How Firm Should My Mattress Be?
Replacing your mattress can be exhausting. Navigating the stores and websites, debating between foam and springs, and determining the best mattress size and how much to spend can leave you feeling like you need a good nap.
One constant we can share is that firmness and support are not the same thing in a mattress! When we talk about support with our customers, we are referring to the feeling you have in a bed when your entire body feels comfortable, aligned and in harmony. You can have a soft bed and still be completely supported, allowing your body to relax and drift off to sleep.
“Firmness” is highly subjective based on personal preference and dictates how hard or soft a mattress feels. What’s firm for you may not be firm for others, and what’s soft for others may not be soft for you.
How can I tell if My Mattress is too Soft or too Firm?
How you sleep affects how the mattress feels to you. If a side sleeper wakes up with sore hips, shoulders and knees, the mattress may be too firm. On the other hand, if a side sleeper wakes up with a sore back, then the mattress could be too soft.
To help alleviate these aches and pains, Sleepy’s and SleepMaker work closely with the Australian Chiropractors Assocation (ACA), to ensure our Chiropractic Collection of mattresses are made with quality materials for the ultimate spine support and care. Your sleeping position acts as a guideline for choosing the right mattress support for you.
We have put together mattress support guidelines based on your sleeping position.
Back Sleepers
The ACA agree that sleeping on your back is the best position for your spinal health. Sleeping on your back evenly distributes weight across the surface of your body, allowing your head, neck and spine to rest in a neutral position. It can also help minimise pressure and ensure proper alignment of your internal organs. You may choose to place a pillow under your knees to keep to the natural curve of your spine. If you are a back sleeper a medium to firm mattress is a comfortable option and will support your spine. A soft or plush mattress may also suit your sleeping preferences if you are a back sleeper, it’s entirely subjective. You could consider investing in an adjustable base which will allow you to elevate your feet and or head to your preferred position.
Side Sleepers
When positioned correctly, side sleeping has several benefits such as, reduced joint and lower back pain. To ensure you are positioned correctly, try lying on your preferred side with your lower leg straight and upper leg bent. Place a pillow between your knees and bend both your knees and hips slightly, to position your pillow. This will reduce pressure placed on your back and throughout your body. A mattress with medium firmness is able to mould and hug your body, to provide support on your hips. If you are a side sleeper, a soft or plush mattress may suit your sleeping preferences.
Stomach Sleepers
According to the ACA, stomach sleeping will eventually create problems with your spine and it is not a recommended sleeping position. It puts unnecessary pressure on your neck due to twisting your head and the straining of your lower back. Most of your weight is in the middle of your body, which makes it difficult to maintain a neutral spine position. If you do sleep on your front, a firm mattress is best suited for stomach sleepers in order to push back against your body for spinal support.
Mattress comfort levels
Extra Plush
Extra plush mattresses are often considered luxury mattresses because you can sink to a deep hug to find support and comfot.
Plush
A plush mattress can be too soft for an average sleeper. These mattresses allow the shoulders to sink in, relieving pressure on the joints.
Medium
Medium feel is the most popular firmness in a mattress. A medium mattress will contour to your body with ease and support your joints for pressure point relief.
Firm
The surface remains even with little to no bounce, to provide pressure relief.
Extra Firm
No bounce and little to no contouring to your body.
What Size Mattress Should I Get?
A deep, restorative night’s sleep is becoming more and more necessary for our busy lives. For those who like a lot of space in bed or who share a bed with another, how do you find a bed that is big enough? There are a myriad of reasons and lifestyle changes, that create the need for a new mattress. For example, you might be starting a family, moving houses, downsizing, or expanding your bedroom space or children are outgrowing their first beds. The rule of thumb is the length of your mattress should be at least 10-15cm longer than the tallest sleeper and you may consider going up a size if you are sleeping next to a sprawler, or have kids and pets climbing into bed. Other consideration in size selection include
If you share a mattress with a partner and struggle as a ‘hot sleeper’, increasing the size of your mattress can create some breathing space, so you can both maintain your individual sleeping temperature.
