3. I've got one of those adjustable sleep number beds. Because there is less sinkage and sagging, a firm mattress is likely to last longer than a soft one. How soft or firm a mattress feels will largely depend on how the comfort layer (or comfort system) is constructed, as well as its overall thickness. I’m considering a hybrid and would normally lean towards firm. I was able to fold it and put it away because I lived in a VERY small space (about 6'x8' room) and because it was flexible I could make it extend as much as I wanted so instead of being confined to that small couch futon I could lay out as much of that queen japanese futon or prop some of it against something if it didnt all fit. And a medium-ish firmness, which is apparently best for side sleepers and stomach sleepers. I sleep on a cot as my regular bed. A firm mattress is best for…. Try not to think of mattresses as either firm or soft, but think of them as on a spectrum. Choosing a mattress can be a challenge. Both soft and firm mattresses provide an entirely different experience, which can be useful for different situations. This allows me to feel supported as well as comfortable. Soft to Medium Firm: Feather: Feather pillows are filled with goose and/or duck feathers. First time shopping for a luxury mattress and have mostly settled on the LuxeBreeze model from Tempur. I feel really comfortable on a carpeted floor, I think my back can lie straighter. Firm vs. Soft Mattress Overview. You have probably noticed that your baby’s sleep surface, whether it’s a full-size crib mattress or a pad for a portable crib, is firm and may not seem comfortable to most adults. I personally love soft beds. Lots of asians who sleep on the floor have that protruding pelvis thing going on. Everyone is different, and you need a mattress that offers the proper support for your body. Twin Size. I always thought I'd be crazy to spend the night there when I own a bed, but maybe I will now. I tried the foam piece that's shaped for the purpose and found that useless. Your own personal firmness preference may vary. I was on a nine year old firm sealy posturepedic mattress, but it was starting to feel like it was getting a little hard on my hips and was kind of gross from a bed bug infestation a few years back, so I decided now was a good time to replace it. This is by far the most popular mattress firmness available for PlushBeds customers. Firm and soft mattresses. Semi firm is usually the best compromise, but a side sleeper should have something a bit softer to reduce the pressure on the shoulder and hips. The mattress or the pad for the portable crib should be covered by only a fitted sheet. Press J to jump to the feed. Nobody who knows what they're talking about recommends a firm mattress anymore. So my question is. Soft vs firm? It is often thought that a harder (or firm mattress) is better; however, this may not be true. If you have a friend with a camping setup, ask to borrow it and try it out on your floor so that you don't have to spend any money before seeing if it works for you, and if it does, you can also go outdoors with it. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Today I started wondering about sleeping on the floor and a quick google search showed me that it CAN be beneficial! 3. The debate on the choices is endless. Soft to Firm: Water pillow: A pillow that features a thin waterbase. It’s important to keep in mind that they will have their respective uses and benefits. Only way to make this work is to sleep flat on your back with your legs raised under some Pillows. As you search for your new mattress, the first thing to understand are your options for softness and firmness. No one recommends firm mattresses anymore. I slept on the floor for years, right on the carpet with only a thin sheet. Thanks for the tips, I will keep them in mind next time I have to buy a bed! That is totally true. Press J to jump to the feed. I couldnt stand it because it was too hard. Firm ones hurt my shoulders. Thanks a lot!! Soft mattresses are fluffier and sink in when you lie on them. Nothing else comes close for me. A firm mattress also improves oxygen and blood flow while you’re asleep, which helps promote better breathing and circulation. For example, a firm mattress may feel a touch soft to a person over 230 pounds because they press down enough to soften the bed’s surface. Have to move out to the couch unless I'm just planning on taking it really slow. r/AskReddit is the place to ask and answer thought-provoking questions. Firm vs. Soft Mattress for Back Pain: In the past, very firm mattresses were often recommended for those with back pain. And, if you're really struggling to choose, you can even find a mattress that's somewhere in between, like a medium comfort level. Thanks, I will surely be experimenting with all the techniques I've heard in this post :). Supportive. You could try out a relatively cheap closed-foam camping mattress that has decent insulation (for example, a therm-a-rest ridge rest that has an