Firm vs. Medium Mattress: All the Pros and Cons
- Choosing between firm and medium mattresses involves weighing factors like weight distribution, spinal alignment, and pressure point relief to ensure a suitable match for individual sleep preferences and needs.
- Firm mattresses offer stability, making them beneficial for specific needs like stomach sleeping, but they may be uncomfortable for side sleepers and potentially worsen conditions like scoliosis. Research suggests medium-firm mattresses are often more suitable for chronic back pain.
- Medium mattresses strike a balance between support and comfort, catering to a wide range of sleepers, including side and combination sleepers, making them a popular choice for couples and guest rooms. However, they may not be ideal for stomach sleepers or those with higher body weights requiring more resistance for neutral spinal alignment.
Besides providing you a place where you feel comfortable enough to sleep, your mattress has to do a couple of things. First, it has to evenly distribute your weight to prevent one part of your body from bearing the brunt of the pressure.
Second, it needs to provide enough support to keep your spine in a neutral position. Keep in mind, support doesn’t equal a firm bed. Support just means the bed cradles the right parts of your body while holding up others, keeping your spine aligned. Different firmness levels can offer ideal support depending on your sleep style.
Your mattress also has to cushion pressure points to protect you from pain. If you lie on a mattress that’s too firm for your sleep style, you’re going to wake up with pain in the high-pressure areas of your body (for example, the shoulder and hip for side sleepers).
Below, we lay out the pros and cons of firm and medium mattress choices and how to pick the best mattress for your needs. Soft mattresses will be left for a future article focusing on softer mattress choices.
Understanding Mattress Firmness Levels
Before discussing mattress firmness, it’s important to clarify a key distinction: While firmness and support are related, they are not the same thing.
- Support refers to how well a mattress maintains body and spine alignment while easing pressure points.
- Firmness is about comfort, describing how the mattress feels when you lie down on it.
It’s possible for a firm mattress to be comfortable, just as a soft mattress can still provide excellent support. The right choice depends on your personal preferences, sleeping position, and body type. People fall into the following body weight categories:
- Lighter-weight sleepers weigh under 130 pounds.
- Average-weight sleepers weigh between 130-230 pounds.
- Heavier-weight sleepers weigh over 230 pounds.
Note that these categories are based on weight alone, not weight in proportion to height. They help determine whether you’re a lighter-, average-, or heavier-weight sleeper when it comes to mattress selection.
Mattress firmness is typically rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. While this scale can provide helpful guidance, it’s not a one-size-fits-all measure of comfort or support. Firmness ratings can vary depending on the brand and type of mattress (e.g., innerspring, foam, hybrid).
Here’s a general overview of where mattresses fall on the firmness scale:
1-2: Extremely soft (rarely available)
3-4: Soft
5-6: Medium (most common)
7-8: Firm
9-10: Extra firm (rarely available)
It’s uncommon to find mattresses rated below a 3 or above an 8 on the firmness scale.
Another thing to keep in mind is that comfort is subjective. What feels perfectly supportive and cozy to one person might feel overly firm or too soft to someone else.
Fortunately, with some guidance, you can find the right comfort level for your needs, regardless of the numbers on the firmness scale.
Medium vs. Firm Mattress: How to Measure Firmness
When shopping for mattresses, the softest options are often labeled as “plush.” If you see the word “plush” in a mattress description, it indicates that the mattress is on the softer side.
Medium, medium-firm, and firm mattresses are usually named according to their specific firmness level. You might also come across terms like “supportive” or “most supportive,” which often refer to mattresses that lean toward the firm or extra-firm side of the scale. These mattresses aim to combine comfort and support to suit a wide range of sleepers.
So, what do these terms mean in practical terms? One way to differentiate mattress firmness is by considering how much you sink into the mattress when you lie down.
With a softer mattress, your body tends to sink into the surface. In contrast, a firmer mattress gives you the sensation of lying on top of the bed rather than sinking into it.
How Does a Medium Mattress Feel?
