The majority of consumers shopping for mattresses often ask— Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?
Obviously, there is no single “best mattress” for everybody—given the fact that people have different perceptions about what constitutes too hard or too soft.
In this article, we’re going to give you some guidelines that will help you determine whether a hard or soft mattress is the best for you.
Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?
A good night’s sleep is priceless, and how you get there can be a personal decision based on your needs and preferences.
Most people for instance really like a softer mattress while others prefer a hard mattress because of the support it provides for their back/spine.
According to research, people with back pains find that the support offered by a firm mattress is best for them. While those who sleep on their stomach are more comfortable with a softer mattress.
As mentioned earlier, comfort is an extremely personal thing and is often influenced by a variety of factors but one thing that will help you choose right — is knowing the firmness level of a mattress.
Advantages of a firm mattress
- A firm mattress gives more comfort and will most likely not lose shape over time
- It removes pressure from your body and allows you to sleep without the feeling of aches or pain.
- It helps your spine alignment and provides good support for your back.
- A firm mattress is best for people with cervical issues.
Disadvantages of a firm mattress
- It lacks the luxurious cushioning that everyone desires from a mattress.
- Could be a nightmare for people who have lower back or orthopedic issues
- It’s not always easy to twist or turn.
Advantages of a soft mattress
- A soft mattress gives you a plush feel as though you are floating.
- It is better for those with orthopedic and other joint issues.
- It comes with superior cushioning qualities.
Disadvantages of a soft mattress
- In-proper alignment of the spine can lead to poor sleep quality.
- Soft mattresses can quickly wear out.
How to know the firmness level of a mattress
The firmness of a mattress depends greatly on two different factors. The first involves how it reacts to weight. If you put a 10-pound weight on a mattress and push down, how much does the mattress sink?
The second factor that determines firmness is pushback. Does this simply mean how much force the surface of the mattress exerts back onto you?
A more practical way of finding the firmness of a mattress would involve you lying flat on your back on the mattress and seeing if your shoulders, hips, and heels touch the mattress in equal measure.
Lastly, when you sleep on your mattress, it should contour your body, if you wake up in the morning — or worse, during the night — and feel discomfort at certain pressure points, like your shoulders, hips, or knees. It’s possible your mattress might be too firm.
The theory behind this claim is if they’re an equal distance from the bed then it’s not putting any pressure on your joints while sleeping. To test more accurately you may want to roll over onto your side and repeat the test.
Do you need a softer mattress as you get older?
There is nothing worse than waking up with aches and pains when you should be well-rested and relaxed. If you have any pre-existing aches or pressure points, then this should most definitely come into consideration when you’re choosing your new mattress as an elderly.
If your joints are particularly sensitive, we’d recommend going for a softer mattress such as memory foam as it will provide both support and comfort.
A memory foam mattress will also help to evenly distribute weight through the entire sleeping surface which can help to stop pressure points from developing in the first place. As a general rule of thumb, if you feel like you need to stack pillows on top of each other to feel comfortable, then we’d suggest opting for a more plush model.
What is better for back pain soft or firm mattress
While back pain can be a chronic condition, it doesn’t have to keep you up at night. The best mattress for back pain helps align your hips and shoulders, allowing your muscles to relax. A medium-firm to firm mattress offers the most relief from back pain.
