How important is the firmness of the mattress?
The firmness of the mattress contributes to a comfortable lying position for the body. Therefore, you should try out which level of firmness is the most comfortable for you when buying a new mattress. But what different levels of firmness exist and what exactly do you have to pay attention to? We’re taking a closer look at different levels of firmness and their importance for your body and restful sleep.
- These levels of mattress firmness exist
- Why is the firmness of the mattress so important?
- Finding the perfect mattress firmness
- The level of firmness in a double bed
- How relevant is the slat base?
- Does a topper change the firmness of the mattress?
- Conclusion
These levels of mattress firmness exist
The firmness characterizes the comfort of the mattress and shows how hard or soft the mattress is in relation to body weight and body height. Most Swissflex mattresses are available in a soft or firm level of firmness. The mattresses SF Hybrid 24 and SF Hybrid 26 are also available in three levels of firmness and combine pocket spring core and foam technology for a unique sleep experience. For the mattress versa excellence, in addition to being able to choose between soft and firm, you also have the choice of an extra firm level. On a mattress with the firm or extra firm level, you enjoy a firm lying sensation that offers reliable support for your body and spine. A mattress with a soft level of firmness, on the other hand, feels softer in comparison and provides cuddly comfort during sleep.
An important advice for the search for a new mattress: Soft does not necessarily mean “soft”. The levels of firmness of a mattress are not standardized, which sometimes leads to small differences between mattresses from different manufacturers. We all have different physiques and sleep preferences. Therefore, it is advisable to go to a local dealer and try out various models. That is the easiest way to find out which mattress and level of firmness is the most comfortable for you and is best suited for your body so that the mattress offers the best possible support.
Why is the firmness of the mattress so important?
What happens if the level of firmness of your mattress does not suit you? The level of firmness is responsible for a comfortable and ergonomic lying position, as well as healthy sleep. For a pleasant sleep comfort, the mattress should be neither too hard nor too soft. When testing a mattress, pay attention to your back and spine. For the most comfortable relaxation, the spine should form a straight line when lying on your side! This position enables you to enjoy a deep and regenerative sleep. 
If the mattress is too soft, the hips sink in too deep into the mattress, so that the spine can easily sag in this area. The results can be tension up to the neck or pain in the back. If the mattress is too hard, it prevents the shoulders from sinking into the mattress. This might cause the spine to curve upwards in the shoulder area and can lead to neck tension or back pain, as well as pressure points and circulatory disorders. A mattress with the right level of firmness allows the heavier body parts, such as shoulder and hips, to sink in just enough so that the spine will lie in an ergonomically correct position. Thus, the right level of firmness of a mattress is worth gold for healthy sleep!
Finding the perfect mattress firmness for yourself
The right level of firmness of the mattress mainly depends on your body shape and your body weight. For example, a firm mattress is usually not the right choice for people with low body weight. Due to little pressure, the shoulders and hips do not sink deep enough into the mattress to achieve a comfortable lying position. A higher weight, on the other hand, increases the pressure on the mattress and sinking into the mattress is possible without any problems even on a firm lying surface. At the same time, the firm core provides good body support and stabilizes the spine. The higher the body weight, the firmer the mattress should be.
When choosing the level of firmness of the mattress, the physique and the height of the body are important as well because they affect the weight distribution. This means, the weight distribution on the mattress is more broadly distributed with tall, athletic people than it is with smaller people of proportionally higher body weight. Thus, the weight distribution is highly dependent on the body physique. Athletes with wide shoulders, for example, may be most comfortable on a soft mattress that allows the shoulders to sink in easily - even if a firmer model would suit their weight.
Your preferred sleeping position should also be kept in mind while looking for a matching level of firmness of a mattress. From your stomach to the side, from left to right, or mainly on your back - Although it is normal to switch your position certain times, you surely have a favorite sleeping position, don’t you? For people who sleep on their stomach, a firm support from the mattress is important. For side sleepers, a mattress with a soft area for shoulders and hips is recommended. Back sleepers should look for a mattress that it not too firm and offers a point elastic surface so the neck and back can relax at night.
The decisive factor, however, is your personal feeling. Do not choose the mattress based on certain numbers - your feeling is more important. Choose the level of firmness, which feels especially comfortable for you. Healthy sleep begins with personal well-being, after all!
The level of firmness in a double bed
Do you share your bed with your partner? If that is the case, you should consider choosing whether you choose one continuous mattress or two single mattresses. If you have roughly the same body weight, a continuous mattress with a consistent level of firmness is a good option for you. If your body weight differs considerably, two single mattresses with different levels of firmness are likely better suited for you. Otherwise, the mattress may be too soft or too firm for one of you. It is be best to buy the mattress together, so that each of you can choose the mattress that offers the best comfort individually.
How relevant is the slat base?
Even if you have a mattress with an extra firm level of firmness, you will not experience enough support for your body without a slat base. Only combining the mattress with the slat base provides the perfect basis for healthy sleep. Therefore, your mattress and slat base should match! 
The Swissflex slat bases have a flexible body adjustment. Thanks to comfort zones and innovative technology, the slat bases can adapt individually to different body shapes and provide a high level of comfort. The slat base uni 20, for example, can be adjusted to individual settings and has comfort zones in three different levels of firmness. Thus, the individual body zones benefit from custom-fit comfort: The spine receives strong support, while the shoulder area is particularly elastic. Both ends of the mattress have a medium elastic feeling to provide relief for head and feet.
Does a topper change the firmness of the mattress?
Toppers are used to give your bed an extra level of comfort. Our Swissflex toppers contribute to complete relaxation and pleasant sleep. A softer mattress cannot be stabilized by a topper. However, to achieve a softer feeling, you can use a topper for your firm mattress. Nevertheless, you should choose a mattress which is perfect for you even without a topper. This is the easiest way to create the best conditions for healthy sleep!
Conclusion
The level of firmness of the mattress shows how firm or soft the lying surface feels and supports a relaxed position of your body and spine while you are sleeping. When buying a mattress, your body weight and physique serve as a guide to finding the right level of firmness, the recommendations by the manufacturer should only serve as an additional aid. In the end, your personal feeling should determine your choice. With the right advice and consultation, you can easily find the ideal mattress for you. So, let’s go try out some mattresses!