Firm Mattress Guide (2024)
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Ready for a mattress upgrade? Before you jump on the “gotta-get-me-a-firm-mattress” bandwagon, let’s pause for a reality check.
Here’s the thing: a firm mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for better support or restorative sleep. Firm mattresses only offer these advantages to specific individuals.
Below, we’ll uncover what exactly counts as a firm mattress and if “firm” is the best match for you.
What is a Firm Mattress?
Understanding Mattress Firmness
What exactly is firmness, anyway? It’s about how a mattress feels when you lie down on it.
Experts usually rate mattresses on a scale from 1 to 10. Imagine 1 as the softest marshmallow ever, and 10 as a rock-hard surface.
The firmness of a mattress depends on its top comfort layer—that is, the thickness and materials used. Comfort layers are often made softer by adding pillow tops, stuffing them with materials like cotton or wool, or using a sheet of foam or latex. When you remove these cushioning materials or use thinner layers, this makes the mattress firmer.
Waking up feeling stiff and achy is not an ideal way to start your day and mattress firmness plays a major role. The ideal firmness level will ensure your body gets the support and alignment it craves while you sleep.
“Firm” Doesn’t Always Equal “Support”
When defining a mattress as “firm,” we’re talking about ones that score a 7 or higher on the 1-10 firmness scale.
Many people believe that the firmer the mattress, the more support it’ll provide. But is firmer always more supportive? Let’s define what a supportive mattress achieves:
- Keeps your spine in a neutral position
- Cushions and reduces discomfort in pressure-point areas
- Evenly distributes your body weight
When all these align, your body can relax for a restful sleep.
However, factors like sleep style and body type also impact how supported an individual feels on their mattress. For instance, a firm mattress may distribute weight evenly but exert too much pressure on your hips, shoulders, and neck.
So, it’s not as simple as assuming firm beds are consistently more supportive. The level of support varies for each person. That’s why finding the right balance of firmness and support is crucial.
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Pros of a Firm Mattress
Here are a few reasons why you might consider buying a firm mattress:
1) Support for Stomach and Combination Sleepers
A firm mattress is an excellent option for those who sleep on their stomachs or frequently switch positions throughout the night. It helps maintain proper spinal alignment for stomach sleepers by closing the gap between you and the mattress. Additionally, for combination sleepers, the firmness provides comfort and a stable foundation for peaceful sleep.
2) Increased Stability for Heavier Individuals and Couples
If you’re carrying a few extra pounds or sharing your bed with a partner, a firm mattress has got your back (literally!). The denser layers in firm mattresses are like the superheroes of support, handling heavier weights like a champ. These mattresses are built to last, so you can count on long-term durability.
3) Less Sinkage, Enhanced Breathability
One of the advantages of a firm mattress is that it responds quickly to your movements during sleep. Unlike softer beds, a firm mattress keeps you on top, fully supported. And with less sinkage, a firm mattress can provide enhanced ventilation to keep you cool throughout the night.
Cons of a Firm Mattresss
While firm mattresses can have their benefits, it’s also important to consider these potential drawbacks:
1) Minimal Comfort for Side Sleepers
No contouring. No coziness. Firm mattresses don’t provide the level of cushioning that side sleepers often need. Without proper support for your neck, shoulders and hips, this can leave you with potential aches and pains.
2) Less Support for Lighter Individuals
A firm mattress may not be suitable if you’re of average weight or have a lighter body frame. The same goes for sleepers with muscle and joint pain. That’s because the top surface lacks gentle support for key pressure points. As a result, your shoulders, hips, torso and lower back may bear the brunt of the strain.
3) Potential Tension and Disrupted Sleep
A firm mattress can cause your body to stay tense while you sleep, leading to muscle, neck, or back pain. The inability to fully decompress may result in tossing and turning throughout the night, resulting in discomfort and low-quality sleep.
Who is a Firm Mattress Good For?
A firm mattress could be a good match if you’re a stomach sleeper or tend to switch up positions during the night. Firm mattresses can also offer increased stability and support for heavier-weighted people or those with a sleeping partner.
That said, a firm mattress is not for everyone. This is especially true if you are of lighter body weight or if you prefer sleeping on your side. In many cases, the sleep surface of firm mattresses may even feel too hard with barely any give or contouring, resulting in tension build-up. Moreover, if you suffer from muscle and joint pain, a firm mattress probably won’t provide the cushioning your body needs.
If Not Firm...Then What?
You’ve now determined that a firm mattress is not for you, but you still want a balance of support and comfort. So, what level of firmness should you go with?
Well, almost 3/4 of Canadians prefer a mattress with a medium-firm feel. Why? With more cushioning than firm mattresses, medium-firm accommodates the widest range of body types, sleep styles, and comfort preferences while providing full-body support.
When placed on the same 1-10 firmness scale, medium-firm mattresses hover around the 6 to 7 range. A 5 is usually considered “medium”. Meanwhile, a 6 is considered “medium-firm” and is slightly firmer than a medium mattress. This firmness strikes the perfect balance between plush comfort and consistent support.
Medium-firm is also easily the most common firmness offered by mattress manufacturers, meaning there are plenty of options for Canadian buyers. Moreover, most bed-in-a-box retailers have risk-free sleep trials.
Should you find yourself part of the 1/4 of Canadians who do not prefer a medium-firm mattress, many mattress brands have easy returns and money-back guarantees.
For example, Douglas offers one of the longest sleep trials in Canada at 365 nights and full refunds upon mattress pickup. The Canadian brand’s flagship model, the Douglas Original, comes with a machine-washable cover, includes a layer of cooling gel foam, and earned a true medium-firm of 6.7/10 during third-party engineer testing (commissioned by us).
Find Your “Happy Medium”
Finding the perfect firmness is like finding your soulmate—it’s all about compatibility. While a firm mattress can work wonders for some, it’s often not the right match for most people.
The good news? Medium-firm mattresses hit the sweet spot for many sleepers. They offer the right balance of support and plushness that fits just about any sleep style or body type. And thanks to mattress-in-a-box options like Douglas, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the perfect mattress.
As you begin your mattress-shopping journey, remember to prioritize your comfort and what feels best to you.
To help narrow your search, we’ve ranked our top mattress picks in the firm and medium-firm categories. Click the buttons below to see which mattresses made each list!
