Soft Or Hard? What Mattress Firmness To Choose For Better Sleep
Sleep is vital to health, but you already know this. You’ve also probably read numerous tips on how to get better sleep. What you may be surprised at is just how important a mattress’ firmness is for quality sleep. According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, 93 percent of Americans said that a comfortable mattress was important for sleep quality. But this brings us to the question: what level of firmness should it be? How soft is too soft and how hard is too hard?
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A Soft Mattress
A mattress that’s soft gives a sense of plushness and exudes a coziness that’s hard to refuse! But is it good for your body and does it promote better sleep?
A soft mattress sinks deeply when you sit or lie down on it. At the outset, it can feel very comfortable, and if you’re a side-sleeper, you may find it ideal as it puts less pressure on your shoulders and hips. However, once you’ve broken into a new mattress, you’ll find that it steadily becomes softer and this can be a problem. It won’t provide the support your spine needs, and this can lead to neck and back pain which will only worsen over time.
If you already have back pain, you’ll find that it may exacerbate as your spine is placed in an unnatural position. You may need to replace your mattress sooner than usual too. 76 percent of orthopedic surgeons who were surveyed recommended using a firm mattress especially in the management of low back pain.
A Hard Mattress
We’ve frequently heard that sleeping on a hard mattress is the way to go. Indeed, it can keep your spine neutrally aligned and prevent aches and pains. But there’s such a thing as too firm. A mattress that doesn’t have enough ‘give’ to conform to your body will only apply pressure to the back of your head, shoulders and hips. This is because it doesn’t distribute weight evenly. It will also create a gap in your lumbar region and cause it to strain which can lead to back pain.
Studies also indicate that a too firm mattress isn’t a good choice if you suffer from lower back conditions associated with scoliosis, rheumatism, and arthritis. It doesn’t conform to the body well and can exacerbate pain on pressure points. Pressure points can create capillary circulation blocking which you send a signal to your brain that you need to move. The moving will inevitably wake you up and keep you from a restful night’s sleep. What you need is a good mattress for back pain that provides support and takes the shape of your body.
A Medium-Firm Mattress
Although the ideal firmness is relatively subjective, studies show that the best firmness level is medium-firm (about 6 or 7 on a 1-10 firmness scale). It provides the right amount of cushioning on pressure points and is firm enough that your spine and various parts of your body are properly supported. In fact, a study of adults who had chronic non-specific low back pain reported better pain outcomes after using medium-firm mattresses.
While medium-firm is the ideal choice, it’s important to keep in mind that different body weights react differently. Someone who’s light may find medium-firm to be too firm while someone who’s heavy may feel it’s just right or even a little too soft. Owing to this, it can be tricky finding the right level of firmness.
Nuvanna, however, is designed to adjust to different body sizes for the best comfort and support. It’s medium-firm and features three layers that come together to help you sleep better. The first is a cooling gel layer that prevents body heat from getting trapped by dispersing it. The middle layer uses motion-control technology so that you and your partner aren’t disturbed by the other’s movements. The bottom layer uses a support system that prevents your body from sinking in. Topping everything off is a breathable TENCEL cover that wicks away moisture to keep your body cool and comfortable.
The next time you go mattress-shopping, opt for a firmness level that’s somewhere in the middle. You’ll get to enjoy the cushioning a soft mattress provides while benefiting from the support of a firm mattress. As your pressure points are nicely cushioned and your spine naturally aligned, you’ll enjoy much better sleep.