Mattress Firmness Guide

What Is Mattress Firmness?

Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard your mattress is. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to firmness, and these preferences can be based on factors like sleep position, body weight, and body aches. In this guide, we’ll unbox everything you need to know about mattress firmness and how to determine the level of firmness that’s right for you and your new BedInABox® mattress.

Typical Mattress Material Firmness

Memory Foam: With different levels of firmness, memory foam mattresses are known for conforming to the contours of the body. They provide great support and pressure relief, ranging from gentle to medium firm. Depending on the quality, memory foam mattresses can have a very different lifespan; with good maintenance, they can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years.

Latex: There are three different firmness degrees for latex mattresses: soft, medium, and firm. They are sturdy, frequently lasting up to 15 years or longer, and they provide responsive assistance. Due to their reputation for being naturally resilient and comfortable, latex mattresses are a popular option for anyone looking for both lifespan and support.

Innerspring: Depending on the coil gauge and padding utilized, innerspring mattresses often offer a variety of firmness degrees from soft to firm. They offer solid support and excellent ventilation, but they might not last as long as foam mattresses—they usually last between five and seven years.

Hybrid: To provide a combination of comfort and support, hybrid mattresses incorporate innerspring coils with materials like memory foam, latex, or gel. To accommodate a range of tastes, they are available in several firmness variations. Hybrid mattresses combine the comfort of foam or latex layers with long-lasting coils, typically lasting 6 to 8 years.

Different sleep demands and preferences are catered to by the distinct advantages that each type of mattress material offers in terms of firmness and durability.

Levels of Mattress Firmness

If you are able to test BedInABox® mattresses in person before purchasing, that can be a great way to determine your preferred level of mattress firmness. Another way to determine which mattress firmness is right for you is to look at a mattress firmness scale. While the feel of mattress firmness remains subjective, firmness charts are a readily available resource used by mattress companies across the board. The mattress firmness scale ranges from extra soft to extra firm:

Extra Soft

Pros: Offers a soft, sinking sensation perfect for light people.
Can relieve some sleepers' pressure areas.

Cons: Not enough support, which could cause pain or aches in the body.
Not extensively accessible because of low demand.

Soft

Pros: Because it relieves pressure spots like the shoulders and hips, it's great for side sleepers.
Provides a sumptuous, sinking sensation without compromising stability.

Cons: For heavier people, it might not offer enough support.
This could lead to heat retention.

Medium Soft

Pros: Provides a good mix of support and softness, making it appropriate for a range of sleeping positions.
Relieves pressure while preserving the posture of the spine.

Cons: For people who require more support, it can still be too soft.
Can differ in feel based on the design of the mattress.

Medium Firm

Pros: Suitable for most people, independent of sleeping position.
Offers some comforting contouring along with sufficient support.

Cons: For side sleepers with sensitive pressure points, there might not be enough padding.
Requires considering each person's preferred level of stiffness.

Firm

Pros: Prevents sinking and maintains spine alignment, making it perfect for stomach sleepers.
Provides steady assistance all through the evening.

Cons: Some sleepers may find it overly firm or uncomfortable.
Harder on pressure points than softer alternatives.

Extra Firm

Pros: Offers the most support possible; perfect for people who have back problems or who want more of a firm feel.
Keeps the spine in the appropriate position and keeps one from sinking.

Cons: Limited supply because of little demand.
Can be too harsh and painful for a lot of people who sleep.

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What Is the Difference Between Firmness and Support?

Many consumers believe that mattress firmness and support are the same, but this is a common misunderstanding. Firmness refers to the feel of the mattress—is it hard or soft? Do you sink into it or not? On the other hand, support refers to how well the mattress keeps your hips, shoulders, and spine aligned during the night. In fact, a soft mattress can have the same level of support as a firmer one, but this correlates to the construction of the mattress and the materials used, such as memory foam or innersprings.

In the case of our BedInABox® mattresses, our CoolRestÒ Gel Memory Foam comfort layer tops four of our mattresses to provide proper support and comfort for people with many different sleep preferences. No matter the firmness of the mattress, this technology keeps your hips, shoulders, and spine aligned to avoid issues like body aches or insomnia. However, it is important to keep both firmness and support in mind when you are mattress shopping.

What Is the Right Firmness for You?

There are many factors to consider when determining the right level of firmness for your mattress:

Sleep Position

Do you sleep on your back, stomach, or side? Your sleep position affects what level of mattress firmness feels comfortable to you.

• Back sleeper - Back sleepers may prefer medium firm to firm mattresses, but any mattress firmness is suitable for back sleepers being that their weight is evenly distributed.
• Stomach sleeper – Firmer mattresses are often the most comfortable for stomach sleepers. Memory foam mattresses with higher levels of firmness better align the hips and spine for stomach sleepers.
• Side sleeper - Side sleepers, on the other hand, often benefit from a softer mattress. Anywhere from soft to medium firm generally works well if you sleep on your side or often change positions during the night because these mattresses can help eliminate body pain by offering a little more give on those pressure points.

Body Weight

Did you know that your body weight affects how you experience different mattresses? The more you weigh, the firmer you probably want your mattress. If you weigh less, you may notice that firm mattresses tend to feel too firm. Conversely, if you weigh more, soft mattresses may simply sink too much.

Body Aches

Another factor to consider is if you suffer from any type of body pain. Whether your pain is caused by a preexisting condition or by your mattress itself, you should consider whether you could benefit from a new mattress with a different firmness level. Specifically, most people complain of shoulder, hip, or back pain due to their mattress.

• Shoulder Pain - If you experience shoulder pain, especially if you sleep on your side, a soft to medium firm mattress can help alleviate that pain. Soft and medium firm mattresses have more give than firmer mattresses, and they better provide more pressure relief for those pressure points.
• Hip Pain - If your spine is not properly supported, it can fall out of alignment, leading to hip pain. Mattresses that are too soft can contribute to hip pain because your hips may sink too deeply into the plush layers of the mattress.
• Back Pain - Back pain is a common problem for all sleep positions, and it is often due to the mattress being too soft. In these cases, a medium firm to firm mattress is most likely to relieve your pain and lead to better quality sleep.

Consider Your Sleep Partner

If you sleep with a partner, it is important to consider both of your sleep needs to ensure that you are equally comfortable. While a medium firm mattress is a good middle ground, take the time to discuss your sleep preferences with your partner so you can choose a mattress firmness that works well for both of you.

Find your Perfect Mattress with BedInABox

No matter your sleep preferences, finding the right mattress has never been easier. BedInABox® offers seven memory foam mattresse, all of which offer different levels of firmness and mattress constructions to meet every sleep need. Our CoolRestÒ Gel Memory Foam and other technologies get you the support you need without sacrificing comfort. If you have questions about our mattresses or which mattress is best for you, our sleep experts are here to help! Contact us today to start sleeping with BedInABox®.