How Mattress Firmness Affects Sleep Quality and Comfort

The firmness of a mattress is important to the quality of sleep at night. When the bed is either too soft or too hard, then it can cause tossing and turn. We have 21 years in learning what a good mattress was at Wowbeds. Our Duo and Dreamer models enable individuals to achieve the appropriate feel that will give them nice nights.

What Is Mattress Firmness?

Mattress firmness means how soft or hard the bed feels when you lie on it. People rate it on a scale from 1 to 10. One is very soft, like sinking deep. Ten is very hard, like a board.

This scale helps you match the bed to your needs. A softer bed lets your body sink in more. A firmer one keeps you on top with strong support. The right choice keeps your spine straight and reduces pressure on hips and shoulders.

Many factors go into firmness. Springs, foams, and layers all play a part. For example, pocket springs in our Wowbeds Duo mattress move on their own. This gives even support no matter the firmness level.

Understand the Mattress Firmness Rating Scale

Brands use a 1 to 10 scale for firmness. The smaller the numbers the softer. Higher ones mean firmer. This is useful in comparing alternatives.

The levels can be broken down into simple as follows:

• 1-2 (Extra Soft): You sink way in. It fits snugly and might not fit heavier persons. Heat can build up here.
• 3-4 (Soft): Still plush with good give. Good in relieving hip and shoulder spots. The sink is about 3 to 15 inches.
• 5 (Medium): Balanced spot. Some sink but have a firm base. Suitable to most individuals and jobs.
• 6 (Medium Firm): Less give. Steady under you. Popular for back sleepers.
• 7-8 (Firm): Little to no sink. Keep everything even. Good airflow and long wear.
• 9-10 (Extra Firm): Sleeping like on a flat board. Max is holding but possibly pinching light side sleepers.

Most beds sit at 5 or 6. The soft ones are more expensive and worn out easily. Firm picks last longer and stay cool. In the middle-ground, the medium levels are the price and use sweet spots.

In Wowbeds, the Duo is available in three options, including medium, medium-firm, and firm. They both have the same powerful core. You get the feel that you desire without dead air.

How Mattress Firmness Shapes Your Sleep

The way a mattress holds your body affects sleep quality. Good firmness aligns your spine and eases pressure points. Too soft, and you sink unevenly, which strains muscles. Too firm, and it presses on joints, causing pain. Check our Expensive Mattress Guide for insights.

Studies show medium firmness often leads to better sleep. It cuts morning pain and improves daily energy. In Australia, where nights can get warm, firmness also helps with airflow. Our Dreamer mattress uses cooling gel foam to pull heat away, keeping you dry.

Poor firmness can disrupt sleep cycles. You wake up more often. Over time, this leads to tired days. The right mattress firmness lets muscles relax fully. It supports your weight evenly for deeper rest.

At Wowbeds, we design hybrids that balance support and comfort. The Dual Spring system in the Duo absorbs weight to keep your body balanced.

Pick Mattress Firmness by Your Sleep Position

Your sleep style matters for mattress firmness. Side sleepers need softer options. This cushions shoulders and hips. Aim for 4 to 6 on the scale. It prevents gaps under your waist.

Back sleepers do well with medium to medium-firm. Levels 5 to 7 keep the spine neutral. Stomach sleepers prefer firmer beds, 7 to 9. This stops the hips from sinking too much.

• Side sleepers: Softer firmness relieves joint pressure.
• Back sleepers: Medium support aligns the spine.
• Stomach sleepers: Firmer feel lifts the midsection.
• Combination sleepers: Medium-firm works for shifts.
  
  

If you share a bed, choose one with motion isolation. Our Duo has independent springs to cut partner movement. This keeps sleep undisturbed.

Body Weight and the Right Mattress Firmness

Heavier people need firmer mattresses.  They also offer superior support without bottoming out. For those who have over more than 90kg, choose 7 or more. Fairer people below 60kg are softer, 3 to 5.

Weight is distributed over the bed. Harder choices stand the test of time. Softer ones shape to lighter weight. In our Duo, micro springs respond to your unique shape.

Split firmness can be applied to couples of various weights. Although not every bed has that, it corresponds to the needs of every individual. Never go to sleep without first seeing how the bed feels with your entire weight.

Mattress Firmness for Back and Joint Pain

Back pain often ties to poor support. Medium-firm mattresses help most. They keep the spine in line without too much sink. For joint issues like hips or knees, softer layers cushion pressure points.

Our Wowbeds use zoned springs. The 7-zone pocket springs in the Duo target areas like the lower back. This eases pain and promotes healthy sleep.

If pain persists, consult a doctor. But starting with the right firmness can make a big difference. Firmer beds last longer for pain sufferers, as they resist sagging.

Materials That Influence Mattress Firmness

Foams and springs set the firmness. Memory foam softens with body heat for contouring. Pocket springs add bounce and support.

In hybrids like our Dreamer, foams layer over springs. Comfort foam gives a soft top feel. Gel memory foam cools and absorbs shock.

Bamboo covers in Wowbeds wick moisture for dry sleep. They pair with Ventex mesh for air flow. This keeps the bed fresh, no matter the firmness.

• Pocket springs: Isolate movement, good for firmness.
• Gel foams: Cool and hug the body.
• Convoluted foam: Boosts air and pressure relief.

These materials meet safety standards, free of toxins.

Test Mattress Firmness Before You Buy

Shop in person if possible. Lie down for 10-15 minutes in your sleep position. Feel for support and comfort.

Online buyers get trials. Wowbeds offers 120 nights to test at home. Free returns if it does not fit.

Press the edges for stability. Check handles for easy handling, like on our Duo. Rotate the bed to even wear.

Common Mistakes with Mattress Firmness

Many pick too soft for looks. It leads to quick sagging. Others go too firm, thinking it's healthier. This causes pressure sores.

Ignore sleep position at your risk. Always match your body. Skipping trials means regrets later.

In Australia, consider humidity. Breathable materials prevent mold in firmer beds.

Why Medium-Firm Often Works Best

Medium-firm suits most adults. It balances sink and support. Studies back this for less pain and better function.

The Duo's three options - medium, medium-firm, firm - let you choose. It uses hybrid design for all-around comfort. Add our hybrid pillows for neck support.

At Wowbeds, we craft beds for budgets and needs. Fast free delivery gets you sleeping soon.

Ready for better rest? Try the Duo mattress today. With our trial and warranty, find your perfect firmness risk-free. 

FAQs

1. What is mattress firmness and why does it matter?
Firmness, rated 1-10, affects spine alignment and pressure relief, impacting sleep quality.

2. How does sleep position influence firmness choice?
Side sleepers need softer (4-6), back medium (5-7), and stomach firmer (7-9) mattresses.

3. How does body weight affect mattress firmness?
Heavier people (over 90kg) need firmer (7+), while lighter (under 60kg) prefer softer (3-5) options.

4. How does firmness help with back and joint pain?
Medium-firm mattresses with zoned springs align the spine and cushion joints, reducing pain.

5. Why is medium-firm often the best choice?
It balances support and comfort, suits most, and minimizes pain.