Who Should Use A Firm Mattress
For larger frame andheavier people there are several benefits of sleeping on a firm bed. You wont sink into the mattress which allows for proper alignment of your shoulders and spine, so youll move easier movement and sleep cooler. With your body in the best position for sleep, youll also breathe easier.
Moststomach and back sleepers can benefit from sleeping on a firm mattress. When your hips dont sink deeply into the bed proper alignment can be achieved.
Anyone with joint pain can sleep comfortably on a firmer bed. With reduced pressure on your circulatory system, breathing is easier and you take in more oxygen to help experience deeper, more restful sleep.
Advantages Of Firm Mattresses
The benefits of a firm mattress is suggested for those who do not manage back, neck, or shoulder pain. What a firm mattress really should be is a mattress that relieves pressure, and reduces muscle tension while ensuring blood circulation. A firm mattress may be appropriate for stomach sleepers to reduce lower back pain.
Will My Mattress Get Softer Over Time
Yes. When you first buy your mattress, it will soften up a bit during its breaking-in period. This is why manufacturers offer a sleep trial. It takes between 90 and 120 nights to fully break in your mattress. For this reason, youll need no less than a 100-night sleep trial to make sure you understand how your bed will feel over the course of its lifetime.
In addition to the breaking-in period, mattresses will soften as they age. This usually results in sagging and soft spot development. Eventually, this process will spell the end of your mattresss lifespan. How long that process takes depends on your mattresss material and construction.
Don’t Miss: Pillows For Shoulder And Neck Pain
What Is The Difference Between Firm Medium And Plush Mattress
The main difference between firm medium and plush mattress is that firm mattresses do not offer much pressure relief while plush mattresses and medium mattresses offer pressure relief.
Firm, medium, and plush are three types of mattresses, categorized according to their softness and firmness. Each of these options has its own pros and cons.
What Does Extra Plush Mattress Mean
Plushultra plush mattressmattresssuper plushextramattresses
. People also ask, is a plush mattress good for your back?
A plush mattress simply doesnt offer enough support to maintain good back health or to relieve pressure points in order to reduce back pain. In most cases, a firm mattress will provide the kind of balanced support that is better for your back.
Subsequently, question is, is a plush mattress good for side sleepers? Side sleepers can benefit from mattresses with plush memory foam comfort layers, which hug their pressure points and provide stabilizing, comforting pressure point relief. Benefits for side sleepers: Close conforming and good pressure relief. Excellent motion isolation and no noise.
Similarly, you may ask, what does plush mean on a mattress?
A plush mattress is a mattress with a soft feel. Its the type of mattress that you gently sink into, cradling and hugging you as you fall asleep.
Do plush mattresses sag?
Plush It UpA plush mattress has quilting under its surface fabric and is softer than firm and extra-firm alternatives. People who sleep on their stomachs might feel that a plush mattress is too soft and doesnt provide the support they need. A pillow top mattress would be even more uncomfortable for a stomach sleeper.
You May Like: How To Dispose Of Old Mattress For Free
Sleepers With Shoulder Hip Or Back Pain
For those of you who live with back pain, you know better than most how much your mattress impacts your daily life. If youre sleeping on a mattress that is too soft, you could be exacerbating your back pain because theres not enough support to keep your body in a healthy alignment. So while plush mattresses might work well for lighter-weight sleepers and support their spinal alignment, for most people especially those with back pain a firmer mattress is recommended.
Shoulder and hip pain, however, are a different story. Plush mattresses may actually help shoulder and hip pain, because the soft mattress surface will be more conforming to your body, fostering pressure relief. This is especially true for those who sleep on their sides, which on a too-firm mattress, will make hip and shoulder pain worse.
Who Shouldnt Buy A Plush Mattress
As cozy and inviting as they sound, plush mattresses arent for everybody and can even leave you feeling sore and in pain when you wake up. Here are some instances in which a plush bed might not be the best bed for you:
- You have a heavier body weight
- You have back pain and need firmer support
- You co-sleep with a partner
- You prefer not to sink into the mattress
As mentioned, if you suffer from any sort of joint pain or back pain, you should check with your physical therapist first if you are thinking about getting a plush mattress an orthopedic mattress may be your best bet instead.
Also, if you tend to sleep hot, make sure you choose a plush mattress with cooling features such as a breathable or sweat-wicking cover, as the sinking-in feeling associated with a softer mattress isnt comfortable for all sleepers. You will find some plusher options among the best cooling mattresses.
Recommended Reading: What Kind Of Mattress Is Best For A Bad Back
Why Does It Matter
The firmness of the mattress is a fundamental characteristic which is quite critical for the decision-making process. Not only will it determine the overall level of comfort but its also going to have a serious impact on the support of the bed as well.
This is something quite critical. The firmness has an impact over almost every important characteristic that your mattress is defined by. From the comfort and support to the overall performance of the unit, everything could be associated with its firmness.
