If your bed is starting to look and feel more like a bouncing pillow at a kid’s adventure playground, you’re probably thinking of replacing your mattress with something firmer. But is a firm mattress the right choice for you? And what are the benefits of sleeping on a firm bed? Firmness isn’t necessarily better when it comes to mattresses – in fact, firmness is really a matter of personal preference. But there are some clear benefits that a firmer mattress can provide. Here we’ll explore the top ten reasons to choose a firm mattress so you can work out if they’re right for you.
What is mattress firmness?
Mattress firmness is a measure of how hard or soft a mattress is. It’s usually expressed on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. A mattress is generally considered firm if it’s a 7 or above on this scale.
What is the difference between soft and firm mattresses?
The main difference between a soft and hard mattress is the amount of support they provide. A firm mattress offers more support to your back and joints, while a softer mattress will contour more to your body’s natural curves.
Firm mattresses promote a neutral spine position which is important for people suffering from back pain. A firmer bed can also be a good choice if you sleep on your stomach, as it will provide more support to your back and prevent you from sinking into the mattress.
If you like to feel “hugged” by your mattress, then softer mattresses might offer you a more restful sleep as they will contour more to your body. This can be especially nice if you have arthritis or joint pain, as a softer mattress will relieve more pressure.
Top Ten Benefits of a Firm Mattress
Far from the feeling of lying on a rock or slab of concrete, firm mattresses provide a soft and comfortable foundation for a great night’s sleep. The ‘firm’ feel relates to the type of support it offers your back and body rather than the level of comfort.
Here are the top ten benefits of firm mattresses
1. Improved back support
One of the main benefits of a firm mattress is that it provides better support for your back. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from back pain, as a softer mattress can worsen your symptoms by not providing enough support for your spine. A firm mattress will help keep your spine in alignment and reduce the pressure on your back. This can help promote better posture during the day too.
2. Reduced joint pain
If you suffer from joint pain, a firm mattress can be a great choice as it will provide more support to your joints and reduce the pressure on them. This can help reduce the amount of pain you experience and improve your quality of sleep.
3. Enhanced circulation
A firm mattress can also help to improve your circulation as it will provide more support to your body and reduce the amount of pressure on your blood vessels. This can help to reduce the risk of varicose veins and other circulation problems.
4. Improved oxygenation
Firm mattresses can also improve oxygenation as they provide more support to your lower back and allow you to breathe more easily. This can be beneficial for people with respiratory problems such as asthma.
5. Reduced risk of bed sores
If you are bed-bound or spend a lot of time in bed, a firm mattress can help to reduce the risk of bed sores. This is because it will provide more support to your body and prevent pressure sores from developing.
6. Improved muscular relaxation
A firm mattress can also help to improve muscular relaxation as it will provide more support to your muscles and allow them to relax more fully. This can help to reduce muscle pain and improve your quality of sleep.
7. Greater spinal alignment
Firm mattresses are also said to provide greater spinal alignment as they provide more support to your back and keep your spine in alignment. This can be beneficial for people who suffer from back pain as it can help to reduce pressure on your spine and improve your symptoms.
8. Reduced tossing and turning
If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, a firm mattress can help to reduce this as it will provide more support to your body and prevent you from sinking into the mattress. This can help you to sleep more soundly and wake up feeling rested.
9. Enhanced durability
Firm mattresses are typically more durable than softer options as they don’t sag as much over time. This means you can enjoy the benefits of a firm mattress for longer before needing to replace it.
10. Greater value for money
Firm mattresses also tend to be better value for money as they last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often. This makes them a great investment for anyone looking for a long-lasting, comfortable mattress and a good night’s sleep.
Time to firm up your decision!
Now that you have your head around mattress firmness and its benefits, it’s time to firm up your decision on which firmness level is right for you.
Firm mattresses are great for helping to manage a wide range of health conditions, are durable and provide value for money and are definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new mattress.
If you need a firm mattress packed with health benefits – we can help! Relegate that old sagging mattress to the guest room; (Uncle Bill won’t mind the occasional night on a glorified beanbag) and get yourself a high-quality, Australian-made firm mattress from award-winning Sleep Firm. Our firm mattress in a box can be quickly and easily shipped to your door for the best night’s sleep you’ve had in ages.
FAQs
Is there much difference between a firm and a medium firm mattress?
A firm mattress is much firmer than a medium firm mattress and is designed to provide extra support for your back and joints. If you suffer from back pain or joint pain, a firm mattress may be a good choice for you as it can help to reduce your symptoms.
A medium firm mattress is slightly softer than a firm mattress and is designed to provide a balance of comfort and support. If you don’t suffer from any specific pain problems, a medium-firm mattress may be a good choice, as it will provide you with a comfortable night’s sleep.
What happens when the bed is too firm?
If your bed is too firm, you may find it uncomfortable to sleep on and wake up feeling achy. A too-firm mattress can also cause joint pain as it doesn’t provide enough support for your joints. If you’re unsure whether your bed is too firm, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Who are firm mattresses good for?
Firm mattresses are recommended to people for a wide variety of health reasons.
Stomach Sleepers: If you sleep on your stomach, you will need a firmer mattress to support your stomach and prevent you from sinking into the mattress. This can also help to reduce the risk of back pain as it will keep your spine in alignment.
Back Sleepers: Back sleepers also need a firm mattress to support their back and spine. A firm mattress can also help to reduce the risk of back pain as it will keep your spine in better alignment than a soft mattress.
Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need a firmer mattress to support their hips and shoulders. Firm support helps those who favour this sleeping position as it reduces the risk of pressure points that cause pain in these areas and improves your quality of sleep.
People with arthritis: People with Arthritis often find that a firm mattress helps to reduce their symptoms as it provides extra support for their joints.
People with chronic pain: If you suffer from chronic pain, a firm mattress can help to reduce your symptoms by providing extra support for your back and spine.
Overweight people: People with a heavier body weight often find that a firm mattress is more comfortable as it provides extra support and prevents them from sinking into it.
Pregnant women: Pregnant women often find a firm mattress more comfortable as it provides extra support for their growing belly.
People with back problems: If you have back problems, a firm mattress may be a good choice for you as it helps keep your spine in a neutral position and alleviate symptoms, promoting better sleep.
People with joint problems: If you have any kind of joint problem, a firm mattress may be a good choice for you as it can help to reduce your symptoms.
If you’re unsure whether firm or soft mattresses are better for you, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.
What types of firm mattresses are available?
Advancements in mattress innovations and technology have created new categories of firm mattresses, each with its own individual benefits.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are designed to contour to your body, providing support and pressure relief. Memory foam mattresses are typically manufactured with layers of different densities of memory foam, with the firmest layer on the bottom.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are often considered to be the firmest type of mattress available. Latex mattresses typically have a firmness rating of 7 or above and are made from either natural or synthetic latex.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are constructed with coils that provide support and bounce. Innerspring mattresses typically have a rating of 5-7 and are often considered the second firmest type after latex mattresses.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of innerspring and foam mattresses. Hybrid mattresses typically have a firmness rating of 5-7 and provide the benefits of both innerspring and foam mattresses.