What Mattress Support & Firmness is Best?

A new mattress is an investment, we know. The support level of said mattress is super important, and your decision should really be guided by what firmness of mattress is best for you (followed by things like bed size and the quality of the mattress).

Not all of us have the same sleep behaviours, and your choice of mattress support should reflect this.

Whether you sleep cosied up in the fetal position or you lay flat on your back, your mattress’ job is to keep you correctly positioned and comfortable throughout the night.

So, in order for you to get the optimum sleep, we've put together this little guide to help you see things a little more clearly and finally decide what mattress firmness is best for you.

Why the Firmness of a Mattress Matters

Mattress firmness is a key (arguably the most important) factor in the quality of sleep, so you're not feeling like Princess and the Pea every night.

Mattresses also directly affect health because they impact your spine and pressure on key body parts. If you don't get it right, you could be in real pain.

Here are the reasons the firmness of your mattress matters:

Spinal alignment and back health
Pressure relief and comfort
Body weight and sleep position
Long-term health effects

As you can see, mattress firmness is a biggie, and you shouldn't purchase one without thinking about these important factors.

Our Mattress Firmness Guide

So, that bears the question, what mattress firmness is right for you?

We’ve kept it short and sweet with the below breakdown, or you can read a little more in-depth further on.

Who?	Best Mattress Firmness
Babies	Firm mattress
Toddlers	Medium-firm mattress

Best Firmness of Mattresses for Babies

The importance of mattress firmness is a whole other ball game for babies, so take notes if you're expecting!

According to the NHS, it's extremely important that babies sleep on a firm mattress with no plush materials surrounding them to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

If a baby is sleeping on a soft surface, it's more difficult to lose excess heat (they can't regulate their body temperature on their own), which can cause them to overheat. Babies need a firm bed to reduce this risk by helping them lose that heat.

This is why we have championed mattresses for little ones for well over 15 years.

Our natural baby mattresses offer safe, supportive, and comfortable sleep for babies, giving them the best start to life.

We have baby mattresses for Moses baskets, carry cots, and prams, as well as cribs and cots, all crafted from organic materials that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins.

Additionally, our mattresses are designed with breathability in mind. Our natural organic materials allow for proper airflow, keeping your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night.

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Best Firmness of Mattresses for Toddlers & Children

For toddlers and children, medium-firm support is often the best option. This level of firmness provides the necessary support for growing bodies while still allowing for some softness and comfort.

Too soft a mattress can lead to poor spinal alignment and potential back problems, while a mattress that is too firm can cause discomfort and lack of sleep.

Our natural single and child mattresses are designed with this in mind, providing the perfect balance of support and comfort.

With the same quality as our adult and baby mattresses, our child mattresses are also made with natural latex, organic cotton, coconut coir, and wool.

The medium-firmness also help promote proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points, crucial for healthy development and better sleep quality.

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Summary: Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness for a Great Sleep

Hopefully, you've found the answers you were after in our guide, and some exceptional mattress recommendations along the way.

Mattresses certainly aren't one-size-fits-all, so figure out your own sleeping requirements and positions before making the important purchase!

Remember, a medium or medium-firm mattress is probably best for you, or a firm mattress for your baby.

Be sure to check out our high-quality range of adult and baby mattresses and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep, waking up refreshed and pain-free!

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FAQs

What is the Best Firmness of Mattress for Back Pain?

It depends on what type of back pain you're experiencing (e.g. lower/upper), but a medium-firm mattress is usually best.

This is due to the supportive nature of a medium-firm mattress, allowing pressure to be relieved from the back. A soft mattress has the opposite effect, causing your hips to be lower than your shoulders, which could contribute to back pain.

What is the Best Firmness for a Mattress?

There are many factors to consider when deciding on the firmness of your mattress. You should account for your body type, weight, and sleeping positions. But, most people would benefit from a medium or medium-firm mattress that provides support whilst cushioning joints.

How Do You Tell if a Mattress is Too Soft or Too Firm?

You can tell if your mattress isn't right for you if you're waking up with any kind of discomfort, this might be a sign to change your mattress.

This isn't the most reliable test, but you can also tell using the 'hand test'. Simply press your hand into the mattress, and if it sinks very low, it's probably too soft. If it doesn't sink at all, it's likely too firm.

However, this test cannot account for sleeping on the mattress for long periods.

How Do I Choose a Mattress Firmness?

If you’re not sure which level of support is best, a medium or medium-firm mattress is a good place to start. This type of mattress provides a balance of support and cushioning for your joints.

Consider your sleeping style, too. Side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress to cushion pressure points, while back and stomach sleepers may benefit from a firmer surface for proper spinal alignment.

Exisitng pains and aches can also play a role in choosing the right mattress firmness. If you often experience back pain, a medium-firm to firm mattress may provide better support and alleviate discomfort.