What Should I Use: Soft or Firm Mattress?
Sleep is an essential element of good health. The benefits of good sleep are not only related to the amount of energy you have during the day, but it’s also crucial for your ability to focus. Sleeping well can reduce your stress levels, improve your memory, and regulate your mood, among many other benefits for your overall health. Having a good mattress will play an essential role in the quality of your sleep. It is a worthy investment you could do for your mental and physical health.
There is no blueprint for choosing the right mattress. This choice will vary from person to person and will depend on different factors.
- Sleeping position is one of these factors. If you like to sleep facing down, the best option for you could be a soft mattress, but if you are a back sleeper, the firm mattress would be better. However, the best position for sleeping is on the side, this way, you won’t disrupt your body’s natural curvature while you sleep.
- Body weight is another factor that can influence your choice. High body weight can make a mattress bend more to fit the body’s complexion. Therefore, for people with obesity, we recommend to opt for a firmer mattress, which will help the body stay in a good posture while sleeping.
- Some other aspects to consider are your personal preferences, what feels more comfortable for you, but also what feels more comfortable for your partner if you share your bed. In this case, it’s also necessary to consider the above-mentioned elements from your partner’s perspective.
These considerations will help you choose the right mattress, but you should also know how to differentiate a firm mattress from a soft one.
What makes a mattress soft?
Softness in a mattress is measured from 1 to 10, where 1 is extra soft and 10 is super firm. Most commercial mattresses are in the range of 7 to 10. A mattress on a scale from 1 to 3 is probably too soft and, for some people, it could be uncomfortable.
A mattress on a scale of 3 is probably made of memory foam. This material is made to adapt to your body’s shape. It has reduced pressure which makes it a good option for side sleepers. A mattress on a firmness scale from 5 to 7 is soft but provides more support to the body because of its lifted structure.
What are the characteristics of a firm mattress?
A firm mattress, on the other hand, won’t let the body sink but will lift it offering support, especially to the back. Firm mattresses are placed on a scale from 8 to 10. This kind of mattress allows your back to rest firmly, which keeps you from holding bad postures while sleeping and will allow a more pleasant sleep.
In conclusion, you should invest in a mattress that’s adapted to your physical complexity and matches your preferences. We recommend aiming for balance. Medium firmness mattresses can be good for sleeping in different positions. They have the softness factor that offers comfort but, also have a supportive structure.
Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201 Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119