
Who Should Choose Firm Mattress?
- Heavier Weight People: Firm mattress is very good for heavily weighted people. It can tolerate 200+ pounds of body weight easily. ...
- Back Pain Issues Suffering People: If you have back pain issues then it is wise for you to avoid soft mattress. ...
- Back Sleepers: Firm mattresses are always ideal for the back sleepers because they need more support while they sleep. ...
Full Answer
What is the best firm mattress to buy?
- Innerspring mattresses: Innerspring beds are typically firm, bouncy, and great for hot sleepers.
- Hybrid mattresses: Hybrid beds boast the support of innerspring beds and the pressure-relieving properties of foam layers.
- All-foam mattresses: These beds are great for couples and budget shoppers.
How firm should your mattress be?
Understanding Mattress Firmness Scale
- 1-2 (extremely soft) Such mattresses are super soft, they do not provide the needed level of support and you will feel like sinking into your bed.
- 3-4 (soft) Soft or plush mattresses are great for very lightweight sleepers. ...
- 5-6 (medium) The bed that’s from 5 to 6 on the mattress comfort level is the option that the majority of sleepers prefer.
What does the word firm mattress really mean?
Mattress firmness is just how soft or hard a mattress feels. (Really…that’s it.) The firmness of your mattress is directly related to how comfortable you feel on that mattress. And since everyone’s different, there’s no exact science for what level of firmness you’re going to be most comfortable with.
Who sells the best mattress on the market?
The best firm mattresses we’ve tested are ideal for back sleepers and anyone who needs extra support. The list includes mattresses from Saatva, Allswell, Sealy, and Casper.

Why would someone need a firm mattress?
When sleeping on a firmer surface, the bones absorb most of the pressure, meaning there is less stress on muscles, veins and arteries. Muscles are less strained, and circulation is improved. A firm mattress also keeps your lower back from collapsing, which could allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping.
Do doctors recommend a firm mattress?
Orthopedists recommend buying a bed that's as firm as you're able to comfortably sleep on. That's because over time, your mattress will begin to sink and get softer with consistent use. You don't want to end up with a bed that's too soft to sleep on after just 1 or 2 years.
Do most people prefer a firm mattress?
Generally speaking, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses. Soft foams may sink in too much for comfort and adequate support. Conversely, lighter sleepers may sink in less and find firm beds to be uncomfortably hard, so they generally prefer soft to medium firm options.
Who are firm beds best for?
Our mattress tests have shown a firm feel usually means more support and less sinkage, which can benefit those who weigh more than 230 pounds. The back and stomach sleepers on our testing team also tend to prefer firmer mattresses that reinforce their midsections and reduce pressure points along their spines.
Can Side sleepers use firm mattress?
Side Sleepers This group needs a soft mattress that provides plenty of room to sink in for deep and cuddly pressure relief at the shoulders, hips, and lower back. A mattress that offers zoned support might be a good fit for these sleepers.
Who benefits from an extra firm mattress?
This extra support helps your body maintain good posture and prevents your back from curving, which can happen on softer mattresses. Larger or heavier people would benefit from an extra firm mattress as it provides the additional support that a larger body needs to prevent it from sinking down.
How do I know if my bed is too firm?
How do I know if my mattress is too firm?It doesn't contour to your body.It feels uncomfortable.You wake up with back or neck ache.You get a better sleep when you sleep on a softer mattress elsewhere.
How do you know if you need a medium or firm mattress?
Firm Mattress: If you're a heavier-weight sleeper, choose a firmer mattress for the best overall support. Also consider a firmer mattress if you're primarily a stomach sleeper. Medium Mattress: If you're an average-weight sleeper and sleep on your side or back, a medium mattress is an excellent choice.
Why do hotels use firm mattresses?
Medium-firm mattresses often strike the optimal balance of support and pressure relief for back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers alike, which is why they're an ideal choice for a hotel with a constantly rotating clientele.
Do firm beds hurt your back?
Too Firm a Mattress “A poor quality mattress that's very firm can definitely cause misalignment to the spine because it will be pushing the shoulders up, pushing the hips up, and not allowing the spine to be in a neutral resting position,” Dr Smycz explained.
