Mattress Firmness Guide

Choosing the right mattress firmness is one of the most important decisions you can make for your comfort, sleep quality, and spinal health. However, it can also be one of the most difficult decisions. While mattresses are split into different firmness ratings, it isn’t always clear what those feel like in real terms, or which firmness will give you the right mix of comfort and support.

A mattress that’s too soft can cause your hips and shoulders to sink out of alignment, while one that’s too firm may create pressure points and discomfort. This guide breaks down every firmness level, from soft to extra firm, so you can understand how each one feels, who it’s best for, and how it may help reduce aches and pains.

What is Mattress Firmness?

Firmness describes how soft or firm a mattress feels when sleeping on it. Softer mattresses will have more of a plush and enveloping feel, whereas firm mattresses feel more elevated. To put it another way, softer mattresses will feel like sleeping “in” the mattress, whereas firmer mattresses will feel more like sleeping “on” the mattress.

Mattress firmness is determined by what material a mattress is made from and how it is constructed. While firmness can be split into categories, it is important to note that there can still be individual differences between mattresses. For example, a mattress with more springs in its core will feel softer than one with less springs, even if they are both categorised as medium.

What Firmness Mattress Do I Need?

When considering the firmness of your new mattress, the two most important factors are comfort and support. Softer feeling mattresses are more cushioned and so provide more pressure relief to areas like the hips and shoulders, whereas a firmer mattress will be more supportive, helping to keep your spine aligned.

Finding the “right” mattress is a subjective experience and dependent on your sleeping position and individual support needs. By outlining each firmness level and what type of sleeper they are best suited to, we can help you decide which aligns best with your needs so that you can make an informed purchase.

Soft Mattresses

A soft mattress offers a deep, plush and cushioned feel, which creates the sensation of being “hugged” by the mattress. It provides the most contouring, allowing your body to nestle into the surface and cushioning the shoulders and hips.

Soft mattresses are great for side sleepers as they help reduce pressure build-up. They are not ideal for stomach sleepers, as excessive sinking can pull the spine out of alignment.

Soft to Medium Mattresses

A soft to medium mattress offers a gently hugging feel, without the deep sink-in of a full soft mattress. It provides contouring while still giving some underlying support.

These mattresses are best for side sleepers as they provide pressure relief around the shoulders and hips and help maintain spinal alignment.

Medium Mattresses

One of the most popular choices, a medium mattress offers a good balance between comfort and support and is suitable for most people. Due to this adaptable nature, medium mattresses are perfect for sleepers who change position during the night or couples with different sleeping preferences.

If you find that you’re unsure which firmness will be best for you, then a medium is the safest choice for a restful night’s sleep.

Medium to Firm Mattresses

A medium to firm mattress feels supportive and slightly elevated. It contours lightly without letting the body sink too far in.

These mattresses are better for back and stomach sleepers. The increased firmness prevents your hips from dipping too much and keeps your spine in a neutral position, helping to alleviate mild to moderate low back pain.

Firm Mattresses

A firm mattress provides a strong, stable surface with minimal sink-in. It keeps your body lifted rather than cushioned. This helps prevent spinal sagging and keeps your hips elevated for proper alignment, which can help with back pain.

Firm mattresses are another popular option for back and stomach sleepers, as they offer a robust level of support. They also reduce the “stuck” feeling that a softer mattress can give, so if you prefer sleeping on your mattress rather than in it, a firm mattress may be for you.

Extra Firm Mattresses

An extra firm mattress delivers the most support and the most rigid feel. They are another option for back and stomach sleepers and are perfect for anyone who wants to completely avoid the feeling of sinking into the mattress.

Extra firm mattresses help maintain proper posture overnight by providing strong spinal alignment and preventing excessive curvature in the lower back. If you suffer from bad back problems, then an extra firm mattress may be what you need to rest easily at night.

Mattresses at Linthorpe Beds

While the different firmness levels are more suited to some types of sleepers than others, please remember that this is only general advice. Ultimately, what mattress is best for you will be reliant on individual preferences. If you are still having trouble choosing, visit one of our stores to try out each firmness, or call our sleep experts on 01642 613684.