A Guide to Firm Mattresses: Busting Myths & Talking Benefits

Firm mattresses are uncomfortable, but good for you. At least that’s what people tend to think. Why do they get such a mixed reputation? It doesn’t make sense because they have a lot to offer, both in comfort and customization. Plus, firm mattresses benefit many types of sleep styles you may not have known about.

Let’s delve into the details of firm mattresses: the materials, myths and benefits of this misunderstood mattress.

What Types of Firm Mattresses Exist?

As a custom mattress manufacturer, we offer several mattress construction options, all of which can be tailored to the firmness you’re looking for.

Memory foam

The go-to in modern mattresses, memory foam offers unmatched contouring and a feeling of lying in something that fits your body perfectly. It can be customized to firm, but it tends to perform better at medium-firm and medium-soft levels.  Memory foam is most commonly used for boat and RV beds, both of which can take advantage of the lightweight and compact characteristics of memory foam. You’ll commonly see boats and RVs using memory foam short queen mattresses balancing size, comfort, and space availability. 

Latex

Latex is a better option for people looking for something that feels like memory foam but offers more support. Latex mattresses typically offer better motion isolation and responsiveness than memory foam, offering optimal pressure relief and support, even on the firm side. The price of latex can sometimes stretch the budget, but if you can afford it, latex can make for a wonderful material for your next RV or boat bed. Whether you opt for a custom latex or memory foam mattress, you’ll still have a great night’s sleep.

Pocket coil

The next generation of the traditional innerspring mattress, pocket coils offer targeted support through specific coil placement and can be tailored to different firmness levels via size and thickness of the springs. Pocket coils can also be great for warmer environments because of increased airflow in the spaces between the coils. Naturally, that makes them an excellent choice if you’re looking to have a new RV bed custom-made, too.

Hybrid

A combination of memory foam and innerspring construction, hybrid mattresses are perhaps the most customizable in terms of firmness, as you combine the contouring comfort of memory foam with the targeted support of pocket coils. However, the combination of memory foam with springs means that you lose one of the biggest reasons for foam: these beds can weigh quite a bit and be hard to move. In RVs and boats, this means more gas is used and a harder time putting your bed into storage. At home, on the other hand, a custom hybrid mattress can really come into its own.

Myths and Misconceptions About Firm Mattresses

Firm mattresses sometimes get a bad name. Think about it: most people imagine uncomfortable beds that are stiff and unforgiving. Here are three common myths about custom firm mattresses, followed by a list of advantages:

Myth 1: Firm Mattresses are Uncomfortable

With custom options for construction and whatever “firm” means to you – not so! The right firmness level for your body type and sleeping preferences can lead to a surprisingly comfortable and supportive sleep experience. This is often tied to your preferred sleeping position, with stomach sleepers often needing the firmest option available to them. Back sleepers also benefit from a firm mattress, but it can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful if you’re a side sleeper.

Myth 2: Only Young People can Sleep on Firm Mattresses

Age isn't actually a factor. And, in fact, the supportive benefits of a firm mattress may help older adults with back problems finally get some quality rest. Anyone who benefits from the support and alignment of a firm mattress can enjoy its advantages, regardless of age.  You really don’t know if firm or softer mattresses are more your style until you get to spend a night on the two ends of the spectrum. 

Myth 3: Firm Mattresses Cause Back Pain

Actually, this is often the opposite! Many back pain sufferers find relief from the consistent support and pressure relief of a firm custom mattress. It’s far more likely that a soft mattress causes you back pain, especially if you’re a stomach sleeper, but a firm mattress can give side sleepers hip or shoulder pain. Consult your doctor for personalized advice about your specific condition.

Advantages of Sleeping on a Firm Mattress

Now that we’ve looked at the ins and outs of firm mattresses and dispelled some misconceptions, let’s talk benefits, because personalized, supportive mattresses have a lot to offer many types of sleepers:

1. Improved spinal alignment

Firm mattresses offer consistent support throughout your body, preventing sinking and ensuring proper spinal alignment. This can significantly reduce aches and pains, especially in the lower back, and improve overall posture.

2. Pressure and pain relief

For people with specific pain conditions such as sciatica or spinal stenosis, a firm mattress can provide targeted support and help alleviate pressure points. Consult your doctor to determine if a firm mattress would be beneficial for your specific condition.

3. Reduced motion transfer

If you share your bed, a supportive mattress minimizes motion transfer between partners. This means less disruption to your sleep, no matter how troubled a sleeper your partner or pet is. Partners who have opposite schedules should consider a firm mattress for this purpose. Another option for differing schedules is a split king mattress, so both parties can get the exact level of firmness they need from their custom mattress.  When it comes to boat mattresses, extra firm custom beds are second to none for this reason, since the movement of your boat in the water won’t affect you quite as much thanks to your new custom mattress’s motion isolation.

4. Muscle engagement

Sleeping on a firm surface encourages your core muscles to engage slightly for postural support. This can lead to improved abdominal strength that can stabilize and improve posture over time.

5. Cooler sleep

Firm mattresses generally have better air circulation than softer options, preventing heat buildup and creating a cooler sleeping environment. This is especially beneficial for hot sleepers or those living in warm climates. This improvement is also made clearer on spring-based mattresses. The space between coils leaves plenty of space for heat to escape, keeping you cool in your bedroom, your boat, or your RV on the hottest nights of the year.

6. Weight management (maybe)

Some studies suggest that sleeping on a supportive mattress may contribute to improved weight management by increasing calorie expenditure due to the slight muscle engagement required for maintaining posture. It can’t compare with the benefits of actual strength and conditioning work, but every little bit helps!

7. No sinking feeling

Unlike softer mattresses where some people sink in and start to feel stuck, a firm surface provides immediate support and prevents that uncomfortable sinking feeling. A firm mattress can be especially helpful for heavier people or anyone who prefers a more grounded sleep experience.

8. Durability and longevity

Firm mattresses, especially those with high-quality materials like latex or pocket coils, tend to be more durable and last longer than softer options. This makes them a better long-term investment.

9. Improved sleep posture

A firm mattress helps maintain proper sleeping posture by preventing excessive tossing and turning throughout the night. This can lead to a more restful sleep and an easier time getting out of bed in the morning.

10. Less snoring

For some, the consistent support of a firm mattress can help open up airways and minimize snoring by encouraging proper spinal alignment. To really take full advantage of this change in someone’s sleep patterns, you’ll want to consider an adjustable bed. They’re one of the best ways to help open up airways, especially with split king mattress options available.

Who is a Firm Mattress Best For?

Firm mattresses aren’t for everybody or every body (get it?), but they are a smart option for many people. This is largely due to their ability to support posture, spinal alignment, and hip alignment without sinking into the mattress. Best fits for firm mattresses include:

• Back sleepers
• Stomach sleepers
• People with back pain
• People who sleep hot
• People who are overweight
• Light sleepers
• People who move a lot in their sleep
• People who dislike the sinking sensation of foam mattresses

Thinking a firm mattress might be the right fit for you? Consult our expert mattress team for more advice if you need help designing a custom firm mattress to suit your individual needs.