A firm mattress? A soft one? Medium-firm? With so many options making rounds in the market, choosing the right firmness level can be downright challenging! But, don’t worry. Today, we will take you through all the main differences between plush and firm mattresses to ensure you are well-informed and can select the best mattress.
A plush or soft and a firm mattress are on the opposite ends on a firmness scale. As the name suggests, a soft mattress is exactly that. Soft, cushiony, and super cozy, while a firm mattress offers a hard sleeping surface. Let’s learn more without further ado.
Difference Between Firm and Soft Mattress
Take a look at the main differences between plush vs firm mattresses in the table below.
| Parameters | Soft Mattress | Firm Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness Scale | 1-3 | 8-10 |
| Surface | Soft surface with various layers | Firm surface and the layer isn’t deep |
| Pressure Relief | Offers pressure relief | Offers good support |
| Ideal For | Side-sleepers, people suffering from shoulder and hip pain, people with lighter body weight | Back sleepers, hot sleepers, people with heavier body weight |
| Softness | Extremely soft and sinkable | Firm and doesn’t sink |
| Construction | Usually made of memory foam | Only the top layer is made up of memory foam |
| Budget | $500-$3000 | $299-$3000 |
| Comfort | Cozy | Supportive but not cozy |
What is a Firm Mattress?
As the name suggests, a firm mattress is firm. It has a thin comfort layer and the support layer of the mattress is stiff. One of the reasons why people opt for a firm mattress is because of the support it offers.
As you lie down on a firm mattress, you won’t experience any sinking feeling or the plushness of a soft mattress. And since you don’t sink inside the mattress, it can be easier to switch to different sleep positions even during a deep slumber.
A firm mattress doesn’t conform to the shape of your body, hence, the airflow doesn’t become restricted, enhancing the breathability of the mattress. This is ideal for hot and sweaty sleepers. But, a firm mattress may not be everybody’s cup of tea because of the pressure it puts on your shoulders and hips, especially if you are a side sleeper.
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
A firm mattress can be a great choice for many but not all. So, consider all the benefits a firm mattress brings to the table.
- If you are a stomach or back sleeper, a firm mattress can offer great body alignment. And when there is a proper alignment, breathing becomes easier.
- Easy mobility where it is easier for sleepers to move around and get in and out of the mattress.
Disadvantages of a Firm Mattress
- It is not a great choice for sleepers with muscle and joint pain since it creates pressure points and without gentle support, it is also possible that you may experience lower back pain.
- Side sleepers may experience aches and pains because it doesn’t provide a cushion in the pressure points, like the neck, shoulder, and hips.
- Uncomfortable for lightweight sleepers because the top surface cannot provide any essential key joint support because your light weight won’t put pressure on the mattress.
- If you have never used a firm mattress before it can be difficult to adjust.
Who Are They Best For?
A firm mattress is ideal for;
Individuals With Pre-Existing Conditions
For individuals who are suffering from any medical condition where you need to get in and out of the mattress frequently, a firm mattress can be a great option.
Well-Suited for Stomach Sleepers
For stomach and back sleepers, a firm mattress can be beneficial as your hips don’t sink too deep, which ensures the right alignment.
Provides More Support for Heavier-Weight Sleepers
For heavy sleepers, a firm mattress fetches a plethora of advantages. For one, it doesn’t sink in. Therefore, the mattress offers the right support. It also ensures you easily move around. Finally, the mattress is breathable because it promotes airflow as it doesn’t contour your body. This is also great for people who experience uncomfortable heat and humidity in the middle of a deep slumber.
What is a Soft Mattress?
A soft mattress, also known as a plush mattress, is exceptionally soft to feel. It offers an extreme cushiony feel. However, it is important to ensure that your partner is also on board with you because a soft mattress is not for everyone as it leads to sinking in. But don’t worry, even a soft mattress can offer the necessary support. That being said, it depends on the materials used in the making of the mattress.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer is the top layer of the mattress and is the softest layer. In fact, when you put your hands down and touch the top layer, you feel that plushness. So, this mattress hugs your body as you sleep and ensures that you sleep in extreme comfort.
The Support Layers
Even a soft mattress comes with support layers below the comfort layer. It usually has a denser layer, which can be either an innerspring layer or a denser foam layer. The support layers ensure that your body lies in the proper position where you experience the right spinal alignment. And this is important because when there is proper support, it helps you breathe better and take in more oxygen.
