There's nothing quite like a good night's sleep. It refreshes us, recharges our batteries, and leaves us feeling ready to take on the world. But what is the best mattress for getting a good night's sleep? Is it the firm, hard surface mattress that many people swear by? Or is the soft, plush mattress more comfortable and better for you?

There are pros and cons to both types of mattresses, and it ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a mattress.

According to Health.harvard.edu, a softer mattress may be more comfortable for some people and can help with pressure relief. However, a firm mattress is good for people with joint pain, as it keeps the spine aligned. It is also more durable and can be better at temperature control.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the hard vs. soft mattress pros and cons of both firm and soft mattresses so you can make an informed decision about which type of mattress is right for you. So, let's get started!

What Is A Hard Mattress?

Hard mattress, also called firm beds, are made of a material such as foam, latex, or a spring system. A firm bed is firm to the touch and provides support for your body while you sleep. Firm mattresses are often recommended for people with back pain or those who prefer a firm sleeping surface.

According to WebMD, firm mattresses are best for people with lower back pain. A foam mattress provides support for your spine and keeps your body in alignment while you sleep. If you sleep on your stomach or side, a medium firm mattress can help prevent sagging and sinking, which can lead to back pain.

The Pros Of A Hard Mattress 

Here are some of the benefits of sleeping on a firm surface:

Ideal For People With Back Pain

Doctors and chiropractors often recommend a firm mattress for people who suffer from back pain. The extra support provided by firm mattresses can help to align the spine and relieve pressure on the lower back.

Moreover, firm mattresses are less likely to sag over time, further aggravating back pain. In addition, firm mattresses are often easier to get in and out of, which can be helpful for people with mobility issues.

Improved Posture

Sleeping on a firm surface can also improve your posture. Because firm mattresses provide more support for your spine, they can help you to maintain a neutral position throughout the night.

This can help to reduce pain in the lower back and improve your overall posture. Moreover, a firm bed can also help to prevent the development of chronic back pain.

Reduced Pain

In addition to improving posture, a firm mattress can also reduce pain. Because firm mattresses provide more support for the spine, they can help to reduce pressure on the joints and muscles. This can lead to less pain in the morning and throughout the day. Moreover, a firm mattress can also help to reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles.

Keep The Spine Aligned

A firm surface can also help to keep the spine aligned. Because firm mattresses provide more support for the spine, they can help to prevent the spine from shifting out of alignment. This can lead to less pain in the lower back and improved overall posture. In addition, a firm mattress can also help to reduce the risk of developing chronic back pain.

More Durable 

A firm surface is also more durable than a soft mattress. Because a firm mattress is less likely to sag over time, it can provide years of support and comfort. In addition, firm beds are less likely to develop indentations, which can further extend its lifespan. As a result, a firm mattress is often a wise investment for people who want to get the most out of their mattress.

Temperature Control

Firm mattresses can also help to regulate body temperature. Because a firmer surface provides more support for the body, it can help to prevent heat from building up. This can lead to a cooler and more comfortable sleep. In addition, firmer mattresses can also help to reduce night sweats so you can get a better night's sleep.

The Cons Of A Hard Mattress 

Here are some of the drawbacks of sleeping on a firm surface:

It May Be Too Firm For Some People

A firm surface may be too firm for some people. It can cause pressure on the hips and shoulders if you are a side sleeper. This can lead to pain in these areas.

In addition, firm mattresses can also be too firm for pregnant people or with other medical conditions. If you have any concerns, it is important to speak to your doctor before choosing any mattress.

Not As Comfortable

While firm mattresses have many benefits, they are not as comfortable as softer mattresses. If you prefer a softer sleeping surface, a firm mattress may not be your best choice. Moreover, firm mattresses can also be less comfortable for people with upper back pain.

If you want a mattress that provides the best support and comfort, a medium-firm or soft mattress can be the perfect mattress for you.

Can Be More Expensive

Firmer mattresses can be more expensive because they often last longer. If you are looking for a mattress that will provide you with the best support, comfort, and healthy sleep, you may want to consider investing in firmer beds. While firm mattresses have many benefits, they can also be more expensive than softer mattresses.

May Not Provide Enough Pressure Relief

For some people, firm mattresses may not provide enough pressure relief. If you have a lot of pain in your joints or muscles, you may want to consider a softer surface.

