Are Firm Mattresses Better for Support?

Not Necessarily...

One rumor rampant in the mattress world and among buyers is that a firmer mattress will inherently offer better support for you. This is not necessarily true. We are all different, and as such our sleeping preferences and habits will be different too. So, a firm mattress won’t always be what you need. 

If you apply this logic to its extreme, then the floor is by far the best support around. But last time I checked, sleeping on the floor was extremely uncomfortable. I had a sick baby, and trust me it hurts.

If the idea of sleeping on the floor doesn't appeal to you, then, by all means, dismiss this common misconception and trust your personal preference. Only you can know what mattress is truly right for you.

Think About This

Two mattresses from the same collection may have different comfort levels, one may be plush, the other may be ultra-firm, but the coil system within these two mattresses, (where the support comes from) will likely be exactly the same. Both can support your body equally, but you are going to prefer one over the other due to the comfort level the mattress provides.

In your search, find a mattress that delivers exquisite support, and choose the comfort level that feels right to you, this may be plush, or firm, or ultra-firm. Just know that chances are the deep down support within a collection of mattresses is the same. This makes the comfort level the matter of choice when looking for that perfect mattress.

Getting the Right Firmness for You

Believe it or not, you can even experience sleep and health problems if your mattress is too firm. Supporting your body in a neutral position is crucial. This is one where your spine has a nice curvature and your butt, heels, shoulders, and head are supported in the correct alignment. 

If your mattress is too firm, it will cause painful pressure at those points and actually, take you out of alignment. On the flip side, if the mattress is too soft it won’t properly support you, so your whole body sinks and again you’re in poor alignment. It’s important to get the right level of firmness for your body.

According to sleep experts, a mattress with less cushioning can support a neutral spine a bit better during sleep. When you sleep on a firm mattress without too much cushioning, your bones bear most of the pressure. This allows your muscles, arteries, and veins to relax. This, in turn, improves circulation, helping you sleep better. The right mattress will also prevent your lower back from collapsing when you lay on it. This helps your airway to avoid becoming constricted, enabling the lungs to inhale more oxygen– another crucial factor in getting a good night’s sleep.

For the best night’s sleep, select a level of firmness based on the following factors:

• Age
• Bodyweight
• Your back, neck, or joint issues
• Preferred sleep position

For example, if you tend to sleep on your side, a very firm mattress won’t feel great. You’ll like something with a bit more give as well as the underlying support you need. If you sleep on your stomach, a firm top surface will offer the best support and keep you from getting that “smothering” feeling that can happens when you sink down into the mattress. If you tend to sleep on your back, look for a mattress that offers firm support and a little give so that your spine stays in the correct alignment.

Finished with Your Research?

If you're ready to look at mattresses, check out the link below. If you're still in need of help, check out our Mattress Buying Guide here. Making the best decision in a new bed is easy with BedPlanet.Com.