The best firm mattresses can be great for providing extra support and sturdiness, but they aren't for everyone. If you suspect your current mattress is too hard for you, then there are some common signs that tell you it's time to switch to a medium-firm bed instead.
Our guide to the best mattresses features lots of firm beds ideal for those who need added support in the hips and lower back, such as back, stomach, and plus-sized sleepers. However, a medium-firm mattress can suit a wide range of sleepers, as it provides the perfect balance between support and comfort.
Here, we'll break down the common signs that you should be sleeping on a medium-firm mattress, not a firm one. Plus, if you spot any of these signs, we'll show you the best medium-firm mattresses to buy ahead of the Memorial Day mattress sales.
What is a medium-firm mattress?
A medium-firm mattress is a bed with a firmness rating of between 6 and 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale (10 being the firmest). Sometimes called a luxury-firm mattress, a medium-firm bed is a popular option as it can provide universal support and comfort to most sleep positions, especially back sleepers. It's slightly more cushioning than the best firm mattresses (which are usually 8 to 10 out of 10 on the firmness scale), so it's ideal for those who want the sturdy support of a firm bed but with added comfort.
5 signs you should be sleeping on a medium-firm vs firm mattress
1. You struggle to sleep on your side
The best mattresses for side sleepers almost always have a plush, medium-firm feel to add extra cushioning for the knees, hips, and shoulders - the three key pressure points when side sleeping. Firm mattresses are not recommended to side sleepers, as they don't offer enough soothing pressure relief in these areas.
If you like to sleep on your side, but find it difficult to sleep in that position lately, then it may be a sign your mattress is too firm. It's especially telling if your shoulders are pressing against the mattress instead of sinking into it.
2. You have shoulder and hip pain
If you do manage to sleep on your side when lying on a firm mattress, it's likely that you'll start experiencing aches and pains in your shoulder and hips. If your shoulders are pressing against the mattress, and the bed provides zero pressure relief, then this will likely lead to shoulder pain.
While it's true that a firm mattress can support the hip region when lying on your back or stomach, making sure that the spine is properly aligned and preventing lower back pain, side sleepers need something more comforting and supporting from a medium-firm bed.
3. You wake up with neck pain, too
Firm mattresses don't have the best pressure relief, and can actually create more pressure points. One such pressure point is the neck, which may become sore or stiff if it isn't soothed by medium-firm pressure relief. If a firm mattress isn't providing enough comfort to the hips, shoulder, and back, this can affect the curves of the neck and cause a lot discomfort.
4. It's taking longer to fall asleep
When you're told to think of the perfect dream bed, most people will picture a cloud-like, ultra-soft bed that feels like cotton candy. That's because comfort is high on the mattress shopping list, as everyone wants to be soothed to sleep. A mattress that's too firm won't provide that relaxing, cushioning feel that a medium-firm can bring, so if you're struggling to get comfortable and fall asleep at night, a rock-hard mattress may be to blame.
5. You're experiencing numbness
If you're getting a tingling sensation in your arms, hands, and feet, this may be caused by pressure building in the points of your body that press against the mattress. This pressure build-up is usually seen when sleeping on a too-firm mattress and can lead to nerves becoming compressed, which then leads to a tingling, numb sensation in your pressure points.
The top 3 medium-firm mattresses to buy