Dont Miss: How To Measure A Bed For A Mattress
A Look At The Euro Top Mattress
A Euro top mattress is a mixture of two different kinds of materials. This mattress has smooth materials that offer significant support to bodies.
Although this mattress is a classy one that can contribute to an upscale resort experience, it also is suitable for people who have significant concerns that involve aches and pains.
People who suffer from persistent neck and back discomfort often gravitate to this mattress.
It isnt uncommon to hear people comparing this mattress to pillow top options.
What exactly makes this type of mattress so distinctive? It has an additional material layer. This layer is above the remaining layers.
A Euro top mattress is designed to conceal upper surfaces of mattresses in full. The aim behind this is to help it match up nicely with the sides of any bed.
A Euro top mattress can contribute to a smooth and seamless visual experience. If you look at a Euro top mattress, you wont see an additional layer simply resting there.
This layer basically blends into the rest of the mattress. This creates a feeling of cohesion and harmony.
If you stare at a Euro top mattress from its side, then it may seem pretty tall. Theyre in many cases a few inches taller than standard tight-top options.
People who look at the Euro top dont ever see seams or gussets at all. Euro top mattress padding constantly differs. Euro top mattress models and makes abound.
Recommended Reading: My Pillow Mattress Topper 2 Inch Vs 3-inch
The Copper Hybrid Plush
Renowned for its ability to both cool and support, the copper gel has become a prominent fixture within the mattress industry and is the star component of the Copper Hybrid Plush by Revive. Those who are required to sleep on their backs due to health restrictions will especially appreciate the temperature-regulating technology, designed to prevent tossing and turning by keeping the mattress cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Pillowtop Vs Eurotop Mattresses
Pillowtop and Eurotop are often used interchangeably to describe an extra layer of soft padding sewn to the top of a mattress. However, there is a difference between the two. A pillowtop is an extra layer of padding sewn directly to the top of the mattress to provide uniform and adequate comfort and looks like its name describes, a pillow on top of the mattress.
A Eurotop is similar, but instead of looking like a separate layer, it is sewn flush to the mattress. Both of these create an added soft layer between you and the initial mattress comfort layer. Keep in mind that these are thin layers only and are not used for support, but only for added softness.
Also Check: Bed Bugs Purple Mattress
Also Check: What Is A Radius Mattress
What Does Plush Mean In A Mattress
Plush originally described soft, rich, and lavish fabrics, such as mink fur and silk. Nowadays, the word appears in various contexts, and usually describes extravagant and expensive items or lifestyles. But, when it comes to mattresses, plush has a whole different meaning.
A plush mattress is a soft, gently cradling mattress that provides adequate support and comfort to a sleeper. This plushness results from layers of pressure-relieving materials added onto the support core of the mattress. The layers also come in different densities and thicknesses, varying from one mattress manufacturer to the other.
You May Like: How To Make A Homemade Mattress
How Your Mattress Impacts Your Health
If your mattress is contributing to your poor sleep, it can have more serious effects than leaving you with dark circles under your eyes. Here are issues you may experience if you arent sleeping on the right mattress:
- Weakened immune system
- Body aches and pains
Getting proper sleep is an integral part of many of your bodys functions. Consequently, a good mattress contributes to everything from strengthening your immune system to regulating your metabolism. Not to mention the spine conditions that come from poor back support when you sleep.
You May Like: Dreamcloud Premier Rest Review
Recommended Reading: Can You Flip A Stearns And Foster Mattress
How To Choose A Mattress Firmness
There are two main factors that determine the mattress firmness level you need: your sleep style and body type. While sleep style is the primary determinant of your firmness needs, your body weight cannot be discounted.
Your preferences are also important, of course. But they should always be considered alongside your other sleep needs. For instance, if you have a strong preference for softer mattresses but you sleep on your stomach, you still probably should not go below a medium-firm feel. If you do, you could be dealing with back pain caused by too much sinkage in the pelvic area.
Is A Plush Or Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain
Whether a plush or firm mattress is better for your back pain depends on two factors. The first is your body size. The second is your preferred sleeping position. In most cases, a medium to medium-firm mattress is best for back problems.
This firmness level will also work for sleepers who are larger and who sleep on their stomach or back. Side sleepers and combination sleepers may require the soft support of a plush mattress to combat their lower back pain.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Most Popular Tempurpedic Mattress
Should Kids Sleep On A Plush Or Firm Mattress
As with adults, a kids ideal mattress firmness level depends on their weight and sleep position. Growing bodies need proper spinal alignment, so its important to find a supportive mattress for your child. For many kids, the sweet spot is in the middle with a medium-firm mattress.
Nolah offers a double-sided mattress, the Nolah Nurture, with both a firm and soft side. This flippable design gives your kid a choice of sleep surfaces and ensures they have a comfortable, supportive option through different stages of growth.
What Is A Firm Mattress
Firm mattresses have a thinner comfort layer. Their design better holds the weight of larger framed sleepers. People over 230 pounds will feel supported without sinking into the mattresss surface.
