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5 signs you need a firm mattress instead of a medium-firm bed!

2024-07-30

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Medium-firm mattresses are often praised as the best choice for all sleepers. However, while they offer a good balance of support and comfort, they may not be right for everyone.

We know that the best mattress for you depends on your unique sleeping habits. For example, factors like your body shape and sleeping position play a big role in determining what firmness you should choose. If you choose the wrong mattress, too soft, you may wake up in the morning with a variety of discomforts, from lower back pain to joint pain.

If you experience any discomfort or have trouble sleeping, it may be time to ditch the medium-firm mattress and opt for a firm mattress. Here are 5 signs that can help you determine if you need a firm mattress instead of a medium-firm one.

What is a firm mattress?

The firmness of a mattress is usually expressed as a number from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. On this scale, the best firm mattress is considered to be one that is above a firmness of 7 or 8. This rating is based on how much the mattress sinks when you sit or lie on it.

A firm mattress offers little to no sinkage and strong support, so you feel like you are lying on the mattress rather than sinking into it, unlike a soft or even medium-firm mattress.

Firm mattresses are great for back and stomach sleepers who need a little extra support while keeping their spine properly aligned. When you sleep, your spine doesn't align with the rest of your body and it forms an unnatural curve. This is a common cause of back pain because it increases pressure on the muscles and nerves.

Firm mattresses tend to distribute body weight more evenly, which reduces stress on joints and promotes better circulation. Heavier sleepers may also find firmer mattresses better because they prevent excessive sinking, which can not only add extra stress to joints but also make movement difficult.

Firmness and comfort are subjective, and everyone has different needs when it comes to finding their ideal mattress firmness level. While a firm mattress isn’t for everyone, for some, it can be the perfect solution to their sleeping problems. Here are 5 signs that you need a firm mattress instead of a medium-firm one.

1. You’re a belly sleeper

Stomach sleepers need a lot of extra support to keep their spine aligned properly. If you sleep on your stomach and your mattress is too soft, your hips and shoulders will sit lower than your spine. This can cause an unnatural arch, which can cause back pain and discomfort.

A firmer bed surface helps keep these joints level and relieves pressure. People who sleep on their stomachs may find that their breathing is affected when they sleep on their stomachs. This is because the chest area sinks into the mattress so deeply that the head is forced to turn to the side to get air. A firmer mattress can help keep your airway open because your chest doesn't sink into the mattress and you can breathe more easily.

2. You have back pain

Don’t assume that because you have back pain, a firm mattress is automatically the right choice for you. The best mattress for back pain relief is usually a medium-firm option because you get the best combination of comfort and support.

However, if you wake up with back pain, it could be a sign that your current medium-firm mattress isn't giving you the support you need. Those with issues like lower back pain or sciatica may find better results on a firmer bed surface, as it will provide extra support in the lumbar area, taking pressure off the sciatic nerve and relieving pain.

3. You are overweight and sleep on your back

What one person finds comfortable, another may find unbearable, but if you're a heavier back sleeper, you may find a firm mattress works for you. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, you may sink too deep into a medium-firm mattress, which can add extra pressure to your lower back and hips.

A firm mattress will prevent this excessive sagging and may feel more like a medium-firm mattress. A firmer mattress can also help reduce pressure points on your hips, shoulders, and lower back by distributing your weight more evenly. Additionally, by choosing the right mattress tension for your weight, you may find that your mattress is more durable and less likely to sag. This means a longer-lasting investment that will provide continued support over the life of the mattress. If you need more support, check out our guide to the best mattresses for heavy people.

Sleeping hot can be exhausting. Not only does it mean waking up in the morning sweaty and uncomfortable, it can also lead to hours of tossing and turning and disrupted sleep. While the best cooling mattress or best cooling mattress topper can help lower your body temperature, sleeping on a firm mattress can also help. This is because a firm mattress sinks less, meaning more air can circulate around your body.

5. Prefer a more responsive sleeping surface

A firm mattress is a good choice if you toss and turn a lot at night or have a variety of sleeping positions. Because a firm mattress doesn't have as much bounce as a softer mattress, and doesn't conform to your body as well, it won't sink in. This allows the mattress to react to your movements more quickly, allowing you to move freely without feeling stuck. Firm mattresses also typically have a stronger support core, whether it's made of springs or high-density foam. This durable foundation prevents the mattress from sinking or sagging.