Firm vs Soft Mattress: what's Best?

When choosing a mattress, is a firm or soft bed better for you? This is a question that many people face while buying a mattress. In response to this highly searched query, we have delved into the definitions of firm vs soft beds and their characteristics in a bid to guide you in your choice. This article will reveal the core differences between hard and soft beds and help you find the best mattress for your individual needs.

1. Basic Definitions of Firm and Soft Beds

Mattresses have an undeniable impact on the quality of our day-to-day lives, as we spend roughly one-third of our lives on them. That's why it's important to understand the basic definitions of mattresses and the differences between them. Hard and soft beds each have their own characteristics and cater for different needs. Below, I will delve into the basic definitions of hard and soft beds to provide you with a clearer understanding.

Characteristics of a hard bed

When we talk about hard beds, we are referring to mattresses that offer greater stability and support. This stability comes from the high-density material composition inside the mattress, such as natural latex or high-density foam. This construction ensures that the mattress does not sink easily when carrying weight and provides even support to the person lying on it.

Additionally, hard beds are more effective at distributing pressure across the body, which is good news for those who are concerned about back problems or joint pain. The design of such mattresses ensures that key areas of the body, such as the spine, are properly supported and their natural curves are maintained.

Features of soft beds

On the other hand, soft beds focus on providing ultimate comfort to the user. They are usually made of air mattresses, low-density memory foam, or other soft materials that sink to a certain degree when under pressure.

Because of this property, soft beds provide a gentle hugging sensation for the user's body, especially for side sleepers, which relieves pressure on the joints and provides additional comfort. Soft beds are an ideal choice for those who want their mattress to adapt itself to the contours of their body.

2. Material and mattress firmness

At the heart of a mattress, apart from its design and brand, is the material it is made from. Different materials determine the firmness of the mattress, which in turn affects the quality of our sleep. So why do materials have such a big impact on mattress firmness? Let's dig deeper and find out why.

1. Natural Latex: Firmness and Support

Natural latex mattresses are favoured by many consumers for their long-lasting and stable support. The elasticity of natural latex not only provides great support, but also naturally adjusts to the movement of the body. This means it can provide a relatively firm feel without sacrificing comfort.

2. Memory foam: Finding the answer in density

The firmness of memory foam depends largely on its density. Higher density memory foam will be firmer, while lower density will be softer. The beauty of memory foam is that it adjusts to body heat and weight, providing personalised comfort for the sleeper.

3. Air mattresses: customised firmness

The firmness of an air mattress can be adjusted to your personal preference. By adding or subtracting air, you can control the firmness of the mattress to find the level of comfort that works best for you.

4. Why are materials so critical?

Each material has unique properties and responds in its own way. This means that each material offers a different level of support and comfort that meets the needs of different sleepers. Choosing the right mattress material not only improves the quality of sleep, but also provides the body with proper support and prevents various health problems.

5. How to choose the right material for myself?

When choosing a mattress material, we need to consider our body type, sleeping habits and any special needs. For example, someone with back pain may prefer a natural latex mattress that offers more support.

3. Sleeper considerations

How Body Type Affects Mattress Selection

Body type plays an important role in mattress selection. Heavy people sleep with their bodies pressing on the mattress in more areas and with more force, so they tend to need a firmer mattress to provide adequate support. Conversely, lighter people or children can consider slightly softer products when choosing a mattress, which can help provide them with a more comfortable sleeping environment.

Mattress requirements for different sleeping positions

Sleeping position is definitely a key factor in determining mattress selection. For example, side sleepers have areas of their body that press against the mattress centred around their shoulders and hips, which requires the mattress to provide better indentation in these areas to avoid pressure points. Back and stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need the mattress to provide enough support in the lumbar region to prevent the lumbar region from sinking too much and causing back discomfort.

Health considerations for mattress selection

Health conditions, especially joint and spinal health, have a profound effect on mattress selection. For example, people who suffer from herniated discs need special attention when choosing a mattress. They need a mattress that provides adequate support without creating too many pressure points. Similarly, people with arthritis may prefer a softer mattress as this reduces the amount of pressure on the joints.

The importance of personal comfort

Different people have different perceptions of comfort and this is an important dimension in mattress selection. Some people prefer to lie on a firmer mattress, feeling more secure with a straighter back. Others favour a softer mattress and feel they can relax their body better that way. We need to respect each person's comfort perception and when choosing a mattress, make sure we match our choice to our comfort needs.