For those who are constantly woken up by a partner tossing and turning in the night, a larger mattress can help reduce partner disturbance as it isolates the movement.
Our mattress size indicator below will help you find the best mattress size for your lifestyle. Manufacturers advise there is a 2cm tolerance of which the mattress can be shorter in width or length.
Mattress Sizes
| Mattress Size | Dimension in inches (Length X Width) |
| Single | 188 CM x 92 CM |
| Long Single | 203 CM X 92 CM |
| King Single | 203 CM X 107 CM |
| Double | 188 CM X 138 CM |
| Queen | 203 CM X 153 CM |
| King | 203 CM X 183 CM |
| Super King | 203 CM X 203 CM |
What are the Different Mattress ‘Feels’ or Comfort Levels?
There are several different comfort levels that a mattress can offer. The 'firmness' in your mattress from Sleepy’s is categorised into three main 'feels.' The best way to explain mattress feels is to think about the experience you have when you first lay on a mattress. The feeling you have in a bed when your entire body feels comfortable, aligned and in harmony. You can have a soft bed and still be completely supported, allowing your body to relax and drift off to sleep.
Extra Plush
The cloud-like comfort experienced when sleeping on a plush mattress comes from the luxurious materials used, and its greater ability to conform to the shape of your body. For a touch of indulgence and a higher price point, an extra plush mattress is suitable for those who like a soft feel mattress. An extra plush feel will have you wrapped in a plush, cloud-like hug. The extra layers of soft foams add height and comfort to the mattress.
Plush
Mattresses that are a plush feel are a particularly good choice for those who prefer hugging support, as the conformable materials will cradle the hips and shoulders, dispersing body weight and minimising spinal stress. This mattress is suitable for those seeking a soft, cloud-like sleep surface. The ‘hugging’ sensation occurs when every part of your body that is touching the bed feels like you are snuggling into a big, fluffy, soothing cloud. The top panel has ‘cushiony’ look and the surface is flexible under your body as it contours and moulds to your shape.
Medium
When you lay on a mattress and have a balanced level of contouring and push back, this is a medium feel. A cloud like experience, the top panel is neither too lofty nor is it too inflexible under your body. The mattress moulds and conforms to your body but it is not claustrophobic, nor do your hips and shoulders feel like they are being pushed upwards. The feel of medium mattresses suits a wide range of people and is a popular choice.
Firm
A firm mattress will immediately push back against your body, it has an inflexible surface and very little puffiness and “bounce” in the top panel. These mattresses can assist in facilitating a neutral spinal position, keeping the body straight to regulate correct posture. They can also help to reduce pressure on the circulation for better blood flow.
Extra Firm
Our Extra Firm Mattresses offer whole-body support. With an inflexible surface that is neither plush nor bouncy, the extra firm foams offer the benefit of minimised partner disturbance. Designed to relieve back stress by cradling the hip and shoulder regions.
How do you know what feel is right for you?
The feel of a mattress is highly subjective because it depends entirely on your personal experience. The subjectivity comes from your own personal needs, preferences, experience, body shape, age, health and aches. We recommend using our Find Your Mattress tool to help narrow down your options, before visiting your closest store and trying the mattress! Aim to lay on the bed for at least 15-20 minutes, to really gauge what is right for you.
What Type of Mattress is Best?
Chiropractic Collection
For over 15 years Sleepy’s and SleepMaker have partnered with the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) to provide customers with a sleep solution for spinal support. With ACA endorsement we provide everyday Australians with a credible product to guide them to a healthier way of sleeping.
As mattress technologies continue to progress, SleepMaker work closely with the ACA to ensure Sleepy’s exclusive Chiropractic Collection incorporates the latest innovations and designs for postural alignment and relaxation of the spinal muscles. Such innovations include SleepMaker’s Miracoil spring system, where the coil supports the natural curves of the spine, creating a cradling effect. Additionally, the Australian Made SleepMaker Pocket Springs independently adjust to the weight and contour of the body whilst minimising partner disturbance. Each mattress is uniquely constructed with generously layered Australian Made foams, to provide support and relieve pressure on the spine.
