comfort and resilience make it suitable for people who constantly vary their sleeping sides.

Side sleepers also benefit from medium-firm mattresses since they enjoy the softness and comfort of soft beds. Pressure spots on the neck, hips, and shoulders bear the bodys weight while sleeping on the side. Thus, side sleepers prefer medium-firm mattresses over firm ones since they give a suitable amount of firmness to keep the hips and shoulders lifted and cushioned.

Average-weight or lightweight people

Medium firm mattresses do not over-sink under pressure like soft mattresses or remain completely sturdy like firm mattresses, making them the best option for average-weight people. Also, lightweight people find medium-firm beds suitable for sleeping because of their optimal sinking and sturdiness.

However, heavy-weight people still find medium-firm mattresses sinking under their weight because of their medium-compressive features.

Couples

Firmness And Sleeper Type

Body weight and sleep position are arguably the two most important factors for determining the right mattress firmness.

People with below-average weights generally feel more on mattress with lower firmness settings if the mattress is too firm, then they may not weigh enough to feel any conforming or pressure relief. On the other hand, people who weigh more than 230 pounds may experience uncomfortable sinking on mattresses with low firmness settings.

Sleep position is key because it determines which areas of the body need more cushioning and support.

• Back sleepers require more spinal and lower back support to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent pain and discomfort from developing.
• Side sleepers have vulnerable pressure points at the shoulders and hips, and also require neck support for proper spinal alignment.
• Stomach sleepers generally need firmer mattresses to adequately support their hips and prevent uncomfortable sinking most physicians do not recommend stomach sleeping due to the high risk of discomfort and pressure.

As a result, a side sleeping individual who weighs 150 pounds will react quite differently to the feel of a mattress than a back or stomach sleeper who weighs 300 pounds. Additional factors include the sleepers shoulder, waist, and hip measurements.

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Why Is Firmness Important

A mattress with the right firmness level will provide adequate support and alleviate pressure points throughout the sleepers body. Mattresses that feel too firm or not firm enough can create joint discomfort, back and shoulder pain, and exacerbate pressure points.

How soft or firm a mattress feels will largely depend on how the comfort layer is constructed, as well as its overall thickness. The comfort layer is defined as the body-cushioning system that forms the topmost part of the mattress, and its composition will determine how closely the mattress conforms to a sleepers body. Common comfort layer components include polyfoam, memory foam, latex, and/or steel microcoils, as well as the mattress cover. Some mattresses have a single-layer comfort system, while others may have as many as four or five individual layers in the comfort system.

Other factors can be used to evaluate firmness in different mattress types. In innerspring mattresses, the gauge of steel coil and other metal components can affect overall firmness. In mattresses made entirely of foam and/or latex, firmness may be linked to a measurement known as indentation load deflection . ILD refers to how much weight is needed to indent a sleep surface by 25% mattresses with low ILD ratings are not as firm and require less weight for indentation, while mattresses with high ILD ratings are firmer and require more weight.

Firm Mattresses: Pros And Cons

A firm mattress is a great choice for many sleepers. But, like any mattressa firm bed is not for everyone.

Pros

• For stomach and back sleepers, proper body alignment
• Breathing is easier with greater oxygen intake
• Can add a mattress topper for additional comfort at the surface, if needed
• Easier for mobility challenged sleepers to move

Cons

• Not the best choice for sleepers with muscle and joint pain
• Without gentle support, some people may experience an increase in lower back pain
• Lighter weight sleepers will sleep on top of the bed without key joint support
• Can be difficult to adjust to without prior sleep experience

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What Is The Difference Between Plush And Firm Mattresses

Theres more to the plush vs. firm mattress debate than simply how they feel to the touch. Much like running shoes, which provide different kinds of support based on your stride and the shape of your foot, mattresses can suit people differently depending on body type and sleeping position.

First, consider the firmness level as to how much or how little a sleeper sinks into a mattress. But the exact amount of sinking depends on both the mattresss firmness and the weight distribution of the person sleeping on it.

If you sink less into a mattress, youre either relatively light or have chosen a mattress with a more solid structure. Alternatively, sinking more deeply into a mattress might suggest that a sleeper is heavier or has opted for a softer mattress that conforms around the body as they sink into it.

Lets have a look now at the benefits that each type of mattress brings to the tableor bed, in this case.

Benefits & Drawbacks Of Soft Mattresses

Pressure relief is really where soft mattresses shine. They allow side sleepers to sink in a bit more and reduce pressure felt on the shoulders and hips. Also, people generally describe soft mattresses as more comfortable.

While they are very soft and pressure-relieving, soft mattresses are usually lacking in regard to support. They are not usually able to handle heavier weights and they dont always provide enough support for back sleeping and stomach sleeping.

Also, when people sink into a soft mattress, they might have more trouble moving around and switching positions at night. Sinking in, they might also complain of sleeping hot because a good portion of their body is not exposed to the bedroom air.

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