Do We Need a Firm or Soft Mattress?

Choosing between a firm or soft mattress is a significant decision that can impact your sleep quality and overall comfort. The right firmness level depends on various factors, including your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preferences.

Understanding Firm and Soft Mattresses 

Firm Mattresses: A firm mattress provides a rigid surface with minimal sinkage. It typically scores between 7 to 9 on a firmness scale of 1 to 10. Firm mattresses are designed to support the body evenly, preventing excessive sinking, which can help maintain proper spinal alignment. They are often recommended for back and stomach sleepers, as they provide the necessary support to keep the spine aligned. 

Soft Mattresses: In contrast, soft mattresses allow for more sinkage and contouring, scoring between 1 to 4 on the firmness scale. These mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they cushion the shoulders and hips, helping to alleviate pressure points and promote spinal alignment. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Mattress Firmness 

Sleeping Position: 

Back Sleepers: Generally, benefit from firm mattresses that provide support and keep the spine aligned. 

Side Sleepers: Often prefer softer mattresses that allow for better pressure relief on the shoulders and hips. 

Stomach Sleepers: Should opt for firmer mattresses to prevent the hips from sinking too deeply, which can lead to back pain. 

Body Weight: 

Heavier individuals (over 230 pounds) typically require firmer mattresses for adequate support. 

Lighter individuals may find soft mattresses more comfortable as they provide enough sinkage without compromising support. 

Personal Preference: Ultimately, comfort is subjective. You should choose a mattress that feels comfortable to you, as individual preferences vary widely. 

Data on Mattress Firmness

Pressure Relief: Soft mattresses excel at pressure relief, making them suitable for side sleepers who need cushioning at key points. Conversely, firm mattresses distribute body weight evenly, which can improve circulation and reduce muscle strain. 

Durability: Firm mattresses generally last longer than soft ones. Research indicates that softer mattresses may need replacing every 5-7 years, while firmer options can last up to 10 years or more without significant sagging. 

Temperature Regulation: Firm mattresses tend to sleep cooler than soft ones because they allow more air circulation around the body. This is particularly beneficial for hot sleepers who may feel uncomfortable on plush surfaces that trap heat. 

How to Firmness Measured?

Mattress firmness is measured using a scale that typically ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. This scale helps you understand how supportive or soft the mattress feels when you lie on it. Mattress firmness is determined by the materials used and the pressure applied to the surface.

Procedure for Measuring Mattress Firmness:

Indentation Load Deflection (ILD): The firmness of foam is scientifically measured using ILD. This test calculates how much pressure (in pounds) is required to compress the foam by 25%. For example, a foam layer with an ILD rating of 15 is much softer than a foam with an ILD rating of 40. Lower ILD values represent softer mattresses, while higher ILD values indicate firmer ones. 

Coil Gauge: For innerspring mattresses, firmness is affected by the coil gauge (thickness). Lower gauge numbers (12-13 gauge) mean thicker, firmer coils, while higher gauge numbers (14-15) represent softer coils. The ideal firmness for you depends on your sleep position, body weight, and personal comfort preferences. 

Feel Scale (1-10): Many mattress brands use a "feel" scale from 1 to 10 to make it easier for you to choose the right firmness. For example, a mattress rated at 3-4 is considered soft, ideal for side sleepers, while a mattress rated at 7-8 is firmer, providing more support for back and stomach sleepers. 

Firmness Measurement Table