Contouring
The soft mattresses are excellent if you want something that conforms to the shape of your body and provides pressure relief to the shoulders and hips.
Undisturbed Sleep
If you are someone who sleeps with a pet or a partner, a soft mattress can do wonders because the motion gets absorbed by the comfort layer so you experience an undisturbed sleep.
Benefits of a Plush Mattress
Let’s take a look at the benefits of a soft mattress.
- The several layers present in the mattress offer optimal comfort
- It’s great for side sleepers because it offers shoulder and hips pressure relief
- A soft mattress promotes the right body alignment
Disadvantages of Soft Mattress
Some of the drawbacks of a soft mattress include;
- While the mattress offers support, it is very minimal and can lead to an improper support
- For people suffering from joint pain or people who want to get in and out of the bed easily, a soft mattress may be inconvenient as it tends to sink in easily.
- A soft mattress is not the greatest for stomach sleepers because they need hip and pelvis pressure point relief, but a soft mattress causes an individual to sink in
- A soft mattress conforms to the shape of the body, which restricts the airflow and can make you feel hot during the night
- Since the mattress is very soft, it can be difficult to switch positions if you are a combination sleeper as you tend to sink in.
Who Are They Best For?
A soft mattress is an ideal choice for you if;
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need pressure point relief in the neck, shoulders, and hips and a soft mattress can offer the same. The support a soft mattress provides also helps maintain a proper body alignment while side sleepers enjoy a deep undisturbed slumber.
Lighter Sleepers
If you are a light sleeper or of an average weight, which is either below 130 pounds or 130 to 230 pounds, a plush mattress can be a good fit. Why? Since you weigh less, you will not sink inside the mattress.
And the support layer will work in your favor and offer you a proper body alignment, which doesn’t happen if someone heavy uses a plush mattress. As a light sleeper, you sink in just right. Therefore, the mattress perfectly contours to the shape of your body and provides pressure points relief in the main places, such as your shoulders and hips.
Individuals With Pre-Existing Conditions
Some individuals who are suffering from shoulder or hip pain can benefit from a soft mattress because of the plushness it offers if a firm or a medium-firm mattress is uncomfortably and you are looking for something soft.
Try Nectar Medium Firm Mattress
The Nectar Medium-Firm mattress is 6.5 on the firmness scale and is just right! It offers the right amalgamation of comfort and support and ensures you get the best sleep every night. The Nectar mattress is made of five layers;
- The top-most layer is the Quilted Cool Cover where the breathable poly-blend cover features heat-wicking and cooling technology. So, if you are someone who experiences uncomfortable humidity in the middle of the night, rest assured. This layer will keep you cool as a cucumber and ensure uninterrupted beauty sleep!
- The second layer is the Nectar Smart Layer, which gives you 3 inches of cushy high-density, pressure-relieving gel memory foam. This layer conforms to your body and offers a warm hug.
- The third layer is the Dynamic support layer and is made of 2 inches of dynamically adjusting foam, which gives you the right support.
- Then comes the 7-inch layer which is known as the Stay-Stable Base Layer. This layer supports all the above layers and makes sure they give their best.
- The last layer is the Shift-Resistant Lower Layer, which keeps your mattress together and prevents any slips and slides, no matter how much you jump on it!
The Nectar Medium-Firm mattress offers minimal motion transfer. So, if your partner is someone who tosses and turns throughout the night or you sleep with a pet who loves getting in and out of the bed, you don’t have to worry. The gel-infused memory foam conforms to your body and you will not feel a thing.
The mattress comes with an adaptive memory foam layer, which provides pressure point relief from shoulders, hips, and legs, aiding a proper spinal alignment. This means, your muscles are able to truly relax once you hit the sheets and can enjoy happy dreams without any interruption. Nectar also gives you a 365-night free trial and a forever warranty.
You can use the Nectar Memory Foam mattress with all bed frames including a box spring, traditional frames, adjustable base, and more.
Now you know the ideal firmness level of a mattress suitable for you. Consider all the factors we have mentioned in the article to bring home the perfect choice. And if you are looking to strike a balance between soft and firm, a medium-firm mattress is always a great option.