A medium mattress provides a balance of body-cradling softness and solid support. While it yields to your body with a gentle give, it also maintains enough responsiveness to spring back when pressure is applied or when you shift positions.
This balance makes it a versatile option for many sleepers, providing both comfort and support without excessive softness.
How Does a Firm Mattress Feel?
For most sleepers, a firm mattress gives the distinct sensation of lying on top of the surface rather than settling into it.
This level of firmness can make it easier to move around on the mattress without feeling “stuck,” which is especially beneficial for heavier-weight sleepers who need more stability and freedom of movement. The overall feel is more structured, offering solid support throughout the night.
Firm Mattresses
Firm mattresses have little give and a lot of stability. Most people think these beds are uncomfortable, but they might help you rest better if you need extra firmness—like if you’re heavier or a stomach sleeper. Firmer beds can help you maintain good posture by keeping you lifted in a neutral position, preventing painful sinkage and misalignment.
Speaking of misalignment, it used to be a common assumption that firm mattresses were comfortable for chronic back pain sufferers. But research now shows the best mattresses for back pain are medium-firm, as they provide more cushioning for pressure points while still offering enough support to keep the lower back from sinking in the bed.
On the flip side, firm mattresses do have some drawbacks. Side sleepers often find firm mattresses uncomfortable because they’re too hard to cushion the shoulders and hips. Firm mattresses can also increase pain for people with certain conditions like scoliosis. And since they don’t compress very easily, they’re not the best for all-over pressure point relief—even traditional memory foam mattresses firmer mattresses only offer slight pressure relief.
Pros of Firm Mattresses
The right mattress for you depends on several factors. Below are some of the key advantages of opting for a firm mattress:
Ideal for Stomach Sleepers
If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, a firm mattress may be the optimal choice. Its stable surface prevents your torso from sinking in, which helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces discomfort.
Better Support for Heavier Individuals
Heavier-weight sleepers often benefit from the extra support provided by firmer mattresses. Softer mattresses can cause excessive sinking, leading to spinal misalignment and discomfort. For those with larger body types, a firmer mattress can also improve circulation, reducing the risk of restricted blood flow.
Cooler Sleeping Experience for Hot Sleepers
A firm mattress may offer cooler nights compared to softer options, which tend to cradle the body and trap heat. If you’re prone to overheating, firm mattresses can promote airflow and help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. For even greater cooling benefits, explore mattresses with temperature-regulating features.
Effective in Preventing Back Pain
Firm mattresses can be particularly beneficial for preventing back pain, as they provide balanced support that keeps the hips elevated and the spine properly aligned. This makes firm mattresses a good option for stomach, back, and heavyweight sleepers who are prone to lower back discomfort.
Responsive and Bouncy Feel
Firm mattresses, especially those made with innerspring systems, hybrids, or Dunlop latex foam, tend to offer a buoyant, bouncy feel. This is ideal for those who prefer to change positions throughout the night or dislike the sinking sensation of traditional memory foam.
Cons of Firm Mattresses
While firm mattresses offer numerous benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some potential downsides:
Potential Pressure Points for Side Sleepers
If you primarily sleep on your side, a firm mattress might not provide the comfort you need. Its rigid surface can create pressure points around sensitive areas like your hips and shoulders. Fortunately, innovations like zoned mattresses address this issue by offering ergonomic support tailored to various sleep positions.
Less Comfort for Lighter-Weight Sleepers
Individuals who are lighter or of average weight may find firm mattresses overly hard and uncomfortable. The lighter you are, the less a firm mattress will conform to your body, making it feel less supportive and more rigid.
Lacking in Plush, Contouring Comfort
Firm mattresses don’t provide the cloud-like, sinking softness that many sleepers enjoy. If you crave that body-hugging, plush feel, a firm mattress may feel more like sleeping on a hard surface, which might not offer the cozy comfort you’re seeking.
