The right mattress is the foundation to a good night’s sleep.
Therefore, it is very important that you choose the right one for your body. After all, you are going to be spending a third of your life on it.
If you aren’t getting quality sleep on it, your life will be sorely affected. Lack of sleep can lead to all sorts of health issues. It puts you at a great risk for mood changes, memory issues, a weakened immune system, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and poor balance.
Even though choosing the right mattress is such a big decision, many people still make the wrong one.
Oftentimes, where people mess up is when they decide between a firm and soft mattress. Many people don’t really understand the difference, so they just guess as to why one is better for their body.
So, how do you decide?
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of a firm vs soft mattress.
1. What Makes a Good Mattress?
First of all, let’s talk for a bit about what makes a good mattress.
A good mattress is one that supports your spine. The spine has three small curves in it, and all of these curves must be supported when lying.
A good mattress will support the natural curve of your spine, while keeping your head, buttocks, and shoulders aligned.
Basically, the perfect mattress will make you feel as if you are floating. To get this floating effect, one thing you can do is look into buying a custom mattress, like this natural latex mattress.
2. Soft vs Firm: What’s the Difference?
So, now that you know how your body should feel on a mattress, what is the difference between a soft and firm mattress?
In simplest terms, the difference comes down to the way the mattress feels.
A firm mattress has a lot less give to it, and it will be much harder to the touch. A soft mattress, on the other hand, will sink more easily when someone applies pressure to it.
It’s also to note that mattresses aren’t just split into two distinct categories. There is a whole spectrum between the firmest mattress and the softest mattress.
3. Firm Mattress
Pros
- Facilitates a neutral position of the spine, which helps keep your body straight
- Great for those who like other props on the bed, such as body pillows
- Even if you don’t like it right away, the human body can adapt to a hard mattress, and after sleeping on it awhile, you will eventually find it extremely comfortable
- The pressure on your circulation system is reduced, making it easier for blood to flow
- Because you cannot sink, your lower back stays firm, making it much easier to take in oxygen while you are sleeping
Cons
- Not a good option for people with specific lower back problems
- Body weight can cause indentations, reducing effectiveness
- Changing to a hard mattress can be uncomfortable for awhile
4. Soft Mattress
Pros
- Can help aging persons deal with joint pain
- Can reduce back pain for some
- Usually a better option for side sleepers
- Slimmer people will not sacrifice spinal support on a softer mattress
Cons
- Spine can be pushed out of alignment and sleep quality reduced
- Typically more expensive than firmer ones
- Grow softer over time, rendering them ineffective for quality sleep
As you can see, the pros and cons are pretty even. The best thing to do is to test a mattress yourself in the store.
