The right firmness of a mattress is essential to good sleep and refreshed wake-up. Indeed, with so many available kinds, it may pose a challenge that one spruce can think of the most suitable level of stiffness.
Whatever your preferred sleeping position is, back or stomach sleeper, the firmness of your mattress can play a significant part in your comfort and health as well. This guide will explain what mattress firmness means and how to select the right level for you according to your body type and sleeping position, among others.
By the end of this article you will have all the information required for you to choose the perfect bed for a comfortable night’s sleep.
What is Mattress Firmness?
When you lie on a mattress, the term “Mattress firmness” refers to how it feels, be it hard or soft. Usually, they rate it between 1 and 10, with 1 being very soft and 10 being very hard. However, do not mistake firmness for support because they are different things altogether.
Firmness is subjective and only about the first impression, whereas support relates to how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned. Comfortable sleep is impossible without finding a balance between these two features.
So let’s explore what influences firmness and how you can choose your perfect level!
Factors Influencing Mattress Firmness
Several factors determine proper mattress hardness. Most importantly, there is an element of body weight and type involved here.
Body Mass and Type
The body mass and type are two key factors that are used to determine the best firmness of mattresses. For someone with a light body, softer types of mattresses may be preferred since these offer better cushioning as well as contouring.
Conversely, individuals weighing more tend to require firmer mattresses so that they do not sink too deep into them, causing poor spinal alignment which might lead to experiencing back pain. The target is to find a mattress that gives comfort while also supporting your specific body shape.
Sleeping Position
Also, the ideal firmness of the mattress is significantly influenced by how you sleep. Side sleepers usually need a softer type of mattress in order to reduce pressure on their hips and shoulders, which can prevent pain.
Back sleepers generally require medium to firm beds so as not lose their spines’ natural alignment. Stomach sleepers, alternatively, need firmer types of beds so that their hips will not sink too much into them causing backaches.
Personal Comfort Preference
Another important determinant is personal comfort preference. For some people, a softer mattress, with its plush and sinking sensation can be like the ultimate luxury in comfort. On the other hand, others may prefer firmer mattresses which offer support and stability.
It is necessary to know what feels most comfortable to you as this will greatly determine your overall sleep quality and satisfaction with your mattress.
Health Conditions
Your choice of mattress firmness may also be influenced by health conditions. In case of back pains for instance; one may find that a firmer bed provides better support and helps reduce pain or discomfort.
Those who have arthritis or joint problems might consider a less rigid bed which cushions more and reduces pressure on sensitive areas. Being aware how much their health affects their sleep requirements makes them select sleeping surfaces conducive for wellness as well as restful nights.
Mattress Firmness Levels Explained
It may appear difficult to choose the right mattress firmness but recognizing these differences can bring that hurdle down. These are the various levels of firmness, starting from extra soft to extra firm, which will help you find the best one for your sleep needs.
Extra Soft (1-2)
The extra soft type is rated 1 or 2 on a scale of hardness and it feels like lying on a fluffy cloud. These mattresses are excessively cushioned, and they create a sinking sensation. They are suitable for individuals who sleep on their sides with their shoulders and hips and need total relief from pressure.
Additional gentleness means cozily supporting but not necessarily being good for spinal balance. This degree of toughness is mostly not recommended for individuals who lie on their stomachs or backs since, with time, it can cause soreness and misalignment.
Extra soft mattresses cater to those people who prefer sleeping in an all-around enveloping manner.
Soft (3-4)
There are soft mattresses that fall under the 3-4 range, offering a cuddly and plushy feeling with no deep sinking common among extra soft models. Most beneficial for side sleepers who want to receive perfect support on their hips and shoulders but at the same time they wish to have additional support.
By shaping to the body’s curves, these mattresses can help in reducing tossing and turning. Nevertheless, they may not be suitable for back or stomach sleepers as they might need more support to keep their spine aligned properly.
Many consumers go for Soft mattresses because of their ability to combine comfort and care.
Medium (5-6)
These medium-firm mattresses rated between 5 and 6 are often referred to as the most versatile and popular types. They offer a balanced feel that accommodates various sleeping positions, thus making them an excellent choice for couples whose preferences are different.
When it comes to medium mattresses, they provide enough cushioning for side-sleepers yet still ensuring proper support for back and stomach ones. This level of firmness helps maintain proper spinal alignment by keeping your back straightened while you sleep thus reducing pressure points which promote peaceful nights.
A medium firm is one where it provides both comfort plus support without being too hard nor too soft.
Firm (7-8)
Basically, these are mattresses that can be rated 7-8 on firmness, which gives a sturdy and supportive feel. These are the best mattresses for individuals who sleep on their backs and need to maintain proper spinal alignment and to prevent their lumbar region from dipping.
