Are soft mattresses good for you
John Parsons
Updated on May 07, 2026
Generally speaking, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses. Soft foams may sink in too much for comfort and adequate support. Conversely, lighter sleepers may sink in less and find firm beds to be uncomfortably hard, so they generally prefer soft to medium firm options.
Is it better to sleep on a soft or firm mattress?
Generally speaking, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses. Soft foams may sink in too much for comfort and adequate support. Conversely, lighter sleepers may sink in less and find firm beds to be uncomfortably hard, so they generally prefer soft to medium firm options.
What mattress firmness is healthiest?
When in Doubt, Go ‘Medium-Firm‘ They used either “medium-firm” or “firm” mattresses for 90 days. Those in the medium group reported the least amount of discomfort. You might consider getting a memory foam mattress (instead of a traditional innerspring one). The foam molds to your body.
Is it bad to sleep on a soft mattress?
Though they can seem more comfortable and luxurious, a soft mattress can actually cause back problems for back and stomach sleepers, and those of a heavier weight. Soft mattresses can also be problematic for bed sharers. The heavier partner may sink further in, making the sleep surface unbalanced.Are soft mattresses bad for side sleepers?
Most side sleepers find that mattresses with medium-soft to medium firmness provide just enough support without feeling too rigid. A mattress that’s too soft won’t give you the structure needed to maintain proper spine alignment, but one that’s too firm could cause joint tension and soreness.
How do I know if my mattress is too soft?
- Sign #1: You wake up with a stiff and sore lower back.
- Sign #2: You have a hard time getting comfortable.
- Sign #3: You sleep on your stomach, and often wake with neck or shoulder pain.
Do you need a softer mattress as you get older?
A mattress with significant pressure relief can cushion and accommodate pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment. Seniors, in particular, often require a mattress with excellent pressure relief to help reduce pressure points in key areas like the hips and shoulders and help alleviate back and joint pain.
Can too soft mattress cause hip pain?
A mattress that’s too soft or too hard could trigger pressure points, which may lead to a sore hip. Sleep posture can also cause pain. Try sleeping on your back or, if you’re a side sleeper, sleep on the side that doesn’t hurt and put a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.Can a too soft mattress cause back pain?
If you go to bed feeling great and wake up miserable, it’s a good sign your mattress is causing back pain. A mattress that’s too soft will cause your spine to fall out of alignment all night long, and a mattress that’s too firm will cause joint pressure in your hips that leads to pain in your lower back.
Can a soft mattress cause shoulder pain?A mattress that is too soft may cause the body to sink out of alignment, but one that is too firm may create heightened impact on the shoulder.
Article first time published onWhat mattress do orthopedic doctors recommend?
Medium-firm mattresses, which have a rating of 7 to 8, are typically recommended for lower back pain. Keep in mind that the firmness of a mattress will depend on a few different factors, including your preferred sleeping position, your body size and weight, and whether you share your bed with a partner or pet.
What mattress do doctors recommend for back pain?
In general, memory foam and latex mattresses are often considered the best options for back pain, as they conform to your body, cradling pressure points while supporting your spine and keeping it aligned.
What firmness is best for back pain?
Generally the mattress shouldn’t be too soft or too firm,” said Kevin M. Cerrone, DPT, director of Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Services at Northwell Health’s Huntington Hospital, Huntington, NY. Again, studies have leaned toward medium firmness mattress as being generally better for lower back pain .
How often should you replace your mattress?
Typically, most mattresses should be replaced every 7-10 years, but this number can vary depending on the mattress type you have. Don’t wait any longer for a good night’s sleep. Get better sleep quality now. Read on to find out how often you should replace your mattress, based on the mattress type you have now.
Why is my sleep number bed so uncomfortable?
Because most Sleep Number beds come with two air chambers (so each person can adjust their side to their liking), if one side is significantly more firm or soft than the other, the bed is uneven and is susceptible to sag in the middle.
Is Serta a good brand?
Serta is best known for Perfect Sleeper which has a long reputation as a comfortable and dependable innerspring mattress. SleepTrue are their newer, lower-priced innerspring beds. Serta also established its iComfort memory foam and hybrid mattresses which became overnight successes.
