Is a Firm Mattress Better for Your Back?

Mattress Expert™ answer: Is a firm mattress better for your back? Not necessarily. Our Mattress Experts™ debunk the firm mattress myth and explain what actually supports your spine.

This is a question we hear often from back sleepers who struggle with whether they should purchase a soft or firm mattress for back pain. Although the myth states that a firmer mattress will make your back feel better, we can say for certain that this is not true for every sleeper.

There are two important factors to discuss on the subject:

1. Whether you need a firm or soft mattress will depend on your personal needs
2. There is a difference between a firm feel and a supportive mattress

In general, people who struggle with back pain after getting out of bed are suffering because their spine isn’t getting enough support from their mattress. Our Mattress Experts™ will be answering frequently asked questions surrounding the topic of whether a firm mattress is better for your back.

For our Mattress Experts’™ top recommendations, visit our best mattress for back pain buying guide. 

Q: Are firm or soft mattresses better for your back?

Neither is better than the other. The debate between a soft or firm mattress for back pain doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. The type of mattress you need depends on your body type, support needs, and comfort preferences. In other words, a firm mattress may better suit some sleepers, whereas a soft mattress may benefit others.

The bottom line is that the best mattress for you will promote proper spine alignment to eliminate aches and pains and provide you with the restorative sleep your body needs. A soft, medium, or firm mattress might do that for you.

Q: Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress? 

Whether you need a softer or firmer mattress depends on what your body requires to get proper support and cushioning. If you sleep on the wrong type of mattress (one that is too soft or too firm), you run the risk of not forming mattress body impressions that promote healthy spinal alignment for your spine. 

Ultimately, you want a bed that will deliver the right amount of comfort and support to strike a healthy balance,and this can be achieved either with a firm or a soft mattress.

Our Founder and President Youval and Mattress Expert™ Rachael dive into how firm your mattress should be.

Q: Are firm mattresses more supportive? 

Not necessarily. There is a difference between a firm mattress and a supportive mattress — the two are not mutually exclusive. A supportive mattress promotes proper spinal alignment and helps keep the curve of your spine in a neutral position; it doesn’t “flatten” these curves or create more curves. You don’t want any gaps between your body and the mattress. 

Firmness applies to the feel and comfort of the mattress along with terms like softness, plushness, etc. The feel of a mattress, like a firm vs. a soft mattress, for example, is a personal preference. With that being said, not all firm-feeling mattresses are going to be supportive for every sleeper. A mattress that is too soft or too firm may not help your back pain — instead, you need to find a mattress that will accommodate your needs. 

Q: Are soft beds bad for your back? 

No, soft beds are not inherently bad for your back. Soft mattresses often get a bad reputation for worsening back pain. For example, many mattress retailers will argue that soft mattresses worsen conditions like sciatica because soft mattresses cause sinkage and cannot support your back. This is not always the case for every soft mattress. In fact, the best mattress for sciatica pain relief is a mattress that will provide the proper comfort and support you need for your back. 

A soft mattress may contour better to the body, providing relief for pressure points. However, if a soft mattress is not paired with the right supportive components for your body, you could sink into the mattress too deeply, causing misalignment and discomfort. Again, it’s all about striking that right balance. 

Q: How do I know if I need a firm or soft mattress?

The best way to know is to try mattresses in person with a Mattress Expert™ who can assess your body type, sleep position, and support needs. 

You don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. If you decide to shop for your new mattress with Texas Mattress Makers, there are two routes you can take to find your perfect mattress:

Take our Sleep Quiz and shop online

Our Sleep Quiz asks you pointed questions about your personal preferences and sleep habits to direct you toward a mattress that we believe will satisfy your needs and give you quality sleep. Even if you decide to shop online, we still recommend coming into our showroom and trying out your mattress results in person to be 100% sure! Many customers who take our quiz and come into the store end up falling in love with the mattress the quiz said was their best match. 

Visit a showroom in person

The reason that we recommend every customer visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores is so that you can test out different mattress types and comfort levels to leave with the most supportive mattress possible. Our experts guide you through every step of the process, getting to know you and your needs so that we can help you choose your perfect mattress. 

Find Your Perfect, Supportive Mattress at a Texas Mattress Makers

So, is a firm mattress better for your back? Not necessarily. As we’ve said before, it all depends on what you need from your mattress. Every sleeper has a unique set of needs and personal preferences that can be catered to with the right mattress. You can easily find a mattress that strikes the right balance between comfort and support when you shop with us.

Texas Mattress Makers offers quality mattresses handmade right here in the state of Texas. Unlike other manufacturers, our passion lies in helping you find the perfect mattress that will last you a lifetime, not just a few years. If you struggle with back pain, we can help you get the comfortable and restorative rest you deserve with your perfect mattress for a great price. 

Our quality and factory-direct prices speak for themselves. Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston today or shop online to find the perfect mattress for your back.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• How Long Does it Take to Break in a Mattress?
• Mattress Myth: Can You Fix a Mattress Dip?
• Why Your New Mattress Feels Different Than In-Store
• Does Sleep Help Heal Injuries?
• Is it Worth Investing in a Mattress?