How To Choose A Mattress Firmness
What Is The Difference In Mattress Firmness?
There are four main types of mattresses: Soft, medium-soft, firm, and medium-firm. The type of mattress that one chooses speaks to not only their personal preference, but their sleeping habits and needs. The reason why one person may prefer a firmer mattress over another comes down to a multitude of factors which will be discussed as we show you how to choose a mattress firmness.
What Mattress Firmness Do Hotels Use?
Hotel mattresses tend to be on the firmer side. In fact, most fall into the medium-firm range. This is because hotel mattresses must come as close as possible to a standard of universal comfort. Since a large range of people will be using the same mattress, it’s important for a hotel to supply a happy medium for those who prefer firmer mattresses and those who want a softer mattress. Of course, when one is choosing a mattress for their personal needs, they will want to take into consideration their own preferences rather than trying to find a middle ground.
What Mattress Firmness Is Best For Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, etc.?
Side Sleepers
If you are a side sleeper, you will do best with a softer mattress. A soft mattress on the firmness scale will allow the side of your body to sink into the mattress at an appropriate level so that your shoulders and hips are aligned and your head hits the pillow comfortably. If a side sleeper tries to sleep on a mattress that is too firm, they may wake up with neck pain from the strain of trying to align their head with the rest of their body.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers are a tricky bunch. Overall, it is not advised for one to sleep on their stomach, as it is known to cause curvature of the spine. However, many find this sleeping position to be the most comfortable. The firmness levels that a stomach sleeper will need will depend on factors such as body type and comfort level. It is recommended that this type of sleeper get a medium-firm mattress to give the body enough support for the spine, while allowing leeway for the stomach to lay comfortably.
Back Sleepers
It is imperative that back sleepers stick to a mattress that provides ample firmness and support. The reason being that the spine must stay aligned while one is asleep. Back sleepers can end up with alignment problems and back pain if the mattress feels too soft.
What Is The Best Firmness For A Mattress?
The best firmness of a mattress is dependent on who is sleeping on it. There is no standard for what makes the best type of firmness, because everybody is different. For example, a person who weighs 150 lbs or less may prefer a softer mattress, whereas someone with a heavyset body type would be better supported on a firm mattress. The more firm a mattress is, the more comfort and support one will receive. However, it is possible for a mattress to be too firm. It is best for a firm mattress to have comfort layers. That is, layers of foam that soften the top and give the cushion needed for comfort while still providing support for pressure points on the body.