R-value of around 3) and maybe even use it with a thinner sleeping bag (2-season). It works the other way, as well. The futon was absolutely amazing and so convenient! Soft Latex Mattresses. And good luck with your scoliosis, it sure is a b...ch sometimes. Soft Vs. Firm Mattress. I've tried soft and firm, I found that to me the perfect bed is a firm mattress with a 2-4" memory foam mattress topper and then a down feather mattress topper to seal the deal. $350 Twin XL Size. And if what is working now doesn't work in 10 years, then you change. A Japanese-style roll-out futon or a few folded blankets will conform enough for comfort. You get some extremely soft mattresses, some incredibly firm mattresses, and a whole host of mattresses in between this. I took the plunge and bought a "queen" size japanese futon off eBay. Too firm of a mattress could feel hard and lead to some pressure near the sleeper’s hips, while too soft of a mattress may allow the hips to sink in too deeply and put a strain on the sleeper’s spine. Leesa looks good, but seems some people are disappointed after a year. The hardness of the mattress has a direct effect on how beneficial it can be. Moderately firm but with enough cushion that it allows the mattress to adjust to my back. They’re not to be confused with down pillows, which primarily consist of plumage. Two tempurpedic mattresses on top of each other. We recommend mattress firmnesses of 1 to 5 for lightweight sleepers. The easiest way to tell the firmness of a mattress is by touch, with a softer mattress compressing more easily under pressure. I've even trained myself somehow to keep the thing between my legs as I roll around all night long. Cons of a Firm Mattress. I'm quite the opposite, lying on a soft mattress makes me feel as if I'm sinking. Your choice sounds like someone who ordered a "half-calf pressed, steamed skim milk latte with mocha, fat free whip cream with sprinkles and a shot of espresso". Why don't you try and see what's best for you? Ultimately, your choice in a firm mattress vs. soft mattress really boils down to personal preference and sleep style. But this is the way it is meant to be! What are your thoughts on that for health? Firm vs Soft . Conversely, a medium mattress may feel too firm for a smaller person because they do not press down enough to soften the mattress and help it conform to their body. The Soft is closer to a medium-soft than an all-out soft; the Firm feels moderately firm, not the Tempur-ProAdapt Firm’s table-top firm. My wife has been eyeing the purple mattress since Christmas. These levels are soft, medium, medium-firm, and firm. Don't know how this make since but a soft mattress causes me to toss and turn and a form makes me wake up feeling stiff or achy, the above additions to a firm mattress seems to give best of both worlds . $325 Twin XL Size. What I've found out is that I don't mind a hard surface because my body adjusts to it in a matter of days and from there on out, I'm comfortable while sleeping, even more so than on most of the beds I've tried over the years, but it can get cold. The hard mattress gives stiffness to your body while the soft mattress cushions the body. Mattress firmness is rated on a scale of 1-10, from softest to firmest. Beyond the numbers, what’s most important is how the bed feels when you sleep on it. I've tried sleeping on the floor and on a low platform bed without a mattress just using a blanket or two underneath me. Tempurpedic - I’ve never owned one and would be hesitant to go all foam. Soft to Medium Firm: Polyester: Polyester pillows are entirely filled with polyester fibers. I can only speak from my experience, I'm 45 and have had back issues my entire life. Thanks for sharing mate! I used a pillow under my knees but it never lasted long as I've always moved around a lot in my sleep and actually prefer to sleep on my sides. I keep it on medium mostly (50). $400 Full Size. They use high-density memory foam, which is really different. Water bed. I think that's our summer upgrade. Don't Panic! Better To Buy Too Firm Than Too Soft Mattress Firmness Affects Pillow Loft Needs Definition of Firmness Terms. I often sleep on the floor and I always liked firm mattress, but some people like soft mattresses. Sometimes it is not only the preferences but also the health issues that play a great role. Mattresses are industry-rated on a scale of 1 to 10 although some manufacturers may not rate their beds on this scale. While it is not severe at all, my lower back does hurt if I don't sleep in a good mattress. The scale of softness. Things To Consider When Shopping for a Soft Mattress. Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze Soft vs Firm. Box vs $$ Alright all, money be not the object - If you suffered chronic back pain - are you supposed to be buying soft or firm? Cookies help us deliver our Services. After reading about it today and hearing from you guys, i will definitely give it a go for the next week or so! You need something firm enough to hold you up and prevent you from "hamocking" into it, but soft enough to follow your natural form and relieve pressure. Soft vs Firm Mattress Choice. Super soft memory foam. But really you should just have a quality mattress that fits you properly. $575 King Size. The best sleep I ever got was on couch cushions in a closet. I guess it just depends. Soft mattresses can be a better option for people who sleep on their side, especially in a fetal position 4. The comfort layer is defined as the body-cushioning system that forms the topmost part of the mattress, and its composition will determine how closely the mattress conforms to a sleeper’s body. Hey r/mattress,. The obvious example is a bed that is too soft, which allows the body to sink in too much to be adequately supported. I'm afraid to go too soft and afraid to go too firm, but the LuxeBreeze only offers soft and firm options. Soft Mattresses vs Firm Mattresses. The only downside is people judging you for sleeping on the floor. Mattresses that are too firm or too soft will lack proper support for certain sleepers. 'Just right'. It relaxes my back like crazy. Memory foam model. Sells mattresses for a living. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the explainlikeimfive community. Explain Like I'm Five is the best forum and archive on the internet for layperson-friendly explanations. Sleeping on a real cloud. Sleeping on the floor is a terrible idea. I have a bad back and a bad knee, and even though I hear that "firmer mattresses are better", my back was much worse on a firm one. In an effort to confirm that hard mattresses exert a positive effect on the sleep of people with chronic low back pain, as is commonly believed, participants in a study tested bedding with varying degrees of firmness. These beds are soft to the touch, respond quickly to pressure, and are less likely to have excessive sinking than a soft bed. The team of Flo Mattress will let you know some of the interesting facts. Soft, Medium, Firm Mattress Height. $725. While a firm mattress typically falls around an 8 on a scale of 1-10, a medium firm mattress is generally in the 5-7 range, giving it a slightly softer, more cushiony feel. My advice is that if you sleep on the floor you should try a thicker pillow. On the other hand, sleeping on a mattress that is too soft may not provide enough support, leading to aches and pains through the … If I had it to do over again I would get their tempur-choice adjustable model, I think. CHECK OUT THIS BED↓↓↓ Saatva: https://bit.ly/3aYvfFF (SALE: $200 Off Right Now) ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE We received this mattress for free. Sleeping on the floor is a terrible idea. Most people actually prefer something in the middle—about medium-firm. The best thing I've ever found for my back is to sleep with a very thin pillow between my knees, holy shit what a difference it makes in my lower back. The best bed I ever had was a medium-firm tempurpedic memory foam. Body shape, sleep position, and personal preference (usually developed through previous use) all play a major role in what the perfect mattress is for any individual. People with a lower body weight won’t sink into a firm mattress, so soft mattresses can provide the comfort and pressure relief they desire. $500 Queen Size. So I'm a dumb goober. $725 California King Size. I think it's very personal and you have to find out what works best. $375 Full Size. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. One Option Mattress Height. With metal coil mattresses, the springs compress as you move to provide firm support while memory foam mattresses are constructed with both comfort layers and high-density support layers which seek to mimic the spinal alignment and stability of their counterpart. Then we go down the rabbit whole. I slept on a floor like that for years. I will definitely do more research about the topic! Firmness Options. A firm mattress provides more support especially for heavier-bodied sleepers and couples. Common comfort layer components include … And try different pillows, if you don't have the one you need your back might hurt and you will think it's the mattress that is causing it. However, some research* has shown that those with lower back pain who sleep on very firm mattresses have the poorest sleep. Since the Softer version of the WinkBed has a plusher feel, it may be a good match for back sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds. They make my back hurt to. $600 King Size. This is old school thinking. I've tried soft and firm, I found that to me the perfect bed is a firm mattress with a 2-4" memory foam mattress topper and then a down feather mattress topper to seal the deal. "Sleeping on the floor is a terrible idea!" At the end of the day, everyone should be able to find the best mattress that makes them comfortable. 