Thinking about replacing your mattress? Here's a great way to enjoy optimal comfort while you sleep.
But when it comes to buying a new mattress, one question quickly comes to mind: How do you choose the right firmness? Should you go for a soft mattress or a firm one?
Perhaps you're one of those sleepers who prefer firm bedding? Firm mattresses, in particular, provide better support for the spine. However, that doesn't mean you should sleep on a bed that's as hard as a rock.
We invite you to learn everything you need to know about mattress firmness to help you choose the firm mattress that best meets your needs.
The firmness of a mattress
Before you start looking for a firm mattress, it’s a good idea to review the definition of firmness when it comes to bedding. In a nutshell, a mattress’s firmness is the sensation the user feels when lying down or sitting on the mattress.
There are three types of mattresses:
- Soft mattresses: These are generally memory foam mattresses with plenty of padding;
- balanced mattresses: neither too soft nor too firm, they are suitable for the vast majority of people;
- Firm mattresses: They generally provide very good support.
Be careful not to confuse firmness with stability
It is indeed important to distinguish between firmness and stability.
Firmness relates to the feeling of comfort, while a mattress's stability refers to the level of support it provides for the spine. The level of stability helps ensure a healthy posture for the user's back. Of course, proper spinal alignment is also influenced by the mattress's level of firmness.
Therefore, choosing the right level of firmness for your mattress is essential, because if it is too soft or, conversely, too hard, your spine will not be properly supported. Over time, this problem can lead to back pain. In addition to these discomforts, the firmness of the mattress plays a key role in determining how comfortable the bedding feels.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating the Comfort of Bedding in Terms of Firmness
The right firmness of a mattress therefore depends on how it will be used. In fact, there are three main criteria for determining the right level of firmness for a mattress:
- the user's physical characteristics (height and weight);
- preferences based on sleeping position (on the back, on the stomach, on the side, etc.);
- personal preferences regarding firmness.
Good to know: Firmness plays an important role in a mattress's density. The higher the density, the firmer the mattress. The most common densities are 70 kg/m³, 75 kg/m³, 80 kg/m³, and 85 kg/m³.
The choice of mattress density depends on your body type and weight. The higher your BMI, the higher the density should be so that the mattress can adapt more easily to your body type while maintaining a good level of firmness.
Foam, latex, springs: How a mattress's firmness depends on its support system
Foam mattresses, latex mattresses, spring mattresses, and memory foam mattresses: there are many different types of mattresses. The firmness will also depend on the type of mattress.
As a result, memory foam mattresses are softer than cold foam mattresses. However, depending on the model, there are also firm memory foam mattresses available.
The mattress’s support system—that is, the technology at the heart of the bedding—is what determines its firmness level. Latex, foam, or springs: the choice depends on individual preferences. However, it’s worth noting that natural latex is the preferred option to avoid synthetic and chemical materials.
The Role of Thickness in Firmness
The thickness of the mattress core is also a key factor in determining the firmness of the bedding. Thus, the thicker the core, the more gradual the sinkage into the bed will be.
For foam mattresses, a minimum thickness of 10 cm is recommended. As for latex mattresses, we recommend choosing a minimum thickness of 12 cm. Finally, for spring mattresses, keep in mind that the more springs a mattress has, the higher its quality will be and the better it will provide the firmness you’re looking for.
How can you easily determine a mattress's firmness?
In addition to the advice from mattress salespeople, there are a few simple steps you can take to assess the firmness of a mattress.
To find out if a mattress is too firm for you, lie down on your side in your usual sleeping position. Slide your hand into the curve of your back. If your hand slides in too easily, your mattress isn't sinking in enough and isn't conforming to your body shape.
The small of the back (or lower back) is located in the lumbar region. A hollow in this area can cause discomfort.
To determine whether a mattress is, on the other hand, too soft, simply press your elbow into it. Your elbow should not sink more than 3 to 4 cm.
When should you choose a firm mattress?
Now that you have a better understanding of all the factors that determine a mattress’s firmness, a question arises: Should you choose firm mattresses over soft ones?
The Benefits of Choosing a Firm Mattress
A firm mattress has the advantage of providing good ventilation. Whether made of latex or springs, the mattress is protected from moisture and helps keep dust mites at bay.
Firm mattresses also promote better blood circulation and help relieve pressure points.
Finally, firm mattresses are generally more durable and hold up better over time.
Mattress Firmness and Back Pain: Not Too Firm, Not Too Soft
While a firm mattress is recommended for people with back problems, it is still important to qualify this statement. A mattress that is too firm is not necessarily good for the back.
While a mattress should be firm enough to provide proper support for the spine, it shouldn't be too firm. A very firm mattress could create uncomfortable pressure points on the shoulders or hips.
Weight and Sleeping Position: Reasons to Choose a Firm Mattress
In addition to back pain, there are other reasons why you might choose a firm mattress:
- Firm mattresses are recommended for heavier individuals;
- Firm mattresses are ideal for people who prefer to sleep on their stomach, back, or side.
Therefore, choosing a firm mattress will provide you with both comfort and better alignment for your body—particularly your back, neck, and hips. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a mattress that suits both your preferences (comfort, sleeping position, etc.) and your body type (height, weight).
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