Is It Better To Sleep on a Hard or Soft Mattress?
Hard mattress or soft mattress, which one should I buy? This is a question that you are probably asking yourself right now if you are thinking of getting yourself a new mattress.
A hard mattress is best for stomach sleepers and those who require a firm surface that will support their lower back whereas a soft mattress is essential for those sleepers who need a mattress to conform to their shape and weight. The right mattress should be chosen based on individual needs and preferences.
Humans spend a third of their life resting on a mattress.
This means that the type of mattress you choose will play a crucial role in determining your overall quality of sleep.
If you get it right, then you will always have a good night’s sleep that will leave you feeling refreshed and energetic.
On the other hand, if you get it wrong, then you will never enjoy your sleep and that will negatively affect your health and well-being.
For instance, sleeping on the wrong mattress continuously can cause your spine to lose its natural alignment, resulting in back pain.
When shopping for a mattress, you have two options to choose from: a hard and a soft mattress.
Both types of mattresses have their pros and cons. But the main question is, which one of the two is better?
Continue reading to find out.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a hard and a soft mattress?
Before we answer the question of the day, let us first discuss the main distinction between a hard and a soft mattress.
The main difference between these two types of mattresses lies in how they feel.
A hard mattress has less give and is also more rigid to the touch. They are more supportive compared to soft mattresses.
A soft mattress, on the other hand, compresses with ease when pressure is applied.
They conform to the sleeper’s body and reduce pressure on the shoulder and hip however they do not provide adequate support to the body especially if you sleep on your back.
Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft Mattress?
Let’s take a quick look at the pros of a hard mattress vs a soft mattress:
| Firm Mattress | Soft Mattress |
|---|---|
| Durable and long-lasting | Comfort at its best |
| Cooler and more breathable | Free movement (best for side sleepers) |
| Great for people of all sizes | Conforms to the shape of the body |
| Proper body alignment | May alleviate body, joint, back, and hip pain |
There are two schools of thought on this issue.
Some people prefer to sleep on a hard mattress because it protects the low back from collapsing thus allowing more oxygen intake while sleeping.
It also improves circulation by putting less stress on veins, arteries, and muscles.
Others prefer a soft mattress because it conforms to the body shape and weight thus more comfortable to sleep on.
Bottom line is that both types of mattresses have their strengths and weaknesses, meaning that there is no mattress that is better than the other.
So when choosing a better mattress between a hard and soft mattress, it all boils down to your unique sleeping needs. Every person has his/her own sleeping needs.
For example, if you are suffering from lower back pain and you want a mattress that will help ease the pain, then a soft mattress is the perfect choice for you.
They conform to the body shape and thus provide better support to the back.
On the other hand, if you have a problem with snoring and want to reduce it, then you need to buy a hard mattress because it provides better support to your body thus reducing snoring.
Factors to consider when choosing a mattress
Your sleeping position
One of the crucial factors to consider when choosing between a hard and soft mattress is your sleeping position.
If you usually sleep with your stomach, then a hard mattress is your ideal choice because it offers support to the entire body including the hips. If you are a side sleeper, then you should choose a soft mattress because of its superior pressure relief.
Your health and well being
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing between these two types of mattresses is your health and well-being.
For instance, if you want to keep your body in proper alignment in order to improve your posture, then you should buy a firm mattress.
Hard mattresses are also ideal for people who want to improve their oxygen intake while sleeping.
On the other hand, if you want to ease low back pain, hip pain, or joint and muscle pain, then a soft mattress is a great choice.
The number of people sleeping on the mattress
You should also factor in the number of people who will sleep on the mattress when choosing between a firm and soft mattress.
If you will be sleeping on the mattress with your partner, then a soft mattress is the perfect choice because it helps to prevent motion transfer, meaning that both of you will not be disturbed when the other person moves.
However, if you will be sleeping alone on the mattress, then you can choose any based on your preference.
Weight
If your weight is more than 130 pounds, then you should consider buying a hard mattress. Heavier people need more support that can only be offered by a firm mattress.
On the other hand, lighter people weighing less than 130 pounds should buy a soft mattress because it can comfortably handle their weight without strain.
Final thoughts – hard and soft mattress, which one is better?
As discussed above, both hard and soft mattresses have their pros and cons.
A good mattress is one that suits your lifestyle, sleeping habits, and body type.
Therefore, you should choose the type of mattress that suits your individual needs.
Take all of these ideas and suggestions discussed above into careful consideration when making your choice.
The best long-term decision you can make that will vitally improve your life is choosing an appropriate mattress that will support your overall well-being.
Before you head off, I’d like to drop a few posts that will be useful to know regarding mattresses:
Mattress Alternatives: 11 Comfortable Options
