Mattress, General News
What’s the deal with firm mattresses?
All your hard questions — answered
People often debate about what type of mattress is the best. Should you get a firm mattress or a soft one? What’s the difference, anyway? And does it really matter?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. What’s comfortable for one person might not be comfortable for another. However, there are some things you should know about firm mattresses before you make your decision.
You can get the very best of both worlds with a soft yet firm hybrid mattress, like our Australian Spinal Research Foundation-backed design.
IS IT BETTER TO SLEEP ON A FIRM OR SOFT MATTRESS?
The firmness or softness refers to the amount of sink between your body and the mattress. The more sink, the softer the mattress. There are pros and cons to both types of mattresses.
A firm mattress is suitable for:
- People who want to avoid pressure points since there is less sink.
- Back pain sufferers. A hard surface like this can help alleviate pain because it isn’t as flexible as a soft mattress.
However, a firm mattress might not be ideal for some people because it can cause pressure on their joints. It can also feel a bit stiff and uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to sleeping on a softer mattress.
A soft mattress is suitable for:
- People who want to feel hugged and supported.
- Those with joint pain since, as it will contour to their body and relieve some of the pressure.
However, a soft mattress might cause you to sink in too much, which can lead to problems like back pain, pores getting clogged due to moisture, and overheating.
HOW CAN I SOFTEN MY FIRM MATTRESS? I CAN’T SLEEP ON IT.
If you find that your mattress is too firm for comfort, there are a few simple ways to make it softer:
- Add more layers, such as a foam topper or a memory foam pad.
- Use a mattress pad that is made for softening mattresses.
- Put a pillowtop mattress topper on top of it.
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A FIRM MATTRESS?
A firm mattress does not have a lot of sinkage or give when you lie on it. It is usually made of a more rigid material, such as latex or memory foam, sometimes combined with pocket springs for extra support and is suitable for people who want to avoid pressure points.
DO FIRM MATTRESSES SOFTEN UP OVER TIME?
Firm mattresses do not usually soften up over time, as they are made of a more rigid material. However, if you find that your mattress is too firm for comfort, there are a few simple ways to make it softer.
- Add more layers, such as a foam topper or a memory foam pad.
- Use a mattress pad that is made for softening mattresses.
- Lastly, you can put a pillowtop mattress topper on top of it.
WHAT REASONS WOULD ONE HAVE TO SLEEP ON A HARD MATTRESS?
There are a few reasons why you might want to sleep on a hard mattress. A firm mattress is suitable for:
- People who want to avoid pressure points since there is less sink.
- Back pain sufferers. A hard surface like this can help alleviate pain because it isn’t as flexible as a soft mattress.
WHICH MATTRESS IS BEST FOR BACK AND NECK PAIN?
In general, a hard mattress can be good for back pain sufferers, as it won’t sink in and cause pressure on joints. However, a firm mattress might not be ideal for some people because it can cause strain on their joints. It can also feel a bit stiff and uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to sleeping on a softer mattress. A soft mattress might suit those who want to feel hugged and supported.
IS A FIRMER MATTRESS BETTER FOR BACKS?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as what is comfortable for one person might not be comfortable for another. However, generally speaking, a firmer mattress is often considered good for back pain sufferers, as it won’t sink in and cause pressure on joints. Additionally, a hard surface can help alleviate pain because it isn’t as flexible as a soft mattress.
WHY DOES SLEEPING ON A NEW MATTRESS CAUSE BACK PAIN?
Sleeping on a new mattress can cause back pain because it has not yet formed to your body. This means that you might end up with pressure points on your body, which can cause pain. Additionally, a new mattress is often quite stiff and uncomfortable, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
Choosing a hybrid mattress often mitigates this issue as the combination of memory foam, latex and pocket spring coils simultaneously provides instant support and cushioning softness.
WHAT ARE THE TOP QUALITIES THAT YOU LOOK FOR IN A MATTRESS?
There are several qualities that people look for when trying to find the best mattress. Some qualities include:
- Comfort
- Supportiveness
- Durability and performance
- High-quality materials incl. natural latex, memory foam and high-definition pocket springs
- Pressure relief capabilities
- Heat dissipation and airflow
- Dynamic edge support
WHY DOES MY BACK HURT WHEN I SLEEP ON A SOFT MATTRESS?
A soft mattress can cause back pain because it can cause you to sink into the bed, putting pressure on your joints. Additionally, a soft mattress might not be as supportive as a firm mattress, leading to back pain.
WHAT ARE SIGNS THAT MY MATTRESS IS TOO FIRM?
There are a few signs that might indicate that you need a softer mattress. These include:
- You feel stiff and uncomfortable when you sleep on it
- You have back or neck pain when you wake up
- Your partner complains that you’re too loud when you move around at night
- You toss and turn a lot during your sleep because you can’t get comfortable
- You have trouble falling asleep
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A FIRM OR A SOFT MATTRESS?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as what is comfortable for one person might not be comfortable for another. However, if you want the best of both worlds, you might consider a hybrid mattress, which often has a combination of memory foam, latex, and pocket springs.
A medium-firm mattress like Sleep Republic’s award-winning design gives you all the soft, cushioning comfort you could ask for from the top layers of cashmere, memory foam and natural latex supported by high-density pocket springs.
WHAT IS THE BEST MATTRESS FOR LOWER BACK AND HIP PAIN?
It is important to note that every person’s body is different, which means that what one person finds comfortable might not be comfortable for another. It also depends on whether you have lower back pain or hip pain.
However, the best mattress for lower back and hip pain probably has a medium-firm feel, as it will distribute your weight evenly across your body. Additionally, a hybrid mattress with a combination of memory foam, latex and pocket springs might be the best option, as it will provide both comfort and support.
Sleeping on a firm mattress is often recommended for those who suffer from back pain, as it can help alleviate pressure on joints. However, if you find that you are waking with aches and pains when you sleep on a firm mattress, it might be too firm for you. Similarly, if you find that your new mattress is not supportive enough or don’t conform to your body correctly, then it might be time to consider buying a firmer mattress.
IS A FIRM MATTRESS BETTER FOR YOUR POSTURE?
No, a firm mattress is not necessarily better for your posture. A stiff new mattress can actually do more harm than good by causing you to have bad posture. This is because when you’re sleeping on a new, very firm mattress, it’s often quite uncomfortable, and you might find yourself trying to get comfortable by putting unnecessary strain on your neck and back.
A firm mattress is typically more supportive than a soft mattress as it has less give, which means that you won’t sink as much as you would on a softer mattress. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone needs a firm and hard mattress; instead, your comfort is dependent on the quality of the materials and the construction used.
If you’re looking for a more supportive sleep surface without sacrificing comfort, Sleep Republic’s award-winning design might be a good option for you. It has a medium-firm feel and is made with high-quality materials like cashmere, memory foam and natural latex. This will help distribute your weight evenly and properly support your spine while you sleep.
HOW TO GO ABOUT CHOOSING THE BEST MATTRESS FOR MY BODY?
It is important to note that what is comfortable for one person might not be comfortable for another. However, if you would like a product that provides both good support and comfort while also maintaining its shape over time, you might want to consider a hybrid mattress.
Layers of cashmere, memory foam, latex and high-density pocket springs help ensure spinal alignment while sleeping on Sleep Republic’s award-winning hybrid design making it an excellent option for those looking for a mattress that’s not too hard and not too soft.