4. Measurement of mattress firmness

Mattress firmness is usually one of the most important concerns of customers when purchasing a mattress. It has a direct impact on the quality of our sleep, our comfort and our ability to wake up feeling energised the next day.

The industry usually uses a scale of 1 to 10 to measure the firmness of a mattress. So how is this scale defined?

• 1/10 - Extremely Soft:

When we say a mattress has a firmness of 1/10, it means that the mattress is extremely soft. When you lie on it, your body will sink deeply into it. Very few mattresses on the market are manufactured to be this soft because it may not be suitable for most people.

• 2-3/10 - Soft:

The softness of this mattress allows the body to visibly sink into the mattress. This softness may be ideal for side sleepers weighing up to 130 pounds. It provides enough support for the body while still ensuring comfort.

• 4/10 - Medium Soft:

This is a softer surface that has a great fit but sinks in less. This mattress offers a balance between comfort and support.

• 5/10 - Medium:

A 5/10 firmness provides customers with a mattress that has both some fit and firmness, with little to no sinking in. This firmness is often considered the best mattress for most people.

• 6/10 - Medium Firm:

The opposite of medium-firm, this mattress has a lesser fit and a slightly firmer feel. However, it offers a comfortable option for those who prefer a slightly firmer mattress.

• 7-8/10 - Firm:

This firmness mattress has little to no plunge and is best characterised by minimal fit. Typically, sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds prefer this firmness of mattress.

• 9-10/10 - Extremely Firm:

The surface of the mattress is so hard that there is little to no snugness. As with extremely soft mattresses, very few mattresses are manufactured to this firmness.

5. Firmness vs. Support

Firmness versus support, two factors that often come up when choosing a mattress, but many people will mistake them for the same concept. However, there is a big difference between the two and they have different impacts on our sleep experience. Next, I will take you on a deeper dive into the differences and connections between these two concepts.

1. Definition and Impact of Firmness

Firmness usually describes the surface feel of a mattress. The feeling of comfort or hardness that comes into direct contact with your body when you lie on a mattress is what we call the firmness of a mattress. The firmness of a mattress determines whether or not a sleeper will have a comfortable sleep experience.

The impact of firmness on the experience:

When we talk about a hard bed, we are usually referring to the hard feeling that the surface of the mattress gives to the body. This feeling may be ideal for some people who like to feel stability in bed. Conversely, soft beds offer a more enveloping feel for those sleepers who are looking for more comfort.

2. Definition and importance of supportiveness

Supportiveness refers to the stability and balance that a mattress can provide to the body. A highly supportive mattress can effectively support every part of the body and maintain the natural curve of the spine, thus avoiding discomfort between body parts.

The importance of supportiveness to health:

A highly supportive mattress not only provides a comfortable sleeping experience, but also helps relieve pressure on the back and joints. Prolonged use of a poorly supportive mattress may lead to spinal problems or joint pain.

3. Connection and difference between firmness and supportiveness

Although both firmness and support are related to mattress comfort, there are significant differences between them. Firmness primarily affects the sleeper's intuitive feel of the mattress, while supportiveness affects the sleeper's overall sleep health.

Complementary relationship between firmness and support:

A moderately firm mattress may also be very supportive. But similarly, a very firm mattress may not always have optimal support. Therefore, when choosing a mattress, you should consider both firmness and support to find the best combination for you.

In order to enjoy a healthy night's sleep, ensure that you choose a mattress that meets your personal firmness preference as well as offering good support. This will not only provide the best sleep experience, but will also provide long-term health benefits.

6. Recommendations for choosing a mattress

Many people get confused when faced with a wide range of mattress options. Finding the perfect mattress can seem like finding your "Prince Charming" - it takes time and patience. To make sure your choice is both scientific and appropriate, here are a few tips:

1. Know your needs

Everyone's sleeping habits and physical condition are unique. Therefore, before choosing a mattress, you should clarify your needs. Do you favour comfort? Or is support more important? Or do you have a specific medical need, such as suffering from low back pain?

2. Trying it out in the field is key

Pictures and descriptions can never fully convey the true experience of a mattress. That's why I highly recommend that you go to a physical shop and try out a variety of mattresses. By experiencing the mattress in person, you can get a better sense of the firmness, material and comfort level.

