Sleepers With Hip And Shoulder Pain
As mentioned above, sleepers who experience pain points on their hips and shoulders could benefit from a plush mattress. A soft or plush mattress can contour around the body and relieve pressure on those areas.
However, a medium-firm to firm mattress can be a better mattress option for back pain. This is because youll want to keep your spine extra supported and straight for proper alignment.
How Do Euro Top And Plush Mattresses Differ
Euro top mattresses have a thick comfort layer that is stitched underneath the surface of the mattress. Pillow top mattresses have the same style of comfort layer, except that it is stitched into the top or surface level of the mattress. For more information, read our Euro top vs pillow top mattress guide.
A Euro top mattress is also likely a plush mattress. However, not all plush mattresses are Euro top mattresses. Both mattresses provide sleepers with a soft sleeping surface via extra cushioning.
Do Hotels Use Plush Or Firm Mattresses
Most hotel mattresses are within the medium to the medium-firm range. Such extreme mattress firmnessessuch as plush or firmare unlikely to suit a majority of guests, leading to complaints. Medium and medium-firm mattresses are more of a middle ground for most people, thus being suitable for hotels.
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Can Plush Mattresses Be Too Soft
A mattress can be too soft for certain people. If you notice your mattress has started to feel too soft, check your warranty, it may be time to replace your mattress or box spring.
If your mattress isnt due to be replaced, you may just need to add some firmness to it. This can be done by adding a firm mattress topper to your bed. You can also try placing a piece of plywood underneath your mattress.
Other Mattress Firmness Options
Firm and soft mattresses arent necessarily right for everyone, so shoppers may want to consider their other options. Some shoppers enjoy medium mattresses most of all, thanks to their versatility. We have guides comparing medium mattresses to firm and soft feels:
There are also medium-soft and medium-firm mattresses offered for in-between feels.
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What Are The Best Plush Mattresses For Back Sleepers
While back sleepers dont require as plush of a mattress as side sleepers, they also dont require as firm of a mattress as stomach sleepers which means that they have a bit more leniency when it comes to mattress choice. Back sleepers who prefer a softer feel may want to look into a plush hybrid or innerspring mattress which combines the plush comfort level with firm springs to deliver both comfort and support.
Is Your Current Mattress Causing You Pain
If you are currently suffering from neck or back pain, make note of when youre experiencing the pain the most. Is your pain worse at night or in the morning? If your pain is worse when you wake up, your mattress is likely the cause. Getting a new mattress with the proper support and comfort for your body will greatly alleviate this for you. Certain mattress features can provide relief and additional support depending on where your pain is.
If you are suffering from lower back pain, it is recommended that you find a mattress that provides solid support, with just enough cushion. This is usually found in a medium or medium-firm mattress.
If you are suffering from shoulder or hip pain, find a mattress that provides a happy combination of comfort layers and support features. Look for a plush, medium, or medium-soft mattress to help provide pressure relief.
If you are suffering from restless leg syndrome, nighttime heartburn, or GERD, you may want to look into an adjustable mattress base in addition to a new mattress. Sleeping on an incline helps to alleviate these nasty pains.
As always, we recommend you consult a physician if you have any further issues or questions concerning choosing a mattress and your health.
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Benefits Of Firm Mattresses
Although neither one is more or less equipped to provide support, here are the unique benefits that a firm mattress can offer, though it depends on the exact construction of the bed:
- Even weight distribution Sleepers with a tendency to roll around throughout the night will likely enjoy a mattress that ranks higher on the firmness scale. Rather than sinking into a plush mattress and getting stuck in one spot, theyll be able to find a comfortable position no matter where they toss and turn to because the firm sleep surface supports their body weight evenly across the mattress.
- Motion transfer prevention Ever wondered how to keep mattress from sliding around as you reposition your body throughout the night? If youre concerned about disrupting a partner by tossing and turning while you sleep, a firm mattress can help minimize the transfer of disruptive movement from one side of the bed to the other. However, this also has a lot to do with how the internal layers are constructed and assembled.
- Lower back support Back and stomach sleepers especially can benefit from a firmer mattress because it lifts the hips and aligns the spine, which allows the muscles to fully relax. Sinking too deeply into a mattress can put excess pressure on the back, neck, and spine, which adds to rather than alleviates the tension.
