Firm vs. Soft Mattress: Which Is Best for You?
About 65 million people in America experience some sort of back pain. Out of these, 16 million have been diagnosed with recurring or chronic back pain. The number one culprit behind severe back pain is the wrong posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping.
Most people buy comfortable seats and supportive shoes to combat this issue. But very few pay attention to how they sleep. Keep in mind that your bed is where your back issues begin and end. Thus, it is crucial to find the right fit.
In this firm vs. soft mattress guide, you’ll learn about the differences between these two mattresses and find out which one is best for you. Read on to learn more.
Firm vs. Soft Mattress: What Are They?
Mattresses vary in firmness at a scale of 1 to 10. Most mattress manufacturers use 6.5 as the center. As such, any mattress whose firmness is below 6.5 is in the soft mattress category, while mattresses above 6.5 firmness are considered firm.
Here’s a deeper look at the differences between a firm mattress and a soft mattress.
Firm Mattress Buying Guide: Pros and Cons
Compared to soft mattresses, firm mattresses offer better support. This type of mattress doesn’t sink too much to accommodate the shape and weight of your body. Rather, it’s designed to hold up your weight and keep your spine straight irrespective of your sleeping style.
Some of the benefits that come with choosing a firm mattress include:
- Offers better support
- Relieves back pain
- Aids in the alignment of hips
- Helps alleviate joint and muscle pain
One of the disadvantages that come with choosing firm mattresses is that it may take a couple of days for your body to adjust. Additionally, sleeping on a stiff surface may limit the quality of sleep of some people. Some couples may find it uncomfortable to share a bed with a firm mattress due to motion transfer.
Choose a firm mattress if you:
- Are a stomach sleeper
- Have mobility issues
- Are a back sleeper
- Are a hot sleeper
- Are above the average weight
Soft Mattress Buying Guide: Pros and Cons
Soft mattresses are ideal when it comes to comfort. A soft mattress is designed with coils in between the layers. These coils adjust to the weight of your body – what people refer to as “sinking”.
With a soft mattress, it’s easier to move around and switch positions. Also, it reduces joint and muscle pain and aligns the spine and hips. If you are a light sleeper and have an average body weight, a soft mattress is perfect for you.
However, soft mattresses fall short because they cost more and may need replacing frequently.
Choose a soft mattress if you:
- Are a side sleeper
- Like the sinking sensation
- Have posture-related pain/discomfort
- Are of average weight
Which One Should You Choose?
Do you need a new mattress? Above are important firm vs. soft mattress tips to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Read more of our blogs to learn how you can improve your well-being.