Mattresses are a major part of our lives, but how hard or soft they are can make a big difference for the quality of sleep you'll get. Let's look at the pros and cons of each type. Related Blog: Free Pillow Offer! Pros of a Hard Mattress1. They facilitate a neutral spine position, keeping your body straighter2. They reduce the pressure on your circulation system, allowing blood to flow better3. They prevent your lower back from collapsing, which allows you to inhale more oxygen while you're sleeping4. They support the use of props like body pillows and pillows between the knees5. The human body can adapt to sleeping on a hard mattress and begin finding it comfortableCons of a Hard Mattress1. Changing to a hard mattress (from a soft one) can be uncomfortable for several days2. Studies have suggested that hard mattresses are not a good option for people with certain lower back problems (arthritis, rheumatism, scoliosis, etc.)3. It can be harder to notice the differences in firmness between harder mattresses, and some may not be quite firm enough4.
Very few locations ever advertise their mattresses as "hard and solid" instead of "soft and plush", perpetuating the problem of people who are harming their bodies by sleeping on the wrong type of mattress5. Body weight can eventually create indentationsPros of a Soft Mattress1. Soft mattresses can reduce back pain and help aging individuals deal with joint pain and problems2. Slimmer, lighter people can sleep on a medium-firm mattress and enjoy the plushness without sacrificing spinal support3. Soft mattresses can be a better option for people who sleep on their side, especially in a fetal position4. Softness can be added through the use of pillow-top systems, allowing for a firm primary mattress with just a bit of softness on top5. Research is continuing to work on ways to support the body even when softer mattresses are being usedCons of a Soft Mattress1. The softness can push a spine out of alignment and reduce the quality of sleep2. Soft mattresses can be more expensive than their firmer counterparts3.
Two people may disagree on the amount of softness they want in a bed, making it harder to share4. Soft mattresses tend to grow softer over time and may cease being appropriate after a few years of use5. Tend to result in below-average buyer satisfactionIn short? You may want to consider a firmer mattress unless your doctor says otherwise.Most plush mattresses have a solid inner core of coils. Plush and pillow top spring mattresses are similar; both typically have structural firmness and stability. They also have a soft outer fabric surface intended to make sleep more comfortable. When deciding between a plush and pillow top mattress, take into account your sleeping preferences, support needs and softness requirements, as well as the structural elements you need in a mattress. Plush It Up A plush mattress has quilting under its surface fabric and is softer than firm and extra-firm alternatives. For many, plush is a happy medium between a firm and a pillow top mattress. Those who frequently sleep on their sides and back might prefer the extra cushioning that a plush mattress affords, without compromising the support and durability of the inner coils and support structure.
People who sleep on their stomachs might feel that a plush mattress is too soft and doesn't provide the support they need. A pillow top mattress would be even more uncomfortable for a stomach sleeper. Pillow Top Perks Choose a pillow top mattress if you want a soft outer layer with a lot of additional cushioning. Pillow top mattresses have several inches of extra padding that are sewn onto the top of mattress. You can see the depth of the pillow top from the side. A pillow top conforms to your body and molds around you to provide extra padding where your shoulders and hips press into the bed. Those who prefer a firm mattress and want a solid support structure might feel that a pillow top is too soft and malleable. Lightweight adults, older children and teenagers might feel overwhelmed by a pillow top because they aren't heavy enough to sink past the cushion to the underlying bed support. However, heavier individuals may appreciate the added cushioning that provides a layer between them and underlying coils or springs.
Pillow top mattresses pose safety concerns for toddlers and infants who could smother in the bulky cushioning. Plush Mattress Construction Plush mattresses are constructed by adding a layer of soft foam over the internal frame that holds the springs or coils. The cover of the mattress is sewn over the entire surface and hides the foam so you can't see it. The permanent mattress covering also protects the foam from wear and tear. A plush mattress usually has a latex core that's soft and flexible, yet provides some support for back and side sleepers. Low-quality plush mattresses and those used by heavier individuals often break down -- faster than firm mattresses -- and lose their buoyancy and soft padding. Pillow Tops: A Mixed Bag Opt for a pillow top design if you want one of the softest options available on an innerspring mattress. A pillow top is a permanent feature and can't be removed. It feels similar to sleeping with a dense, high-quality egg carton pad on top of your mattress, but you don't have to worry about it sliding off or shifting as you sleep or the lumpy egg carton design.
A big disadvantage of a pillow top mattress is the uncomfortable depressions that develop as you sleep. If you roll over or change positions, it might feel like you're sinking into dips created by the weight of your body's pressure points. You can't flip a pillow top mattress over -- the cushioning is on one side only. References Get a Mattress: Firm, Plush, Euro Top, Pillowtop or Boxtop?/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionThe power of a good night's sleep should never be underestimated. As we sleep, our body's serotonin levels are restored, our immune systems are rejuvenated and our memories are sharpened. Because sleep is so integral to our everyday functioning, it is essential that we get a good night's rest. To do this, it is important to sleep on a mattress that is right for you. Doing so will cause you to wake up rejuvenated and refreshed; sleeping on the wrong mattress, on the other hand, will result in many sleepless nights, waking up cranky and suffering from back pain. Choosing the right mattressChoosing the right mattress Mattresses are displayed in stores for a reason.
