Why Did Goldilocks Try More Than One Bed? Learn About Mattress Firmness
August 25, 2021
Is your mattress too firm or too soft? Mattress shoppers can learn a lesson from Goldilocks and her quest to find the just right bed. If you're in the market for a new mattress, take a look at what you need to know about firmness and your options.
Is Firmness Important?
Simply stated - yes. Think of the children's story Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Goldilocks tried three beds - the first was too hard, the next was too soft, and the third was just right. The wrong mattress firmness can leave you feeling like Goldilocks during her first two tries.
The just right firmness can help you to feel more comfortable and get a better sleep. Not only will you enjoy the feel of the right mattress, but it can help to align your spine, relieve stress on specific pressure points, and cushion your body. Without the right firmness, you may not feel well-rested or you could wake up with new aches and pains.
What Firmness Levels Are Available?
Mattresses range from extra-soft to extra-firm, depending on the manufacturer, style, and material makeup. You may not find all firmness levels available in each type or brand of mattress.
An extra-soft mattress feels like a pillow and allows you to sink into the surface. While this level of firmness won't provide a high degree of support, it can easily conform to your body shape. A soft mattress is a step above extra-soft. But this level still has little support and plenty of room to conform.
If you want a mattress that conforms to your body shape, but you want more support, consider a medium-soft or medium option. Some manufacturers also make a medium-firm mattress. This slightly harder mattress can provide extra support. Firm and extra-firm mattress won't let your body sink into the bed. But these mattresses do provide superior support and hardness.
Which Firmness Level Should You Choose?
There's no universal answer to this question. Manufacturers create a variety of firmness levels for a reason. Different people have different physical needs, body sizes or shapes, and preferences.
In general, an extra-soft or soft mattress is preferable for side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers may sink too deep into the surface to feel comfortable. These soft beds may not support adults who are heavier well enough to provide adequate alignment during long periods of rest.
The middle-of-the-road firmness a medium mattress provides makes it a choice for different types of sleepers and people of varying weights and shapes. If you're a stomach sleeper, need extra support, or feel like you sink too far into soft and medium beds, firm and extra-firm mattresses are options to explore. While lighter adults can choose a firm mattress, they may find it puts too much pressure on some areas of the body - especially for side sleepers.
Is One Firmness More Durable Than Another?
Overall, firmer mattresses are more durable than soft beds. But this isn't always true. Several factors influence mattress durability. Along with the firmness, quality of the materials and construction, care, and the way you use the mattress will affect how long it lasts. An inexpensive, low-quality firm mattress won't have the same durability level a high-quality soft mattress will.
Is Firmness the Only Factor to Consider?
While firmness is important, it isn't the only factor to consider when you choose a mattress. The material can also impact how comfortable the mattress feels and the support it provides. The most common types of mattress materials and constructions are foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid (innerspring core with a foam or latex top layer).
Are you ready to buy a new mattress? Contact Chris Furniture, Inc, for more information
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