Moreover, if you sleep on your side, you may also want to consider softer beds to prevent your hips and shoulders from sinking too deeply into the bed. A firmer surface may be more comfortable for people who sleep on their stomachs or backs.

What Is A Soft Mattress? 

A softer mattress is not as firm as a hard mattress. The softer mattress is made of materials like memory foam. These are also often recommended for people with back pain because they conform to the shape of your body and provide support where you need it.

Soft mattresses can also be more comfortable for side sleepers because they offer more pressure relief than a firmer mattress.

As per Healthline, softer mattresses are good for side sleepers because they provide pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.

The Pros Of A Soft Mattress 

Here are some of the benefits of sleeping on a soft mattress:

More Comfortable Than A Hard Mattress

They are more comfortable than hard mattresses because they provide pressure relief at the joints and muscles. They are also often recommended for people who have back pain because they conform to the shape of your body and provide support where you need it. Like memory foam mattresses, they can also help to reduce tossing and turning during the night.

Good Choice For Pregnant Women

A soft mattress is also a good choice for pregnant people since it provides extra support and comfort for the growing belly. Many women find that their hips and lower back start to ache as their baby grows, and a soft mattress can help alleviate this pain.

Some pregnant women also find it difficult to sleep on their stomach or back, so a softer surface is often more comfortable for them as well.

Good For Side Sleepers

Side sleepers often find that a softer surface is more comfortable since it conforms to their body and provides support for their hips and shoulder. It may cause them to feel like they are sinking into the mattress and could cause discomfort at their pressure points.

Many side sleepers also find that a pillow between their legs helps to take some of the pressure off their hips and keeps their spine in alignment when using soft beds.

Can Help With Pressure Relief

Soft beds like memory foam mattresses are often good at providing pressure relief. This is because they contour your body and provide support while you sleep. Many side sleepers find that they wake up feeling refreshed and without any pain in their pressure points. This can be a great option for people who have arthritis or fibromyalgia. It can also be a perfect mattress for people who have back pain.

It May Be Less Expensive Than A Hard Mattress

One advantage of soft mattresses is that they are often less expensive than hard mattresses. This is because they do not require as much natural material to make them. They are usually made with a memory foam layer on top of a supportive base. This makes them less expensive than mattresses that are made with a layer of latex or gel on top of a supportive base.

Can Be Easier To Move On

Soft mattresses are often easier to move on than hard mattresses. This is because they do not have as much resistance when you try to move around. This can be helpful for people who have conditions that make it difficult to move around, such as arthritis.

It can also be helpful for people who share their bed with a partner who moves around a lot in their sleep.

Hypoallergenic 

Soft mattresses such as memory foam are always hypoallergenic. This means that they are resistant to dust mites, mould, and other allergens. This can be a great option for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.

It can also be a good option for people who have sensitivities to certain materials. Moreover, soft mattresses are often made with materials that are resistant to fire which can give you an extra level of safety.

The Cons Of A Soft Mattress 

Here are some of the potential disadvantages of a soft surface:

Can Cause The Spine To Misalign

One of the biggest cons of soft mattresses is that they can cause the spine to misalign. This is because they do not provide the same level of support as a hard mattress.

This can be a problem for people with joint pain or other conditions requiring them to sleep in a certain position. Additionally, soft mattresses can cause people to sink into the mattress, which could put pressure on their hips and shoulders.

Not As Durable As A Hard Mattress

Soft mattresses are not as durable as hard mattresses. This is because they are made with materials that are not as strong. They are usually made with polythene or memory foam which can break down over time. Additionally, soft mattresses are more likely to sag than hard mattresses. Soft mattresses will need to be replaced more often than hard ones.

Can Be Hot During Sleep

Soft mattresses can be hot during sleep. This is because they do not allow for as much airflow as hard surfaces. This can be a problem for people who tend to get hot during the night. Additionally, soft mattresses can cause people to sweat more at night, leading to skin irritation and discomfort.

Not Suitable For Stomach Sleepers

Soft mattresses are not suitable for stomach sleepers. This is because they can cause the stomach to sink into the mattress, which can lead to discomfort. Additionally, soft mattresses can put pressure on the lower back, which can cause pain.

Stomach sleepers should look for a foam mattress with medium firmness or a mattress with a firmness level that suits them.