Why do Asians like firm beds?
Firm Beds. Most people in China prefer to sleep on a firm mattress, claiming it is better for their backs. They believe the back remains properly aligned, with no sinkage throughout the night, if it is well supported.
Are hotel beds usually firm or soft?
First, hotel beds are most commonly either hybrid or innerspring mattresses that fall around a medium on the firmness scale to suit most people.
What mattress do sleep doctors recommend?
A mattress with a memory foam layer, which supports comfortable side sleeping, may benefit people with sleep apnea. Memory foam can relieve pressure on joints, such as the hips and shoulders, while maintaining spinal alignment.
What do doctors say is the best mattress?
The Best Mattresses Recommended by DoctorsTHE DREAMCLOUD LUXURY HYBRID MATTRESS. ... The Puffy Original Mattress: Cult Following, Stellar Reviews. ... The Sweetnight Breeze Gel/Memory Foam Mattress. ... THE PUFFY LUX MATTRESS. ... The Nolah Signature Mattress: A Side Sleeper Favorite.
What mattress do back doctors recommend?
Memory foam and latex mattresses are often considered the best options for back pain, as they conform to your body, cradling pressure points while supporting your spine and keeping it aligned.
What mattress firmness is healthiest?
In general, side sleepers should look for Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses that can cushion their impact points. Back and stomach sleepers should look for Medium Firm to Firm beds that have only light conforming.
How to choose a firm mattress?
Determining whether a firm mattress is right for you starts by taking your body type, typical sleep position, and personal preferences into account. Here are three times when a firm mattress is a good option: 1 You're a stomach sleeper stomach sleeper. Most stomach sleepers do best on a medium-firm to firm surface, as this allows your body to maintain the best possible alignment while lying face-down. A mattress that's too soft will pull your spine downward into an exaggerated curve, especially if you carry extra weight around your midsection. Most stomach sleepers will be well suited by a mattress in the 4-7 range on the typical firmness scale. The higher your weight, the higher you should go in that range. 2 You have a bigger body. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, you'll likely sleep better on a firmer mattress than a softer one. A medium-firm to firm mattress will help keep your spine aligned without sagging. This, in turn, will help prevent low back pain, something larger-bodied people are at higher risk of suffering from. (Here's how to choose the best mattress for heavy people .)
What is a firm mattress?
It's important to point out that there is no industry standard for mattress firmness. To help guide your selection, many mattress companies (including Saatva) use a 10-point scale to rate mattress firmness. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the firmer the mattress, from 3-4 at the low end to 7-8 at the high end. Not surprisingly, the majority of people tend to prefer mattresses that fall in the middle of the firmness scale.
What is the best mattress for a heavy person?
You have a bigger body. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, you'll likely sleep better on a firmer mattress than a softer one. A medium-firm to firm mattress will help keep your spine aligned without sagging. This, in turn, will help prevent low back pain, something larger-bodied people are at higher risk of suffering from. (Here's how to choose the best mattress for heavy people .)
What happens if a mattress is too soft?
A mattress that's too soft will pull your spine downward into an exaggerated curve, especially if you carry extra weight around your midsection. Most stomach sleepers will be well suited by a mattress in the 4-7 range on the typical firmness scale. The higher your weight, the higher you should go in that range. You have a bigger body.
Does a firmer mattress help with back pain?
Research shows a firmer mattress can be effective at alleviating back pain. For example, a study of 27 women experiencing shoulder and back pain found their pain greatly decreased after replacing their regular mattress with a medium-firm mattress that conformed to their particular sleep positions.
Is a firm mattress good for a stomach?
Here are three times when a firm mattress is a good option: You're a stomach sleeper stomach sleeper. Most stomach sleepers do best on a medium-firm to firm surface, as this allows your body to maintain the best possible alignment while lying face-down.
Do you need a mattress topper?
You don't have to buy a new mattress to make your sleep surface feel firmer. If your current mattress is too soft, try adding a medium-firm or firm mattress topper. Popular mattress topper materials include memory foam and latex. That said, a mattress topper won't fix a sagging mattress or revive one that's past its prime. Read our guide to mattress toppers to find the right one for you.
