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Do I Need a Soft or Firm Mattress?
When buying a new mattress, this is one of the most common questions people will ask themselves. The firmness of a mattress is a key factor to take into consideration, as it’ll greatly affect how comfortable you’ll be. You want a mattress that will provide adequate support, while relieving pressure points, allowing your body and joints to fully relax. Depending on your body, personal preferences, and budget, the “right” level of firmness will vary from person to person.
Firmness Levels
Most Mattresses will be rated on the following scale:
- 1: Extra Soft
- 2-3: Soft
- 4: Medium Soft
- 5: Medium
- 6: Medium Firm
- 7-8: Firm
- 9-10: Extra Firm
Sleeper Types
The right firmness level for you will largely depend on what position you prefer to sleep in. Your sleep position matters, as it’ll help determine which areas of the body need support. Side sleepers will be looking for more support around the neck and shoulders from proper spinal alignment, whereas back sleepers require low back support. Typically, stomach sleepers will be more comfortable on a firmer mattress, as it provides additional support to their hips and prevents you from sinking. While your sleep position will play a big role in the firmness level you need, it’ll also depend on how much you weight. For example, a side sleeper that weighs 130lbs may be comfortable on a medium soft or medium mattress, while a slide sleeper that weighs more than 230 pounds may need a medium or medium firm mattress.
How Firmness Affects Mattress Performance
Not only will the firmness affect your comfort, but it can also have an impact on how well your mattress will hold up in the long run. Typically, the lower the firmness, the less durable it will be because of premature sagging and indentations. A firmer mattress will usually have a longer lifespan, as they can better withstand the wear and tear. Firmness will also affect how much maintenance the mattress requires, as a lower level will need to be rotated more often. Rotating a softer mattress is key to extending the lifespan, so you’re not wearing out the same spots night after night.
Contact Siesta Sleepworks
Not sure which mattress firmness is right for you? The mattress experts at Siesta Sleepworks are here to help! Stop by our mattress store in Acton MA to try out our selection of Tempurpedic, Serta, iComfort, and Beautyrest mattresses. You can also fill out an online contact form to learn more, or give us a call at 978-264-4448!
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