Firm or Soft Mattresses: Which is Right For You?

Everyone’s heard of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears – the porridge, the chairs, and the beds. Skipping over the food and seats, we come to a dilemma that is relatable to a lot of folks. Sometimes a mattress is too soft. Sometimes a mattress is too firm. It all comes down to find the mattress that is “just right.” So, which is better for you: firm or soft mattresses?

Right off the bat, it might sound like an easy question to answer. If you want a softer surface, you get a soft mattress. If you want something with a little more support, you go with a firm mattress. The problem is what you think you want and what your body actually needs in order for you to get your best night’s sleep can often times be two completely different things.

Firm vs Soft Mattress​​es: How to Determine Which You Need

Personal preference does play a role in which mattress you end up buying, but that’s only a small piece of the puzzle. When choosing between a firm or soft mattress, you need to take into consideration things such as your height, weight, and sleep position.

Although you might wake up in weird positions throughout the night, typically a person sleeps in one of three different positions: back, side, or stomach.

Each person is unique, therefore the mattress firmness they need is also unique. What works best for one person might be absolutely wrong for another. That’s why there are tests (see more information about bedMATCH® below) to see whether you need a firm or soft mattress.

For back and side sleepers, a soft, medium, or medium-firm mattress can be just what the Sandman ordered. These mattresses can be innerspring, memory foam, or a hybrid of the two. Stomach sleepers usually tend to need a firmer mattress that offers more support. In this instance, a good innerspring mattress would work best, but some firmer hybrids could work as well.

Advantages of Firm Mattresses

A firm mattress provides extra support for those who need it. If you suffer from hip or back pain, the problem might be that your mattress is either too soft or it’s gotten older and the support you once had is no longer there.

Most firm or soft mattresses can be used with an adjustable base, and there are some that feature incredible technology. For example, the Tempur-Ergo Extend has a built-in Sleeptracker device that actually gently raises your head – while you’re asleep – if it detects that you’re snoring. Since almost half of all adults snore, it’s a great way to get your best night’s sleep regardless of whether you get a firm or soft mattress.

Advantages of Soft Mattresses

For people who don’t usually need as much support, a soft mattress can be a dream come true. There’s nothing quite like falling asleep on something that feels like a cloud every night.

Soft mattresses, especially memory foam mattresses, contour to the natural curves of your body. A soft mattress can cradle you to a great night’s sleep.

Still Unsure if a Firm or Soft Mattress is Better for You?

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about whether to get a firm or soft mattress. With Mattress Warehouse’s bedMATCH® technology, all the guesswork is taken away. The patented sleep diagnostic system uses a series of measurements to help narrow down your search. Even the test is easy – all you have to do is lie down on the test mattress and bedMATCH® does the rest.

Whether you choose a firm or soft mattress, Mattress Warehouse is here to make sure you get your best night’s sleep. Drop by a store today to check out bedMATCH® and see which mattress is right for you.