Which mattress is best for 40 year old?
- TOP PICK: DreamCloud Premier.
- BEST BUDGET: Nectar Mattress.
- BEST ORGANIC: Avocado Green Mattress.
- BEST TRADITIONAL FEEL: Saatva.
- BEST LUXURY FOAM: Tempur-Pedic.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for arthritis?
We often think that a supportive mattress means the one with the least amount of give in it – the firmer the better. While some people love a firm mattress, a mattress for someone with arthritis should reduce contact pressure on your most sensitive joints – so there needs to be some softness.
Which mattress is best for 60 year olds?
- Saatva Classic. Best for joint pain. …
- Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid. Best for a cooler sleep. …
- Nectar Memory Foam. Best for back pain. …
- DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid. Best for relieving pressure points. …
- The WinkBed. Best for all sleeping positions. …
- Layla Memory Foam. …
- Leesa Original.
How do you know if your bed is sinking?
To check if your mattress has sagging areas, try laying something flat like a yardstick across the top surface of your bed and look for gaps underneath. Common areas are usually where heavy spots of the body, like the head, hips, and shoulders, lay.
How do you make a soft mattress harder?
- Check the Sleep Trial Period. If your mattress is new and it came with a sleep trial, take advantage. …
- Change Your Box Spring. Box springs wear out with time. …
- Use a Plywood Board. …
- Let It Air Dry. …
- Rotate Your Mattress. …
- Use a Firm Mattress Topper. …
- Reset Your Thermostat. …
- Petite Sleepers.
Does putting plywood under mattress help?
Plywood can help with a sagging mattress. … It will support the mattress from beneath, stopping it from sagging. If the issue is an older mattress, plywood can give you a temporary solution. Cut a piece of plywood to match the size and shape of the sagging area, and place it under the mattress in the soft spot.
Can a soft bed cause sciatica?
What makes sciatic nerve pain worse in bed? Some people with sciatica notice their symptoms get worse when they’re in bed. Lying down can increase pressure on your irritated nerve, especially if you sleep on a soft mattress that causes you to bend your spine while sleeping.
What is the best mattress for back and hip pain?
- Best Overall – WinkBeds GravityLux.
- Best Value – Nectar Mattress.
- Most Comfortable – DreamCloud Mattress.
- Best Firmness Options – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid.
- Best for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15.
- Best Pressure Relief – GhostBed Luxe.
- Best Luxury – Zenhaven.
Why do your hips hurt when you sleep on your side?
The first reason is obvious: When you sleep on your side, you put a lot of direct pressure on the hip joint. Often, that’s enough to cause hip pain, even if you don’t have really noticeable symptoms during the day. But you can also have pain in the opposite hip — the one you’re not lying on.
Can a too soft mattress cause neck pain?
If the bed is too soft, it will allow your body to sink into the bed, causing bad posture while you sleep, which can also result in neck or back pain.
Is memory foam good for your neck?
Studies have shown that a contoured memory foam pillow can help support your chin in the correct posture. If you often sleep on planes or in cars, a horseshoe-shaped memory foam pillow can support your neck so it doesn’t drop uncomfortably far to one side.
Is memory foam bad for your neck?
Pillows made with “memory foam” can also conform to the contours of your head and neck, and can help keep your neck supported. Avoid using a pillow that is too stiff or too deep. This can cause your neck muscles to be flexed overnight.
What is the best month to purchase a new mattress?
May is the Best May is truly the best month to purchase your mattress, and the reason for that is fairly simple. The industry, as a whole, usually rolls out the new products in June and they are hot throughout September. So, when May comes, the companies want to clean out their older models.
What is the best mattress for aches and pains?
- Best Overall – WinkBed.
- Best Value – Nectar Mattress.
- Most Comfortable – Helix Midnight Luxe.
- Best for Back Pain – GhostBed Flex.
- Best for Hip Pain – Zoma Mattress.
- Best for Side Sleepers – Layla Hybrid.
- Best Luxury – Saatva Classic.
- Best Cooling – Birch Mattress.
What causes waist back pain in female?
Muscle strain A muscle or ligament strain is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. It can be caused by: repeated heavy lifting. bending or twisting awkwardly.