Hard VS Soft Mattress

Most people own at least one mattress, and sleep is one of the essentials of life.  So how hard or soft should our mattresses be to contribute to a good night’s sleep?

What are the pros and cons of a hard mattress or a firm mattress topper versus a soft mattress?

The Pros of a Hard Mattress

1. Your body stays straighter due to a hard mattress contributing to a neutral spine position.
2. This kind of mattress reduces the pressure on your circulation, and that allows blood to better flow through the body.
3. Your lower back collapses less, which lets you inhale more oxygen while you sleep.
4. The use of body pillows, pillows between the knees, and other props are better supported.
5. Humans can adapt to a hard mattress and eventually find it comfortable.

The Cons of a Hard Mattress

1. If you go from a hard mattress to a soft mattress it can be uncomfortable for several days.
2. If you have lower back problems such as arthritis, rheumatism, scoliosis, etc., a hard mattress may not be a good option studies have shown.
3. Detecting the differences between the firmness of hard mattresses can be tricky. You may find that some are not firm enough.
4. Unfortunately, few sellers advertise mattresses as hard and solid rather than soft and plush. As a result, many people are sleeping on the wrong kind of mattress.
5. Indentations can eventually occur due to body weight.

The Pros of a Soft Mattress

1. Back pain can be reduced, and the elderly can better deal with joint pain and other problems.
2. If you are slim or light, you can sleep on a medium-firm mattress and take advantage of how plush it is without sacrificing spinal support.
3. For those who sleep on their sides, especially in foetal positions, soft mattresses can be ideal.
4. The addition of softness can be achieved through pillow-top systems which allows for a bit of softness on top of a firm primary mattress.
5. While softer mattresses are in use, continued research is being undertaken on ways to support the body with these mattresses.

The Cons of a Soft Mattress

1. The spine can get pushed out of alignment reducing the quality of sleep.
2. Soft mattresses can cost more money.
3. When you have two people in the bed, they may disagree on the level of softness which makes it harder to share the bed.
4. Soft mattresses have a tendency to get softer over time and may result in a mattress that is no longer of use.
5. Soft mattresses often result in below-average buyer satisfaction.