Firm Vs Soft Mattresses Pros And Cons
A good mattress is the foundation of a good nights sleep, so choosing which one is right for you really is a big decision. You spend a third of your life on it, and unsatisfactory sleep affects the rest of your life, too. Getting good quality, restful sleep is essential to general health and wellbeing.
The variety of mattress options on the market is enormous, making the final decision trickier than ever. And one of the biggest decisions in terms of mattress buying is the choice between purchasing a firm vs soft mattress. There are pros and cons for either, and really the choice is extremely personal. Here are some tips to help with your decision.
Does My Pillow Matter
While a better mattress certainly can help with back pain and proper spinal alignment, it isnt the only factor. When paired with the proper pillow, the duo could help reduce back pain and contribute to a healthier sleep experience by properly elevating the neck and shoulders for better support.
Read More:Our Best Pillows Guide
Firm Vs Soft Mattress
The mattress you rest on each night plays an important role in the quality of your sleep. If you frequently wake up in the middle of the night with sore
The mattress you rest on each night plays an important role in the quality of your sleep. If you frequently wake up in the middle of the night with sore muscles or feel unrested throughout the day, your bed may not be supporting you correctly. Based on your body type and preferred sleep position, you need a certain mattress firmness so your muscles can fully relax. When you are resting in a healthy, tension-free position, youre more likely to sleep soundly and wake feeling refreshed.
Whether you are a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper, there is a mattress designed for your specific needs. Throughout this article, we will help you determine the level of comfort that is right for you, whether it be firm or soft.
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What Women With Back Pain Should Consider When Looking For A Mattress:
Firmness. Though you’ll definitely want something that’s more firm than soft, exactly how firm should be determined by your body weight, says Carleara Weiss, PhD, and a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “For example, medium firmness seems ideal for people weighing approximately 130 pounds and satisfactory for back and side sleepers under 230 pounds.” The higher your body weight, the more firm you may need your mattress to be, thought it really depends on the individual, as sleep preferences differ from person to person .
Where you experience back pain also impacts what kinds of firmness you should look for. “The general concept when thinking about buying a mattress is that low back pain can be alleviated with a mattress that is on the firmer end of the spectrum rather than softer or squishier,” Dr. Hanke explains. If you don’t wake up with low back pain and you like a softer experience, you can prob get away with a less-firm mattress.
Stomach sleepers put pressure on their neck, in addition to the lumbar area, so they may prefer a firm mattress since it’s ideal for spine support and helps alleviate neck tension .
For side sleepers, Weiss also recommends a medium-firm mattress. “Shoulders and hips are pressure points for side sleepers. A medium-firm mattress would be ideal for this sleep position while still flexible to the body curvature.”
Warranty: Forever
Price: $1,199 for a queen
Best Mattresses For Back Pain: 16 Options For Optimal Evening Comfort
The ideal mattress is different for everyone but if youre suffering from back pain and cant get a restful night of sleep it might be time to change your mattress. The best mattress for someone with back pain is generally one that offers better lumbar support and is able to support body curvature. When it comes to getting better sleep it isnt just about the hours of sleep, its also about knowing what the best mattress for back pain is based on your specific sleeping position. You can get all the sleep you need but if it isnt restful sleep or you wake up with back pain, then you just dont feel rested, and that can catch up to you in many ways.
When you arent getting the proper sleep, your health can be affected. You can be looking at chronic sleep deprivation, which includes high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, lower sex drive, and many more health-related issues. Choosing the right mattress means proper sleep hygiene and pressure point relief that addresses back pain issues. And now most of the mattresses will ship right to your door thanks to the popular mattress in a box concept.
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A Buoyant Mattress That Contours Your Body And Sleeps Cool
Nolah Sleep
Cyber Monday mattress sale: Get up to $700 off mattresses, plus two free pillows with your purchase.
- Materials: Organic cotton, wool and Talalay latex
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Trial period: 120 nights
The Nolah Natural 11-Inch Mattress is a layered hybrid mattress that utilizes Talalay latexone of the most premium mattress materials you can findto provide targeted pressure relief. Theres one 2-inch latex comfort layer that conforms to your joints and pressure points, and another inch of higher density latex that supports your body weight so you dont sink into the mattress, which is a common reason for back pain.
The latex is reinforced by a zoned coil base that allows some give where you need it, but extra support where you dont. These layers are sandwiched between organic wool and cotton that offer breathability and natural temperature regulation, a bonus for hot sleepers .
