Firm or Soft Mattresses: Which Is Better? - Expert Roundup （Part 1)

August 28, 2021

From deciding on brand, type, size, etc., one of the most important features of a mattress is firmness. You’ve probably heard about soft vs firm mattresses and why you might either one. The ideal firmness of your mattress is often determined by your sleep position and body type, but ultimately the firmness you select is dependent on your own comfort level and your preference.

Not sure if you need a soft or firm mattress? Let the experts help you decide! Read on for tips from experts to help you decide which mattress firmness level is right for you.

• 1. Firm Is Best for Your Back

“A firm mattress is far superior - and mostly recommended - for a variety of reasons. Most of these reasons are related to your sleep posture and how a firm mattress encourages healthy positioning for the long term.

By using a firm mattress, your body will remain in a nice straight line position for the duration of the night and you’ll wake up feeling much better when compared to sleeping on a soft mattress. Firm mattresses are especially good for your back, which can be a problem error for people who struggle to get a good night's sleep.”

Dr. Pietro Luca Ratti, MD, Ph.D., Sleep Expert and Neurologist for WhatAsleep

• 2. Quality and Support Matter the Most

“Hey doc, what's better, a soft mattress or a firm mattress? My response, both! Let me explain... A firm mattress offers layers of support to keep your body in an ideal sleep position and provides proper spinal posture.

This allows the muscles and joints in the body to rest easy while properly supported. A firmer mattress will support your bones and structure so that your muscles can rest. If your mattress is too soft, your muscles end up doing all the supporting and you wake up with back pain, stiffness, and a feeling of overall tension, and even fatigue.

If we spend 1/3rd of our lives sleeping, we want to be sure we are getting quality sleep - our bodies will thank us!

A soft mattress offers a level of comfort, giving us that soft, cozy feeling. So how do we achieve the best of both? I suggest selecting a mattress that is more on the firm side, that offers support, and is also equipped with a 'plush' or soft top to give it that 'soft' feeling.

In summary: when shopping for a mattress, BE PATIENT! Take your time. Do your research. Test, test, and then test again to see which mattress suits your style and needs.

This isn't the time to look for the cheapest or least expensive mattress. Again, you will be spending approximately 1/3 of your life on it. Quality, support, and comfort prevail when selecting a mattress.”

Dr. Sean Rundle, Owner, Premier Chiropractic

• 3. Consider Back Pain

“Current research shows that people with lower back pain tend to do better with a medium-firm mattress, in terms of pain and disability, compared to other mattresses.”

Dr. Jordan Duncan, Owner, Silverdale Sport & Spine
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