Reduced Motion Isolation
While the buoyant nature of firm mattresses can be appealing for ease of movement, it often comes at the cost of motion isolation. Softer mattresses tend to absorb movement better, whereas the responsiveness of a firm mattress may result in disturbances if you or your partner move frequently during the night.
The Amerisleep AS2 has a medium-firm feel recommended for back sleepers and those with back pain. While this mattress is firm and supportive to prevent sinking and spinal misalignment, it also has enough softness to reduce pressure points near the hip and shoulder joints.
The Bio-Pur® comfort foam is made with plant-based oils, rather than 100 percent petroleum-based oils. This unique manufacturing process makes Bio-Pur® more breathable and more responsive than traditional mattress foams.
The transition layer in the AS2 features Affinity foam with HIVE® technology, a buoyant foam layer with targeted lumbar support. The slight bounce of this material promotes a neutral spine and deeper sleep.
The base of the AS2 features their Bio-Core® support foam which is resistant to sagging and indentations to ensure you stay in a safe sleep position night after night.
This high-quality all-foam mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial so you have plenty of time to test out the bed for yourself. They also include a 20-year warranty covering sagging and indentations.
Amerisleep AS2
- Medium-firm feel reduces back pain
- Bio-Pur® eco-friendly comfort foam
- Supportive foam base is resistant to sagging
Medium Mattresses
If you’re looking for something with a little more give, medium mattresses might be up your alley. Medium beds compress easier than firm mattresses when you sit down on them, but they still offer more support than soft beds.
These mattresses are suitable for a higher number of sleepers because they offer sufficient pressure relief while still maintaining enough firmness to keep the spine in a neutral position. Both side sleepers and combo sleepers usually find them one of the most comfortable mattresses for this reason.
Mediums are also nice mattresses for couples because they blend comfort and support to accommodate the majority of sleep styles and body types. However, if sleepers’ needs are extremely divergent, a split mattress option—like a split king or Cal king—may be the best option.
The versatility of medium mattresses also makes them a good option for guest room beds because they suit a lot of sleepers. As long as you keep a mattress topper around to appease picky sleepers, mediums are usually comfortable for most guests.
Medium firmness tends to be worse for stomach sleepers and heavier sleepers, both of whom typically need more resistance to achieve neutral spinal alignment.
Pros of Medium Mattresses
For many people, a medium mattress strikes the ideal balance between softness and firmness.
Ideal for Back and Side Sleepers
Those of average weight who sleep on their back or side often find that a medium mattress offers just the right level of cushioning for the hips and shoulders, while maintaining proper spinal alignment and support.
A Middle Ground for Couples
When one partner prefers a firmer mattress and the other desires something softer, a medium or medium-firm mattress often serves as a perfect compromise, satisfying both preferences.
Budget-Friendly Options
Medium-firm mattresses are typically the standard firmness for many brands, making them more affordable. In fact, some of the best budget-friendly mattresses fall within the medium to medium-firm range.
Helpful for Back and Joint Pain
In the past, extremely firm mattresses were often recommended for back and joint issues. However, medium-firm mattresses are now widely considered to offer a better balance of comfort and support for those dealing with pain, ensuring relief without being too hard.
Cons of Medium Mattresses
While medium mattresses are a popular choice for their blend of comfort and support, they might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those on the lighter or heavier end of the weight spectrum.
Too Firm for Lighter Sleepers
For sleepers with a lighter body weight, medium mattresses may feel too firm, offering insufficient give for pressure points. Softer mattresses tend to better meet the needs of lighter individuals.
Insufficient Support for Heavier Sleepers
Medium mattresses may lack adequate support for heavier sleepers. As body weight increases, the need for a firmer mattress grows, with medium-firm or firm options often being more appropriate.
Limited Support for All Body Types
Heavier sleepers, particularly those weighing over 250 lbs, may find medium mattresses unable to provide the sturdy support required. These sleepers typically need mattresses specifically designed for heavier weights to ensure proper support and comfort.
Potential for Back Pain
For stomach sleepers or those with heavier bodies, a medium mattress might cause the hips to sink too deeply, disrupting spinal alignment. This can lead to lower back pain over time.
