Can A Mattress Be Too Firm? (Side Sleepers)
Have you ever laid down on one of those beds that felt super hard compared to the typical soft mattress? If yes then you have probably wondered, Can a mattress be too firm? The answer is yes, a mattress can be too firm for your comfort.
In this guide, we’re gonna discuss how firmness affects your sleep, and if you should consider buying one in case you don’t have a firm mattress. So, without any further delay. Let’s dig into it.
What Is a Firm Mattress?
When we talk about a firm mattress, we refer to mattresses that are more on the sturdier and solid side. Typically opposite of our traditional cushy and soft ones. A firm mattress does not allow people to plunge into it, it might be great for some people and too bad for some as well.
But here comes the question, what is a firm mattress good for? We have asked many people this question and the answer is always the same. People who sleep on firm mattresses feel like they’ve been massaged the whole night as they were sleeping. The mattress provides overall support to the body, especially the hips and lower back.
Is It Better to Sleep on a Firm Mattress?
The answer to this question is completely subjective because it depends on individual preferences, body, and sleep style. A firm mattress is great for back support and gives you a feeling of a massager but if you’re a side sleeper, the support doesn’t feel good for your arms, side hips, and shoulders. But if you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you’d love that extra support. It’d feel like everything has been resting fully aligned and supported.

If you’re a side sleeper, you may want to go for a mattress that is firm yet not fully hard like medicated mattresses. Try going for medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses to ensure that you get enough pressure that your shoulders and hips can take.
How to Tell If Your Mattress Is Too Firm
Let’s talk about a few facts that would help you understand if your current mattress is more on the sturdier side. Here are a few telling signs, waking up with lower back, hip, or shoulder pains. Tossing and turning the whole night to get comfortable and finding that sweet spot to sleep. If you feel these troubles during sleep, then your mattress is too firm for you.
How Can I Make My Firm Mattress Softer?
If you’re facing those difficulties while sleeping then there are ways to soften them up. Don’t just throw your mattress out, instead here’s what you can do. Find a mattress topper, that is made up of foam. It gives you that soft mattress feel even with a firm mattress. If your mattress is relatively new then give it a few weeks, it will get better within a few weeks.
Get yourself comfortable and heavier bedding that provides extra cushioning on top of that mattress topper, exactly like those 5-star hotel ones. It would give you that cushiony, soft and comfortable feel while sleeping.
Is Firm Mattress Good for Health?
Yes, if you’re a stomach or a back sleeper then a firm mattress is great for your health as it gives you proper support which means better circulation of blood in your back as well as your legs. It improves your posture while sleeping as well.
Most people prefer a mattress that is more on the firmier side but not that sturdy that it makes their backs hurt. Try finding a mattress that fixes your back pain and posture problem, and doesn’t feel too soft. Something that lies in between the softer and sturdier options.
For people who sleep on their sides or have lighter body weights, softer options should be considered or modifications made to their firm mattress for that extra bit of comfort.
How to Make a Mattress More Firm
Just like the people who want their firm mattress to feel softer, we know you guys exist too. You have a soft mattress and this question always crosses your mind How to make my mattress firmer? Don’t worry, try implementing the following steps and hopefully, you’ll be able to make your mattress firm.
Start with adding a firm mattress topper, it’d give you that sturdy feel and good support while sleeping. Try rotating your mattress once in a few weeks to ensure that your mattress stays even.
Lastly, you’ve got to make sure your mattress rests on a solid base because the new spring bases make your mattresses feel softer than they should be. These little changes go a long way as they not only help you stay healthy and fulfilling your sleep in the long run but also extend the life of your mattress and optimum firmness that suits your body type.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should Side Sleepers Have a Firm Mattress?
Being a side sleeper, you would never choose a super firm mattress as it would cause pain in your shoulders and hips. As a side sleeper, trying to find a mattress for that sweet spot between support and softness.
How Firm Should A Mattress Be?
As a side sleeper, try finding a medium-firm mattress. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, then a mattress more inclined towards the firmer side should be your choice. Lastly, if you’re lightweight and young and can’t sleep on a hard surface at all then go for a softer mattress if that doesn’t hurt your body as you sleep.
Conclusion – Can a mattress be too firm?
Have you ever wondered why there are tons of mattresses available at every store including Mehran foam? The reason is the subjectiveness of comfort. No type fits everybody. Hence, the options are endless.
From ultra-plush to ultra-firm, Mehran Foam has it all. No matter what your weight and body type are, we have a full range of mattresses to give you a solution for your sleeping needs.
We pride ourselves on the fact that we offer the best mattresses in Lahore, whether you need the best firm mattress for keeping your spine aligned or finding those super comfy mattresses to match your comfort level. Browse through our range of products now to find your ideal mattress today!