As we all know, there are many types of mattresses, but one of the most important things to consider when buying a mattress, regardless of its type, is its firmness. There are various reasons for this and we summarise these in this article.
The right choice of firmness of a mattress primarily depends on sleeping position and weight, but remember if you are suffering from back pain it can also play a role, so discuss your ideal mattress firmness with your physician or physiotherapist.
Let’s take a look at sleeping positions and weight and see if we can provide you with a good mattress firmness guide for what’s best for you…
Sleeping position
The right mattress firmness for you can depend on how you sleep. This can be summarised in the words of the sleep expert Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida. She says ‘’Back and stomach sleepers may benefit from a firmer mattress, as extra support can feel more comfortable in these positions. Side sleepers may prefer a mattress that is soft. It’s also important for side sleepers to find an option that ensures the head and neck are in alignment. Whatever is the most comfortable for you to sleep with is worth the investment.”
Weight
(The source of this article is the American Sleep Foundation, so it was written in pounds, but we converted it to kilograms for your convenience.)
So, weight also plays a role when choosing the correct mattress firmness. Lighter people under 60 kgs don’t sink as far into a mattress so they often benefit from a softer mattress, especially if they sleep on their side. Hybrid mattresses (a combination of innerspring and foam) tend to be a good fit for them.
Middleweights between 60 and 100 kgs generally find their ideal mattress firmness based on their sleeping position (See the chart below)
Heavyweights over 100 kg will sink further into a mattress, especially near heavier parts of the body, which can risk throwing off spinal alignment, so it’s best to choose mattresses that are a bit firmer to help avoid that risk.
Here is a chart devised by the American Sleep Foundation that talks about various types of firmness and who they are best suited to in terms of weight and sleeping position.
| Firmness Level | Best For sleeper types |
| Extra Soft | Side sleepers under 60 kgs |
| Soft | Side sleepers under 60 kgs |
| Medium Soft | Sleepers under 60kgs; side sleepers under 100 kgs |
| Medium | Back and side sleepers between 60 and 100 kgs |
| Medium Firm | Sleepers between 60 and 100 kgs; side sleepers over 100 kgs |
| Firm | Side sleepers over 100 kgs; back and stomach sleepers over 60 kgs |
| Extra Firm | Back and stomach sleepers over 100 kgs |
It’s still your choice!
After all is said and done, one thing we at Truform believe in is that the mattress you choose is also still about your personal preference – and of course quality and price.
Truform Bedding has been making superior mattresses for over 40 years at highly competitive prices but never compromising quality. Go to a good bedding store near you and test a Truform for yourself. Sure, you can take into account our mattress firmness guide for what’s best for you, but the mattress you buy is still going to be the one you love!
Talk to us about your personal mattress preferences and what we can do for you – Happy Valentine’s Day – and happy sleeping on your Truform mattress!