Is sleeping on an extra firm mattress good for you?

A firm or extra firm mattress is beneficial to the health of your back by providing a level surface to the whole of your body while you sleep. This extra support helps your body maintain good posture and prevents your back from curving, which can happen on softer mattresses.

What are extra firm mattresses good for?

While extra firm mattresses are great options for stomach sleepers and heavier body types, some side sleepers may express discomfort over the long term. If finding a well-balanced mattress is more important than firmness, read our 2022 Mattress Buying Guide!

Can an extra firm mattress cause back pain?

If you go to bed feeling great and wake up miserable, it’s a good sign your mattress is causing back pain. A mattress that’s too soft will cause your spine to fall out of alignment all night long, and a mattress that’s too firm will cause joint pressure in your hips that leads to pain in your lower back.

Do I need firm or extra firm mattress?

Body weight Generally speaking, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses. Soft foams may sink in too much for comfort and adequate support. Conversely, lighter sleepers may sink in less and find firm beds to be uncomfortably hard, so they generally prefer soft to medium firm options.

What does an extra firm mattress feel like?

Firm to Extra Firm (7-10 out of 10) Mattresses that rate between 7 and 10 provide a relatively even plane and a sturdy feel. Support: Firm to extra firm beds tend to offer exceptional support for sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds.

What is the difference between firm and extra firm mattress?

Firm mattresses are non-pillow tops and are very similar to Extra Firm models except that they contain a larger percentage of cushioning; meaning the Firm Mattress contains more padding than the Extra Firm Mattress. This provides sleepers a hard surface with solid support underneath.

How do you know if your mattress is too firm?

If you’re waking up with back, neck or shoulder pain, your mattress might be too firm. If you wake up in the morning — or during the night — feeling discomfort at certain pressure points, like your shoulders, hips, or knees, your mattress is probably too firm.

Why does my lower back hurt from a firm mattress?

A mattress that’s too firm will put too much pressure on your joints, especially if you sleep on your side or your back. That’s why if you want to reduce your back pain in bed, you need a mattress that offers support but that also contours to your body to provide pressure relief and relieve pain.