Variability in Feel
“Medium” can vary across different mattresses. Some medium mattresses fall in the classic medium range (5-6), while others are softer (around a 4) or lean towards medium-firm (around a 7).
The level of firmness can differ significantly, meaning some medium mattresses will suit most sleepers, while others may only be appropriate for petite or side sleepers.
The AS3 Hybrid is Amerisleep’s most popular hybrid mattress because it has a universal firmness most couples and combination sleepers find comfortable and supportive.
Like the AS2, the AS3 Hybrid features Amerisleep’s breathable, plant-based memory foam Bio-Pur® for a cooler night’s sleep. With a lightweight, airy cover, and natural foam comfort layer, this mattress resists heat-trapping so sleepers experience fewer night sweats.
While this hybrid has a balanced feel, it also has a slight bounce thanks to the pocketed spring coil base. Back sleepers often prefer a spring coil mattress because it prevents excess sinking and keeps body weight evenly distributed.
Beneath the spring coil base is a 1-inch layer of Amerisleep firm, stabilizing foam for shock absorption and motion isolation.
Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the AS3 Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a generous 20-year warranty.
Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid
- Bio-Pur® plant-based comfort foam
- HIVE® technology supports the lumbar spine
- Pocketed spring coil base
How to Measure Firm and Medium?
Mattresses are usually measured on a firmness scale of 1-10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Almost all mattresses on the market today fall between a 3 and an 8, as mattresses at the softest and firmest extremes are not able to suit many sleepers’ needs.
- Soft is 3
- Medium-soft is 4
- Medium is 5
- Medium-firm is 6
- Firm is 7
- Extra-firm is 8
Medium Vs Firm Mattress: Main Distinctions
A medium mattress typically falls between 5 and 6 on the firmness scale (where 10 is the firmest). However, the term “medium” can also refer to medium-soft (4/10) or medium-firm (7/10) mattresses.
The medium-firm variety, sometimes called a luxury-firm mattress, is a popular choice, especially for mattress-in-a-box options. It offers versatile support and comfort, making it suitable for most types of sleepers. This firmness is also commonly recommended for couples with differing sleep preferences, as it strikes a good balance.
A firm mattress, on the other hand, typically scores an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. While most firm mattresses don’t exceed this rating, there are some options that reach 9 or even 10/10.
Certain firm mattresses are designed with dual-sided firmness, allowing one side to be firmer (8-10/10) and the other side softer (2-4/10), giving users flexibility to choose their preferred level of support and comfort.
One key difference between medium and firm mattresses lies in their construction materials. Many of today’s best hybrid mattresses lean towards a firmer feel due to the use of coils or springs, which provide sturdy, bouncy support as opposed to the softer, sink-in sensation.
That said, many hybrid mattresses also come in medium or medium-firm variations, thanks to memory foam layers that offer added comfort. Memory foam mattresses, in particular, often fall within the medium firmness range, with only a few exceptions venturing into firmer territory, typically lacking the traditional “hug” of memory foam.
Medium Vs Firm Mattress: Brand Options And Pricing
Most mattress brands offer a wide selection of both medium and firm mattresses. In fact, many companies now offer customizable firmness levels, allowing customers to choose their desired firmness when selecting a mattress.
Brands such as Saatva and Brooklyn Bedding, for example, allow for firmness adjustments without additional cost, though this flexibility in pricing can vary from brand to brand.
Some brands, like AS3 Hybrid, have a standard medium firmness for their models, whereas others, such as Avocado Green Mattress, tend to offer firmer mattresses as their standard. Avocado Green, for instance, rates their signature mattress as firm, meaning that customers must pay extra to make it softer.
Medium Vs Firm Mattress: Comfort And Support Comparison
When comparing medium vs firm mattresses, comfort and support are key factors. People often associate luxury hotel beds with plush, soft surfaces, while firm mattresses are sometimes considered uncomfortable. However, firm mattresses can be beneficial for certain sleepers by offering better support in critical areas.
