Sleeping is necessary to maintain your overall well-being, and mattresses play a significant role in determining the quality of rest that you get. When you are shopping for a new bed, one of the biggest choices you must make is the level of firmness of the mattress. However, different levels work better for different people, and understanding which one is right for you will ensure that you sleep well every night.

Various Levels of Mattress Firmness

Most mattress manufacturers rate firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Within this scale, there are three different groups.

For example, beds that are between 1 and 3 are some of the softest options available. They have a much plusher feel and tend to wrap around the sleeper’s body. Soft beds sink the most when you lay down, usually falling up to 3 inches.

Beds that rate between 4 and 7 have a medium firmness level. This is the most common range because it provides a nice balance of softness and support. These typically only sink up to 2 inches, so there is additional support for the sleeper’s back.

Beds that rate between 8 and 10 are the firmest. They sink the least, at only 1 inch or less, and provide the most support. This is perfect for those that have spinal issues or don’t like the feeling of sinking into a bed.

How to Choose the Ideal Firmness Level

The best firmness rating for your needs depends on multiple factors. For example, the position you sleep in should affect your choice. If you sleep on the side, consider a soft to medium level of firmness. These beds contour to the curves of the side of the body and alleviate strain on pressure points.

If you sleep on your stomach, choose a bed that is a medium to high firmness. These beds align the spine when laying down and help prevent lower back issues. Alternatively, if you sleep on your back, a bed that is higher on the firmness scale will support and maintain the natural alignment of your spine.

Your body mass index (BMI) also factors into what bed is best for you. An above average BMI requires a firmer mattress to provide extra support and avoid sinking too far into the bed. Conversely, having a below average BMI can allow you to purchase a softer bed and still get the necessary support. An average BMI works best on a medium bed.

 

No matter how you sleep at night, the experts at WRC Furniture Gallery can find the perfect mattress for you. Serving the Dothan, AL, area for more than 60 years, this trusted furniture store has a large selection of beds from the industry’s leading brands, and their team can match you with the right one for your needs. Call (334) 699-7467 to speak to a team member, or browse their inventory online.