Choosing the right mattress is about more than just comfort; it's essential for your health, posture, and quality of sleep. Bevmarks understands that everyone’s sleep needs are different, which is why finding the right balance between softness and firmness is crucial. One of the most common questions from mattress shoppers is, "Is it better to have a firm or soft mattress?" The answer isn’t cut and dried. It’s impossible to look at you and know the answer. It very much depends on your individual body, sleep preferences, and other specific needs.

Having said that, answering some key questions will assist you in choosing the right mattress firmness for you. Let’s break down the pros and cons of your options and give you some ideas on how to test what’s best for you.

How To Choose The Right Mattress Firmness For Me

When wondering how to choose the right mattress, consider three key factors: your body size and shape, your sleeping position, and any health concerns such as back pain or joint stiffness.

Body Size and Shape

Your weight and body type significantly impact how a mattress feels. Heavier individuals may find that a soft mattress compresses too easily, offering inadequate support and causing misalignment in the spine. On the other hand, if your mattress is too firm, a lighter person might find it doesn't contour enough to their shape, leading to pressure points, especially at the shoulders and hips.

Sleeping Position

When you’re wondering, ‘how to choose the right mattress for me,’ start by considering how you sleep.

• Back Sleepers typically benefit from a medium to firm mattress that maintains spinal alignment without being too rigid.
  
• Side Sleepers tend to favour a softer surface that cushions the shoulders and hips.
  
• Stomach Sleepers usually require a firmer option to prevent the pelvis from sinking too deeply, which can cause lower back strain.
  

Health Considerations

Those with chronic back pain or arthritis may need tailored support. In many cases, a mattress that feels too soft or too firm can exacerbate pain and stiffness. Essentially, you want a mattress that provides a balanced mix of support and pressure relief. If you have specific health considerations, a chat with your physiotherapist, chiropractor or trusted health professional will probably be beneficial in helping you make your decision.

So, the start of the process of understanding whether ‘a soft or firm mattress is better for me’ is identifying your individual sleep style and physical needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Once you understand that, you can move on to considering what the mattresses actually offer.

Pros And Cons Of A Firm Mattress

A firm mattress offers a sturdy, less-giving surface. While often associated with better support, it’s not necessarily the best option for everyone.

Pros:

• Provides solid spinal alignment, particularly good for back and stomach sleepers.
  
• Less sagging and more even weight distribution, especially for heavier body types.
  
• Can reduce muscle tension and improve posture for some sleepers.
  

Cons:

• Can feel uncomfortably rigid for lighter individuals or side sleepers.
  
• May create pressure points at the hips, shoulders, or knees.
  
• If your mattress is too firm, it can reduce blood circulation and cause aches.
  

How To Know If Your Mattress Is Too Firm?

If you are currently, or you have the opportunity to sleep on a firm mattress before purchasing a new one, here are some clues that it might be too firm. You wake up with sore joints, your arms or legs go numb during the night, or you find yourself tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. If that sounds familiar, your mattress might be providing more resistance than support.

Pros And Cons Of A Soft Mattress

A soft mattress often feels luxurious and plush, making it a popular choice for those who love that “sinking-in” sensation. But softness alone doesn’t always equal better sleep.

Pros:

• Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers and those with joint pain.
  
• Greater contouring around the body, which can promote relaxation and comfort.
  
• Ideal for lighter body types that don’t require as much resistance.
  

Cons:

• Can cause spinal misalignment if it sinks too much, especially for back or stomach sleepers.
  
• May not offer enough support for heavier individuals, causing the body to dip in awkward angles.
  
• Prone to quicker wear and sagging in low-quality builds.
  

How To Know If Your Mattress Is Too Soft?

Pay attention to how you feel in the morning. If you wake up with lower back pain or feel like you’ve been “stuck” in your bed, your mattress may be too soft to support your natural alignment.

How To Test Your Mattress Firmness

Trying a mattress in-store is a great first step, but understanding how to evaluate firmness goes a long way when you're trying to find the right mattress for you. Here's how to test it like a pro:

• Lie in Your Normal Sleep Position.
  
• Spend at least 15-20 minutes lying how you usually sleep—on your back, side, or stomach. See how your spine aligns and whether any part of your body feels excessive pressure.
  
• Check for Support. Do you feel as though your lower back or hips are unsupported? If they sink in too far, the mattress may be too soft. If they feel uncomfortably raised, your mattress is too firm.
  
• Notice Your Body’s Reaction. If you shift frequently during the trial or feel restless, it could be a sign that the firmness level isn’t right. Ask yourself, Is this comfortable enough to sleep on every night?
  

Still unsure? That’s when it’s time to ask the experts. 

Mattress Firmness - Consult The Sleep Professionals At Bevmarks

If you're still unsure about which mattress is best, the team at Bevmarks can help. With decades of experience and a curated selection of premium mattresses to suit every type of sleeper, we can help you answer questions around whether a firm or soft mattress is best for you. Walking you through tailored options, from luxury plush tops to ergonomically designed firm mattresses that support spinal alignment. Bevmarks can also help you understand the differences in materials, latex vs memory foam vs hybrid, and how these can affect firmness and longevity.

Most importantly, the team at Bevmarks are there to help simplify that overwhelming question so many people have: ‘How do I find the right mattress for me?’ Because choosing a mattress isn’t just about whether it’s soft or firm, it’s about getting a better sleep, improved wellbeing, and starting the day refreshed, not achy and uncomfortable.

When it comes to mattresses, one size never fits all. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, take the time to consider your body’s unique needs, and with the right information and a little expert advice, you’ll go from asking how to pick the right mattress for me to confidently saying, ‘I’ve found it’. If you’re ready to make the switch or simply need guidance, the Bevmarks professionals are always happy to help. A great day starts with a great night’s sleep, and that starts with the right mattress. Visit your nearest Bevmarks store or explore our mattress guide online today. Your back will thank you.