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Does sinking into a soft mattress feel like cloud nine, or trigger your claustrophobia?
Getty Images / vestenskov
A mattress with the right firmness feels comfortable and supportive, says Dr. Harris.
A 2021research reviewconcluded that the best mattresses support the natural curvature of your spine.
Your body weight can affect how soft or firm a mattress feels.
A softer mattress can contour to and gently cradle these joints.
This lines up with a 2021research reviewthat found medium-firm mattresses may help reduce back pain and spinal stiffness.
What if you sleep with a partner who prefers a softer or firmer mattress?
Does one of it’s crucial that you sacrifice your sleep quality and comfort?
Or you could add a mattress topper to one side to adjust the feel without a whole new mattress.
The throw in of mattress alone wont tell you how firm it is, says Rogers.
For side-sleepers, this takes some of the pressure off your shoulders, hips, and knees.
Latex foam
Latex foam offers firm but gentle support, with less of the marshmallow-y sensation of memory foam.
Latex sort of lifts you upand you feel more of a bounce, says Rogers.
This buoyancy can ease pressure on your joints while providing support to help keep your spine in neutral alignment.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses contain coils wrapped in layers of padding and upholstery.
They tend to provide more support but feel less squishy than foam mattresses.
Because theyre typically bouncy, innerspring beds are known for being easy to move around on.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses contain an innerspring core surrounded by foam layers.
But other aspects of your sleep environment, lifestyle habits, or health could also negatively affect your sleep.
Research links medium-firm mattresses to better sleep quality, but everyones different.
As far as there being one great mattress for everybody?
To pick the best level for you, consider your sleep position, body size, and personal preferences.
A mattress with medium firmness may allow them to shift positions and move around comfortably as they sleep.
Research suggests that a medium-firm mattress may help reduce back pain and spinal stiffness.
But keep in mind this wont be true for all sleepers.
Dr. Harris suggests paying attention to how your body actually feels after a nights sleep.
Dont count on a firm mattress feeling softer after you break it in.
A high-quality mattress is designed for durability as well as comfort and support, says Rogers.
That means it should continue to feel as it did when you bought it.
Of course, mattresses, just like any product, will wear out over time, she adds.
