Soft or Firm: What Mattress Type Is Best For You?

Finding the right mattress type for your personal preferences and budget can seem like a challenge if you haven’t done your research. Finding the right firmness level for your unique body type is critical for achieving optimal sleep and minimizing the chances of discomfort both during sleep or the morning after. In this article, we will help you determine which mattress type is best for you and shed some light on the differences between soft and firm mattresses.

Finding Your Level of Firmness

No matter what your body type or unique needs are, there is a specific mattress type that will ultimately be perfect for you. Ensuring you are investing in the appropriate firmness level will not only alleviate pressure points, but it will also ensure you are receiving the right amount of support for your body while you are sleeping. If your current mattress doesn’t feel firm enough or is too firm, there’s a good chance you are waking up with joint pain, back pain or increased pain around your pressure points.

With this in mind, how can you determine what mattress type is best for you? To answer this question on a personal basis, it is important for you to know what your body weight and preferred sleeping position are. With this information, you can typically have a good starting point to help find the mattress firmness level that best suits your needs.

For anyone that has a below-average weight, a soft mattress will typically be more beneficial. This happens primarily because they don’t have the body weight required to allow a firm mattress to conform to their body type and provide targeted pressure relief. Likewise, people who weigh 230 pounds or more will require a firmer mattress to ensure they are sinking into the mattress and losing the needed support to align their body.

As previously mentioned, one other important consideration when choosing the firmness of your mattress is determining your usual sleeping position. Where you choose to distribute your weight can ultimately require different levels of firmness in targeted areas of the mattress. As a general rule of thumb, these rules should apply:

• Side Sleepers – It is common for side sleepers to require extra neck support to compensate for the height displacement provided by the shoulders. However, this sleeping position also exposes pressure points on the hips and shoulders. For an average build, a medium soft to firm mattress would be most beneficial.
• Back Sleepers – As you may expect, back sleepers require added spinal and lower back support to ensure they don’t sleep with their spine contorted. Because this must be compensated for, a back sleeper with an average build will require a medium to firm mattress for adequate support when sleeping.
• Stomach Sleepers – While many physicians don’t recommend sleeping on your stomach, it is possible it’s the only way you can fall asleep. However, you will need a firmer mattress to ensure your hips don’t sink into the mattress. In most cases, an individual with an average build will require a medium to medium firm mattress.

Why Choose Sleep Station?

Sleep Station is your source for name brand closeout mattresses up to 75% off regular retail prices. Our commitment to providing the best sleep solutions remains unmatched. We invite you to stop by your nearest location in Memphis or Munford to find the perfect mattress for you!

Still have questions? Give us a call at (901) 842-3301 or contact us today!