What to consider when buying a mattress?
Different people would apply different pressure to the mattress. The most important thing that you want to consider is the pressure relief and the spinal alignment which it derives from. Your mattress needs to feel very well, and it needs to make sure that your entire body is perfectly aligned. This is the only way to prevent unwanted and highly unpleasant pain.
Why is firmness important in a mattress?
Not only will it determine the overall level of comfort but it’s also going to have a serious impact on the support of the bed as well. This is something quite critical.
What Does One Firmness Fits All Mean?
One firmness fits all is a phrase used to describe the type of firmness which is going to suit the wide majority of sleepers. The truth is that about 80% of sleepers would prefer a bed which ranges between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale.
What is the best mattress firmness for back sleepers?
You can sleep well on a mattress with a firmness between 4 and 8, and you would experience the necessary support. This is something that you would want to take into account.
How firm should a stomach sleeper mattress be?
Stomach sleepers usually require a firmness between 5 and 7. This is mainly because they would require proper contouring and a tiny bit of sinkage to accommodate the fact that their belly is underneath the main weight. This is important. Soft or very firm mattresses won’t provide you with the necessary support.
What is the sinkage of a mattress?
These would usually come in two different forms – deep cushion hug and a traditional deep contour memory foam. These are great for people who prefer to sleep on their sides. They are, however, not ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
How firm should a mattress be for back pain?
The firmness should range between 5 and 8 depending on your weight. It is important to ensure that you lower back receive the necessary contouring.
How is mattress firmness measured?
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.
Why do stomach sleepers prefer firmer mattresses?
However, many stomach and back sleepers prefer a firmer surface because it keeps their backs in better alignment. More robust surfaces can still boast soft top layers, offering a plush yet supportive structure. View Our Guide: Top Rated Firm Mattresses.
Why is a plush mattress good for you?
Further, a plush bed should suit your body's curves as well, filling the spaces where you need help and gently accommodating the hips and shoulders.
What is the benefit of a soft side sleeper?
Softer designs can offer considerable benefits to side sleepers and those who need plush pressure relief. Those who rest in this position typically endure more stress in their shoulder and hip region, as they're often the widest parts of our bodies.
Why do people use fluffy mattresses?
Many individuals suffer from minor and significant stress in joints, nerves, and other trouble areas, and having a plush product can help address these tender areas softly.
What is the difference between softer and support layers?
Generally, softer layers provide more of a relieving sensation, offering soothing pressure relief to accommodate aches and pains. Support layers are typically more firm and provide a stable and secure surface to align your spine. These support layers are critical so that you don't wake up feeling creaky, stiff, or in pain.
What are the drawbacks of a soft mattress?
Soft Mattress Drawbacks. Those who sleep on their stomachs and even those who rest on their backs may not enjoy a soft mattress. To maintain proper posture through the night, the hips must be elevated to a healthy degree to not draw the spine out of alignment.
Who Should Choose Firm Mattress?
Heavier Weight People: Firm mattress is very good for heavily weighted people. It can tolerate 200+ pounds of body weight easily. A firm mattress doesn’t create any sinking problem. But when a heavily weighted people lie down on a soft or medium-firm mattress most of the time they are unable to handle this pressure.
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
Firm mattresses have lots of benefits. Here we highlight some of them:
How to know if a mattress is firm?
What does it all mean? One way to look at mattress firmness is by considering how much you settle into the mattress when you lie on it. With a softer mattress, you’ll feel as though your body sinks into it. A firmer mattress gives you the feeling of lying on top of it.
Why is it important to buy a good mattress?
When it comes to shopping for a new mattress, buying a high-quality mattress for more restful sleep is an investment in your health and happiness.
What is an innerspring mattress?
Innerspring Mattresses: Innersprings have a plush comfort layer topper over coil springs and a firm foam base. They can be a good choice for those who need extra back support.
What is the best mattress for a person sleeping on their stomach?
If your idea of comfort is sleeping on your stomach, a firm mattress may be the best choice. A firm mattress is less likely to give, which can prevent your torso from sinking and help keep your spine aligned.