Plush Vs Firm Mattress: Whats Best For You
Mattress firmness comes down to the thickness of the comfort layersthe uppermost layers on a bed and what youll feel beneath you when sleeping. Plusher mattresses have thicker comfort layers
Mattress firmness comes down to the thickness of the comfort layersthe uppermost layers on a bed and what youll feel beneath you when sleeping. Plusher mattresses have thicker comfort layers and firmer mattresses have thinner comfort layers.
Plush and firm beds are on opposite ends of the mattress firmness scalethe mattress ranking system from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Choosing between a plush and a firm mattress primarily comes down to two factors: your body weight and sleeping position.
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How To Shop For A Soft Mattress Online
Shopping for a mattress online is convenient because you can compare multiple models quickly and easily. However, without trying the mattress in person, you dont always know how to anticipate what the mattress will feel like. Paying attention to the firmness rating can give you a clearer idea of how a mattress might feel. Reading customer reviews will also give extra insight.
Many direct-to-consumer mattress companies offer sleep trials during which customers can return their mattress for a refund of the purchase price. Before purchasing a mattress online, we encourage you to take a companys trial period and return policies into account.
With so many mattresses available online, deciding where to shop may be the first big obstacle in your mattress-buying process. Deciding which mattress features you prioritize can help narrow your options. From there, reading mattress reviews can further refine your search.
Some mattresses will offer additional options like different heights and firmness levels, White Glove delivery, or optional add-ons. After you add your selection to your cart and proceed to checkout, you will generally be asked to input your contact and shipping information and pay via credit card.
Who Should Use A Firm Mattress
If you are any of the following, you should look into getting a firmer mattress:
- A larger person
- A deep sleeper
- Someone who needs spinal support at night
If youre interested in a firmer mattress, our Purple Hybrid is the firmest mattress we offer. It has just the right amount of innovative Grid for a firm feel and support.
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What Is A Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. It provides a very flat, even surface and great spinal support for stomach and back sleepers. Firm mattresses prevent your lower back from collapsing, potentially making it easier to breathe at night.
Firm mattresses provide extra support for plus-sized sleepers as they tend to sink into softer mattresses. On the other hand, a firm mattress is likely too firm for petite sleepers since they dont put as much force onto the bed. This results in pressure points and pain for petite sleepers.
However, firm mattresses dont conform enough for side sleepers to be comfortable. Side sleepers will notice pressure build-up and achiness in their hips and shoulders if their mattress is too firm.
Plush Mattress Vs Other Mattress Types
A plush mattress is quite different from other soft mattress types. They are incredibly delicate while still providing enough support to counter back problems. Meanwhile, other soft mattresses have just a part of the mattress as a soft layer. It can be either the top or bottom layer, but never the whole mattress.
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What Is A Medium Mattress
A medium mattress is a mattress that is not too soft or too firm. It has qualities of both plush and firm mattresses to some extent. If we measure mattress firmness on a range of 1 10, a medium mattress will rate somewhere around 5.
When youre lying in the mattress, you wont feel any sinking, but youll feel the support pushback. This is because there is a variety of layers designed for pressure point pain relief underneath you. They are designed with a combination of comfort layers and support technologies. This makes them suitable for all body types. Moreover, medium mattresses are suitable for side sleepers. They are also good for those who change their positions throughout the night.
Plush Vs Firm Mattress: What’s The Best Mattress For You
While lack of support is what causes you to wake up with back or shoulder pain or feeling like you didn’t get a good night’s sleep, Oexman says, comfort plays a role in how quickly you fall asleep versus how much you toss and turn once your head hits the pillow.
So, consider both the support you need as well as what is most comfortable for you to find your perfect mattress.
Our mattresses come in a variety of firmnesses to suit every sleep style. Try a new Saatva mattress for 180 nights to see if one of our plush, medium firm, or firm mattresses is right for you. If you decide your initial selection isn’t right for you, you have the option to exchange your mattress for another firmness during the trial period.
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How Mattress Firmness Is Measured
Firmness levels are typically rated on a scale of 1-10, and the vast majority of beds offer a firmness level between a 4 and a 7, as this is what tends to be comfortable for most individuals. You can find products softer or firmer than these ratings however, they often require a special order.
When youre reading reviews, keep in mind that firmness is subjective, and the plush nature of a bed can feel unique to various individuals. However, at Sleep Advisor, we try our best to keep our ratings consistent to help our readers can dream in comfort.
Interested in learning more? Check out our mattress firmness guide here.
