(Newswire.net — May 29, 2018) — While the variety available in mattresses is enormous in terms of materials, thickness and technologies, one of the very first decisions you need to take is regarding its level of firmness; both soft and hard mattresses have their own pros and cons, and the final choice is invariably very personal. Here are some useful tips for deciding on how hard or soft your mattress should be.
Characteristics of a Good Mattress
The most important function of the mattress is to ensure proper support and alignment to the spine and its curves. A good mattress will ensure that it holds the body in a completely neutral position with the head, shoulders, buttocks and heels in perfect alignment. With the right degree of support, there should be no pressure points on the body and you will get better sleep because of the ability of the muscles to relax completely.
Pros and Cons of Hard Mattresses
A firm mattress supports the body better and will be more comfortable for those who do not experience any backaches. Due to the firmness, the body’s weight is supported more by the bones giving relief to the muscles, arteries and veins, leading to better blood circulation and allowing to body to relax better. Since the lower back is prevented from collapsing, you are able to breathe better and no undue pressure points are created on the body due to the mattress sagging. Firm mattresses are ideal for both back and stomach sleepers and can be helpful in reducing the incidence of advanced sleep phase syndrome.
People sleeping on firm mattresses may find it uncomfortable initially if they have switched from a soft mattress, however, they get used to it in some time. Firm mattresses are, however, not recommended for people suffering from back pain, arthritis and scoliosis as the pain may actually get exacerbated.
Pros and Cons of Soft Mattresses
Soft mattresses are better for those suffering from back pain and ailments of the bones and joints and also advisable for those with a relatively light body weight. Since soft mattresses give better cushioning to the shoulders and hips, they suit side sleepers better. On the other hand, soft mattresses do not deliver a good sleep quality to people who are on the heavier side and who sleep on their backs or stomachs. Soft mattresses may be problematic if you sleep with a partner as the surface could become unbalanced when the body weights are different. Also, soft mattresses tend to have a shorter life than hard ones due to the nature of their construction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice of the firmness of the mattress is a personal one based on your perception of comfort. Other issues to be considered are your body weight, the number of people on the mattress, your sleeping position and whether you suffer from back and joint pain. To make a proper choice, you should test out mattresses of varying firmness and decide on the one that feels best. Visit a reputed seller near your locality or search online to find the ideal mattress for you.