Comfort Firmness & Support Explained

There are different factors to account for when you decide to shop for a mattress. Given the fact that this is one of the most important purchases for your bedroom, understanding key mattress features will help you pick a great product that can work well for your unique needs. Understanding firmness of mattresses is based on a number of factors, the below guide will address these but we would recommend you contact us for free impartial advice to make an informed decision.

What is mattress firmness or Comfort

Mattress firmness or comfort is one of those key characteristics to consider before you make a purchase. Finding the right level for you is critical for a good night's sleep. If you select a unit that is too soft or too firm, you are unlikely to sleep well and could start experiencing back issues.

Like many top mattress companies we offer different levels of firmness so there's something for everyone. This guide will provide you with important details on the significance of this topic and which sleepers fit within different firmness categories of MASA Sleep mattresses. 

Mattress firmness or comfort reflects how soft or firm the mattress feels when you lie on top of it. While we as a manufacturer design our mattress with a specific firmness, it's important to note that this is subjective. Two sleepers can experience the same mattress differently. For instance, a lightweight individual may feel a certain mattress is firmer, while a heavier person may experience a softer sensation.

In some cases, people may assume firmness ratings and support are the same. While they can impact one another, there is a difference. Support is a measurement of how well the mattress is able to keep your spine in a healthy, neutral alignment. Often, a firmer mattress can help with support, but this may not always be the case.

Also, keep in mind that mattress size shouldn't impact your overall firmness feel. The biggest influence of firmness is typically the sleeper's body weight, height and sleep position.

Why Does Firmness Matter?

Mattress firmness is a key feature because it will determine the overall level of comfort and can impact how supportive the mattress is. Firmness can also influence how successful the mattress is at relieving pressure. A tougher mattress may not provide enough contouring to relieve sensitive pressure points for certain sleepers, which could result in difficulty sleeping and achy joints in the morning.

What Does One Firmness Fits All Mean?

“One firmness fits all” is a phrase used to describe the type of firmness that is going to suit the majority of sleepers. The truth is that most sleepers would prefer a mattress that ranges between 5 and 8 on the firmness scale, which gives a medium or medium-firm feel.

That being said, there are examples in which certain sleepers, particularly those that are lighter weight, will want something that is softer in firmness, between 3 & 5 on the firmness scale. Sleep position does play a big part in what firmness would be suitable. This is particularly the case for heavier side, back or stomach sleepers who would benefit from a mattress between 8 & 10 on the firmness scale. 

Firmness vs Support

As mentioned, firmness and support are two separate concepts. Firmness measures the immediate feeling that you get as you first lie down on your mattress. Support on the other hand, refers to whether the mattress keeps your spine in perfect alignment.

In many cases, a firmer feel may correlate with a supportive mattress, but there are no guarantees. Softer mattresses can be supportive to the right sleeper, which is why remembering the subjectiveness of firmness is important during the shopping process.

When selecting a new mattress, you will need to consider both these categories. Furthermore, firmness can influence pressure relief so if that's important to you, be sure your mattress is comfortable enough to alleviate pressure. For instance, a firm mattress may fail to deliver the necessary contouring and as a result, it wouldn’t be appropriate for light or average weight people who prefer to sleep on their sides.

What Firmness Level is Right For You?

Stomach Sleeper
Stomach sleepers usually enjoy a firmness around a 7 or 8, though some lighter weight sleepers might like a 6 rating. The reason for this is that they typically prefer minimal sinkage to help make sure their midsection doesn't dip too much, as this could cause the spine to curve in at an awkward angle. Heavier weight stomach sleepers will prefer a firmness rating of 9 or 10 to ensure there is not too much sinkage and spinal alignment remains correct.

Side Sleeper
Side sleepers typically require softer mattresses. Most people who sleep on their side should experience quality pressure relief without losing vital support in the mattress range of 3 to 4. Pressure relief is important to side sleepers because this position causes body weight to become concentrated over a smaller surface area. Above average weight side sleepers would suit a 5 to 6 firmness rating given the higher concentration of weight when sleeping on the side. Likewise heavier weight side sleepers would be suited to a 7 to 8 firmness rating.

Heavy Weight
Heavy people usually do well with medium-firm to firm mattresses, though their sleep posture will also influence this. Heavier sleepers place more pressure on the mattress, and that’s why the natural reaction for it is to sink too low. A firmer feel will allow them to activate pressure-relieving layers without bottoming out. The thickness is also important for heavier sleepers.

Light Weight
Lightweight people are an ideal match for medium soft to medium-firm mattresses depending on their sleep position. This is because they won’t be putting a lot of pressure on it and as such, the sinkage is not going to be substantial. A lightweight sleeper on a firm mattress can create more unnecessary pressure points. The goal is to have your mattress contour your body enough to melt away pressure.

Those Suffering From Aches & Pains

Back Pain

Mattresses fit for handling back pain are those that keep the sleeper's spine in optimal alignment but can still help with pressure points. In this case, the right firmness for someone with back pain would reflect their body weight and sleep position. For instance, a lightweight back sleeper could get solid support and comfort with a medium firmness, but a heavier person may require a firmer option.
 
Hip Pain

Hip pain is caused by a variety of factors and can make sleep uncomfortable without the right mattress. Many people find that pressure relief helps a lot with regard to hip pain, especially if they are side sleepers. Often, the best mattresses for this group are medium soft to medium-firm options that are great for keeping the lower back supported.

Shoulder Pain

A mattress that's too firm could aggravate shoulder pain because it doesn't provide enough cushioning against them. This is particularly true for people who prefer to sleep on their sides more than any other sleeping position. Therefore, we would suggest going for a medium soft mattress in the 3 to 4 range on the our firmness scale.

Making Your Final Decision

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position is a major influence on which mattress will feel most comfortable. Generally, we find that side sleepers like medium soft or medium feel, back sleepers like medium firm or orthopaedic, as do stomach sleepers. 

Consider Your Partner

If you sleep with a partner, this will also factor into your decision-making process. Most mattresses we recommend for couples fall into the medium-firm range since they're the most accommodating. For example, if you enjoy a softer bed but it's too plush for your partner, this could hinder their sleep. Generally, medium-firm is your best bet for co-sleeping.

Do You Move At Night?

If you move at night, you'll want a mattress that is adaptable for different sleep positions. Combination sleepers are often best suited for medium firm products since they're the most versatile feel for changing positions. Additionally, responsive mattresses that quickly adjust to your movements and contour accordingly are very important.

Weight

Another critical factor to consider is your weight. As we've covered, people of varying weights will apply pressure differently to the same mattress. In most cases, lightweight people tend to go for softer mattress, while average-weight and heavier people are best on medium-firm and orthopaedic. Again, sleep position influences this too.

Play it Safe

The best tip if you still feel unsure is to go for a medium-firm mattress, which would score between 7 and 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Since this feel is preferred by most sleepers, there's a strong chance it will work for you too, and you can use the trial period to be sure.

Dangers of Soft Mattresses

Soft mattresses might feel comfortable and could induce a cloud-like sensation. However, they also have a lot of hidden dangers – you could be sacrificing support without even knowing it. A lot of chronic issues may stem from this, particularly back pain, so be sure that if your current mattress feels more plush, your body is still being adequately supported.

MASA Sleep Hybrid mattresses are a great option if you're looking for the perfect balance of comfort, response and pocket sprung support. If you need further help in shortlisting suitable new mattresses please contact us.