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Do Firm Mattresses Last Longer
Most mattresses last about 7 to 10 years, regardless of it being plush or firm. Your mattress firmness does not play a role in its lifespan.
The crucial factor in your mattresss longevity is its construction and what its made from. Your mattresss support layerthe layer built to prevent sagging and wearshould make up at least 50 percent of your mattresss construction.
So, if your mattress is 12 inches thick, the support layer should be no thinner than 6 inches. Any less than this can lead to rapid wear and sagging, meaning youll have to replace your mattress sooner.
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Who Does Aplush Mattress Usually Suit
Plush mattresses are great for back and side sleepers as they contour to your bodys curves due to the softer feeling foam implemented within the mattress. Dreamfoam, memory foam and gel-infused foam contour to your body regardless of your sleeping style or position. The extra cushioning may give you pressure relief in your shoulders, hips and arms, while supporting your lower spine.
All Beds R Us plush mattresses are made to feel soft, but have enough strength to allow for even weight dispersion and may assist you with proper spinal alignment. Even some of our firm and medium mattresses include comfort layers that could be described as having a pillow-top. Please use our firmness levels as a guide online or visit a store near you to test our beds and discuss your needs with a Beds R Us sleep specialist.
Beds R Us have a range of premium, Australian made innerspring mattresses that suit your needs, budget and sleeping style.
Whether you are a back, stomach or side sleeper, well help you find the perfect mattress that delivers the perfect sleep.
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Differences Between Firm And Plush Mattresses
Choosing the perfect mattress can be a complicated process, especially as more and more options become available on the market. Its important to find a mattress that promotes good sleep health. Firm mattresses offer the most support to sleepers, while plush mattresses provide a soft surface that hugs the curves of your body.
Mattress composition makes a substantial difference in both feel and support. Support layers are generally stiffer and less flexible, providing the solid feeling of a firm, supportive mattress. Conversely, comfort layers are soft, padded and more accommodating. The thickness of your mattresss comfort and support layers determines how firm or soft it will feel.
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Which Firmness Is Right For You
Plush and firm mattresses are merely the two ends of the firmness spectrum and most people opt for a mattress somewhere between these two extremes. However, the most noticeable differences between plush and firm is the amount of contouring from their comfort layers. Plush mattresses conform to your body, while firm mattresses are more sturdy and have less give.
If youre ever uncertain what mattress firmness to choose, most mattresses nowadays come with extended sleep trials, meaning you can test for your mattress at home for between 30 to 365 nights depending on the company. Its always best to test your mattress out for at least 30 nights to get accustomed to your new sleep surface before deciding whether or not to return it.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
Michelle Zhang, Wellness Writer
Michelle Zhang is a regular contributor to our Zoma blog and is our go-to sleep researcher. In her time with Zoma, Michelle has researched and published many articles on widespread sleeping habits and troubles. In her time outside of Zoma, Michelle is an occupational therapist and long-distance runner. She believes leading a healthy lifestyle is the key to getting better sleep at night. Michelle’s work has been featured on Men’s Journal, The Frisky, and The Mighty.
Whats A Firm Mattress
Firm mattresses have thin comfort layers and are primarily made out of support layersstiff and durable mattress layers. Firm beds have very little give, meaning you wont sink much in bed and wont feel overly cradled. Firm beds also provide excellent support to keep your spine aligned and prevent pain.
A bed with minimal cradling and lots of support works well for back and stomach sleepers. On softer beds, back and stomach sleepers are at risk of their hips sinking and throwing their spines out of alignment. This only leads to lower back pain, stiffness, and trouble sleeping. In most cases, the right mattresses for back sleepers are medium to medium-firm.
People who weigh over 230 pounds may also prefer a hard mattress over a plush one. Heavier people naturally place more pressure on their beds and need more pushback to stop them from bottoming out. For a large person, a firm bed wont feel stiff instead, it will cradle their body comfortably.
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Is It True That Plush Beds Are Unhealthy For You
It’s a popular misperception that firm beds are better for you than plush beds, but this isn’t true. Firm beds and plush beds are simply designed for different types of sleepers.
Plush mattresses should provide adequate cushioning, whether you are diminutive, a combination sleeper, or a side sleeper. If you sleep on your stomach or back, however, the padding and sagging may cause your spine to flex in an abnormal way, causing discomfort and pain.
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.
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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.