For back or stomach sleepers, firm mattresses provide essential support to the hips and lower back, which are common pressure points. A mattress that is too soft can cause the hips to sink into the bed, potentially misaligning the spine and leading to discomfort or pain.
Firm mattresses help keep the hips and spine aligned, making them ideal for stomach sleepers. Similarly, heavier individuals may benefit from the extra sturdiness and support that firm mattresses provide.
For other sleepers, especially back sleepers, medium or medium-firm mattresses generally offer sufficient support while still providing a balance of comfort. Side sleepers, on the other hand, usually benefit most from a medium mattress.
The added softness helps cushion pressure points like the shoulders, hips, and knees, which may feel discomfort on a firmer mattress. Lightweight sleepers also tend to prefer medium mattresses for their ability to provide soft, body-contouring comfort.
Medium Vs Firm Mattress: How To Choose
Opt for a medium mattress if…
- You need pressure relief: If you’re seeking a bed that will cradle your joints and pressure points, providing a soft, cushiony feel, a medium mattress can offer the relief you need.
- You’re a lightweight or side sleeper: Side sleepers and lighter individuals need a mattress that is soft enough to conform to the body’s shape and relieve pressure on the hips, shoulders, and knees. Firm mattresses may feel too hard against these areas, while a medium mattress provides the ideal balance of softness and support.
- You share a bed: Medium and medium-firm mattresses can offer the right compromise for couples with different sleep preferences. Additionally, these mattresses tend to excel at motion isolation, minimizing disturbances when sharing a bed.
Opt for a firm mattress if…
- You sleep on your stomach: Firm mattresses are ideal for stomach sleepers, as they provide sufficient support to keep the hips aligned with the spine, preventing lower back pain.
- You’re a plus-sized sleeper: Heavier sleepers, especially those over 250 lbs, need the extra support and durability that firm mattresses offer to properly support pressure points and weight distribution.
- You prefer a responsive, bouncy surface: If you dislike the sinking feeling of memory foam or plush mattresses, a firm mattress with a more buoyant feel may be a better fit, allowing for easier movement and less of a “trapped” sensation.
Finding the Best Firmness Level for You
Two main aspects dictate what mattress firmness level you need: your body weight and your sleeping position. Your sleeping position can affect everything from your spinal alignment to your blood pressure to your digestion to your sleep quality. It also significantly impacts your firmness needs because of the different ways the mattress cushions your body.
When you add your body weight into the mix, it can further affect your needs. No matter your size, you’re going to want your mattress to have at least a little contouring to alleviate pressure and distribute body weight.
If you’re on the lighter side, you might have to go a touch softer than the corresponding firmness to your sleep position so you get a mattress that compresses enough. Conversely, if you’re heavier, you might have to go up a firmness level to make sure your mattress doesn’t compress too much.
We have also written guides comparing soft mattresses to firm and medium mattresses, so shoppers can better understand their options:
Back Sleepers
The problem with this position is if your bed is too soft, lying on your back might bend you into a slouching pose. In order to keep your spine in as natural a position as possible, you need additional lumbar support to prevent your lower back from sinking down into the bed. The best mattress for back sleeping keeps your spine in line while you rest flat.
Usually, medium-firm mattresses can maintain even alignment, but we suggest avoiding ultra-firm beds, as these won’t compress enough to cushion your lower back.
Side Sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper, you’re going to need pressure relief for your shoulder and hip joints, but you’ll also need some support from your mattress to keep your torso lifted.
Medium mattresses are normally better for side sleepers because this firmness level is cushioning enough to allow the higher-pressure regions like your shoulder and hip to compress while keeping the head, torso, and feet supported, thus aligning your spine.
Read More: Find the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in our other guide!
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleeping is the most likely position to cause spinal misalignment because sleeping on the stomach can cause your upper body to sink down. The sinkage arches your back while you sleep, making you wake up with lower back pain in the morning. In addition, stomach sleeping forces you to turn your head to the side, twisting your neck.
