Do you know if your mattress firmness is actually right for you?
I spend my days helping customers find the perfect mattress. Something I've noticed is that firmness seems to cause more uncertainty than almost any other mattress feature. Let's clear things up. Choosing the right mattress firmness isn’t just about comfort—it directly impacts your sleep quality and even your health.
Why Mattress Firmness Matters
Firmness isn’t only about how soft or hard your bed feels when you lie down. It's about support and alignment. If you pick the wrong firmness, you'll wake up tired, achy, or even in pain. Trust me, I’ve seen this firsthand.
I came across a great breakdown on the importance of mattress firmness, which aligns with what I've seen every day in our showrooms.
Soft Mattresses Might Be Your Answer
If you sleep on your side, chances are, you’ll feel more comfortable on a soft mattress. It lets your shoulders and hips sink in gently, relieving pressure. I've found soft mattresses are especially helpful if you have joint pain or arthritis.
One common mistake, though, is picking something that's too soft. If your mattress lacks adequate support, your spine can end up misaligned, causing more discomfort. So, don’t go overboard on plushness.
If soft sounds right for you, take a look at some of the options in our soft mattress collection.
Is Firm Really Better for Your Back?
There's a common belief that firm mattresses automatically mean better support. Well, not exactly. A firm mattress does help maintain your spinal alignment, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach. But if it’s too firm, it can cause pressure points and stiffness.
I’ve had customers come to me with chronic lower back pain, thinking a rock-hard mattress was the solution. Often, their problem got worse because the mattress didn’t contour to their body at all.
If you lean towards firm support, opt for something with a little cushioning on top to prevent pressure build-up. Our firm mattress options strike that important balance between support and comfort.
Medium Mattresses – The Safe Bet?
I often recommend medium mattresses for those unsure about firmness. It’s like that comfy middle ground. Medium mattresses offer balanced support and softness, suitable for most sleeping positions and body types.
For couples who sleep differently—one prefers firm and the other soft—a medium mattress is usually a fair compromise. It's versatile enough that no one ends up completely unhappy. But I always stress trying before you buy, because even medium mattresses vary.
Check out our medium mattress collection to get a better idea of what I mean.
Your Sleeping Position Decides Your Firmness
Your sleeping position is a huge factor in choosing firmness. Here’s my quick rundown:
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Side sleepers: Typically need soft or medium mattresses to cushion their hips and shoulders.
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Back sleepers: Usually prefer medium to firm to support their spine.
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Stomach sleepers: Often do best on firm mattresses to prevent back arching.
I've seen many customers finally find relief after matching firmness to their sleeping style. If you're unsure about your current mattress, maybe it’s time to reconsider based on how you sleep.
For more tips, I recommend reading this guide on choosing the right mattress. It covers everything I usually discuss with my customers.
Adjustable Bases Can Help
Did you know that an adjustable base can complement your mattress firmness? It's not just for luxury. Adjusting your sleeping position helps distribute your body weight more evenly. It can make a firm mattress feel gentler or provide additional support for softer mattresses.
Many customers tell me their adjustable base changed their sleep completely, even when they kept the same mattress.
Firmness and Back Pain – What’s the Connection?
In my experience, chronic back pain often signals incorrect mattress firmness. Too firm or too soft—both extremes cause discomfort. A medium-firm mattress often works best for relieving chronic back issues. It supports your back naturally without creating painful pressure points.
I talk more about this in my article about the best mattress for back pain. It’s a valuable read if you're struggling to get comfortable at night.
Still Feeling Confused?
Choosing a mattress can feel overwhelming—I get it. I deal with these questions every single day. If you're unsure about mattress firmness, let's chat. I'm here to guide you through your choices. Feel free to reach out anytime. I truly believe that personalized advice makes a huge difference.
Sleep is too important to compromise on comfort. Let's find what works best for you, together.
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