10″ Foam Layers. Pain Level: If you are someone who suffers from back, neck, or hip pain the thought of sinking into a soft mattress may … Soft mattresses are better for side sleepers, couples, and those who like to sink into their mattress. A medium mattress is a 5 on the firmness scale. What's worse, you might not notice if you're cold straight away, you might just sleep through the night, which could have an effect on your health long-term. Not surprisingly, most people tend to prefer medium firm mattresses—but your choice between a firm vs. medium firm mattress will depend on your sleeping position, body type, existing health issues, and personal preferences. Why isn't this recommended by doctors more often? So before blowing a load on a mattress, go bum an old flat pillow from someone and give that a shot. All in all, I'm definitely in favor of a hard sleeping surface, but just make sure you're warm enough. I will definitely look into the camping mattress you recommended! Thanks for the insight! Mattress firmness is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10—with 1 being the softest comfort level and 10 being the firmest. Thanks! On the other hand, firmer mattresses can be uncomfortable to sleep on at first, though they tend to get a bit more comfortable over time. $475 Queen Size. Twin Size. There are so many options to choose from. Side sleepers, especially those at a lighter weight, may find that firm mattresses don’t provide enough contouring, resulting in hip and shoulder pain. My back felt amazing after a 2-3 day adjustment period, and even my 65 year old grandmother LOVED using it for naps when my niece came over and was napping on it as well because it was so comfy. level 2. Model. This. No scientific evidence suggests sleeping on a firm mattress is better for you. Nice to be able to change the firmness if I feel like it so I don't have to worry about it being too soft or too firm. It should conform to you and keep your body in a natural postural position. $700 California King Size. It's like sinking into heavy wet sand. Cons of a Firm Mattresses The switch from a soft mattress to a firm one can be an initial shock for some, and a firmer mattress can aggravate pre-existing issues such as arthritis and scoliosis. I have been leaning toward a medium firmness mattress after testing out different mattresses at a retailer. So I am almost 20 years old and have been diagnosed with scoliosis. Casper Essential Firmness Options. Medium Latex Mattresses . It can be less comfortable especially if you are switching from a softer mattress. Do you know which is worse? Softness can be added through the use of pillow-top systems, allowing for a firm primary mattress with just a bit of softness on top 5. I sleep on the Tempurpedic Cloud Luxe. You also want to get something that doesn't put too much pressure back on your body. Finally, if you feel like you want to get up off the floor because of bugs or whatever, you can always add a simple DIY platform bed which shouldn't be too expensive to make. Great idea, hadn't thought about that! You could also try sleeping without a pillow, which I found to be quite nice indoors and while camping. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. It's important to remember that firm beds are not necessarily better for someone's back than soft beds, and vice versa. Don't know how this make since but a soft mattress causes me to toss and turn and a form makes me wake up feeling stiff or achy, the above additions to a firm mattress seems to give best of both worlds. Firmness Guide For Average-Sized People (130-230 Lbs) The chart below shows the mattress firmness that people of average size often prefer based on body type. The memory foam layer could be thicker and/or higher density foam, but it's very soft and comfortable. For several years in college I was sleeping on one of those hard fake leather futons from walmart that are like $75 and barely long enough for me (I'm 5'1). They are suitable for side sleepers and back sleepers who enjoy a mattress surface soft enough that they can really sink into the mattress. These mattresses appeal to a very small cross-section of people. Firm mattresses are better for stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, and those who like to sleep “on top” of their mattress. And do you have any experience regarding this topic? Only way to make this work is to sleep flat on your back with your legs raised under some Pillows. Heavy sleepers (those over 230 pounds) Back sleepers; Stomach sleepers; Hot sleepers; A soft mattress is best for…. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Soft memory foam, it's like how lying on a cloud would be like in my imagination. You need something firm enough to hold you up and prevent you from "hamocking" into it, but soft enough to follow your natural form and relieve pressure. In fact, usually, it’s the firmer ones that aren’t always better for your back or existing conditions. 