In this article you will be able to know about the firm or soft mattress for side sleepers, what’s the best for you? And you can also find the answers to most asked queries like firm or soft mattress for back pain, firm or soft mattress for stomach sleeper, etc.
Firm or soft mattress
There are too many mattresses available in online market stores or retailers, they come in all different sizes and types, and their prices are also high. Hence, choosing the right mattress for you can be a difficult task.
You have to pay a lot of attention to the firmness or softness of the mattress while buying the mattress. If you do not listen to it properly then your money may be wasted.
The firmness or softness of the mattress largely depends on personal preference but both have some advantages and some drawbacks as well.
That’s why this article has been created to help you so that you do not get confused while buying a mattress, which one to take: firm or soft mattress.
What makes a mattress firm or soft?
Many mattress companies use a 1-10 scale to describe the firmness of a mattress. A mattress numbered 6.5 on the scale is considered a medium-firm mattress.
The firmness of a mattress above 6.5 increases gradually. On the other hand, the softness of a mattress below 6.5 increases gradually.
The firmness of a mattress mainly depends on two things. One is the manufacturing process of the mattress and the other is the material used in it.
As you may have noticed, innerspring mattresses are often firmer than other mattresses. Because there is no real comfort layer in it.
Its firmness also depends on the grade of the coils. But most of the time innerspring mattresses are normally firmer than other mattresses. Mattresses are very supportive and also firmer which are made with latex.
Latex mattresses are known for their dense material and long durability. They have a very long lifespan.
On the other hand memory, foam mattresses are popular among customers for their great pressure point relief facility and their comfortability. They are usually softer than other mattresses.
Some of the mattresses in the list of the best bed in a box mattresses are made from adaptive foam or air foam. Their softness provides an excellent support system for customers.
If a mattress has the facility of soft foam, it does not mean that the mattress is the softest. It really depends on the thickness of the comfort layer.
For example, some of the mattresses of Amerisleep company feature a very thick memory foam comfort layer. This layer makes this mattress very soft. On the other hand, the Allswell mattresses feature only a thin layer of foam, which makes it firm.
It is important for you to understand that, according to the weight and size of a man’s body, the choice of the right firm mattress for them is also different.
An overweight person can compress the coils of the innerspring mattress and they feel soft in it. But in the same mattress, an underweight man is unable to compress the coils and they can feel firmer in it.
Similarly, a person who is underweight can feel softer in a memory foam mattress with a top comfort layer, on the other hand, a larger and more muscular person with the same mattress will sink further down in the comfort layer and can feel firm.
Advantage and disadvantages of a soft mattress
The main advantage of a soft mattress is its pressure point relief feature. If you like to sleep on your sides, then a soft mattress is the best option for you.
When side sleepers sleep on a soft mattress, then you get more inside it, so the pressure on your shoulders and hips gets reduced and you feel comfortable. Many people like its softness and comfort very much.
The disadvantage of soft mattresses is they don’t provide as good support as firm mattresses. For stomach and back sleepers soft mattresses don’t provide enough support.
A soft mattress may not be right for people who are overweight. Because heavy-weight people easily sink into a soft mattress, they might have more trouble with turn during sleep and moving from one place to another.
In this condition, they can feel hot, and it can interrupt their sleep.
Advantages and disadvantages of a firm mattress
The main advantage of a firm mattress is its support system. It can support your body very well than any other soft mattress. The firm mattress holds your body while sleeping and prevents it from sinking too much inside the mattress.
Because of which you can move comfortably on top of the mattress, especially for low weighted people.
There is no issue of feeling hot during sleep on a firm mattress. Because most of the parts of your body are in contact with the external fresh air.
The disadvantage of firm mattresses is they don’t work well in pressure point relief. When a side sleeper lies on a firm mattress they can feel some serious pressure on their hips and shoulders.
Because a firm mattress is not able to adjust well according to your body. Some people do not like the firm mattress much because it is not so comfortable.
Who really needs a soft mattress?
- People who struggle with any type of pain: People with hip or joint pain should use a soft mattress. Its pressure point relief facility can reduce your pain felt in your shoulders, hips and any other body parts.
- Side sleepers: If you prefer to sleep on your sides, then you should use a mattress that can relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips during sleep. Most of the soft mattresses feature pressure relief.
- If you sleep with your partner: Soft mattresses, like memory foam mattresses are made with no motion transfer facility. Hence, if your partner moves too much during sleep it cannot affect your side. Which is a good thing for both.
- If you like to sink into the mattress: Some people like to sink down to their mattress and enjoy sleeping like that. For them, a soft mattress is the best choice to buy.
Who really needs a firm mattress?
- Heavyweight or larger people: People who are overweight need more support which a soft mattress cannot provide. Normally a firm mattress supporting system is stronger than a soft mattress.
- Stomach sleepers: If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, then you should need a proper spine alignment during sleep. A foam mattress can provide enough support under your hips so that the spine stays in proper alignment overnight.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers should use a medium firm mattress. Because the medium firm mattress allows your hips to sink in just a bit at night, which helps to maintain proper spine and body alignment during night time.
- According to body weight and size, some back sleepers also prefer a firm mattress. But a too-soft mattress might not be the right choice for back sleepers.
- Suitable for people who prefer to sleep on top of their mattress: While sleeping on a firm mattress, you do not sink much inside. So a firm mattress is the best option for people who love to sleep on top of their bed.
- Firm mattresses don’t trap your body heat like some of the soft mattresses. So if you don’t want to face this problem you can go with a firm mattress.
- People who struggle to move in bed: Some people face issues in moving around on the mattress due to some reasons. Some people have injuries or specific health conditions, and some people may have trouble moving in the mattress due to old age.
- Hence, if you are a person in these two categories then a firm mattress can be the most suitable option for you. In the firm mattress you will never feel stuck and you can easily change position on the mattress and also get in and out of the bed without facing any problem.
Discover the best mattresses in India here.
Conclusion
Hope you guys like this article about the firm or soft mattress for side sleepers. After reading this article it should not be a difficult task to choose whether a soft or firm mattress is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
What mattress is best, firm or soft?
The need for a mattress varies according to the size and weight of your body. It also depends on the sleeping position. For example, a soft mattress can be an ideal option for side sleepers, and also for couples, some people like the sink in the mattress, for them also the soft mattress is the best option.
On the other hand, firm mattresses are an ideal option for people who prefer to sleep with their stomachs and who like to sleep on top of the mattress.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for back pain?
If you are suffering from back pain then a medium-firm mattress could alleviate your back pain. The medium-firm mattress sinks you in the mattress a little bit, and provides immense support to your back, and also helps to maintain proper spine alignment during sleep.
Will a firm mattress get software?
A firm mattress with low-density foams gets softer with time. Because its materials start to sag and weaken over time. Mattresses with high-grade coils and pure latex do not damage quickly.
Best mattress for side sleepers?
Soft mattresses are able to relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders of a side sleeper during the night. Hence, soft mattresses can be the most suitable option for side sleepers.
How firm should my mattress be?
It depends on your preferred sleeping position. If you’re a side sleeper then you should take a soft mattress or if you are a stomach and back sleeper then you should take a firm mattress.
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