Both back sleepers and stomach sleepers prefer firmer mattresses over their plush counterparts. The anti-sink design of a firm mattress provides support to reduce joint pain. Plus, the responsive surface minimizes the chances of spinal misalignment.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does A Mattress Last Consumer Reports
Is It Preferable To Sleep On A Plush Or Firm Mattress If You Have Back Pain
There are two elements that determine whether a plush or firm mattress is better for your back pain. The first is your physical stature. Your favored sleeping style is the second. A medium to medium-firm mattress is ideal for back problems in most circumstances.
Large sleepers who sleep on their stomach or back will benefit from this firmness level. To relieve lower back pain, combination sleepers and side sleepers may require the gentle feel of a plush mattress.
Also Check: Can You Flip A Tuft And Needle Mattress
What Are Plush Mattresses Made Of
Like any other mattress, plush mattresses consist of layers that work together to create a desired effect in this case, a soft feel that’s also supportive.
In order to get that softer feel, plush mattresses contain a layer of soft comfort foam for pressure relief and cushioned contouring. Following that is a layer of transitional foam that’s denser to offer support.
At the bottom is a durable base layer that’s extra dense to provide stability to the mattress. If you opt for a hybrid, there will also be a layer of individually-wrapped springs situated above the base layer that’ll add contouring, support, and airflow.
Some plush mattresses have a stitched-on pillow-top or quilted cover to add comfort. This provides a softer pillowy layer and is particularly good for side sleepers and lighter individuals, as they are more cushioning for bony areas of the body such as the shoulders. Pillow tops can be filled with memory foam, latex, polyester, or wool.
You can also add a mattress topper to an existing bed to soften it particularly if your existing mattress is otherwise in good shape and you don’t want to replace it outright. This is usually a better solution than a pillow-top mattress as the pillow layer is usually permanently attached to the mattress, and more prone to flattening and wear and tear.
Also Check: How Long Does A Serta Mattress Last
Firm Soft And Plush Mattresses
A firm mattressis more rigid to the touch, but it doesnt necessarily feel like a plank of wood. A firm mattress doesnt have so much give and doesnt provide that sinking feel, but instead has a sturdy support.
A soft mattress compresses easily when you apply pressure to it and you will likely experience some level of sinking when resting on a soft mattress.
A plush mattress is a mattress that offers a soft feel, but also enough support. It will allow you to gently sink into it to a certain degree while hugging and cradling your body as you fall asleep.
Is It Possible For Plush Mattresses To Be Overly Soft
For certain folks, a mattress may be too soft. Check your warranty if you notice your mattress has become too soft it may be time to replace your mattress box springs.
If your mattress isnt due for replacement, you may only need to firm it up. Add a firm mattress topper to your bed to achieve this. Placing a length of plywood underneath your mattress is another option.
Read Also: Is There A Mattress Smaller Than A Twin
Recommended Reading: How To Make A Firm Mattress More Comfortable
Who Should Buy A Plush Mattress
If you find it difficult to nod off to sleep, or wake in the night because you cannot get comfortable, then its likely your mattress is to blame. While many of the best beds come in a standard medium-firmness, this might not suit everybody, so it could be time to switch to something slightly softer.
Here are the main reasons why you might want to invest in a plush mattress:
- You sleep mainly on your side
- You are petite/lighter in weight
- You need more cushioning for your pressure points
- You prefer a cozier feeling mattress
Remember, if you are not sure if a mattress is for you, then you can always take advantage of the risk-free sleep trial sleeping on the mattress for at least 30 days will give you a good indication if a mattress is the right firmness for you.
Is A Soft Or Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain
People who struggle with back pain want to find a mattress that is not-too-firm and not-too-soft. A medium-firm mattress should ensure that they sink into the mattress just the right amount so that the spine stays in proper neutral alignment. Also, the mattress should feature good lumbar support, and this will also help prevent and alleviate back pain.
Also Check: What Sealy Posturepedic Mattress Is The Best
Comfort Scale Ratings 3
Mattresses with a Comfort Scale rating in the 3-4 range are considered medium-firm. These mattresses work well for back and stomach sleepers who prefer something on the firmer half of the Comfort Scale. Theyre generally too firm for side sleepers though. Mattresses in this comfort range are for those who need a firmer, more rigid sleeping surface but enjoy some padding for comfort.
-
Good for most back sleepers
-
Good for some stomach sleepers
-
Too firm for side sleepers
Read Also: What Mattress Is Best For Me
Who Should Sleep On A Soft Mattress
Soft mattresses are best for side sleepers and petite sleepers . Soft mattresses provide enough cushioning to protect side sleepers hips and shoulders from pain. These mattresses also offer enough compression to contour to smaller sleepers shapes.
Theyre typically also the best mattresses for kids since childrens smaller frames require more compression and cradling.
You May Like: Does A Tempurpedic Mattress Need A Special Bed Frame