Firm Vs Soft Mattress: Which Is Best For You
Lets face it, mattress shopping can be an overwhelming affair. There are hundreds of mattresses to choose from online, and they come in all different types and sizes. Plus, buying a mattress is a big investment, so its a decision you want to make carefully.
There is one question that every mattress shopper should ask themselves: Do I want a firm or soft mattress?This is a great place to start because the mattress firmness will really affect how comfortable or supported you feel on a mattress. Yes, a big part if it comes down to personal preference, but there are some more objective benefits and drawbacks to both firm and soft mattresses.
We have put together this firm vs soft mattress guide to help all those confused mattress shoppers decide which is best for you. Watch our video below or read on to compare them!
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Is Your New Memory Foam Mattress Causing Back Pain
If you buy an extra firm or extra soft memory foam mattress, it may cause your body aches, joint pain, and back pain. The medium-firm memory foam mattresses are fit for all sleeping styles and provide optimum back support. Most people buy too soft memory foam mattresses for more comfort but it may cause them lower back pain after sleeping a few days on it. I recommend you use a medium-range memory foam mattress that has a thick supportive foam layer. Some people ask that memory foam mattress hurts my back I think they should choose the correct mattress and maintain the right sleeping posture.
How Much Firmness You Like
The firmness of a mattress does not always reflect its overall level of support. This means you shouldnt count on the firmest mattress being the most supportive, but it also means you can still get the support you need from a softer mattress.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your personal preference. If you like a plush-feeling mattress but require spinal support, soft and pillow-top mattresses offer the best of both. You can also choose a firmer mattress with your ideal level of support and then add a thin or thick plush mattress cover on top.
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What Are The Memory Foam Mattress Problems And Solutions
The memory foam mattress is highly comfortable than other types of mattresses in the market but it may cause few problems due to the wrong choice while buying it. Most people do wrong in the following points such as wrong firmness, lack of support, cool or hot foam. The medium to firm range memory foam mattresses are good for all sleeping styles. The high-density support foam mattresses are great for better back support. The gel foam mattresses are good for cool.
Are Firm Mattresses Good For Bad Backs
One statement that seems to haunt us is my chiropractor told me to look for an orthopaedic or firm mattress to help my bad back. We have investigated this to find out why certain Chiropractors recommend firm beds. The response has been that firmness is thought to help support the body.
This is where the confusion starts firmness and support are two different things when choosing a mattress.
Firmer mattresses are not necessarily better for a bad back.
The British Sleep Council has also confirmed this being quoted as saying Any reference to beds being orthopaedic or similar medical-sounding terms does not automatically mean that the bed has been professionally assessed or recommended it is a term loosely used by manufacturers to refer to extra firm models in their range.
This leads us to to the most important thing you need to know when choosing a mattress for a bad back. Spring tension.
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Support Crucial For Good Posture And Preventing Pain
The quality of support that the lower layers of your mattress are able to provide is critical in helping to prevent back pain because whilst the firmness of the mattress influences the surface tension and thus the level of pressure relief and the support to some extent its the thicker support core thats primarily responsible for holding your body weight and maintaining ideal posture.
Heres a breakdown of the different types of support cores that youll typically encounter and what they can mean for your back pain:
Spring Support
Mattresses with a spring core have excellent potential for supporting your body weight to guard against back pain especially for heavier weighted sleepers if you opt for individually wrapped pocket coils with a firmer coil gauge of less than 13 .
Foam Support
Mattresses with a foam support core are typically better suited to lighter weighted sleepers because heavier weighted sleepers may sink too far into the materials and end up with back pain although this may not be the case in firmer mattresses.
Zoned Support
Mattresses with zoned support can be very beneficial for all sleeper types with back pain because the support is more concentrated around the hip and lower back regions whilst the shoulder area has more give to reduce the pressure points.
Why Are Orthopaedic Mattresses Unsuitable For Most People
They are unsuitable because unless youre weighing in at the 18 stone plus bracket, the springs will have zero function. They will struggle to compress or offer any give to most sleepers. Its the equivalent of sleeping on a table for most. You will effectively be making your back conform to the mattress rather than the mattress conforming to your most comfortable natural spine position.
Unless you really like an extra firm sleeping surface with no give then we advise avoiding Orthopaedic mattresses if you have a bad back.