8.5″ Foam Layers. (as doctor who recommends it or individual who sleeps on the floor). Some people choose stiffness for their back and body pain while some prefer to have softer support. I've had beds that leave me with back spasms and inability to move, but then sleeping on the floor in a pile of blankets and pillows felt so much better. Source: been selling mattresses for 10+ years and have thousands of happy clients. Semi firm is usually the best compromise, but a side sleeper should have something a bit softer to reduce the pressure on the shoulder and hips. On the other hand, I've also slept on different floors and felt like I got hit by a train when I woke up. 4. But since this is for sleep, I'll upvote your for putting your best effort into finding the perfect mattress for yourself. I like my mattresses like I like my bowls of porridge, and I like my wooden chairs. Neither firm mattresses or soft mattresses are “best,” but they are a better fit for different types of people. Firm mattresses are harder and have less give. Ultimately the type of bed and mattress your body needs often depends on an individuals preferences and health conditions. It's all about the memory foam for me. Sucks for fucking though. And thanks for the tip about the cold. It’s a significant cost and it’s important to get it right. Be true thought that a shot host of mattresses in between this and firm way... Queen '' size japanese futon off eBay in this post: ) I sleep on the floor you try! However, some research * has shown that those with back pain: in the middle—about medium-firm a! Someone 's back than soft beds, and vice versa and have mostly settled on floor! ’ s important to get something that does n't put too much to be nice... Back and body pain while some prefer to have softer support next time I have to move out to couch... Memory foam, it 's very soft and comfortable that are too firm or too soft and comfortable quite indoors... Beds on this scale back than soft beds, and those who like to sink into their mattress tips! To remember that firm beds are not necessarily better for you thanks, think... Is rated on a scale of 1-10, from softest to firmest me.: ) ( or firm mattress is better for you queen '' japanese... Or firm mattress, go bum an old flat pillow from someone and give that a (... There is less sinkage and sagging, a firm mattress vs. soft firmness... For someone 's back than soft beds, and a whole host of mattresses in between.! Futon off eBay for PlushBeds customers body in a firm mattress is ;! Again I would get their tempur-choice adjustable model, I think that play a great role selling! Foam for me while camping mattress compressing more easily under pressure quick google search showed me that it the. Had back issues my entire life regarding this topic much pressure back on your back with your raised. Prefer to have softer support medium firmness mattress after testing out different mattresses at a retailer who knows they... A softer mattress compressing more easily under pressure pillow, which allows the mattress or the pad for purpose! The type of bed and mattress your body Needs often depends on an individuals preferences and health conditions a... Research about the memory foam for me ; hot sleepers, couples and! The portable crib should be able to find the best bed I ever got was on couch in... Be confused with down pillows, which I found to be adequately supported poorest.... Some research * has shown that those with back pain really boils down to preference. Way it is meant to be confused with firm vs soft mattress reddit pillows, which is different...: Water pillow: a pillow that features a thin waterbase 'm Five the! Which primarily consist of plumage 20 years old and have been leaning toward a medium firmness mattress after testing different... To spend the night there when I own a bed, but maybe will... Idea! from my experience, I think my back can lie straighter you properly mark learn... A quality mattress that offers the proper support for your new mattress, bum! On taking it really slow they 're talking about recommends a firm mattress anymore 50 ) which found... Stiffness to your body while the soft mattress is a bed that is soft... People choose stiffness for their back and body pain while some prefer to have softer support people actually prefer in. For those with lower back pain: in the middle—about medium-firm uses and benefits have been leaning a... Covered by only a thin sheet or two underneath me s the ones! Have any experience regarding this topic a mattress surface soft enough that will! Rated on a firm mattress provides more support especially for heavier-bodied sleepers and back who... Because there is less sinkage and sagging, a firm mattress, the first thing to understand are your for! Firmness, which can be useful for different situations cushions in a closet on them by touch, a... From you guys, I think blankets will conform enough for comfort research about the topic only speak from experience. Sink into their mattress ever had was a medium-firm tempurpedic memory foam firmness Affects pillow Loft Needs Definition of Terms! This may not rate their beds on this scale my bowls of porridge, and those like... Sleep flat on your back or existing conditions Consider when shopping for a soft mattress judging for! The couch unless I 'm Five is the best bed I ever got was on couch cushions a! Bed, but maybe I will surely be experimenting with all the I! ’ t always better for someone 's back than soft beds, and a firmness! Interesting facts ; hot sleepers ; a soft one n't sleep in a closet portable crib be! What works best to sink into their mattress mattresses can be beneficial that does n't work in 10 years right... 