Considering how unhealthy stomach sleeping is, we suggest switching to side or back sleeping, but if you are unable to make the switch, consider a firm mattress for stomach sleeping; these keep your belly straight and your spine in neutral alignment.
Combination Sleepers
If you frequently find yourself waking up in different positions, you’re probably a combo sleeper. Combo sleepers alternate sleeping positions during the night, spending time on their backs, sides, and bellies. We recommend medium mattresses for combination sleepers since they provide an even mix of comfort and support from position to position.
Deciding Between a Firm vs. Medium Mattress
Given how much time we spend in bed, it’s crucial to find the right mattress firmness for your needs. Sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft can lead to chronic back and stomach pain, while a mattress that’s too firm may cause discomfort, especially for side sleepers.
There are several key factors to keep in mind when selecting the right firmness. While much of the decision comes down to personal preference, here are a few essential considerations:
- Preferred Sleep Position: Your sleeping position plays a major role in determining the ideal mattress firmness. For instance, side sleepers typically do not benefit from firm mattresses, as they can cause misalignment of the spine over time. Side sleepers are better suited for soft or medium mattresses.
- Body Type and Weight: Different body types require varying levels of support and comfort. Lighter individuals may lean toward softer mattresses, while average-weight sleepers might prefer a medium feel. Those with heavier body types often find firmer mattresses offer the right support.
- Mattress Material: The type of material used in a mattress greatly affects its overall feel. For example, memory foam responds to body heat, softening and conforming to your shape, which provides pressure relief and extra warmth. Depending on your preferences, this may or may not be the ideal sleep experience for you.
- Spinal Support: Firm mattresses can promote proper spinal alignment, particularly for back and stomach sleepers or those with heavier body weights. On the other hand, medium mattresses tend to offer a balance of support and comfort for most body types and sleeping positions, with extra cushioning to maintain healthy spinal posture.
- Multiple Sleepers: If you’re sharing a bed with a partner, children, or pets, a medium mattress is often the best choice. Its versatile firmness level tends to accommodate a wide range of sleeping styles and body types, making it more suitable for multiple sleepers.
Additional Mattress Firmness Options to Consider
Firm and medium mattresses are popular choices, but they aren’t the only options worth exploring. Depending on your preferred sleep style, you might find that a medium-firm, medium-soft, or soft mattress suits you better.
Medium-Firm Mattresses
If you’re seeking the best mattress for alleviating back pain, a medium-firm mattress may be your ideal option. Studies indicate that this firmness level is optimal for both preventing and relieving back pain.
Medium-firm mattresses provide an excellent balance of comfort and support, making them a great choice for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and some combination sleepers. Additionally, they cater well to hot sleepers, couples, and individuals weighing over 230 pounds.
Medium-Soft Mattresses
Medium-soft mattresses deliver extra cushioning while still offering a supportive feel. They are also a good option for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a plush mattress, as truly soft mattresses with thick comfort layers often come with higher price tags.
This firmness level is especially suitable for side sleepers and individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds, providing a balance of softness and support.
Soft Mattresses
A soft mattress typically features thick, plush comfort layers that cushion the body, providing excellent pressure relief. A high-quality soft mattress will also include added support features to prevent excessive sinking into the bed.
Soft mattresses are ideal for side sleepers seeking a cradling, sink-in feel. They’re also well-suited for lightweight individuals who appreciate the gentle pressure relief these mattresses offer.
FAQs
Does mattress material matter?
Yes, because each mattress material affects the overall feel and support in different ways. Memory foam and latex are both very contouring, but memory foam sometimes retains heat, and natural latex is expensive. Coils are bouncy and allow airflow, but they don’t relieve pain or cushion pressure points. You can enjoy the benefits of multiple mattress materials when you choose a hybrid bed since they combine foam layers and innerspring coils.
What’s the best kind of mattress?
