Summary:
Everyone has different needs when it comes to comfort, especially when selecting the right mattress. Some people require a soft and plush layer for pressure relief, and a few others may require more rigid support for correct spine alignment. The specific preferred firmness of your mattress depends on the position you sleep in, your weight and your general comfort level.
So, start your journey to improve sleep and discover how to choose the perfect firmness of the mattress using our guide.
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If we are asked to point out when we feel comfortable or fully relaxed, many of us most likely will refer to moments when we are in bed after a working day. But why should that comfort be limited only to the hotels? You should be able to have that same comfortable feed every night in your own home.
However, the most obvious aspect that you need to look at while getting a good night’s sleep is the mattress firmness. However, with so many possibilities, the question is what one can do in order to understand which firmness will be the most appropriate.
To help you with this decision, we provide the complete mattress firmness guide here so that you can find the best match for your sleeping patterns.
If we are asked to point out when we feel comfortable or fully relaxed, many of us most likely will refer to moments when we are in bed after a working day. But why should that comfort be limited only to the hotels? You should be able to have that same comfortable feed every night in your own home.
However, the most obvious aspect that you need to look at while getting a good night’s sleep is the mattress firmness. However, with so many possibilities, the question is what one can do in order to understand which firmness will be the most appropriate.
To help you with this decision, we provide the complete mattress firmness guide here so that you can find the best match for your sleeping patterns.
What Is a Comfort/Firmness Rating?
The support level of a mattress is among the factors that help you get sleep at night. It enables you to decide on just how firm or soft your mattress feels depending on the quality of your sleep. If it is high, maybe one wakes up with some level of stiffness in muscles and joints, or if it is perfectly balanced, this helps in having better muscle health and less pain.
The types of mattresses come in different firmnesses, starting from soft to extra firm, and normally, customers ask for mattresses in the form of this firmness. This scale defines a mattress, how it feels, and how comfortable it would be to lay on.
Generally, your ideal weight for comfort is normally determined by some aspects such as weight and position while sleeping. Specifically, side sleepers require less firmness in their mattress and so adequately align the shoulders and the hips. However back and stomach sleepers consider a firmer type of mattress so as to provide adequate support toward the spine.
How Firm Should A Mattress Be?
As for the mattress, there isn’t really one right choice for anyone either. The best mattress firmness will mostly be dependent on the individual’s weight, sleeping positions and physical/medical condition.
Mattress firmness is a measure of how much a mattress will conform once you put your body weight on it. It has to align your spine properly while giving the right shape to the pressure spots of the human body, such as shoulders and hips. If it’s too soft, the body may sink too deeply, thus not remaining aligned properly. If it is too firm, it can become a source of stress on joints and other parts of the body.
It is really important to find that perfect balance that will provide comfort and a restful night accompanied by no pain in the morning.
Understanding Mattress Firmness Levels
The mattress firmness in UK is usually classified in variations from soft to firm. It can be used to assess which type of firmness is good for your body as well as the pattern you have when sleeping.
Let’s have a look at the different mattress firmness levels:
Soft Mattress
Best for:
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight individuals
- Those needing pressure relief
Soft mattresses provide a comfortable, cushiony surface that contours the body. Side sleepers will particularly benefit from them because the pressure on the shoulders and hips is well relieved. Additionally, they are suitable for lightweight sleepers as they do not produce a deep sinkage.
Medium Mattress
Best for:
- Combination sleepers
- Average-weight individuals
It is among the most frequently used options on the mattress firmness scale in UK. A medium mattress is the most appropriate one, which specifically protects the slightly heavy weight sleepers from getting bad posture and also the side and stomach sleepers from having a hard mattress which puts pressure on the body parts.
Medium-Firm Mattress
Best for:
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Couples with different sleeping preferences
Medium-firm mattresses offer extremely minimal sink-in feels to the body; therefore, they are ideal for spinal alignment. It is most appropriate to be used by back and stomach sleepers and is also appropriate for couples who need a moderately firm mattress.
Firm Mattress
Best for:
- Stomach sleepers
- Heavier individuals
- People with back pain
Firm mattresses deliver consistent support, reducing excessive sinkage and keeping the spine properly aligned. They are recommended for stomach sleepers and individuals with back pain, providing the firmness needed to prevent discomfort.
Extra Firm Mattress
Best for:
- People with severe back pain
- Heavier sleepers need maximum support
An extra-firm mattress is another type of mattress that gives the best firmness. Again, it is special for back pain sleepers or anybody who needs some solid support to maintain the right position on their back. It also helps larger weight individuals since it is rigid, avoiding body sinking and guaranteeing equal weight distribution.
Types of Mattress And Its Firmness
Each type of mattress is intended to provide a particular firmness of a mattress. Let’s explore some common options:
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Memory Foam Mattress
The memory foam mattress has one special feature: it contours to the shape of the body to provide good pressure-relieving qualities. It will be perfect for those who desire a little softer with a contouring feel.
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Pocket Sprung Mattress
A pocket-sprung mattress consists of separate springs, each of which moves independently to provide firmer support and prevent any transfer of motion.
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Pillow Top Mattress
The pillow top mattress has an additional layer of padding fixed on the upper surface of the mattress, making it soft and comfy without needing to exchange the below surface.
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Orthopaedic Mattress
An orthopaedic mattress is designed to support joints, bones, and the overall body. It typically comes in firmer options to promote spinal alignment and relieve back pain.
What Firmness Is Best For Children's Mattresses?
The degree of firmness is important when you are choosing a mattress for your child. Children’s mattresses undergo much use as they jump around and play. Therefore, a mattress should provide proper support to a child’s physique as they are sleeping. When it comes to choosing the type of mattress, we would advise selecting a medium firm type because it serves the requirements of a young child’s growing body, providing spinal support and reducing joint stress.
Looking for more tips on picking the perfect mattress for your child? Visit our blog on the best children's mattresses for the ultimate support and comfort.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to quality sleep and a healthy life, the question may arise about which mattress firmness is good. Hence, no matter whether you want a comfortably soft or a firm one, just getting the right understanding of the mattress firmness scale and your sleeping needs is necessary to find the right type of mattress.
At Sonno, we have different types of mattresses which meet the needs of all sleeping styles. From specifically designed memory foam mattresses that adapt the contours of your body to the rigid orthopaedic type that provides maximum support to your spine and back – there is something for every type of sleeper.
FAQs
1. What mattress firmness is healthiest?
The best mattress for health is determined by your sleeping patterns and weight. The majority of people find that a medium-firm mattress is comfortable enough because it is neither too hard nor very soft. It assists in maintaining the spine posture and eradicates stress within the joints. If you are a side sleeper, you may benefit from something more plush, whereas back and stomach sleepers need something a little more solid and firm.
2. Why does mattress firmness matter?
The firmness of your mattress should alleviate pressure points in your preferred sleep position, cushion any sensitive areas of the body, and keep your spine in perfect alignment so you avoid waking in discomfort. The wrong level of firmness can lead to strain on the body and worsening of aches and pains over time.
3. How do I know what firmness of mattress to get?
Side sleepers should opt for medium soft to medium-firm mattresses that help them elevate the stress on shoulders and hips. If you are a back and stomach sleeper, it will be wise to look out for mattresses that offer a Medium Firm to Firm feel that offers only a small amount of conforming.
