The softer a mattress, the more you'll sink and, while facing down, the more your back bows. To maintain optimal spinal alignment, a firm mattress will ensure your hips stay level with your shoulders, therefore, mitigating back pain.
Side sleepers typically benefit from softer mattresses because they cradle the hips and shoulders to help maintain spinal alignment. Back and stomach sleepers need less contouring and receive better spinal support from firmer beds with stable surfaces that prevent sinkage.
Drawbacks Of A Firm Mattress
On a superficial level, the switch from a softer to harder mattress can initially feel very uncomfortable. This usually becomes less noticeable with time. For those with specific back problems such as arthritis and scoliosis, a firmer mattress can actually exacerbate pain.
Side Sleepers: A soft mattress is the best choice to cushion pressure points. Back Sleepers: A firm mattress supports spinal alignment and prevents sinking. Stomach Sleepers: A firmer surface reduces stress on the back and hips.
The best firm mattress can promote better spinal alignment, reduce heat buildup, and offer consistent support night after night, year after year. “Firm mattresses offer optimal spinal support for some sleepers,” says Dr. Dustin Cotliar, M.D., MPH, “which is essential for quality sleep and overall well-being.”
Simply put, a firm mattress can play a crucial role in promoting good posture and overall health. By providing proper support for the spine, reducing pressure points, maintaining spinal alignment, and promoting proper sleeping position, a firm mattress can help to improve posture and prevent pain.
While a softer mattress is recommended for people who sleep on their stomach or side, older people actually need a firmer mattress. Softer mattresses are also harder for older adults to get up from, so it's recommended that older sleepers get at least a medium-firm mattress.
Your Body Weight and Type
Sleepers with a larger frame could prefer a firm mattress that keeps the spine in ideal alignment. However, side sleepers of all body types might like a mattress with a plush feel for pressure relief. These sleepers can benefit from a mattress with strong and durable support coils below.
Latex mattresses tend to be rated as the most comfortable mattress type. This eco-friendly material offers plenty of support across the entire mattress. Plus, it returns to its original shape more readily than memory foam. Many people describe latex mattresses as a combination of innerspring and memory foam.
Just lie down in the usual position you go to sleep on. If you feel any aches in your back or neck, then that mattress might be too soft or firm. Or, consider how you sleep and match the mattress firmness to what your body needs. Are you a side, stomach or back sleeper?
A mattress that is too soft may cause the body to sink, which can lead to bad spinal alignment, while a mattress that is too firm can create pressure and discomfort. The mattress firmness scale provides a standard way to measure firmness, so we can make informed decisions about our bedding.
An extremely firm mattress that almost feels like a slab can contribute to back pain. That's because a mattress that's too hard and doesn't sink to the weight of your body increases pressure on your spine and joints.
If you're a side sleeper, you may need a bed that is firmer around the hips and a little softer around the shoulders. This will offer excellent back support and prevent joint pain in the hips and shoulders caused by a lack of pressure relief and spinal misalignment.
While common advice recommends firm mattresses for back pain, many sleepers find these beds stiff and uncomfortable. Choosing a mattress that adapts to your body and cushions your pressure points can provide soothing relief to prevent or alleviate back pain.
It is important for staff to understand that adding extra cushioning to a commercial baby product may result in a fatal sleeping accident. It is now recognized that many cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are actually due to asphyxiation (suffocation). So a firm mattress is safer than a soft one.
In general, we recommend hybrid mattresses with a core of individually wrapped springs because they feel more supportive and have better airflow, so they don't sleep as hot. You may also find our Best Mattresses guide helpful.
Pocket spring mattresses are widely popular Mattresses Used in 5-star Hotels and Luxury Resorts for their soft and spongy foam. These bed mattresses used in 5-star hotels are a favorite among customers because of their luxurious feel and comfort.
But one survey of 268 people with low back pain found that those who slept on very hard mattresses had the poorest sleep quality. There was no difference in sleep quality between those who used medium-firm and firm mattresses. Soft mattresses, on the other hand, can also be problematic.
Health Issues from Firm Mattresses
While firm mattresses can offer great support, they aren't the best when it comes to pressure relief. A mattress that is too firm can lead to body pain, aggravate pre-existing issues such as arthritis and scoliosis, and even cause insomnia.
Sleep position
Back and stomach sleepers tend to prefer firmer mattresses, while side sleepers prefer a softer feel. These preferences are not universal, of course, but it's a good starting point to consider.
For those who demand unwavering support, the Ortho Magic mattress is your perfect match. This mattress is built with bonded foam that provides extra support to your back and spine, ensuring you get a firm mattress for back pain that truly makes a difference.
Age: The switch to a softer mattress generally happens between 12 to 18 months of age. Consult Your Pediatrician: Always seek advice from a healthcare provider who knows your child's specific needs.