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Why We Get Back Problems
About 80% of sleepers are likely to come across some type of lower back pain throughout their lifetime. Of course, it goes without saying that not everyone is actually affected in the same way by these issues.
However, this doesnt mean that you should stay uninformed about them. Some have the potential to get worse over time.
There are two types of back pain that are commonly observed: Acute pain that lasts for less than about six weeks and chronic pain which is less frequent but longer lasting. This is according to the reputable Mayo Clinic. The breakdown is followed by serious research and studies carried over periods of time and a lot of back pain sufferers.
With this in mind, there are also different causes for back pain . Here are a few common ones and some tips on how to prevent them.
Can Your Mattress Cause Back Pain
Because you spend so much of your life in bed , a mattress can absolutely cause back pain: It plays a key role in supporting your body’s posture for a large portion of the day.
If your bed is old and worn out, meaning it’s lived long past its 10-year lifespan, then it’s no longer able to provide the support you need for proper spine alignment. An old mattress can cause sagging and your hips to dip into the bed, knocking your spine out of alignment.
Also, if your mattress is too soft, the same issue outlined above can happen. It’s crucial that your bed provides lasting support so that your spine and joints can relax in a healthy, neutral posture without added strain. If you wake up in the morning and immediately notice discomfort in your back or a new ache, it may be a sign that your mattress is contributing to your back pain.
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How Back Pain Affects Sleep
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Back pain is a widespread problem that affects an estimated 80% of adults at one time or another. It can make all types of daily activities difficult including walking, working, sitting, and lifting even lightweight items. Unfortunately, back pain complicates sleep as well, making it hard to find a comfortable position to fall asleep and keep sleeping soundly through the night.
Research studies have found that over half of people with lower back pain report sleeping problems. These negative impacts on sleep arise in people who have both sudden and short-term back pain and those who have long-term, persistent back pain.
People with pain tend to have fragmented sleep that occurs from waking up during the night. Upon waking up, getting back to sleep can be difficult because of ongoing aches and discomfort. Pain can also contribute to stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which can be detrimental to quality sleep.
Back pain sufferers can take a number of steps to try to feel and sleep better. Getting medical help for serious back problems may help reduce pain. Treatments depend on the cause and nature of a persons symptoms and can range from surgery to physical therapy to pain-relieving medications.
Your Spine While You Sleep
One of the main functions of the spinal cord is to maintain balance so we can walk upright and our motor controls can function properly. If youve ever heard someone say its a miracle that humans can walk upright, its not so far from the truth. However, it takes a lot of subconscious effort, and the spinal curve is essential for it all to work.
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How Does Mattress Design Affect Back Pain
Mattress design can affect back pain both positively and negatively depending on how the mattress materials interact with your body type, body weight, and dominant sleeping position.
Below is a breakdown of how the materials, support, and layer design can affect your back pain and your potential comfort levels:
What Else Can I Do For Back Pain
Changing your mattress will most likely do wonders for your back pain, if that was the cause. You can also implement a short stretching routine into your day. Aim to do a few stretches before you go to bed and after you wake up to help with spine flexibility. Also, it is important to learn how to sleep in the best position possible. Many experts recommend sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs to support the hips and lower back. Certain pillows can also help promote less neck and back pain while you sleep.
For sweeter dreams and less back pain in the morning, consider getting a new mattress. Your sleep is essential, so make sure you are getting a mattress that will improve your sleep, not make it worse. When mattress shopping, bring your own pillow and spend a good ten to fifteen minutes on each mattress. It may seem silly, but it is the best way to ensure you get the right mattress for you.
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Suitable For Lightweight Sleepers
Whether resting on their side, back, or stomach, lighter individuals , will naturally experience very little sinking. If these individuals sleep on a firm mattress, tension can build-up near the pressure pointscreating pain and stiffness. Lightweight sleepers need a soft bed that will quickly respond to their body weight for adequate contouring.
What Makes A Suitable Mattress
Aside from personal preference, a main factor when choosing a suitable mattress is your spine health. The spine naturally has three slight curves, and they need to be supported even when youre horizontal.
A good mattress will hold your body in a neutral position. This means your spine will be held in its natural slight curve, and your head, shoulders, buttocks and heels are aligned. On a perfect mattress, you should feel no pressure at all, almost as if youre floating. Over time, the right mattress can relax muscles, encourage better sleep, and even improve posture. The wrong mattress could leave you waking up with back pain, particularly around the base of your spine, and can interfere with healthy sleep more generally.
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