What Mattress Support & Firmness is Best? Your Guide to a Supportive Night's Sleep
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.
Contents
- Why the Firmness of a Mattress Matters
- Our Mattress Firmness Guide
- Best Firmness of Mattresses for Adults
- Best Firmness of Mattresses for Babies
- Best Firmness of Mattresses for Toddlers & Children
- What Mattress Firmness is Best for Pain?
- Summary: Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness for a Great Sleep
The Sleep You’ve Been Dreaming of is Here…Here at The Little Green Sleep, we don't take sleep lightly; in fact, we want you to have the heaviest night's sleep possible. Our adult and child mattresses have been designed and hand-crafted to help you get the sleep you deserve. With a combination of supportive pocket springs and organic natural materials, our mattresses create the perfect balance between comfort and support. Whether you lounge in luxury on a super king bed or slumber in a double, we have mattresses to fit your bed frame size. Shop our entire range below with free UK next-day delivery available for extra convenience. |
Why the Firmness of a Mattress Matters
Mattress firmness is a key (arguably the most important) factor in the quality of your 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:
|
As you can see, your 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 |
|
Adults |
Medium-firm mattress |
|
Babies |
Firm mattress |
|
Toddlers |
Medium-firm mattress |
Best Firmness of Mattresses for Adults
Medium-firm mattresses are the best option for most adults, or if you’re a pretty average sleeper.
This level of firmness provides the perfect balance of support and pressure relief, ensuring proper spinal alignment and back health.
It can also accommodate a range of body weights and sleep positions, making it a versatile choice for couples or individuals who may shift positions throughout the night.
However, if you have specific needs or preferences, such as back pain or heavier body weight, you may need to adjust your mattress firmness accordingly.
Back sleepers typically benefit from a slightly firmer mattress than side sleepers, while stomach sleepers may require an even firmer option.
|
Our Adult Pocket-Sprung Mattresses come with dual sided support offering both medium-firm and firm support, so you can tailor your choice to your sleeping habits. From the 100% cotton quilted Herringbone cover to the natural materials at the core, our Natural Pocket-Sprung Mattresses are free from nasties, offer optimal support, and have maximum breathability. Not to mention the intense comfort. We have sizes to suit beds from single to super king, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect fit for your bed. |
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. |
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. |
What Mattress Firmness is Best for Pain?
If you suffer from joint pain, the right firmness is incredibly important.
Below is a helpful mattress firmness chart of what mattress we'd recommend for different types of pain.
|
Pain Type |
Mattress Firmness |
Why? |
|
Upper Back Pain |
This type of mattress firmness will support your back in ways a sagging or soft mattress can't. You might even consider changing your pillow so that it fills the gap between your neck and shoulder, further supporting your upper back. |
|
|
Lower Back Pain |
Again, a medium-firm mattress will provide support for your back, helping your spine to align nicely. It's not too soft that you get zero support, but it's not too firm that you feel even more uncomfortable. |
|
|
Hip Pain |
Hip pain sufferers will benefit from a medium mattress, especially pocket-sprung because it can provide all the necessary support while cushioning the hips for extra comfort. The individual springs of a pocket-sprung mattress support the hips in a way tailored to your sleeping position. |
|
|
Shoulder Pain |
Shoulder pain is best eased with a medium mattress because it provides support without the mattress being too firm and hard or too soft that you can sink into it. |
Luckily for you, The Little Green Sheep mattresses are dual-sided, meaning they are both medium and medium-firm mattresses. This is ideal for any type of pain you're suffering from and any support you may need.
All of our mattresses are also pocket-sprung for tailored support, excellent breathability, and ultimate comfort.
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!
