Medium vs. Firm Mattresses: The Pros and Cons of Both

Assuming that you’re the average human, you spend roughly 1/3 of your day in bed. This makes it very important that you have the right mattress for you. So, you might be wondering, do you opt for a medium or a firm mattress?

Today, we’re covering the pros and cons of both.

Medium Mattress

Pros

Easy for couples to compromise.

A common disagreement between couples is whether to have a soft or firm mattress and, unless they want to sleep in two separate beds, there has to be some sort of middle ground. That’s where the medium mattress comes in.

Ideal for back and side sleepers.

Medium mattresses are a great option for anyone who sleeps on their back or side. They give the back and hips an adequate amount of support while also providing the cushioning and comfort that sleepers of all kinds need to have a restful night’s sleep.

Cons

 Too soft for heavy sleepers.

Medium mattresses are on the softer side. Because of this, they might be too soft to properly support a heavier sleeper. Generally, heavy sleepers should look for a medium-firm or firm mattress.

Too firm for lightweight sleepers.

In general, the lighter a person is the softer their mattress should be. This is because they have less body mass to apply pressure to their mattress, which is what makes a person comfortable. It’s for this reason that medium mattresses might prove to be too soft.

Firm Mattress

Pros

Versatile

When you buy a firm mattress and decide that, for one reason or another, it’s too firm for you, it’s easy to adjust it to suit your preferences. You can add a mattress topper to make it softer. This versatility is a major benefit.

Even weight distribution.

Due to the firmness of the firm mattress, a person’s body weight is evenly distributed on the surface of the mattress. This can be beneficial for those who are prone to sores and irritation since the body is supported evenly.

Cons

Can make certain physical pains worse.

Those who suffer from back pain or conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis are not the prime candidates for firm mattresses. In fact, the hard mattress surface can exacerbate the pain by putting pressure on the body’s pressure points, which are often affected by common pain-causing physical conditions.

Not comfortable for lightweight sleepers.

Lightweight sleepers and children will get the most rest out of their night by sleeping on a soft or medium bed. A firm mattress can often be too firm, failing to accommodate their body since they don’t possess enough body weight to affect the mattress.

There are pros and cons to all mattresses. Medium and firm are two popular options, so if you’re looking for a new mattress and are interested in either, be sure to consider their pros and cons before making a purchase. You’ll be sleeping on it for the next few years of your life, after all!