Finding the Sweet Spot: Who Should Choose a Firm Mattress (and Who Shouldn't)
The debate between soft, medium, and firm mattresses is eternal, but the right answer is always subjective. When a mattress is too soft, it can lead to spinal misalignment. However, a mattress that is too firm can create painful pressure points.
Choosing a firm mattress is a strategic decision that depends entirely on your body weight, sleeping position, and health needs. Here’s how to know if the supportive feel of a firm mattress is your sweet spot.
Who Should Choose a Firm Mattress (8-10/10)
A firm mattress excels at keeping the body elevated and preventing sinking. It’s the ideal choice for individuals who need robust, unyielding support.
1. Stomach Sleepers
When sleeping on your stomach, the weight of your torso tends to pull your hips down toward the mattress, creating an arch in your lower back. A firm mattress provides the necessary resistance to keep your hips elevated and your spine in a neutral line, significantly reducing back pain.
2. Heavier Individuals
The more a mattress compresses under your weight, the softer it feels. Individuals with a higher body weight (typically above 100kg) require a much firmer mattress to achieve the same level of support and spinal alignment that a lightweight person gets from a medium-firm model.
3. Those Seeking a Traditional Feel
Many sleepers prefer the feeling of sleeping "on top of" the mattress rather than sinking into it. Firm mattresses, particularly those with strong pocketed coils or firm latex, offer this feeling of immediate, responsive support.
Who Should AVOID a Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is not a universal solution. It can be detrimental to:
1. Strict Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a softer mattress that allows the heavier parts of the body (shoulders and hips) to sink in slightly. This ensures the spine remains straight. A firm mattress will push these points up, causing the spine to curve unnaturally.
2. Lightweight Individuals
A person under 60kg may not exert enough pressure to fully activate the comfort layers of a firm mattress. This can lead to sleeping on an unyielding surface, resulting in pressure points and discomfort.
Finding Your Ideal Firmness
The goal is to find the point where your mattress offers maximum support while still allowing for natural spinal curvature. At Affairs.sg, we recommend looking for models that offer zoned firmness—firmer support in the middle for your hips and softer support near the shoulders.
Whether you choose a firm mattress or a medium-firm model, the true secret is testing it for an extended period.
Ready to find the firmness that gives you perfect alignment? Explore the range of medium-firm and firm mattresses at Affairs.sg.
