Firm vs. Soft: Which Type of Mattress Is Right for You?
Not every mattress is the same. With different firmness levels, sizes, and materials, it’s overwhelming to try to understand which type of mattress best suits your sleep position and comfort level. Fortunately, this brief guide on firm vs. soft: which type of mattress is right for you will help clear up any confusion. Read below to see the pros and cons of both types of mattresses before making your next purchase.
Advantages of Firm Mattresses
In testing out firm versus soft mattresses, it’s important to see the advantages and disadvantages of each. Ultimately, the type of mattress you choose depends on a few key factors, including sleep style, body type, and quality of sleep. First, it’s important to see how a firm mattress does the job. Firm mattresses are best for those who do not wake up with any body aches or back pain. Since firm mattresses do not strain muscles and improve circulation, they’re a versatile option for most sleep styles. A firm mattress will not sag under your bodyweight. This allows for more oxygen to distribute throughout the body, which reduces pressure and pain. Given that, firm mattresses better support heavier individuals than soft mattresses. Also, both back and stomach sleepers find that firm mattresses are better for their overall posture. On the traditional mattress firmness scale, firm and extra firm mattresses are categorized from seven to ten.
Disadvantages of Firm Mattresses
Of course, there are some drawbacks to using a firm mattress. For one thing, it may be an uncomfortable switch if you’ve previously used a softer mattress. Over time, your body should get used to the newfound firmness. Another disadvantage applies to people who suffer from serious or chronic back pain. Firm mattresses allow for equal weight distribution but may not provide enough relief on target areas, such as your back, shoulders, or joints. For that, a memory foam mattress works better, as it conforms to your body and relieves pressure from those areas.
If you suffer from arthritis, scoliosis, or joint pain, a firm mattress is not the ideal choice. Another issue applies to side sleepers. Firm mattresses best serve back and chest sleepers, but side sleepers may find this type of mattress too uncomfortable for a quality night’s sleep.
Advantages of Soft Mattresses
Alternatively, some sleepers may opt for a soft mattress. Extra soft or soft mattresses fall under levels two through four on the firmness scale. Extra soft mattresses typically rate at a one, whereas a four constitutes medium-soft mattresses. Compared to a firm mattress, soft mattresses provide a cozy feel. Many people agree that soft mattresses even offer a luxurious feel, as these mattresses are typically found in hotels and other such lodgings. One of the main advantages of this mattress type applies to side sleepers and lighter individuals.
Soft mattresses provide unequivocal padding to the body, especially the hips and shoulders. Soft and medium-soft mattresses also promote a healthy spinal alignment. Smaller and lighter individuals may enjoy soft mattresses because they can support their body weight. Softer mattresses do not offer the same support for heavier individuals as firm mattresses, but lighter or smaller sleepers won’t sink. Soft mattress materials such as memory foam also contour to your body shape, which reduces pressure on the back, shoulders, and hips.
Disadvantages of Soft Mattresses
Still, soft mattresses have some disadvantages, too. While optimal for side sleepers, they may feel uncomfortable for back and stomach sleepers. Soft mattresses tend to sag under body weight, so back and front sleepers may not enjoy the sinking feeling after laying on it for too long. Also, compared to firm mattresses, soft mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time. The soft layers flatten, get lumpy, and sag. Soft mattresses have a shorter lifespan than firm ones, which means more frequent replacements. Still, a mattress pad can prolong the lifespan of soft mattresses, so this issue is easily manageable.
Additionally, heavier individuals may cause the mattress to sag more, which can create discomfort. Even if you’re not a heavier individual, one thing to keep in mind is that soft mattresses are not as suitable for couples when compared to firm mattresses. This is especially problematic if you and your partner have two different sleeping styles. You may be a side sleeper, whereas your partner may be a back or front sleeper, or vice versa. In that case, a medium-soft, medium, or medium-firm mattress is better equipped to handle both bodies and provide sound comfort throughout the night.
Which Is Right for You?
At the end of the day, when it comes to firm vs. soft: which type of mattress is right for you, keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages of both. Even if you choose a firmer mattress, remember that mattresses soften over time. All mattresses lose their shape with continual use, so even if a firmer mattress is too uncomfortable, it doesn’t hurt to break it in. Still, this won’t happen for some time. If you truly feel that a firm mattress is too firm or a soft mattress is too soft, your best option is a medium-soft, medium, or medium-firm mattress. Look for numbers four through six on the firmness scale. These mattresses are designed for comfort, body support, and durability for many years to come.
Every mattress you choose should suit your body type, sleeping position, and personal comfort. More so, you can invest in a mattress topper or mattress pad for additional comfort. Certain sleepers may need additional softness or firmness for their ideal sleeping patterns. In that case, extra-soft or extra-firm mattresses are the best options. However, this is not ideal for most sleepers. Unless you’re someone who needs the additional softness or firmness, opt for something between three to eight in terms of firmness. From there, test out whichever mattress feels best on your body and sleep position.
When shopping for a new mattress in the Raleigh, Fayetteville, or Charlotte, NC, areas, there’s no better option than Super Mattress Shop. At Super Mattress Shop, we sell cheap mattresses in NC to provide only the best sleep for our patrons. Our sizes range from kings, queens, fulls, and twins in various firmness levels suited to your personal comfort. Can’t pick up from our storefronts? We offer delivery within a 50-mile radius of any of our stores for a small flat fee of $75. We understand that times are tough, which is why we also offer zero-credit, low-down payment plans tailored for you. There’s no reason you shouldn’t get a quality night’s sleep; browse our selection now for your next mattress.