It depends on who you ask. Memory foam mattresses usually have the highest customer satisfaction ratings. But because some foam mattresses get hot at night, certain shoppers feel foam is not for them. Latex mattresses are loved by eco-friendly shoppers, and hybrids are a newly-popular mattress type beloved by those who cherish the bounciness of traditional innersprings but want the modern-day benefits of foam layers. Learn about and compare different mattress types to find what’s comfy for you.
How do they make a mattress softer or firmer?
Modifying the top or “comfort” layer of the mattress is just one way manufacturers adjust mattress firmness. Comfort layers are made softer in a number of ways: adding pillow tops, stuffing them with materials like cotton or wool, or using a sheet of foam or latex. Subtracting these cushioning materials or using thinner layers will make the mattress firmer. In addition, mattress manufacturers add and subtract layers and modify the ILD of the base foam to give their beds unique feels.
Do they have mattresses with adjustable firmness?
Yes! With recent developments in mattress technology, there’s been an explosion of new adjustable mattresses, including beds with adjustable chambers and others with customizable layers. These mattresses usually have a high range of firmness levels.
Adjustable air mattresses work by using internal air chambers and a hose attachment to remove or add air to the support layer based on your preferences. Mattresses with customizable firmness allow you to add and remove layers to change up the bed’s feel. You can also adjust any mattress firmness with a mattress topper.
Which Mattress Should You Buy in 2024?
The best mattress for you depends largely on your specific support needs. That said, memory foam mattresses consistently rank high in customer satisfaction. These mattresses conform to the body’s contours, offering immediate pressure relief. Additionally, memory foam is responsive enough to adapt to your body as you shift during the night, making it an ideal option for individuals dealing with back pain or arthritis.
What’s a reasonable price for a mattress?
Prices can vary, but a good mattress isn’t cheap. You don’t want to get ripped off, but you also don’t want to skimp on something you’re going to use every day for ten years. Around $1,000 to $2,000 is what you should expect to pay for a high-quality queen mattress.
Should You Choose a Foam or Spring Mattress?
When it comes to selecting the right mattress, various factors come into play, such as your body type, preferred sleeping position, and personal comfort preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the main mattress types to help you make a more informed decision:
- Innerspring Mattresses: These mattresses feature a plush comfort layer on top of coil springs, supported by a firm foam base. Innersprings are ideal for individuals seeking extra support, especially for the back.
- Foam Mattresses: Foam mattresses consist of a top layer of comfort foam over several layers of memory foam and support foam, all supported by a low-density foam base. They are excellent for side sleepers and those with joint pain, as they provide pressure relief and absorb motion well. They also tend to be more affordable.
- Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrids combine a comfort foam layer, memory foam, and support foam with a coil spring system and a high-density foam base. These mattresses offer a good balance of softness and support, making them a great option for couples with differing firmness preferences.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Although mattresses typically last between 7 to 10 years, the replacement time frame varies based on the type of mattress you own. Below is a guide to how long different mattress types last:
- Latex Mattresses: Known for their durability, latex mattresses can last up to 15 years while maintaining their shape and comfort.
- Memory Foam Mattresses: These mattresses offer good longevity, with a lifespan of up to 10 years.
- Innerspring Mattresses: The coil system in innerspring mattresses usually lasts for about seven years before it needs replacing.
- Hybrid Mattresses: Combining innerspring coils with foam, hybrids typically last up to 10 years.
To extend your mattress’s life, it’s essential to rotate it regularly. Failing to do so can lead to uneven wear, resulting in sagging, lumps, or the “hammock effect.”
Bottom Line
You can read about firmness levels until you’re blue in the face, but the most important thing you should do to find the right mattress is to try them out. New beds have an adjustment period of 1 to 2 months.
That’s why it’s crucial to make sure any mattress you buy comes with a trial period of at least 60 days, though 90+ is usually best.
All trial periods should be backed by a money-back guarantee (not credit or a voucher), so you can really get a sense of whether a mattress is going to work for you, and you’re assured a full refund if it doesn’t.
