Why you're told it's better to sleep on a firm mattress

Author: Synwin–Custom Mattress

Do you know why you are told that sleeping on a firm mattress is good for you? Historically, mattresses were made of compressible materials. This causes the mattress to sag in the middle, forcing people to sleep in a hammock position. Not surprisingly, people complained of back and neck pain, and as a remedy were told to place the bed plank under the mattress for support.

Thus, the hard bed was born. So one of the main misconceptions people encounter when choosing a mattress today is that they confuse the word "firm" with supportive. Unfortunately, an overly firm bed forces your body to adapt to it, and it should be the other way around.

Not only can a firm mattress create pressure points that can inhibit blood circulation, it's nearly impossible to align the spine. A mattress that is too firm doesn't allow your shoulders and hips to sink, so it acts on your body, causing your shoulders and hips to bend inward, forcing your spine into unnatural positions. Such pressure can put a lot of pressure on your lower back, especially in the area of ​​the lumbar spine where the spine meets the pelvic bones.

Conversely, a mattress that is too soft doesn't provide enough support. Your body is in a hammock position, causing your shoulders and hips to pinch in again, resulting in a curved spine. Unlike a firm mattress, this flex puts pressure on your lower back and can cause your muscles to stay tense all night trying to protect your spine.