How to Choose the Right Mattress Firmness

Deciding on the right firmness when it comes to mattress types is a really personal choice.

It may depend on a lot of things like your size, shape, body weight, pain issues, and whether you sleep with another person.

Yet, there’s good news. There are some standard suggestions on how to choose the right firmness for you. These general “rules” are pretty uniform throughout the mattress industry. So, let’s discuss firmness and how to pick the best mattress for you.

First, though, let’s define the different types of mattress firmness you can look at.

Finding the Right Firmness

The best thing you can do is sit and lay down on the mattress when deciding on firmness levels. How does it feel to you? Are you sinking in so much that you can’t get up? Or is it really firm with little give? While there is a label on each mattress, remember it’s important that you decide how it feels to you.

When it comes to choosing the right firmness, you’re usually looking at soft, medium, and firm. Each mattress is labeled with its firmness level.

Mattresses are rated on a firmness scale of 1 to 10. This means that a mattress on the lower end of the scale is soft. As you move up to 10, the mattress gets firmer. The industry standard for medium-firm is generally 6.5/10. Now let’s look at soft, medium, and firm.

Defining the Soft Mattress

Soft mattresses are in the 3 to 5 out of 10 range. You might notice these mattresses really contour to your body, and you definitely sink in when laying on them. These mattresses provide pressure relief for those with body aches and pains.

A soft mattress might also have a pillow top and be made of cushy memory foam. A soft mattress is great for side sleepers. It also works for people who have pain and pressure points on their bodies.

Defining the Medium-Firm Mattress

Most people, when choosing the right firmness, will end up with a medium-firm mattress. These mattresses fall on the 6 to 7 point out of 10 range when it comes to firmness.

Generally, you’ll find a mattress made from coils or memory foam. Then, you might find layers of softer foam on top.

Medium firm mattresses are great for people who sleep on their backs or for combination sleepers. A medium-firm mattress is supportive while also providing great relief on pressure points.

You won’t find that you sink very far into a medium-firm mattress, but you will feel comfortable.

Defining the Firm Mattress

Many people also prefer a firm mattress. This mattress type is most often preferred by people who sleep on their stomachs. Heavier people will appreciate a firm mattress as well because a firm mattress holds them up better.

A firm mattress is usually in the 8 to 10 out of 10 range on the scale of firmness. These mattresses won’t be soft or cushy. They are very supportive, and for some people, this is just what they’re looking for.

How Do You Choose?

When it comes to choosing the right firmness, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I like a soft bed or a firm bed?
• What position do I like to sleep in?
  • This is the most important thing to consider when choosing the right firmness. You will need a different firmness based on what part of your body is in the most contact with the mattress or if you have pain in certain areas. Here are some tips:
    • Side sleepers are better on soft mattresses because they help conform to pressure points.
    • Stomach sleepers are happier on a firmer mattress because it helps support their hips and pelvis. You don’t want your hips and pelvis to sink lower than your shoulders.
    • Back sleepers can choose their firmness because the pressure is spread across their bodies as they sleep. Most back sleepers do well on any type of mattress!
    • Finally, if you have pain in your neck, back, shoulders, or hips, a medium-firm mattress is generally the best option.

Final Thoughts

When it comes time to choose the right firmness, you want to find the right mattress that keeps your spine aligned, helps you sleep better, and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.

Consider your pressure points and how you like to sleep. Choose a mattress firmness that gives you the right amount of support while also supporting the natural curve of your spine.

Remember that it’s important to lay on each type of mattress. Just because it’s medium firm doesn’t mean it’s not comfortable. Likewise, just because a mattress is labeled soft doesn’t mean it won’t support you.

Don’t forget the person you sleep with too. You may find you both need different levels of firmness. If this is the case, choosing a medium-firm mattress can work well for both of you.

Ready to choose the right firmness? Let us help you find just what you need.

Photo by Vladislav Muslakov on Unsplash