There is nothing better than laying on a comfortable mattress after a long day. But with so many different types of mattresses on the market, it can be hard to decide! Firm vs Soft Mattress; which one is right for you?
Do you want a plush, soft feel that will closely conform to your body? Or, do you want a firmer surface that will support your body weight? Perhaps you are looking for something in between that will be comfortable for you and your partner?
No matter the type of mattress you prefer, there are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a new one. In this post, we will help discuss the benefits of both options, and some of the factors to consider when making your decision.
What Makes A Mattress Soft or Firm?
The firmness of a mattress is predominantly determined by its construction and the materials used within the bed. Typically, mattress firmness is rated on a scale of 1-10. Medium-firm is a 6.5. Anything below this will be soft, and anything higher is firmer.
For example, an innerspring mattress with no real comfort layer is probably going to be firmer. Foam mattresses are softer, and will have a plush feel. These tend to be good for pressure relief.
Another factor that plays a role in the firmness of a mattress in the size and body weight of the sleeper. A person who doesn’t weigh very much could find a mattress with a memory foam layer on top to be quite soft, but a larger person could press through the comfort layer and feel like the mattress is firmer.
An Important Investment
We all know that a good night’s sleep is important to both our physical and mental health. As such, the firmness of your mattress should be an important step in your search for a new mattress.
It is important to remember that the level of firmness and what is comfortable is subjective and will differ greatly amongst individuals. Firmness does not only mean you should be comfortable, but it should provide the right support for your body.
A mattress that is too soft will not provide adequate support and may cause spinal alignment issues. A mattress that is too firm can be just as bad and cause discomfort in the hips and shoulders. The perfect mattress will provide the right amount of support and comfort for your specific body type and sleep position.
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Comfort Preferences
The first and arguable most important factor when buying a mattress is your comfort preference.
A great way to find out what you prefer is to compare your mattress with your current sleeping experience. Is the mattress you have now the right firmness, would you prefer a firmer feel that will support your body weight or something softer?
This will help you better decide which mattress is best for you.
Body Weight and Size
The second factor to keep in mind when purchasing a mattress is your weight and size. Heavier sleepers may need a firmer mattress to support their body weight, preventing them from sinking too deeply into the bed as this can cause back and neck pain. Lighter sleepers can get away with a softer mattress as they will not put as much strain on the bed, while still providing adequate support.
Sleep Position
Your preferred sleeping position will also affect the comfort of various mattresses. Back and stomach sleepers should opt for firmer mattresses as this will provide support for their neck and back. Side sleepers will benefit from softer mattresses, as it will be able to conform to their hips and shoulders.
Sleeping With A Partner
Another important consideration is if you sleep with a partner. Their preferences, weight, sleep position and more may differ from you. You should both be comfortable on the mattress, so it is important to find a balance between your needs.
It is important to note that when people sink into a soft mattress, they might have more trouble moving around and switching positions at night.
Mobility
Those who have trouble moving around due to injury or other health problems may better benefit from a firmer mattress. As they do not conform to the body, it will be much easier to change sleeping positions as well as get in and out of bed without feeling stuck.
Firm Vs Soft Mattress: Ready To Choose?
Now that we’ve gone over the different factors to keep in mind when choosing a mattress, it’s time to select the perfect one for you. Consider your comfort preference, weight, sleep position and if you sleep with a partner.
With so many options on the market, there is sure to be a mattress out there that meets all of your needs! Sunshine Coast Beds Galore is here to help. Firm vs soft mattresses, we carry a wide range from single and double to king, queen and king split in all levels of firmness. Get in touch today and let the knowledgeable team help you find the perfect mattress for a good night’s sleep!
