Should I Sleep On A Hard Or Soft Mattress

Comfort Layers Vs Support Layers

Beds are full of many complex layers to provide their sleepers with the right amount of support and pressure relief. These layers work together to offer different experiences based on the sensation the manufacturer is trying to achieve.

Generally, softer layers provide more of a relieving sensation, offering soothing pressure relief to accommodate aches and pains. Support layers are typically more firm and provide a stable and secure surface to align your spine. These support layers are critical so that you don’t wake up feeling creaky, stiff, or in pain.

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.

Suitable For Back And Stomach Sleepers

When resting on the back, the hips and buttocks tend to sink. If the mattress is too soft, these areas may sink excessivelyresulting in a misaligned spine and tense muscles. Back sleepers tend to sleep best on a firmer bed that will prevent sinking and keep the hips in line with the shoulders and head. When the spine is neutral, the body can fully relax and repair.

Our spines naturally curve, but when sleeping the stomach, this curve can become exaggerated. Over time, the pressure this position places on the back and neck can lead to chronic pain. In most cases, it is best to avoid stomach sleeping. However, if you find it difficult to avoid this position, the best mattresses for stomach sleeping are firmer. A firm bed will keep the hips lifted to reduce the pressure on the spine.

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Soft Vs Firm: Sleeping Position

When picking between a firm and a soft mattress, you should also consider your favorite sleeping position. Why? Because the way you lay in bed determines the firmness level you require for different body parts to achieve a healthy sleeping posture.

So, to help you understand what you need, lets look at the common sleeping positions and their peculiarities:

• Side sleeping. When lying on one side, your hips and shoulder dig into the surface of the mattress. When its too firm, it can cause too much pressure on the protruding parts. Therefore, side sleepers are advised to pick soft mattresses. However, keep in mind that if you are an overweight user, you may need a Medium bed instead to enjoy the proper support and effective weight distribution.
• Back sleeping. This position requires more spinal support . Average back sleepers are recommended to pick Medium or Firm mattresses. Petite sleepers would feel comfortable enough on a Medium mattress, while heavier users should go with Firm.
• Stomach sleeping. Generally, stomach sleepers need firmer mattresses regardless of their weight. You see, in this sleeping position your spine requires adequate support, so any sinkage is now welcome as it may cause unhealthy spinal curves.
• Combination sleepers. If you switch between positions during sleep, this makes you a combination sleeper. Typically, such users enjoy Medium mattresses the most as those provide a balance between cushioning and support and allow for effortless shifting in bed.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Sleeping On A Firm Mattress

Support is one of several pros of firm mattresses. Firm mattress seems to be sturdier versus soft beds since they keep patients from dipping too deeply. Most individuals may feel as though they are sleeping on top of a firm surface when they lie down on it, and they should have no problems turning around. Firm mattresses also are cooler versus soft bedding just because of that.

Almost all of the body is released into the atmosphere flowing around in the room when resting over the top of the bed. Although a firm mattress supplies incredible support, it will not provide the best pressure reduction. While sitting on a solid mattress, side sleepers typically suffer increased pressure on their hips and shoulders.

Additionally, although comfort is a matter of personal taste, several people do not consider firm mattresses to be as comfortable. They find them hard to lie down on and do not find comfort in sleeping on them, which is a drawback of firm mattresses.

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How Much Is Too Much

The amount you spend on a mattress is a personal choice based on how much you can afford to spend and what you feel is a reasonable price to pay. A few things to consider:

• The highest price does not always mean the best quality.
• Going with the least expensive option may mean sacrificing durability, eco-friendliness, and sleep quality.
• Aim for a midrange price .

Disadvantages Of A Hard Mattress

Which one to opt for?

Ideally, you should go for one which is neither soft nor hard but lie in between them. But still, if you ask a better choice between soft and hard mattress then the answer is a hard mattress.

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Who Will Benefit From A Softer Mattress

While there are exceptions, its a general rule that the less you weigh, the more likely you are to find a softer mattress that will fit your needs better than a firmer one.

Side sleepers may find that because they are putting a lot of weight on their hips and shoulders when they sleep, a softer mattress can provide more comfort.

