Sleep Essentials, Inc.

Firm vs. Soft Mattress: How to Make Your Choice

Mattresses have become more than just items to be slept on. The technology behind mattress production has evolved so much that mattresses are now being designed for body type. Certain body types will enjoy some mattresses better than other body types. With the different types of mattresses available and the different comfort levels they offer, one needs to choose the best one when at a mattress shop. When buying a mattress, you’ll have to consider factors like size, firmness, and comfort. When choosing for firmness, you’ll need to consider whether to choose the firm or soft mattress. Choosing the right one will significantly improve the quality of your sleep and, by extension, the quality of your life.

Choosing Between Mattress Comfort and Support

All mattresses are designed to offer different levels of comfort and support. The comfort layer of the mattress is designed to lower your sleep temperature, increase the quality of your sleep, and make you overall comfortable as you sleep. On the other hand, the support layer is designed to keep your body in position to avoid sleep injuries, muscle aches, and other problems. The support layer ensures support for spinal alignment and the natural back curvature.

Firm and soft mattresses have varying degrees of support and comfort layers. However, this is not to say that you won’t get a desirable comfort level from choosing firm mattresses. With firm mattresses, it is possible to enjoy a soft and comfortable feeling while also experiencing the desirable firm feeling of support that the mattress type is expected to offer. The right option between a firm and soft mattress depends on your body type and sleep needs.

The biggest factor that can help to shape your decision is your sleeping position. If you are a stomach sleeper, you’ll often get a better bargain when choosing firm mattresses. As a side sleeper, soft mattresses will offer you the comfort that you deserve. On the other hand, back sleepers will find medium-firm mattresses to be the perfect option for their needs.

Whether you choose a soft, medium, or firm mattress, you’ll soon realize that your body has been biologically programmed to adapt. This means that you’ll most likely readjust to any misalignment that may be caused by the mattress and your sleeping position. This adaptive measure should, however, not be over-extended. Forcing your body to adapt to extreme sleep conditions and mattresses can leave you with pains and aches during the day.

Before making a final decision as to which is best for your sleep and comfort needs, below are some factors you should consider:

Spinal Alignment

Spinal alignment plays a key role in the quality of your sleep as well as your daily life. A misaligned spine can cause pain and discomfort throughout the day and for many weeks to come. When choosing a mattress for your sleeping needs, you should consider your spinal alignment.

Your choice of mattress should ensure that your neck, middle back, and lower back are in perfect alignment. When your spine is aligned and in its natural position, you’ll enjoy a better breathing pattern while asleep. This will increase the level of blood circulation, increase the deepness of your sleep, relieve pressure from your joints, and ease pain in your muscles. Sleeping in a misaligned position may not necessarily reduce the time spent sleeping. However, you may wake up feeling more exhausted. You may want to choose a medium firmness mattress to ensure that your spine is aligned and for a restful sleep.

Why Choose Firm Mattresses?

There have been several arguments for and against firm and soft mattresses. While either side has provided valid points to back their allegiance, science has a perfect answer to the debate. The choice mattress should present the bones with some resistance.

For firm mattresses, your bones, not the muscles, are forced to act as a support system to your body. This means that your muscles get time off to relax and heal properly from the exertion of the day before. This will also improve blood circulation to all body areas and prevent the lower back from sinking into the mattress. The support provided for the back can help prevent back pain.

Why Choose Soft Mattresses?

There are several arguments for soft mattresses. Although firm mattresses take the weight off the muscles and put it on the bones, softer mattresses offer an extra layer of cushion and comfort that keeps users happy through the night. With soft mattresses, users will enjoy better sleep temperatures. In general, back sleepers stand a chance to enjoy more from choosing soft mattresses because it conforms to the shape of their body.

What Is the Right Size for Your Soft, Medium, or Firm Mattress?

Now that you have decided on the best mattress option for your sleep needs, what is the right mattress size for you? The choice of your mattress size is important. A recent sleep study revealed that an average person moves no less than 40 times a night. These twists and turns during sleep can be grossly affected by the size of your mattress. If your mattress is too small, there is a chance that you may fall off or hurt your partner in their sleep. Having the right mattress size is essential to maintain a comfortable night’s rest. Below is a quick overview of the different mattress sizes to help you make a decision:

Twin Size Mattresses – This size is perfect for short people whose rooms are small. Twin-size mattresses are perfect for children’s rooms, dormitories, hostels, and other smaller areas. This mattress measures 39” in width and 75” in length.

Full-Size Mattresses – Measuring 54” in width and 75” in length, full-size mattresses are perfect for taller people with medium room space. This type of mattress does not work well for couples because it doesn’t have enough width space.

Queen Size Mattresses – Measuring 60” in width by 80” in length, they are a perfect option for most couples. This type of mattress is great for roomier spaces and can fit perfectly in master bedrooms or areas that can hold larger beds.

King Size Mattresses – This offers the same length as the queen-size mattress but greater width. This is also a perfect mattress size for couples who need their maximum sleeping space.

California King Mattress – Measures 72” by 84”. It is the largest mattress size and is perfect for large master bedrooms with a need for extra-large mattress space. Shop quality mattresses and learn more about mattresses at https://sleepessentials.com/ 

Sleep Essentials

3542 Orange Ave NE Roanoke Virginia 24012

(540) 397-2337

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