how to choose firmness of mattress

In essence, mattress firmness refers to the sensation you experience when lying down—whether your body sinks into the mattress or feels supported on the surface. It involves assessing if the mattress conforms to your body’s shape or if you remain on top of it.

When people discuss mattresses, they often confuse ‘firmness’ with ‘comfort level’. However, since comfort is subjective, it’s crucial to consider various factors, including your sleeping position. The idea of a ‘cloud-like’ mattress isn’t universally ideal, as very soft mattresses might not be appropriate for everyone. Your ideal mattress firmness should be based on your sleeping position, weight, health, and whether you share your bed with a partner.

How is Mattress Firmness Rated?

Mattress firmness is usually measured on a scale from 1 to 10, simplifying the selection process for customers. A rating of 1 represents the softest possible mattress, while 10 denotes the firmest. Extreme ratings like these are rare, as they tend to be impractically uncomfortable.

Why Does Mattress Firmness Matter?

The firmness of a mattress plays a crucial role in determining comfort and support levels. It directly affects how well the mattress can relieve pressure points. If a mattress is too firm, it may not contour enough to alleviate sensitive pressure points, leading to discomfort and potential joint pain upon waking up. Thus, finding the right firmness level is essential for a good night’s sleep and overall well-being.

Common Firmness rating

Soft 3-5/10
These mattresses feature materials like memory foam, plush pillow tops, and cushioning layers. They allow for significant sinkage, molding to your body and providing excellent pressure relief.

Medium 6-7/10
Striking a balance between softness and support, medium-firm mattresses often combine foam layers with a sturdy core of high-density foam or springs. This design offers a moderate contour while still providing substantial support.

Firm 8-10/10
These mattresses are designed without additional plush layers, focusing instead on a solid, supportive surface. They typically have a minimal layer of comfort foam over a core of high-density foam or springs, delivering a strong push-back and a firm feel.

Which firmness is best for me

Before selecting the right mattress firmness, consider the following factors to better understand your needs and find the ideal mattress for you.

Side Sleepers: For side sleepers, a soft to medium-firm mattress (3-6/10) is often the best option. This level of firmness allows the mattress to adapt to the curves of your hips and shoulders, offering the right balance of comfort and support.

Back Sleepers: Those who sleep on their back will benefit from a medium-firm to firm mattress (5-7/10). This range provides adequate support and even distribution of weight, ensuring your spine remains aligned throughout the night.

Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers require extra support to keep their hips properly aligned, making a medium-firm to firm mattress (7-10/10) an ideal choice. This level of firmness helps prevent excessive sinkage and maintains proper spinal alignment.

Factor in Your Body Type

Your body weight and type also play a crucial role in determining the right firmness:

Lightweight Individuals (under 130 lbs): May find softer 3-5 mattresses more comfortable as they offer adequate cushioning without excessive sinkage.

Average Weight Individuals (130-230 lbs): Often prefer medium to medium-firm 5-6 mattresses that provide a balance of support and comfort.

Heavyweight Individuals (over 230 lbs): Typically require firmer 7-10 mattresses to ensure proper support and avoid sagging.

Test Mattress Firmness

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to test mattress firmness in-store if possible. Lie down in your usual sleep position and check how the mattress feels. Pay attention to whether it provides adequate support and comfort. Many stores offer a trial period, allowing you to test the mattress at home to ensure it meets your needs

---

---