Older people may also find that a softer mattress gives them better cushioning for their joints, though they may prefer a mattress closer to the medium to medium-firm side for its back support.

Plush Vs Firm Mattresses: Which One Would Work For You

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While some people love sleeping on a cloud, others compare it to sleeping in a hammock and prefer stiff surfaces.

The eternal debate between soft and firm mattresses makes many shoppers doubt what bed they need exactly. And with the variety the modern market has to offer, the indecisiveness only grows further.

Dont worry though: today, we will take a close look at the plush vs firm mattress comparison and see which option would be most suited for you.

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How Is Firmness Measured

The firmness of a given mattress is typically measured on a scale of 1 to 10.

• 1/10 extremely soft, the body will sink in deeply. Very few mattresses are made this soft.
• 2-3/10 soft, the body will sink in significantly. Typically best for side sleepers under 130 pounds.
• 4/10 medium soft, a plush surface with good conforming, and less sinkage.
• 5/10 medium, a balance of conforming and firmness, with little sinkage.
• 6/10 medium firm, less conforming and a somewhat firmer feel.
• 7-8/10 firm, no sinkage, minimal conforming. Typically preferred by sleepers over 230 pounds.
• 9-10/10 extra firm, a very hard surface with no conforming. Very few mattresses are this firm.

The vast majority of mattresses are somewhere between 4 and 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This is the range that most people find comfortable. Specialty manufacturers offer very soft and very firm beds, but these are far less common.

Return Policy And Warranty

Its not uncommon that something goes wrong with your purchase. So, you should look for companies with fair return policies to avoid any losses. That way, if you do have to return a mattress, youll have a safety net to rely on.

Lastly, when buying a mattress, look for a deal that comes with a generous warranty period.

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Why Is Pillow Firmness Important

Pillow firmness is important because it will directly impact your comfort level and sleep quality. There are a few factors to consider when trying to decide if a pillow is the right firmness for you:

Sleep position: You want a pillow that will provide just the right amount of comfort and support depending on your preferred sleep position. For example, a stomach sleeper will prefer a soft pillow with little loft because it helps their neck remain in a neutral position. Alternately, a side sleeper will need a firm pillow with a good amount of loft to achieve proper head and neck alignment.

Weight: Body weight can impact the amount of firmness you need to get the best possible support. For example, buckwheat pillows are great for pain and pressure relief, but theyre not recommended for sleepers who weight less than 130 pounds.

Head or neck pain: If a pillow isnt firm enough to support the head and neck, pain and discomfort can become an ongoing issue.

Are Firm Mattresses Bad For Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a mattress that offers pressure point relief while also keeping the body supported. A soft to medium mattress is typically a good option for side sleeping. When decided between a soft or a medium mattress, be sure to consider your body weight. If you are under 130 pounds, a soft to medium comfort level will offer you more contouring. If you are over 230 pounds, a medium firmness will cradle pressure points and prevent sinking.

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Drawbacks Of A Soft Mattress

Though they can seem more comfortable and luxurious, a soft mattress can actually cause back problems for back and stomach sleepers, and those of a heavier weight.

Soft mattresses can also be problematic for bed sharers. The heavier partner may sink further in, making the sleep surface unbalanced. Finding a firmness that suits both parties can be tricky.

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.

Soft Or Firm Mattress: Which Is Better For Side Sleepers

All sleep experts recommend side sleeping for better rest and healthier life. Statistically, most people favor sleeping on their side, even though we tend to change positions during sleep. Considering these two facts, many mattress manufacturers and retailers advertise various models as being the best for side sleepers. But the truth is that such products must present a few unique traits to make side sleeping a truly comfortable experience.

We have heard several myths regarding those features, and Ive noticed that the central debate focused on their level of firmness. Some say softer is best, others advocate for a higher degree of stiffness. Let me expose both tales:

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How To Choose Whats Right For You

The two main choices to consider are whether you generally suffer from back pain or not, and which sleeping position you favor. 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. And that is the main purpose of a mattress, after all. Thats why I recommend taking a look at our picks for the most comfortable mattress to find the best mattress that fits your needs.

