There’s nothing like a good night's sleep, and there is an entire multi-billion dollar bedding industry to prove it. Are you a hot sleeper? There are special sheet sets to help keep you cool. Side sleeper? Better invest in the perfect pillow! But what happens when, no matter what kind of bedding you buy, you still aren’t able to achieve the restful sleep you need? When this happens, odds are that your mattress is to blame! Your bed is the most used piece of furniture in your house but, despite the many hours spent on it every night, most people don’t invest in a good mattress to help them sleep better. To make matters worse, a bad mattress can have adverse effects on your health. But how do you know what mattress type will best support your body type and leave you feeling rested? Keep reading to learn about choosing a plush vs medium mattress firmness! 

How Your Mattress Impacts Your Health 

If your mattress is contributing to your poor sleep, it can have more serious effects than leaving you with dark circles under your eyes. Here are issues you may experience if you aren’t sleeping on the right mattress:

• Weakened immune system
• Weight gain
• Cardiac problems
• Mood disorders
• Body aches and pains
• Spine problems 

Getting proper sleep is an integral part of many of your body’s functions. Consequently, a good mattress contributes to everything from strengthening your immune system to regulating your metabolism. Not to mention the spine conditions that come from poor back support when you sleep. 

Types of Mattresses

There are four main types of mattresses: plush, medium-plush, firm, and medium-firm. The type of mattress that one chooses speaks to not only their personal preference, but their sleeping habits and needs. You can also choose between a spring, memory foam, or hybrid mattress. 

What’s the Difference Between a Plush & Medium Mattress?

For people who definitely don’t want a very firm bed, choosing a plush or medium mattress can be stressful. If you are trying to decide between a medium and plush mattress, there are several differentiating factors that you need to consider before making your purchase. 

Plush mattresses

• Most sleepers describe sleeping on a plush mattress as sleeping on a cloud because there are comfort layers on the top layer of the bed to help lend a cushioned feel. People who enjoy a soft mattress tend to look for a mattress that they really sink into; they tend to look for the feeling of being enveloped by their bed. 

Medium Mattresses

• A medium mattress offers the best of a soft and firm mattress. For those who enjoy the cozy feeling but need more support than a plush mattress offers, a medium firm mattress is a great middleground on the firmness scale. 

Is a Plush Mattress Good for Your Back?

Many specialists warn against getting a plush mattress because it can lead to back problems. However, it isn’t as simple as that. Some people have no problems sleeping on a plush mattress, but sleeping on a bed that’s too soft can cause your spine to fall out of alignment throughout the night. Conversely, a soft mattress can provide adequate support for a child or lightweight adult. 

How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Body?

Your body composition is largely responsible for how comfortable a mattress feels to you. For example, someone who weighs more may find that they don’t get enough support from a very plush mattress. This is because their added body weight allows them to sink into the mattress more than a lighter person. In the same vein, a smaller person may find even the most plush mattresses too firm, because they aren’t heavy enough to sink into it. You should also take your favorite sleeping positions and any health problems you have into consideration. Side sleepers and back sleepers tend to do best with a plush mattress, whereas a stomach sleeper needs a firmer mattress to keep their spine supported throughout the night. 

Find the Perfect Mattress for Your Budget

Finding the right mattress is essential to help you lead an active, well-rested lifestyle, but it can also be a costly endeavor. At BEL Furniture, we believe that finding the best mattress for your body doesn’t have to break the bank. Visit us in store or online today to learn more about our ample mattress selections and get the lowest prices possible. Still wondering about choosing a plush vs medium mattress firmness? Our mattress experts will help you choose the right firmness for you!