Affordable Collection
Sleepy’s endeavour to promote the power of sleep by providing mattresses to support every customer to enjoy a great night’s sleep. Each mattress in the affordable collection includes a solid support system with technologies such as, Australian Made Pocket Springs, which are individual springs that reduce the motion transfer that can be felt if your partner is moving beside you. Dunlop Foams provide cushioning comfort when you first lie on the mattress and support your spine during slumber. The top panel includes Climatex Quilt a high loft fibre that gives bounce back between two layers of superior dream foam for a breathable and cooling mattress.
If you need a new mattress on a budget, the mattresses in this collection offers cost-effective comfort. With a number of affordable options to choose from, you can preserve your sleep health and experience a good night’s sleep, every night.
Sleepy’s Bed Fit Specialists can help you find the best affordable mattress for your needs.
Premium Collection
The Premium Collection features a complete range of luxurious mattresses, designed with stylish patterns, amazing colours and high-end fabrics, such as Tencel, Cashmere, Wool and Damask. These amazing mattresses are crafted with ground-breaking technology such as KulKote and Gel-Infused memory foam, for the benefits of cooling comfort. The Sensorzone spring system has a highly supportive core, that combines the benefits of spring and foam technologies to provide targeted pressure relief from head to toe. Other spring technologies such as Pocket Springs and the Miracoil advance spring system have superior support to provide luxury comfort. Each mattress in the collection combines spinal support and sheer luxury to deliver a truly blissful night’s sleep. Sleeping on any of these beautiful mattresses will ensure that you look forward to bedtime each evening.
Types of Mattress Materials
The price of a mattress is reflective of the different types of technologies and foams that create a supportive and comfortable sleeping surface. You can refer our icons we have created for each one of our mattresses, which demonstrate exactly what technology is in the mattress.
We have compiled a list of pros and cons of the most common mattress materials used to create Sleepy’s mattresses to help you reclaim your amazing!
Active Sense Pocket Springs
Detects and deflects pressure, cradling your head, neck and hips.
Pros
- Australian Made.
- Suitable for adjustable bases.
- Minimises partner disturbance (ideal for couples).
- Good support by distributing your body weight evenly.
Cons
- Due to the number of springs used, they can be heavier than a ‘normal’ mattress and you may need help rotating it quarterly.
Miracoil Advance
Continuous coil mattresses are made from a single piece of wire looped into springs. A z-shaped continuous coil with 5 zone support system designed to reduce back stress.
Pros
- The wire used is thicker and has more surface coverage than most springs in the market providing a higher level of support.
- For those who like a traditional mattress with ‘bounce’, this spring combines that movement with great support.
- Good option for people who are hot sleepers.
Cons
- Because the springs move as one unit, there is some motion transfer that will be experienced as one partner moves in bed.
Latex
Conforms to the contours of the body to relieve pressure and assist with spinal alignment during sleep.
Pros
- Sourced from natural latex plantations.
- Outstanding durability and rebound qualities.
- A natural deterrent for dust mites and bed bugs.
- Healthier sleep environment which is great for asthma and hay fever sufferers.
Cons
- Very little movement in the mattress which can take some time to adapt.
- A dense feel which is not likely to please someone wanting a softer, more cushioned night’s sleep.
Memory Foam
Conforms to the body delivering outstanding pressure relief for the sleeper and assists in supporting the natural curvature of the spine, to deliver a feeling of weightlessness.
Pros
- Provides pressure relief to help reduce tossing and turning.
- Contours to the individual body shape.
- Memory foam we use is an open cell structure to provide air flow and reduce heat build-up.
Cons
- The use of memory foam in a mattress can be heavy to rotate.
- Can make you feel “encased” as the foam contours to your body shape.
