Soft vs Firm Mattress: Which One Is Best for You?
Many factors have to be considered when you buy a mattress. But one of the most important of them is deciding whether to get a soft or firm mattress or somewhere in between.
To figure this out, three things should be looked at: your spine, sleeping posture, and personal wants. We will go over them in this guide so you’ll know which kind of mattress is best for you.
Ready? Let’s begin!
Is a Soft Mattress Good for You?
A soft mattress fits side and back sleepers most. It’s usually made of memory foam which follows the shape of your body depending on your sleeping position.
It allows your body to relax and not resist it. Side sleepers benefit from them since it relieves their hips which bear the weight of their bodies on the mattress.
The ideal soft mattress lets you sink in while supporting your body and gently making you doze off to sleep.
The problem with soft mattresses is it retains heat owing to having more comfort layers within them. That means if you sweat easily in bed, this mattress firmness might not be for you.
Also, if you share a bed with a partner, some soft mattresses become uneven when the other sleeper leans all of his or her weight against one part of the bed.
Is a Firm Mattress Good for You?
A firm mattress mostly suits stomach sleepers and those with lower back pain. This is since it gives your entire body a straight and supportive surface to rest on.
Also, it greatly benefits the circulation system because it’s your bones that come in contact with the bed instead of the arteries and muscles like with soft mattresses.
However, those with weak joints and back problems may not be suited to using a firm mattress at all. This is due to the opposite pressure that works against their sensitive bodies.
Fortunately, they can put a mattress topper over their existing mattresses to raise their comfort level, feel less body pain and discomfort, and sleep a lot better.
The Differences Between a Soft and Firm Mattress
The difference between a soft and a firm mattress lies in the feeling of sleeping in them.
A soft mattress tugs you in softly and comfortably as you sleep. But, because of that, it also traps heat in your body which can make you sweat if the weather outside is hot.
On the other hand, a firm mattress provides even support for your whole body. It keeps your spine straight too and is less likely to be affected by a spouse’s tossing and turning at night.
What’s more, about the material, hard mattresses use poly-foam and springs topped by a thin soft layer, whilst plush mattresses are made from latex, memory foam, or mixed.
The Final Takeaway
The best mattress firmness will depend on your sleeping position, whether or not you have a back problem, and how the mattress personally feels for you.
If you are a back or stomach sleeper, a firm mattress could be a great option. Whereas if you are used to sleeping on your side and/or back, a softer mattress may work for you.
Another important indicator is your weight. Generally, lighter people fare better on softer mattresses, while heavier ones feel more comfortable and supported in firmer mattresses.
It can get to be tricky to decide between them if you have a back problem. But, we believe that firmer mattresses are better for this as they provide extra support to your back, and you can use a mattress topper anyway for more spine cushioning.
Also, note that mattresses vary in feel from very plush to very firm on a scale of one to ten. So, it’s up to you to find which kind of mattress you feel to be most comfortable to sleep in—after all, it’s your body, and you have to pay attention to what it needs.