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What level of firmness should you select when choosing a latex or memory foam bed?
A Soft Foam Bed
A soft foam mattress is generally recommended for side sleepers. When sleeping on your side, your hips and shoulders sink into a soft mattress further than a firm mattress. So a soft mattress keeps your spine in line better than a firm mattress when on your side.
A Firm Foam Bed
A firm mattress is generally recommended for people who sleep on their back. When lying on your back, your hips have a tendency to sink in disproportionately compared to the rest of your body. A firm foam mattress will keep your hips up and your spine in alignment.
Body Weight Considerations
Foam beds are made to fit the median weight of the population, 150lbs – 200lbs. So when you select your mattress take your weight into consideration.
If you weigh less than average you may want a softer mattress. A medium soft mattress will probably be right for you. A medium firm bed may feel firmer to you than a heavier person.
If you weigh more than average, think about bumping up to a more firm mattress. It will hold the extra weight better and you will be more comfortable. Also, a thicker mattress, about 10”, and not less than 8”, will be better if you are over 250lbs.
Firmness Classifications for Innerspring and Foam Beds
The firmness classifications of innerspring mattresses and foam beds are similar. Sellers usually present both types of beds as soft, medium soft, medium firm, or firm.
However, there is a big difference in the meaning of these classifications between innerspring and foam beds.
With innerspring beds, firmer means increased pressure points at the head, shoulder, hips, knees, and heels. A firmer innerspring mattress keeps your body in a straighter position, but does not contour your body or provide support for neck, lower back, or legs.
With foam beds, firmness is independent of support. It is merely a measurement of the way the bed feels to the touch. That means both soft and firm foam mattresses can provide excellent support.
What Would the Doctor Say?
Most doctors recommend a firm or medium firm mattress because they want to make sure you get proper support. I believe this recommendation applies to an innerspring mattress where the springs provide the support and the top layer of foam provides mainly comfort.
A foam bed should be as soft as possible without letting you sink into the mattress too far. The whole idea of a foam bed is that you sink into the mattress until your body meets the perfect balance of support and conforming comfort.
The ideal mattress applies the same gentle pressure to your body at all points, like floating in water.
A Personal Decision
In the end, everyone has to decide what comfort is for them. I have a friend in China whose father sleeps on a rock bed with a wooden pillow. I couldn’t imagine ever being comfortable like that.
Please use the above recommendations as guidelines in selecting your next foam bed, but not as firm rules. : )
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