15 min read
When you’re choosing a new mattress there’s a range of questions that you’re likely to ask yourself – is it better to have a firm or a soft mattress? Is a soft mattress supportive enough? You may have heard mixed reviews on whether you should sleep on a firm or a soft mattress. The reality is that there’s no one perfect mattress feel for everyone, and personal preference is the most important thing. There are however, some important factors you should consider when deciding what’s best for you.
When you’re choosing a new mattress there’s a range of questions that you’re likely to ask yourself – is it better to have a firm or a soft mattress? Is a soft mattress supportive enough? You may have heard mixed reviews on whether you should sleep on a firm or a soft mattress. The reality is that there’s no one perfect mattress feel for everyone, and personal preference is the most important thing. There are however, some important factors you should consider when deciding what’s best for you.
A firm mattress provides a stable, supportive sleep surface that limits sinking, which can help keep the body well supported through the night. This feel often suits back and stomach sleepers who want steadier spinal positioning, and heavier sleepers who can find softer beds compress too much. Firmer builds commonly use dense foams, latex, or stronger spring systems to spread weight more evenly, while softer mattresses tend to contour more and can feel better for some side sleepers.
• Stomach sleepers: Helps stop the hips from dropping too far, which can reduce lower-back strain.
• Back sleepers: Supports a more neutral posture by holding the pelvis and mid-back up.
• Heavier individuals: Often feel more supportive over time.
• Those with pain: Can help when alignment is the main issue, though many people do best with a balanced feel like medium-firm, especially during pregnancy.
No matter who is going to sleep with you, investing in the right sized mattress is one of the most important factors. Size is a key determiner of the quality of the sleep you’ll have. So don’t rush into picking a certain size mattress because that’s what you’ve always had.
Unsure on which other features you should be researching? Our bed buying guide takes the guesswork out of buying a bed that’s perfect for your unique sleeping style. We’ll guide you through the process of deciding what you need before you go visiting stores to try out your dream mattress.
View our range of mattresses here or take our Sleep Selector Quiz to find the right mattress for you.
Choosing the right bed size for you will ultimately affect your sleep. The sleep experts at Sleepyhead are here to ensure you get the rest you deserve. Get more sleep tips and helpful information on our Sleep Guide. Explore articles below before you buy your bed:
What’s the best mattress size for me?
