Everything About Mattress Firmness You Should Know

Mattress purchase is a big decision. Apart from quality, size, material and thickness, there is another major factor to take into account, which is firmness. The firm nature of the mattress indicates the balance of how soft or hard it feels. When the sleeper lies in a horizontal position, they can feel the firmness of the mattress. The exact firmness can vary depending on the type of sleeper, sleeping preferences, and other specific needs that need to be addressed. However, there is no real objective test we can perform to get an exact firmness number.

Several factors contribute to the firmness of a mattress, such as its material and construction. Keep in mind that the comfort layer is directly linked to the mattress's firmness. The support is determined by the mattress core. But the twist is that a mattress can be soft and still give you full support, and a mattress can be extra firm and may not be supportive at all.

So, if you are confused about choosing a mattress with suitable firmness, here is your mattress firmness guide.

Types of Firmness for Mattresses

Let’s check out the firmness types;

Soft Mattress

On the firmness scale, soft mattresses generally fall between 3 to 6 out of 10. These mattresses are integrated with cushioning materials such as quilted plush tops and thick memory foam sections in the top layers. These layers are also known as “comfort” layers. The application of extra cushioning is how to make the mattress softer. When you lie on the mattress, you will experience deep sinkage, pressure relief and body contouring.

You will not feel much pushback on a soft mattress, which means you will feel more at ease getting in than on top. Softer mattresses are the ideal choice for side sleepers. It is also suitable for those who need extra comfort in the shoulders, lower back and hips. For example, Sleepwell Naturalle 1.0 Mattress.

Medium-Firm Mattress

Medium firm comes with a perfect comfort balance. It falls exactly at 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The mattress type is usually a combination of soft foam top layers with a firmer base layer of high-density foam or pocket springs. This brings a perfect balance between pressure relief and support. It is suitable for all sleeper types. Moreover, orthopaedic mattresses are often made of medium firmness to offer the best support and alleviate pain.

However, some mattresses may have a medium firmness but feel a little softer or firmer than average. Although you may feel a bit of sagging on a medium-firm mattress, you are more likely to feel a lift in and out of bed lying on it. Due to this reason, a medium-firm mattress is perfect for combination sleepers and back sleepers. These groups of sleepers can get more benefits from this mattress. You can check out the Sleepwell Ortho Pro Profiled Mattress, which is the best firm mattress.

Firm Mattress

Firm mattresses often score a 7/10 or higher on the firmness scale. This firm comfort mattress rarely has soft or plush materials for comfortable padding.

Instead, they have a thin layer of soft foam on top made of high-density foam or springs. So, firm mattresses can provide excellent support. Stomach sleepers and heavy people may appreciate the extra firmness they get from this mattress.

Tips to Make the Right Choice for Mattress Firmness

You need to focus on several important areas before confirming on a mattress. Keep in mind that it should be an important long-term decision to be made:

Sleeping Posture and Position

Among all factors, what matters the most is the sleeping position and posture. This may vary from person to person. There are individuals who are extremely strict with their preferences when they sleep. Therefore, different firmness ranges suit different sleepers. So, you need to make your own choices.

Body Weight

The next important thing is to consider your body weight. Heavy-weight individuals must go for a mattress with good thickness for better pressure support. Also, mattresses with springs inside will offer a greater firm feel to the body. On the other hand, Lighter people prefer softer upper layers.

Firmness does not refer to Support

When you are purchasing a mattress, remember that firmness and support are not the same. Some mattresses offer excellent support but may not be soft, but they still help to relieve pressure points. A few firm mattresses may not have a soft texture, but they still build great.

Careful with Softness

When the word soft appears, everything leads us to imagine a cosy and comfortable or soft bed. However, being too soft can cause discomfort because it makes it difficult to sleep in different positions at night. You may love them for the first week, but in the end, they won't give you a comfortable sleep. So, choose wisely to get the benefits of a firm mattress.

Wrapping It Up

Hope you got a great idea on mattress firmness. Now, you can proceed to buy a suitable one to enjoy a good night’s sleep. To make the best purchase with detailed info, visit the Sleepwell store.