Sleeping Position and Firmness Level However, elderly people are not advised to have a soft mattress as it would create problems getting up from bed. For this reason, elderly side sleepers should opt for medium to medium-firm mattresses. Medium-firm mattresses are best for both stomach and back sleepers.
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.
Despite how comfy they sound, a soft mattress can have you waking up in a lot of pain. That's why it's important to make sure your mattress is not too soft. In addition you should look to see which firmness level is right for you and your sleeping position.
You Wake Up With Back, Hip, Shoulder, And/Or Neck Pain
If you feel pain or discomfort at these pressure points, it's likely that your mattress is too firm for you. Stiffness in your joints – especially your knees and shoulders – is a good sign you're in dire need of a softer bed.
Is a hard or soft mattress better for arthritis? People with arthritis can consider opting for a medium or firm mattress. If the mattress is soft, it can add pressure to the joints and worsen symptoms. They can use a mattress topper if they feel the medium or firm mattress is too firm.
Some seniors are fine with purchasing a twin bed but many prefer double beds since they offer more room both horizontally and vertically.
In general, side sleepers should look for Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses that can cushion their impact points. Back and stomach sleepers should look for Medium Firm to Firm beds that have only light conforming.
If you're a senior with arthritis, back pain, or other joint pain, body-contouring memory foam with a medium to medium-firm level of firmness could make your nights easier. Top memory foam mattresses do a fine job of providing pressure relief and helping keep your spine aligned in a neutral position.
According to their internal body clock, most older adults need to go to sleep around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. and wake up at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Many people fight their natural inclination to sleep and choose to go to bed several hours later instead.
Some childcare staff are not aware that leaving a baby alone on an overly soft surface is very dangerous. Experts recommend a 'firm' sleep surface for babies aged 0–12 months, even babies that are positioned face up (as they should be). Some baby products are unsafe because they are made too soft.
Firm Mattress: If you're a heavier-weight sleeper, choose a firmer mattress for the best overall support. Also consider a firmer mattress if you're primarily a stomach sleeper. Medium Mattress: If you're an average-weight sleeper and sleep on your side or back, a medium mattress is an excellent choice.
Typically, the mattresses used in hotel rooms are medium-firm. This is because medium-firm mattresses can accommodate all three sleep positions. Back, side, and stomach sleepers will feel supported with proper spine, neck, and hip alignment.
“Most side sleepers will do best on a medium-firm mattress, as a general guideline, but that will vary based on their height and weight,” Dr. Breus explains. “If you're a 250- to 300-pound person, you're going to look for a different mattress than a 120- to 130-pound person.
A queen-size mattress is the most popular bed size in Australia and is perfect for couples or a single person. The queen size bed dimensions in Australia are 153cm x 203cm. Consider getting a queen size bed if you want to maximise your sleeping space without taking up too much room in your bedroom.
A queen-size mattress is 60” by 80”, and is the most common size of mattress. It will comfortably fit couples or individuals and the reasonable size fits almost all bedrooms.
If your mattress is too firm, excess pressure on areas like your shoulders, hips, knees, side, and back can lead to aches and pains, Dr. Aouad says. Again, mattress toppers might come to your rescue here, especially as they're often designed to offer the plush experience that a too-firm mattress can't.
Firm mattresses such as orthopedic mattresses provide spine and back support to reduce back pain. Orthopedic pain often results in sleep disturbances that can affect a person's overall well-being, as described in this article from The American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
According to sleep experts, a mattress with less cushioning is more likely to support a neutral-spine position during sleep. When you sleep on a firm mattress with minimal cushioning, your bones bear most of the pressure. This frees up your muscles and allows the arteries and veins to relax.
If your mattress is too firm, you might experience a few different symptoms. An overly-firm mattress can put excess strain on your pressure points (shoulders, hips, and torso) or cause spinal misalignment. You might also find that your body stays tense as you sleep, resulting in muscle, neck, or back pain.
A softer mattress is usually recommended for those who are experiencing back pain on a standard mattress, or those who have pre-existing back problems. They're also recommended for lighter individuals as a harder mattress can end up not compressing for them at all.
Is a soft mattress bad for your back? It is if it's so soft that it doesn't support your spine. If you sink into the mattress so that your hips are lower than your shoulders, your mattress may be too soft and could be contributing to back pain. Keep in mind that weight is a factor when it comes to mattress firmness.
Side sleepers – Side sleepers need a firmer pillow with medium loft to support their cervical spine at rest. Pillows that are too thick or too thin will disrupt the natural curvature of their neck, and can lead to cramps and pain over time.