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
- Your body stays straighter due to a hard mattress contributing to a neutral spine position.
- This kind of mattress reduces the pressure on your circulation, and that allows blood to better flow through the body.
- Your lower back collapses less, which lets you inhale more oxygen while you sleep.
- The use of body pillows, pillows between the knees, and other props are better supported.
- Humans can adapt to a hard mattress and eventually find it comfortable.
The Cons of a Hard Mattress
- If you go from a hard mattress to a soft mattress it can be uncomfortable for several days.
- If you have lower back problems such as arthritis, rheumatism, scoliosis, etc., a hard mattress may not be a good option studies have shown.
- Detecting the differences between the firmness of hard mattresses can be tricky. You may find that some are not firm enough.
- 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.
- Indentations can eventually occur due to body weight.
The Pros of a Soft Mattress
- Back pain can be reduced, and the elderly can better deal with joint pain and other problems.
- 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.
- For those who sleep on their sides, especially in foetal positions, soft mattresses can be ideal.
- 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.
- 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
- The spine can get pushed out of alignment reducing the quality of sleep.
- Soft mattresses can cost more money.
- When you have two people in the bed, they may disagree on the level of softness which makes it harder to share the bed.
- Soft mattresses have a tendency to get softer over time and may result in a mattress that is no longer of use.
- Soft mattresses often result in below-average buyer satisfaction.