3. Consider the material of the mattress

The material of the mattress directly affects its comfort and durability. For example, a memory foam mattress provides personalised support based on body temperature and shape, but it can become too warm in hot weather. Natural latex, on the other hand, breathes better but is usually more expensive.

4. Draw on feedback from other users

While personal needs and feelings are paramount, reviews from other users can also provide you with valuable reference information. By reading their feedback, you can find out how a particular mattress works in the long run, whether it is prone to dents, and other practical issues.

5. Consider budget vs. value

A high price doesn't always mean the best quality. Determine your budget range and look for the best mattress for the money based on that. Remember, a good mattress is an investment, it is about your health and quality of life.

6. Pay attention to brand and after-sales service

Choosing a reputable brand can provide you with more protection. It is also important to check the warranty and return policy of the mattress. At Siluong, we always believe that providing customers with high quality products and perfect after-sales service is our core mission.

7. Care and Maintenance of Firm and Soft Beds

In order to keep the mattress in the best condition and prolong its service life, both hard and soft beds require regular care and maintenance. However, due to their material and structural differences, the maintenance methods are different.

Care and maintenance of hard beds:

Turn over regularly:

We recommend flipping a hard mattress every 3-6 months. Doing so evenly distributes pressure and prevents over-compression and wear and tear on one part, thus extending the life of the mattress.

Keep it clean:

The surface of a hard mattress tends to accumulate dust and mites, so it needs to be vacuumed at least once a month. Of course, using a mattress cover is also a good option, as it prevents stains and dust from getting inside the mattress.

Avoid moisture:

Firm mattresses don't tend to absorb moisture, but they can suffer if they are left in a humid environment for long periods of time. Make sure your bedroom is well ventilated to avoid exposing your mattress to moisture for long periods of time.

Care and maintenance of soft beds:

Flipping is not recommended:

Most soft mattresses are used on one side and therefore do not need to be flipped. However, to maintain its shape, we recommend slightly repositioning the mattress every few months.

Vacuum regularly:

The material of soft mattresses is more likely to attract dust and mites, so they need to be vacuumed more frequently, ideally every fortnight. A mattress cover is also recommended for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Avoid water:

Soft mattresses are highly absorbent, so if they get wet or splashed with liquid, they should be dealt with immediately. Once the inside of the mattress becomes damp, it may lead to mould growth.

Regardless of your final choice, remember that everyone's body, sleeping habits and needs are unique. A hard or soft bed is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Considering your own realities and comfort levels is key when making a decision. If you're looking for the perfect balance of quality, technology and comfort, then you can trust the Suilong brand, specialising in ergonomic research to provide you with scientific sleep solutions. Let's explore together to create a healthier and more comfortable sleep experience for you!

Read More:

https://suilong.org/blogs/blogs/a-full-breakdown-of-bed-frame-options-for-hybrid-mattresses

https://suilong.org/blogs/blogs/full-vs-queen-mattress

https://suilong.org/blogs/blogs/how-to-decide-the-thickness-of-the-spring-mattress-to-buy

https://suilong.org/blogs/blogs/unlocking-the-role-of-bed-slats-support-and-comfort-explained

https://suilong.org/blogs/blogs/queen-vs-full-mattresses

FAQs

Q: What's the primary difference between a firm and a soft mattress?

A: The primary difference lies in the feel and support structure. A firm mattress offers more resistance to the sleeper and has a solid feel, while a soft mattress compresses more easily and offers a plush, cushiony feel.

Q: Is a firm mattress better for back pain?

A: Many orthopedic experts believe that a medium-firm mattress is ideal for supporting the natural curve of the spine. However, individual preferences and needs vary. Those with specific back conditions might find relief with a firmer surface, while others may need a softer touch. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Q: How long does it take to adjust to a new mattress firmness level?

A: Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your body to adjust to a new mattress. Factors like the material of the mattress, the difference in firmness from your previous one, and individual preferences can influence the adjustment period.

Q: Can I make my firm mattress feel softer?

A: Yes, there are several ways to adjust the feel of a mattress. You can add a mattress topper made of memory foam, latex, or feather to provide an additional layer of cushioning. Rotating or flipping the mattress (if it's double-sided) might also change the feel over time.

Q: How do I determine the right firmness level for me?

A: The right firmness often depends on your sleeping position, weight, and personal preference. Side sleepers might prefer softer mattresses to cushion the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers often lean towards medium to firm mattresses for proper spinal alignment. Trying out mattresses in-store and considering sleep trials can be a practical approach to finding the right fit.