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youll be one step closer to achieving a full REM cycle).
Getty Images / xia yuan
Thats because the same bed probably wont feel identical to two different people due to factors like body size.
This also helps explain why theres no single correct firmness that applies to all people.
Dr. Lees adds that soft mattresses tend to be great options for kids.
One of our testers demonstrates the side sleeping position.
Research supports that theyre generally the best foreasing back painandpromoting good sleep qualitytoo.
If youre not sure where to start, medium-firmness is a safe bet, given its versatility.
People with larger bodies tend to find firmer mattresses optimally supportive.
A tester rests in the stomach sleeping position.
Below, experts play mattress matchmaker, connecting each sleeping position with its ideal firmness level.
One of our testers demonstrates the side sleeping position.
If you’re astrict stomach sleeper, having a sturdy sleeping surface is important for encouraging healthy spinal curvature.
A tester lies in the back sleeping position.
Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to prevent sinking and protect their lower back, Dr. Petkus says.
The extra support keeps the body from sinking in, maintaining proper spine alignment.
A tester rests in the stomach sleeping position.
Back sleepers typically benefit from a mattress that isnt too soft or too firm, Dr. Petkus says.
Back sleepers do best with a medium-firm mattress to support the natural curve of the spine, he says.
A tester lies in the back sleeping position.
Firmness versus support
Firmness and support are often used interchangeably, but theyre actually not synonymous.
Firmness measures (subjectively!)
how a bed feels to you when you lie on it.
Firmness is the feeling of the mattress, how much cushion or give it allows, Dr. Lees says.
Also, take stock of reviews from customers who have already tried the bed in question.
However, body weight and sleeping position are also contributing factors to what feels dreamy.
Waking up very stiff or sore is also a good indicator, he adds.
