Can a Bed Be Too Soft?

We often have customers calling us up to get a recommendation on the best hotel mattress for their needs. We find that many of our customers have a distinct preference for a firm or soft mattresses, and so we’re able to offer specific mattresses based on these preferences.

But occasionally, we’ll have a call from a customer that’s not too sure about what kind of mattress they need. We can often help them to make a decision by asking a few pertinent questions, such as:

• Why are you looking to buy a new mattress?
• Do you experience any aches and pains at night, or when you wake up in the morning?
• If you share a bed with your partner, do you find that their movement disturbs your sleep
• Do you find it hard to turn over or get out of bed?

This is because the firmness of your mattress is incredibly important - too firm, and you’ll find that pressure points such as shoulders, hips, knees and heels becoming sore and achy after prolonged contact with the mattress. You may also find that your lower back, in particular, becomes stiff from lack of support in the lumbar region.

A Soft Mattress Isn't Always The Right Choice

So bearing this in mind, can a bed be too soft? Quite simply, yes it can! A mattress that is too soft can cause a number of problems, leaving you feeling as restless and achy as if you've slept on the floor! A soft mattress often ‘cocoons’ the bed occupant, making turning over very difficult. In addition, the ‘cocooned’ feeling can leave you feeling hot and sweaty during the warmer summer months, because air is unable to circulate around your body.

But that’s not all – a mattress that is too soft can also lack independent support. This means that you can find yourself sinking into the centre of the mattress - in a double bed this problem can be more pronounced, with both occupants rolling into the middle of the bed, or the lighter occupant being ‘drawn’ into the heavier occupant’s sleeping side. Rolling into the mattress in this way is unhealthy and can cause many muscle and joint pains, as your body attempts to keep itself in a comfortable sleeping position, awkwardly using muscles that should be otherwise supported or relaxed.

But that said, if you find that an ultra-soft mattress suits your back and your sleeping habits, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t choose this option again. Likewise for a firm mattress – if you’ve never had problems with firm mattresses in the past, then there’s no reason why another firm mattress will cause you any hassles. Our backs are complicated structures and as such different people will have different preferences – there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ mattress option! It’s just down to what suits you best.

Need a recommendation on the best mattress for your preference? Our sales team are on hand to offer advice on 01234 834693 today.