What is the best mattress for a stomach sleeper?
Firm Mattress: If you’re a heavier-weight sleeper, choose a firmer mattress for the best overall support. Also consider a firmer mattress if you’re primarily a stomach sleeper.
How long do mattresses last?
Mattresses typically last 7-10 years, but how often you should replace your mattress depends on the type of mattress you have.
How to soften a new memory foam mattress?
If your new memory foam mattress is too firm, consider raising the thermostat in your room. Foam responds to heat and body temperature, so a slightly warmer room can help a new mattress soften.
How to make a mattress firmer?
Comfort layers are made softer in a number of ways: adding pillow tops, stuffing them with materials like cotton or wool, or using a sheet of foam or latex. Subtracting these cushioning materials or using thinner layers will make the mattress firmer. In addition, mattress manufacturers add and subtract layers and modify the ILD of the base foam to give their beds unique feels.
Why do you need a mattress?
First, it has to evenly distribute your weight to prevent one part of your body from bearing the brunt of the pressure.
How to Measure Firm and Medium?
Mattresses are usually measured on a firmness scale of 1-10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Almost all mattresses on the market today fall between a 3 and an 8:
How does an adjustable air mattress work?
Adjustable air mattresses work by using internal air chambers and a hose attachment to remove or add air to the support layer based on your preferences. Mattresses with customizable firmness allow you to add and remove layers to change up the bed’s feel. You can also adjust any mattress firmness with a mattress topper.
What determines the firmness of a mattress?
Two main aspects dictate what mattress firmness level you need: your body weight and your sleeping position. Your sleeping position can affect everything from your spinal alignment to your blood pressure to your digestion to your sleep quality.
Why do back sleepers prefer spring coil mattresses?
Back sleepers often prefer a spring coil mattress because it prevents excess sinking and keeps body weight evenly distributed.
Which is better for side sleepers: a medium mattress or a firm mattress?
Medium mattresses are normally better for side sleepers because this firmness level is cushioning enough to allow the higher-pressure regions like your shoulder and hip to compress while keeping the head, torso, and feet supported, thus aligning your spine.
What is the best way to decide on a mattress?
When deciding on the type of mattress that works best for you, consider what parts of your body touch the mattress and how much support your body needs.
Why Does My Sleeping Position Matter When Choosing a Mattress?
Different sleeping positions will have you placing your weight in different areas of your body.
How long do hybrid mattresses last?
As a result, hybrid mattresses last longer; about 6-7 years. They don’t absorb motion as easily and tend to be more expensive, but are good options for side sleepers.
How long does a memory foam mattress last?
Quality memory foam mattresses will last 5-6 years but will then begin to lose their contouring properties.
What is a side sleeper?
As the name suggests, a side sleeper is someone who sleeps on their side. There are various types of side sleeping positions, including: 1 The fetal position: this is the most popular side sleeping position, where the sleeper curls up with their knees and chin close to their chest, often with their arms hugging their knees. 2 The thinker: The thinker sleeps like the fetal sleeper, but tucks their hand under their chin, so they resemble Michelangelo’s thinker sculpture. 3 The log position: The log sleeper sleeps on the side with their legs stretched out and their arms tucked in close to their body. 4 The yearner: The yearner sleeps like the log sleeper, but stretches their arms out from their body; almost like they’re reaching yearningly for something in the distance! 5 The sprinter: like the fetal sleeper, the sprinter sleeps curled up but has one leg stretched out, and one leg tucked close to the body. The sprinter is not an ideal side sleeping position as it can cause a misalignment of the pelvis.
Why do side sleepers need a mattress?
At the same time, side sleepers need a mattress that is soft enough to give way to the shape of the body. Mattresses that are either too firm or too soft will cause your body to maintain an unnatural posture while you’re sleeping and, in the long run, can cause misalignment and spinal issues.
What is the log sleeper position?
The log position: The log sleeper sleeps on the side with their legs stretched out and their arms tucked in close to their body. The yearner: The yearner sleeps like the log sleeper, but stretches their arms out from their body; almost like they’re reaching yearningly for something in the distance!