Its important to remember that the choice is not exactly black and white. 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. Simply sitting down on it in stores unlikely to cut it.

Is It Better To Sleep On A Hard Or Soft Mattress

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress? Well, it depends on your preference whether you like a soft or hard mattress. The soft mattress is after all soft and cushions your body. The hard mattress, as the name suggests, gives your body a stiff surface to sleep on. Usually, the results are also in the same vein. When you sleep on a soft mattress, your body sinks into its soft cushion and when you wake up your body tends to be loose and sagging. The joints and muscles are in a state of relaxation. It will take a while to train them for an active daily life.

When you sleep on a hard mattress, it does not allow the body to sink into the mattress. It gives the spinal cord a more even surface to lie parallel. Since it does not allow much relaxation to the joints and muscles, they tend to be in a more active state when you wake up the next morning.

Depending on how you like to wake up the next morning, you can choose a soft or hard mattress. From the perspective of better health, a hard mattress is more preferred. It allows the body to be in on its own without much cushioning support from the mattress. This means, all the muscle groups were supposed to support themselves, the flow of body fluids and breathing process were unhindered and as per the bodys natural process.

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Firm Vs Soft Mattress: How To Make Your Choice

Mattresses have become more than just items to be slept on. The technology behind mattress production has evolved so much that mattresses are now being designed for body type. Certain body types will enjoy some mattresses better than other body types. With the different types of mattresses available and the different comfort levels they offer, one needs to choose the best one when at a mattress shop. When buying a mattress, youll have to consider factors like size, firmness, and comfort. When choosing for firmness, youll need to consider whether to choose the firm or soft mattress. Choosing the right one will significantly improve the quality of your sleep and, by extension, the quality of your life.

Mattress Types And Firmness

Different types of mattresses utilize different materials, which can also affect the firmness. The following are the four most common mattress styles and the firmness levels you can expect with each.

• Memory Foam Mattresses: Memory foam is available in several different firmness options. Depending on the manufacturing process, memory foam can be either soft or extra firm. When shopping for a memory foam bed, look at the type of memory foam used and the layers supporting it to determine the firmness it will provide.
• Latex Foam Mattresses: There are two types of latex foamDunlop and Talalay latex. Dunlop tends to have a firmer firm, and these beds are typically considered medium-firm. Talalay latex is generally treated with additives to give it a soft to medium feel. Both materials have a natural elasticity that offers a slight bounce.
• Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrid mattresses have a stable coil base and a foam comfort layer. The type of foam used in the top of the bed will determine the firmness you will experience.
• Innerspring Mattresses: The coil springs in the base of an innerspring bed give it a firm feel. These beds tend to have a thinner comfort layer, so they are classified as either medium-firm or firm.

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Why Mattress Firmness Matters

Why should you care about how firm your mattress is? Because the right firmness can help prevent back pain and protect the quality of your sleep. Lying with your spine in a crooked, unaligned position for eight hours every day is a big contributor to back pain and can also ruin the quality of your sleep. This is why finding a mattress with the right firmness for you is so important.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For People With Low Back Pain

Back pain is one of the top reasons that people begin to lose mobility in middle age. Pain can keep people from engaging in physical activity, making it more difficult for them to maintain a healthy weight and keep up their strength, stamina, and balance as they age. So treating and managing back pain that results from injuries or health problems is crucial for staying on the path of a healthy and active life.

Considering that most people spend roughly a third of their lives lying in bed, choosing the right mattress is essential for managing low back pain. It can make the difference in whether you can sleep at night and function the next day.

In the past, doctors often recommended very firm mattresses. But one survey of 268 people with low back pain found that those who slept on very hard mattresses had the poorest sleep quality. There was no difference in sleep quality between those who used medium-firm and firm mattresses.

Soft mattresses, on the other hand, can also be problematic. While a soft mattress that conforms to your body’s natural curves may help the joints align favorably, you might also sink in so deeply that your joints twist and become painful during the night.

If you want to find out whether a firmer mattress would feel better than the one you’re currently using, try putting a plywood board under your mattress to dampen the movement from the bedsprings, or try placing your mattress on the floor.

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