When it comes to mattresses, there’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all’. There’s no one single type of mattress that suits every person. Some people prefer a surface that’s a little harder, whereas others prefer to sink deep down into the material. But sometimes, neither hard nor soft is quite right.
Sometimes, you crave that soft, cloud-like feeling, but also want more support for your spine. Other times, your joints may be crying out for a softer surface, even though you prefer a firmer-feeling bed.
Are you tired of feeling like you have to compromise? Frustrated that you have to choose between hard and soft? Well, who says you do? Find out how the latest and most advanced mattress technologies can give you the best of both worlds, giving you the best night’s sleep of your life…
Understanding mattress firmness
Mattresses are typically available in three different levels of firmness:
- Soft: A soft mattress allows the body to sink in slightly. These mattresses are usually considered to be the most comfortable, although comfort is highly subjective. Soft mattresses are often recommended for side sleepers as the soft surface acts as a protective cushion for the hip joints.
- Medium: A medium mattress is more supportive than a soft mattress, yet not as hard as a firm mattress. It has the most ‘balance’, and is the most commonly purchased mattress type as it offers of a middle ground between comfort and support. It offers a slight degree of sinkage.
- Firm: A firm mattress offers the most support. As there is minimal sinkage, the spine remains straight instead of curving, which is why people with back or neck problems are advised to try a firm mattress. However, while support is great, some people can find firm surfaces quite uncomfortable.
Most manufacturers offer in-between options, too. For example, a medium-soft mattress, or a medium-firm mattress. These mattresses combine the characteristics of each into one product.
What mattress type is best?
There’s no definitive answer. From a technical perspective, a soft mattress is better for the joints, while a firm mattress is best for spinal support. However, personal preference shouldn’t be overlooked. In a lot of cases, side sleepers prefer a softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers find a firmer surface more comfortable. Research has even shown that there’s really no such thing as a one-size-fits-all comfortable mattress, finding that ‘individual differences’ play a massive role in how well people sleep on different surfaces.
What all this means is that many people end up fighting between what they need from a comfort standpoint, and what the body needs from a support standpoint. And sadly, what usually happens is that they end up sacrificing either comfort or support in favour of the other. This can lead to poor sleep, which itself can contribute to a wide range of problems such as fatigue and bad health.
Choosing a mattress firmness for yourself can be a bit of a headache. And if you’re buying a mattress for two – both of you with different surface requirements – it can end up being a full-on nightmare.
But there’s good news. You don’t have to choose. Instead, you can opt to break the rules…
Modern mattress technology
The days of choosing between firm and soft mattresses are long behind us. And it’s all thanks to two modern, advanced mattress technologies that are blurring the lines between comfort and support.
The first of the two technologies is memory foam. Memory foam mattresses are layered mattresses which feature both a supportive base layer, and a more comfortable top layer made of out heat-reactive foam which gently moulds itself to the shape of the body. The base layer is made from a very hard, high-density material which ensures the body remains fully supported all through the night. This means that, regardless of whether a person chooses a softer or firmer memory foam top layer for personalised comfort, there’s still that unwavering foundational support for the spine.
The second of the two technologies is pocket spring technology. Unlike the older style open coil spring mattresses, this technology utilises individually wrapped pocket springs which move independently of each other, ensuring the mattress is able to respond quickly to changes in position during the night. This means that, no matter whether the mattress is firm or soft, the sleeper should remain comfortable all night long as the springs ‘shift’ with the body for continuous support in every position. These mattresses offer excellent pressure relief without compromising on spinal support.
The best of both worlds
So how can you make full use of both these fantastic modern technologies? By opting for a hybrid mattress. A hybrid mattress combines the layering concept of memory foam mattresses with the innovative pocket coil system, creating a product that offers the very best in comfort and support.
A hybrid mattress will typically feature a supportive base layer to keep the spine in a healthy position, a pocket spring transitional layer for a blend of comfort and support in every position, and a memory foam top layer. This top layer can be firmer or softer depending on individual comfort preferences.
Put your needs first
Sleep is so important to absolutely everything we do. Without a good night’s rest, we’re unable to function to the best of our ability. But unfortunately, many of us aren’t getting the sleep we need. And it’s often because we’re having to compromise on either support or comfort. It’s time to stop.
No matter whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper, a tummy sleeper, or anything else, it’s time to prioritise your needs, and get yourself a mattress that supports you while keeping you comfy. A hybrid mattress combining two of the world’s most advanced mattress technologies is the way to do it.
From the budget-friendly Coolmax Deluxe to the temperature-regulating, eucalyptus-infused 4G Aircool, we offer a range of hybrid mattresses. Check them out by browsing our mattress collection.