How to choose mattress firmness: basic rules and complex cases

Who benefits from a firm mattress, and who should sleep on a soft one? When should you choose a medium-firm mattress? And what if you share a bed with two people, but each person needs a different firmness? We explore all the questions related to mattress firmness.

Firmness is the ability of a mattress to maintain its shape under a person's weight. The softer the mattress, the less firm it is, and vice versa.

To avoid pain after sleep, your spine should be in an anatomically correct position. However, if a mattress is too soft or too hard, it will sag downwards or arch upwards.

In this position, muscles tense up to maintain proper alignment. This is why sleeping on a mattress with the wrong firmness can cause back pain.

What determines a mattress's firmness?

It's created by different filling materials. For example, coconut coir or sisal make a mattress firmer, while foam or hollow fiber make it softer. The fillings in both soft and firm mattresses can be the same—the only difference is the number and thickness of the layers.

Firmness can also depend on the type of springs: the thicker the spring, the firmer it is.

Manufacturers typically specify the firmness level of a mattress. There are typically three types: soft, medium, and firm.

A soft mattress puts the least amount of pressure on the body, making it suitable for people with weak spines or lumbar problems. A soft-firm mattress is also recommended for the elderly, as it won't compress soft tissues.

Medium Firmness

This is a universal firmness level—suitable for most adults.

Medium-firm mattresses are also generally suitable for children over two years old and teenagers. This type of mattress will prevent a child's spine from becoming curved.

Firm mattress

Firm mattresses are suitable for newborns, as their bodies require maximum support. Very firm coconut coir mattresses are recommended for infants, as they help their spine develop properly.

In our Furniture store in San Antonio we have all types and size of mattresses, please stop by - Our address is 10203 Kotzebue st. suit 112. by the airport, TX78217, San Antonio