Additionally, when stomach sleeping, a firm mattress is also recommended as it holds up the hips in line with the spine. Despite not being as plush as softer mattresses, firm mattresses perform better in terms of providing support and reducing the risk of back pain.
However, this level of firmness may not be very comfortable for side sleepers because it lacks enough contouring for hips and shoulders.
Extra Firm (9-10)
The highest possible support with minimal cushioning is achieved by an extra firm mattress classified as 9-10. Stomach sleepers should go for these beds or anyone looking to have maximum support on their back.
Another advantage is the fact that extra-firm beds keep bodies in neutral positions, which helps avoid sagging or misalignment that causes discomfort or pain. While this may seem too hard, especially if you are a side sleeper, an extra-firm bed will do just fine if you’re after a solid, supportive sleeping surface.
There are some medical conditions for which they can be prescribed as well.
Best Mattress Firmness For Different Sleep Positions
Various sleeping positions have different requirements for firmness levels to maintain proper alignment and avoid other discomforts.Let's explore the ideal firmness levels for each sleep position.
Side Sleepers
In some cases, side sleepers may benefit more from softer mattresses which provide excellent pressure relief. Normally, a soft to medium (3-6 on the firmness scale) mattress is better because it allows the shoulders and hips to sink in just far enough to keep the spine properly aligned.
This minimizes points where pressure builds up leading to pain and discomfort. Softer mattresses adapt to the body’s curves by providing support which ensures neutral alignment of the spine.
Ultimately, if you are a side sleeper, an overly hard mattress can cause shoulder as well as hip pains, while a pillow-like one might lack enough support.
Back Sleepers
Comfort and support are the most important things when it comes to a mattress for back sleepers. Typically, medium-firm mattresses (5-8 on the firmness scale) make the best choice. These mattresses offer good enough support to maintain the curve of your spine while also providing comfort.
Also, sleeping on a medium-firm mattress prevents a sinking lower back, which reduces the chances of having low back pains. Back sleepers should avoid very soft mattresses because they cause deep body sinking, which leads to improper spinal alignment and pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers require a firmer mattress (7-10 on the firmness scale) that prevents their hips from sinking too much and forcing their spines to arch excessively. A harder mattress maintains better body positioning that keeps lower back pain at bay.
In order to avoid discomfort and long-term health problems for stomach sleepers it is important that they are in line with their spines in order for them not to suffer any discomforts due to this kind of posture. With such a mattress you will be able not only to experience discomfort but aggravate existing issues with your back.
Therefore, generally people who like sleeping on their stomachs are advised to purchase firmer beds.
Combination Sleepers
A mattress that can be used for combinations and is flexible to accommodate multiple sleeping positions is suitable for combination sleepers.
To perfect the best mattress for a combination sleeper, choose one with medium firmness, ranking 5-7 on a firmness scale. It combines support and comfort, making it ideal for sleepers who sleep on the side, back, and stomach.
Such a mattress provides enough softness for side sleeping, supports the back properly during sleep and has the right hardness level, which is required by people who sleep on their stomachs. Such combination sleepers should opt for a reactive mattress that follows movements promptly, ensuring a good night’s rest.
Bonus: Testing Mattress Firmness
Remember to test the firmness of your mattress before buying it so as to avoid wrong choices. The following are some effective ways through which you can check its firmness, either while purchasing online or in-store.
In-Store Testing
When you go to a shop with sleep gear, lie down for at least 10-15 minutes on each mattress in your normal sleeping position. It may take time so do not hurry yourself; just evaluate how the mattress feels and supports your body.
Note how your spine aligns, especially if there are any specific areas of discomfort such as your back or hips.
Do not be afraid to ask the salesperson about the materials used in making the mattress and how it was constructed since these aspects influence its firmness and support.
Online Purchases
Most online retailers offer generous sleep trials that last between hundred nights and even full-year periods. This trial period lets one test the mattress in their home environment; it also makes returns easy for most companies.
Check reviews and consumer feedback for information on different mattresses’ firmness and comfort levels. Furthermore, find out whether or not the brand offers firmness guarantees or options for exchanges.
Other Tips
A mattress pad would prove useful for changing firmness levels. Bear in mind, though, that it can take some weeks for your body to become accustomed to a new mattress. Properly testing out the firmness of a mattress ensures an informed decision-making process that will lead to better sleep and improved overall well-being.
Conclusion - Visit Snow Slumber!
With knowledge of various firmness levels and consideration of sleeping positions, body types, and personal preferences, you can find the perfect mattress for your needs. Remember that the optimum balance between comfort and support is what leads to healthy sleep.
Need help finding your ideal bed? Stop by Snow Slumber today; check out our extensive lineup of mattresses as well as other sleep accessories made specifically with your peaceful night’s rest in mind!