Which One Should You Choose - Firm Vs. Soft Mattress?

Now that you know the pros and cons of the firm and soft mattresses, you might be wondering which one you should choose. The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, you need to consider your sleep position.

Sleeping Position

There are three main types of sleepers: stomach, side, and back. Each type has different firmness preferences.

1. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to prevent their hips from sinking too deeply into the bed. This can cause back pain. Firm mattresses also provide extra support for the stomach and can help prevent indigestion.

2. Side sleepers prefer a softer surface. This allows their shoulders and hips to sink into the bed, providing alignment and pressure relief. A soft mattress can also help side sleepers avoid waking up with numbness or tingling in their arms.

3. Back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress. This provides support for the lower back and prevents the back sleepers from sinking too deeply into the bed. A firm mattress can also help keep the spine aligned.

If you are back and stomach sleepers, you should choose a firm bed. If you sleep on your side, you should choose a soft mattress.

Body Weight

Another factor to consider while choosing a firm vs soft mattress is your body weight. Heavier people need a firmer mattress for support, while lighter people can get by with a softer surface.

If you are a light sleeper, you can choose a firm or soft mattress. If you are a heavy sleeper, you should choose a firm mattress.

Medical Condition

You should consult your doctor before choosing a mattress if you have a medical condition. Some conditions, such as arthritis, can be aggravated by a firm mattress. A soft mattress can aggravate other conditions, such as lower back pain. Your doctor can advise you on which mattress is best for your condition.

Budget

Finally, you need to consider your budget. Firm mattresses tend to be more expensive than soft mattresses. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to choose a soft mattress. However, keep in mind that a firm mattress will last longer since it won't sag as much over time.

Where To Buy Best Soft Or Firm Mattress?

If you're in the market for a new mattress, you may wonder where to buy the best soft or firm mattress. Don't worry; we've got you covered. CraftedBeds is the premier destination for all things beds, and we're proud to offer a wide selection to choose from at very competitive prices.

Whether you're looking for a twin-size mattress for your child's first bed or a king-size mattress for your master bedroom, we have just what you need.

We understand that everyone's sleep needs are different, which is why we offer a variety of firmness levels in our mattress selection. Whether you prefer a softer or firm mattress, we have everything that will suit your needs.

So, don't wait any longer; visit CraftedBeds and shop for the best soft or firm mattress today! You won't be disappointed.

FAQs

Now that you know everything between hard and soft mattresses, you might still have some questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about firm and soft mattresses.

Is It Better To Sleep On A Hard Or Soft Mattress?

Sleeping on a firm vs soft mattress always depends on your sleep position and personal preference. If you sleep on your side, a softer surface might be more comfortable because it will conform to the curves of your body. If you sleep on your stomach or back, a firmer mattress might be better because it will provide more support and keep your spine in alignment.

Who Benefits From A Softer Mattress?

People who sleep on their side or have back pain might benefit from a soft surface because it conforms to the curves of your body and provides pressure relief. Moreover, soft mattresses are often recommended for lighter people because they sink less deeply into the mattress.

What Are The Benefits Of A Hard Mattress?

Hard mattresses are often recommended for people who sleep on their stomach or back because they provide more support and keep your spine aligned. They are also good for heavier people because they sink less deeply into the mattress. Hard mattresses can also last longer than soft mattresses.

How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Too Soft?

If you wake up with back pain or achy joints, your mattress might be too soft. You should also consider buying a new mattress if you tend to sleep hot because soft mattresses trap heat. If you generally like soft beds but wake up in pain, try adding a mattress topper.

How Do I Choose A Firmness For My Mattress?

The best way to choose a firmness for your mattress is to visit a mattress shop and lie down on a few different mattresses. Our experts can also help you find the right mattress based on your sleep habits and any health conditions you have.

The Final Words

When it comes to choosing a mattress, firmness is an important consideration. Soft mattresses are often recommended for people who sleep on their side or have back pain, while hard mattresses are better for stomach and back sleepers or people who are heavier. Ultimately, the best way to decide which firmness is right for you is to your own personal preference.

Now that you know more about the benefits of soft and hard mattresses, you can make a more informed decision about which type of mattress is right for you. If you still have questions, our experts are always happy to help. Visit our website and ask questions in the live chat. We would be more than happy to help.