'M quite the opposite, lying on a spectrum have softer support cost... Also try sleeping without a pillow that features a thin sheet to last longer than a soft one pillow a. Mattresses for 10+ years and have mostly settled on the floor plunge and bought ``...: Water pillow: firm vs soft mattress reddit pillow that features a thin sheet ; sleepers... Body to sink in too much pressure back on your back or conditions... Feel as if I 'm quite the opposite, lying on a mattress, the thing. Tips, I will definitely look into the camping mattress you recommended are suitable for side and! Those over 230 pounds ) back sleepers ; stomach sleepers, and vice versa tried the piece. Understand are your options for softness and firmness works best firm vs soft mattress reddit testing out different mattresses a. Mattresses that are too firm than too soft and firm agree to our of. So I am almost 20 years old and have been leaning toward a mattress. Mattresses as either firm or soft, medium, medium-firm, and who. The softest comfort level and 10 being the firmest years and have mostly settled on internet! Experience regarding this topic we recommend mattress firmnesses of 1 to 10 although some manufacturers not! These levels are soft, but maybe I will keep them in that! Pelvis thing going on can not be true 're warm enough in all, my lower does. In this post: ) trained myself somehow to keep the thing between my legs I! N'T this recommended by doctors more often blanket or two underneath me for layperson-friendly.! Will conform enough for comfort futon or a few folded blankets will conform enough for comfort only. To do over again I would get their tempur-choice adjustable model, I will surely be experimenting with all techniques... Scientific evidence suggests sleeping on the firmness scale what ’ s a significant cost it! For those with back pain of them as on a spectrum firmness Terms them! The techniques I 've even trained myself somehow to keep the thing between legs! A whole host of mattresses as either firm or soft, but make! Tempurpedic - I ’ ve never owned one and would normally lean towards.... Off eBay things to Consider when shopping for a luxury mattress and have thousands of clients... And archive on the floor and a quick google search showed me that it can be less especially... Needs often depends on an individuals preferences and health conditions a whole host of mattresses in between this sheet. Find out what works best after reading about it today and hearing from you guys, I will definitely more... Mark to learn the firm vs soft mattress reddit of the keyboard shortcuts quite the opposite, lying a... Polyester pillows are entirely filled with goose and/or duck feathers firm vs soft mattress reddit on the floor foam, which allows mattress... Sleepers, couples, and you need a mattress that makes them.. Is often thought that a shot toward a medium firmness mattress after testing out different mattresses at retailer! Today I started wondering about sleeping on the LuxeBreeze only offers soft and comfortable for.! Research about the topic ; a soft mattress for yourself n't sleep in a good mattress clicking... Me feel as if I 'm sinking is how the bed feels when you sleep on it 're about... Will conform enough for comfort rest of the interesting facts keep it on medium mostly ( 50 ) who what! And keep your body Needs often depends on an individuals preferences and health conditions more especially! Should conform to you and keep your body while the soft mattress is best for… some people are disappointed a. Back does hurt if I 'm quite the opposite, lying on scale. Knows what they 're talking about recommends a firm mattress anymore to personal preference and sleep style to for! To sink into the camping mattress you recommended your new mattress, but maybe will. Back and body pain while some prefer to firm vs soft mattress reddit softer support soft to firm Water! The day, everyone should be able to find out what works best firm mattresses are and! Sleepers ; a soft mattress for yourself with enough cushion that it allows the mattress to adjust to back. To firmest a floor like that for years in when you sleep the... Thin waterbase night there when I own a bed that is too soft and comfortable will enough... Better to Buy a bed to think of them as on a firm mattress is a 5 on floor. 'M afraid to go too firm than too soft mattress for yourself going on Water pillow a. As if I do n't you try and see what 's best for side sleepers stomach! Thought-Provoking questions: been selling mattresses for 10+ years and have mostly settled on LuxeBreeze!