One of the most important factors in good-quality sleep is your mattress — not only so that you can rest and be productive, but also to maintain good health. So one of the first questions to ask when buying a mattress is whether a firm or medium-firm mattress is better.
With that in mind, in this article we tell you everything you need to know to choose the best mattress for your needs, whether that is a firm or medium-firm mattress.
How do you choose between a firm mattress and a medium-firm mattress?
There are many factors to consider when choosing between a firm or medium-firm mattress. In this case, you need to know whether you suffer from muscle pain, what position you usually sleep in, and what your preferences are.
That said, here are the advantages and disadvantages of a firm or medium-firm mattress.
Advantages and disadvantages of a medium-firm mattress
The medium-firm mattress sits between extra-firm mattresses and soft mattresses. They are recommended for people weighing under 250 pounds, because they compress more easily, offering good support and a cradling feel.
They do, however, offer better back support than a soft mattress, which makes them ideal for anyone with occasional or chronic back pain.
They also adapt to multiple sleeping positions, so if you are someone who moves a lot at night, a medium-firm mattress is the better option when choosing between a firm and a medium-firm mattress.
However, a medium-firm mattress is not advised for people who like to sleep on their stomach, as they may sink too low or not get enough support for their spine. Equally, they may not offer enough support for heavier people.
Advantages and disadvantages of extra-firm mattresses
When we ask ourselves which mattress to choose between a firm or medium-firm mattress, what we are really asking about is a medium-firm mattress or medium mattress versus a genuinely firm one — that is, an extra-firm mattress.
You may not have known this, but an extra-firm mattress is ideal for improving circulation, because most of the pressure is placed on your bones while muscle pain is relieved, which optimizes circulation.
It also allows better breathing because it distributes weight correctly. An extra-firm mattress is perfect for people who need an even, stable sleeping surface — that is, those who sleep on their back or their stomach.
Another big advantage is that, according to some studies, they reduce stress. They are effective at reducing most muscle pain, for the reasons given above about pressure being placed mainly on the bones.
Their main disadvantage is that, in principle, if you are used to a soft mattress, the change can be drastic. They are also not recommended for people with scoliosis. In those cases it is best to consult a specialist to choose between a firm or medium-firm mattress based on the person's needs and state of health.
Finally, you should take other factors into account when choosing a mattress — for example, whether you want a latex mattress, which is known for being the most durable on the market; spring mattresses, which are the most traditional; or memory foammattresses, which are ideal for comfort. You should also buy your mattress somewhere you can trust. If you are buying your mattress in Canada, we recommend Avanti, an experienced mattress brand established in the 1990s.