They aren't put there to look pretty, they're put there so you can test them out by laying down on them. Many people believe that proper mattress-shopping etiquette involves simply sitting on the edge of the mattress. You cannot possibly make a decision just by doing that because 1.) You're going to spend the majority of your time laying on it, not sitting on it, and 2.) When you do lay down, it's not going to be on the edge of the mattress, it's going to be in the middle. Get a feel for the mattress by laying on it in your usual sleep position. If there's two of you, lay on it at the same time to see how it supports your weight. Lie on it for at least 10 minutes.You're going to be looking for two important factors: comfort and support. Support is determined by the coil springs inside the mattress and should be conducive to proper spine alignment. When laying on your side, your spine should be straight, and when you lay on your back it should maintain it's natural curve. Comfort comes from the padding, which serves to cushion your body from the support of the springs and should mould itself to your shape.
According to orthopedic experts, you should go for the firmest, most supportive mattress you find comfortable. A bed that is too firm will put pressure on the heavier parts of your body, particularly the hips, signaling your body to turn over and resulting in a night of tossing and turning. A bed that is too soft will result in your spine not being properly aligned. Your muscles will tense up and have to work harder to make up for the lack of support.** TIP ** Because the springs are what make the mattress supportive, it is important to take their construction into consideration. Ask the salesperson (or refer to the placard if there is one) what the coil count is. A standard twin-size mattress should have at least 300, a queen should have 375 and a king should have 450. Types of mattressesBecause we are inundated with commercials for mail-order mattresses and stores that sell bedding, and with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out what's best for you. Here is a breakdown of the different types of mattresses and how they can best benefit your sleep.
Remember, no matter what the mattress comfort level is, they can all offer the same spine support depending on the coil count. Test out different beds to get a feel for which one is right for you. FIRMFirm mattresses have flat-tops with no extra padding. They typically come with Edge Support for a firmer, yet comfortable edge. Traditionally, firm to medium-firm mattresses have always been recommended for the relief of lower back pain. These mattresses score a 7.5 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the hardest. Mattress height is approximately 8.5"Sealy Giovanni FirmSealy Posturepedic Baltico Firm CUSHION FIRMCushion Firm mattresses are medium-firm beds. They offer firm support with a slight cusion at the top. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the hardest, customers rate cushion firm mattresses a 7. Mattress height runs from 9.5" to 11.5"Sealy Posturepedic Adriatic Cushion FirmSealy Posturepedic Wyrick Cushion Firm PLUSHPlush mattresses are the softest you can get without purchasing a bed that has additional pillowtop padding.
Extra foam layering above the coils provide extra comfort and plush support. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the hardest, customers rate plush mattresses a 6. Mattresses are around 10" in height.Sealy Posture PlushSealy Islandia Plush MEMORY FOAMMemory Foam was created by NASA twenty years ago but in the long run was never used in the space program. It ended up in mattresses instead. Previously too expensive for the average consumer, memory foam mattresses have become increasingly affordable over the past few years, resulting in a skyrocket in it's popularity. Made from polyurethane, memory foam mattresses are firmer in cool temperatures and softer in warm temperatures. Because it reacts to changes in climate, it also responds to the body's natural heat, quickly moulding itself to the shape of a warm body. Memory foam mattresses are denser and more supportive than standard mattresses. Keep in mind that it takes 15 minutes for the mattress to completely respond to your body's heat and settle into true form.
What may feel just right at first may become too soft as the minutes pass, so give it a good, long chance. You can buy memory foam mattresses as well as memory foam overlays, or toppers, to place on top of an existing mattress.Therapeutic 5" Memory Foam mattress (comparable to Tempur-pedic)Sealy True Form collection ULTRA PLUSHUltra Plush mattresses are super comfortable and sometimes include an additional pillowtop on top of the mattress (which is already plenty padded by itself.) On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the hardest, ultra plush mattresses are about a 4. With a height of approximately 16", depending on the model, these mattresses also sometimes require deeper fitted sheets than the standard mattress.Sealy Posturepedic Hoffman Estates Ultra PlushSealy Posturepedic Granite Peaks Ultra Plush EuroPillowtop PILLOWTOPPillowtop mattresses have an extra layer of padding attached to the top of the mattress to provide additional comfort. Generally speaking, these beds are not very firm due to the top layer, or "pillow", that covers the entire surface but they are incredibly comfortable.
Pillowtop mattresses were also rated a 6 on a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the hardest. Pillowtop mattresses usually require deeper fitted sheets than the standard mattress because they can run up to 19.5 inches high. Solutions for couplesUnless you and your spouse have similar taste in comfort and support, chances are you're both going to be most comfortable on different beds. If one or both of you is willing to compromise, great. If not, several companies design mattresses made especially to accommodate two separate bodies with two separate ideas of what's comfortable. SLEEP NUMBER BEDSThe Select Comfort Sleep Number bed is rapidly gaining in popularity. You've probably seen at least a dozen commercials advertising it's uniquely designed air chambers which it uses rather than metal and springs to provide a level of support that can be adjusted literally at the touch of a button. The Firmness Control System is a remote attached to a pump that allows you to select the bed's firmness level.
Even better, the 7000 and 9000 models come with two remotes that allow each person to select the comfort level for their side of the bed.If you can't afford the pricey Select Comfort beds, which can run anywhere up to $4,000, then check out the more affordable alternatives such as the King 9000 Select Number Airbed shown here. TEMPUR-PEDICTempur-pedic designs beds using the memory foam discussed above to ensure a good night's sleep for both parties. Because memory foam reacts to changes in temperature (firmer in cool, softer in warm) it reacts to the heat your body naturally emits throughout the evening, conforming to mould around your unique shape. When two people are in a full, queen or king size bed, the memory foam will mould around both of you, ensuring a better rest. What may feel just right at first may become too soft as the minutes pass, so give it a good, long chance to adapt to your shape. Twin xtra-long: 39in wide x 80in longTwin: 39in wide x 75in longFull: 54in wide x 75in longQueen: 60in wide x 80in longKing: 76in wide x 80in longCalifornia king: 72in wide x 84in long