Benefits of a Firm Mattress For Your Best Night's Sleep
Soft, plush mattresses might seem ideal for lounging in bed, but they also might contribute to aches and pains.
It also might not be giving you the spinal support you need. Sleep is important for your health and overall well-being. And getting enough quality sleep starts with a good mattress.
You might not have considered a firm mattress in the past because you thought they were too hard. But firm mattresses have come a long way, even offering luxury models like the Plank Firm Luxe, and their supportive surface is ideal for many types of sleepers.
Understanding Mattress Firmness
A mattress’s firmness level refers to how hard or soft it feels when lying on it. There’s no industry standard for firmness levels, and each brand can measure firmness in its own way.
It can help to use a mattress firmness scale when describing firmness levels, such as a 10-point scale. The higher the number, the firmer it feels, while lower numbers indicate a softer mattress. For instance, medium-firm mattresses tend to fall around a five or six on the firmness scale, while firm mattresses are often rated a seven or eight, or even higher.
Soft mattresses allow your body to sink into the mattress, but they may not be supportive enough for some people because of their plushness. Medium to medium-firm mattresses have some sinkage, but have more support for the spine. These mattresses are common because they fit a wide range of sleeping preferences and body weights.
Firm and extra-firm mattresses have very little sinkage and conformity and offer the most sturdiness and support, especially for heavier people. They also tend to last longer because of the durable materials in their construction.
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
A comfortable mattress is highly individual. Firm mattresses like the Plank Firm and Plank Firm Luxe can be a great option for many people because of their support and high-quality, durable materials.
Spinal alignment
Firm mattresses can help support good spinal alignment, which is when the spine is lined up straight with each vertebrae stacked evenly. But it also means the spine is supported, so it can maintain the natural curves. When the spine is in healthy alignment, it can improve sleeping posture and reduce back pain.
Improved sleep quality
Sleeping on a supportive mattress can lead to reduced tossing and turning and improve your sleep quality, since you aren’t waking up from aches and pains. Improved sleep quality is linked to better productivity, alertness the next day, and an improvement in overall wellness.
Suitable for various sleep positions
People who like to sleep on their back or stomach can get the most support from a firm mattress, especially heavier-weight sleepers, because it helps spread out weight and keeps the spine in a neutral position. Back and stomach sleepers might even prefer extra-firm mattresses like the Plank Firm. Side sleepers can benefit from the comfort layers that a hybrid mattress can offer, like the Plank Firm Luxe.
Even weight distribution
A firm mattress benefits people who have a heavier body weight by providing a firm surface that prevents too much sinkage, especially in the low back or midsection.
If you are taller, your body weight is more spread out across a larger surface of the mattress, whereas those who are shorter sleep on a smaller surface area, regardless of body weight. So if you’re taller, you might prefer a firmer, more supportive mattress.
Temperature regulation
The plushness of a soft mattress has the tendency to trap body heat, which can affect your sleep quality. Firm mattresses don’t have that much sinkage, so you sleep more “on top” instead of “in” the mattress. Heat can dissipate more efficiently because there’s more airflow around your body while you sleep.
Choosing the Right Firmness Level
Your body weight, sleeping position and personal preferences, as well as the needs of a bed partner, all influence how firm a mattress feels. Heavier people can perceive a firmer mattress to feel softer than it is.
Firm mattresses can be more supportive and provide better spinal alignment if you sleep on your back or stomach. Stomach sleeping isn’t the best position for spinal alignment and avoiding pain, but if you can’t sleep any other way, you can benefit from a firm or extra-firm mattress like the Plank Firm. This keeps your low back from dipping too much into the mattress.
If your partner has a different body type or preferred sleeping position than you, you might want to consider a split mattress where you can have a firm sleeping surface and your partner can have the firmness level they need.
Caring for Your Firm Mattress
Regularly maintaining your firm mattress can extend its life and keep you sleeping comfortable for longer. Use a mattress protector to guard against dirt, dust, and other particles from getting into your mattress. Rotate your mattress every six to 12 months to keep one or two spots from sagging over time.
Both the Plank Firm and the Plank Firm Luxe are flippable, with a firm side and an ultra-firm side for your personal preferences and needs. This also means it extends the longevity of the mattress! The Plank Firm Luxe also uses high-quality metal coil support and foams that are durable and can protect against wear and tear.
Investing in a mattress may not feel as exciting as spending your money on a high-tech kitchen gadget, but think of it as an investment into your health. Cheaper mattresses might feel more budget-friendly in the short term, but they can sag more quickly, and you may find yourself buying multiple mattresses in a span of years that one durable mattress can offer.
Mattress Comfort Over Time
Purchasing a mattress based only on comfort at the time of testing isn’t the ideal choice. Mattress comfort changes during regular use as you sleep on it — literally.
Instead, look for a mattress that offers a long trial period and warranty. Brooklyn Bedding offers a limited lifetime warranty, free shipping and a 120-night sleep trial. This means you can sleep on a firm mattress like the Plank Firm or Plank Firm Luxe for up to 120 nights to see how you like it and if you are getting the benefits of its supportive feel before you commit.
A sleep trial gives you increased familiarity with the mattress, much longer than lying on it for a few minutes at the store.
A Supportive Night’s Sleep
The benefits of a firm mattress are plentiful and its support and durability can contribute to healthy sleep practices and overall physical well-being. If you live with back pain or other sleeping issues, a quality firm mattress can be a good investment. In fact, it may even be the last mattress you need .
