How to Choose a Mattress: Soft, Medium, Firm, or Extra Firm?
Choosing a new mattress can be overwhelming with all the options available. The most important factor to consider is the firmness level, as this directly impacts your comfort and spinal alignment. A mattress that’s too soft or too firm can lead to back pain and restless nights. This guide will help you understand the differences and choose the right mattress for you based on your sleeping position and body type.
Understanding Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness is not standardised, but generally, it’s categorized into four main levels:
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Soft: These mattresses cradle the body, offering a plush, sinking feeling. They’re excellent for pressure relief.
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Medium: A balance between soft and firm. It offers some contouring with a good level of support. This is the most popular choice for a mattress in the UK.
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Firm: Provides a solid, supportive surface with minimal give. You lie more on top of the mattress rather than sinking in.
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Extra Firm: The most rigid option, offering maximum support and a very hard surface.
The right firmness level for you is a personal choice, but it’s heavily influenced by how you sleep and your body’s specific needs.
Finding the Right Firmness for Your Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position dictates which areas of your body need the most support and pressure relief.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a mattress that can cushion their shoulders and hips to prevent pressure points and keep their spine aligned. A soft or medium mattress is usually the best option.
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A soft mattress allows the shoulders and hips to sink in, keeping the spine straight. This is ideal for lightweight individuals or those who prefer a “hugged” feeling.
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A medium mattress offers a good balance of support and cushioning, making it a great choice for many side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers may require a mattress that supports the natural curve of their spine. A mattress that is too soft can cause the hips to sink too far, leading to a “U” shape and potential back pain. A medium-firm or firm mattress is generally recommended.
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A medium-firm mattress provides adequate support for the lower back while offering some comfort.
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A firm mattress ensures the body stays level as well as proper spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers are particularly vulnerable to back pain if their hips sink too low, creating an arch in their spine. To prevent this, a firm or extra firm mattress is the best choice.
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A firm mattress provides the solid support needed to keep the hips elevated and in line with the shoulders.
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An extra firm mattress offers maximum support, which is ideal for heavier individuals who sleep on their stomach.
Finding the Right Firmness for Your Body Type
Your body weight and shape also play a significant role in mattress choice.
Lightweight Individuals (under 130 lbs / 59 kg)
Lighter individuals don’t apply as much pressure to a mattress. A soft or medium mattress will feel firmer to them, so a softer option is needed to get adequate contouring and pressure relief.
Average Weight Individuals (130-230 lbs / 59-104 kg)
Most people fall into this category. A medium or medium-firm mattress is often the best fit, offering a great balance of comfort and support.
Heavier Individuals (over 230 lbs / 104 kg)
Heavier individuals need a mattress that can support more weight without sagging. A firm or extra firm mattress is recommended to provide the necessary support and prevent the body from sinking too deeply, which can misalign the spine.
Overall, when choosing the right firmness level for your next mattress it is important to understand the key influences, like sleeping position and correct spinal alignment for your body type.
Where to Buy Your Next Mattress
As a leading bed retailer, we offer a wide range of quality mattresses to suit every need. Whether you’re looking for a pocket sprung mattress, a memory foam mattress, or a hybrid mattress, we have options in every firmness level. If you’re looking for a medium-firm mattress the Luxury 1000 provides the correct level of support and comfort. Visit one of our bed stores to find the perfect mattress for a good night’s sleep.
