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ONSEN® BLOG / About mattresses

How to choose the right mattress firmness for yourself?

14 lipca 2022
mattress firmness, choosing mattress firmness, H3 mattresses
Contents
Controversies surrounding mattress firmness
Mattress firmness and user weight
Alternative mattress firmness scale
Choosing the right mattress firmness
It is the firmness of the mattress that constitutes one of its foundations. The most commonly encountered firmness ratings are H1, H2, H3, or H4, and in some stores, there are also H5 ratings, which emphasize the differences among them. The most popular is the H3 mattress, which is theoretically of medium firmness.

It is a fact that this mattress firmness scale lacks any standardization. As a result, it can be problematic because it does not indicate the actual firmness of the mattress, but often reflects only someone's perceptions. There are indeed methods for determining mattress firmness, but these are not commonly used.

 

 

Relatively few mattress users ask themselves what the H3 or H4 mattress actually entails, let alone the difference between them. Therefore, when purchasing a mattress, it is advisable to inquire about the firmness specified in N (newton) or kPa (kilopascal), according to the physical designations used by every foam manufacturer.
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Controversies surrounding mattress firmness

The firmness scale for mattresses used in Poland, which classifies them from H1 to H5, is primarily based on the weight of the users, which makes little sense. In theory, this is supposed to facilitate the simple selection of the mattress firmness, but in practice, it creates many problems, as body weight is related to its surface area. Therefore, it is proportionally distributed over the mattress surface.

Such a constructed mattress firmness scale is not standardized, which means it varies depending on the manufacturer or the mattress model. Because it is not repeatable, it introduces informational chaos. Thus, it serves as a form of misinformation for consumers, making them more susceptible to manipulation by salespeople.

It is generally recommended to consider mattress firmness according to the following criteria:
  • H1 mattress, which is very soft, intended for children and adults weighing up to 50 kilograms;
  • H2 mattress, which is soft, intended for adults weighing up to 60 kilograms;
  • H3 mattress, which is medium-firm, intended for adults weighing up to 80 kilograms;
  • H4 mattress, which is firm, intended for adults weighing up to 100 kilograms;
  • H5 mattress, which is very firm, intended for adults weighing over 100 kilograms.
This type of mattress firmness scale can even be dangerous. It assumes that an obese person should sleep on a mattress as hard as a board. This will cause the mattress not to contour to the body, resulting in improper distribution of weight accumulation points. The body will rest on the mattress at the shoulders, hips, and calves, putting excessive pressure on them.

On the other hand, a person with a low weight, such as a petite woman, would have to sleep on a very soft mattress, which would not provide her with proper support. This absurd situation would lead to spinal curvature, especially in the lumbar region. Over time, this will cause back pain and a range of other ailments.

Thus, on one hand, we have a lack of standardization in this type of firmness scale. On the other hand, the matching of mattress firmness relies on archaic beliefs that have no scientific basis. It often happens that two H3 mattresses differ significantly in tests. It is common to find significant differences even within the same brand, as in Poland, very few mattress manufacturers possess equipment to test their firmness. Therefore, they rely on organoleptic assessment, that is, the tactile impressions of the employees.
mattress firmness for children, mattress for teenagers, mattress firmness levels
Currently, every mattress manufacturer has the freedom to define the firmness parameter of their mattresses. It would be advisable to create a standardized scale based on specific and repeatable values in newtons or kilopascals, which is possible and relatively easy. However, until a mattress firmness scale based on such data is introduced, it's worth asking salespeople about the parameters of the foams used inside.


 
A universal rule is that the foams in mattresses are labeled in the same way. The full foam parameter must consist of a letter designation (V, T, or HR) followed by a sequence of five digits. The first two digits indicate density in kg/m³, while the last three digits represent the measured and repeatable firmness in newtons. It is also important to remember that density is not the same as firmness, which many salespeople try to convince customers otherwise.

When deciding to buy a mattress, you must first have at least basic knowledge. It is definitely more beneficial to make a small effort to familiarize yourself with this information now than to suffer from a bad mattress for the next months or years.
how to choose mattress firmness based on weight, mattress and weight, mattress foam density
Thanks to many hotel tests, including a broad study conducted in 2014 for Casper, we know even more about choosing a mattress. It was revealed that selecting a mattress based on weight is completely senseless. The research findings showed that the assessment of mattress comfort and sleep quality is not related to sleeping on a mattress chosen according to weight. However, it was confirmed that selecting a mattress based on sleep position is indeed justified.

It was these American studies that formed the basis for our actions. They led us to invite specialists in designing, prototyping, and testing various mattress versions. We then tested them on third-party individuals to reach final conclusions. As a result, we created the phenomenal Osaka Air mattress, made according to the philosophy and methodology of design thinking, to serve you, not the stores.
foam in a mattress, how to choose mattress firmness, mattress firmness chart

Mattress firmness and user weight

Commonly, taking user weight as the main criterion for selecting mattress firmness may seem intuitive for many people, but it has no scientific justification. Many good orthopedists and physiotherapists also emphasize that weight does not matter here. Much more important is sleep position and the mattress's ability to support the spine.

For example, side sleepers need a mattress that allows their hips and shoulders to gently sink into the surface to provide adequate support for the spine. In this case, too firm of a mattress can generally lead to discomfort and pain. Conversely, back sleepers need a mattress that can keep the spine in a neutral position without excessive sinking. The same applies to stomach sleepers, at least for most of them.
how to determine mattress firmness, measuring mattress firmness, hand test

Alternative mattress firmness scale

Across the world, mattress firmness is defined differently, depending on the country or region. However, firmness tables usually translate into physical units. Unfortunately, the Polish scale based on ratings from H1 to H5 is an oversimplification, far from being standardized.

In this scale, the letter H is simply an abbreviation for the word "hardness," not relating to physical values, where hardness is measured in newtons or kilopascals. It is also a non-uniform scale, causing significant discrepancies. However, because it is still widespread, few people question it.

The situation is different in the United States, where consumers are more educated than in Europe. There, a mattress firmness scale was developed that is based on 10 levels. It is more precise because it takes into account the user's comfort based on sleep position, rather than their weight. According to its principles:
  • for people who sleep on their stomach, mattresses with a firmness of over 6 are generally recommended to prevent hip sinking;
  • for individuals who sleep on their back, mattresses with a firmness of from 6 to 7 are recommended to provide even support for the spine;
  • for those who sleep on their side, medium-firm mattresses with a rating of from 5 to 7 are optimal, allowing gentle contouring of the shoulders and hips.
By leveraging the experiences of the American market and conducting numerous studies, we have determined that a firmness rating of around 6.5 is the best choice for most consumers. However, there is a small group of individuals for whom we slightly increase firmness. These are typically young, slim, and athletic people who sleep on their stomach.
what does mattress firmness H2 mean, soft mattress, mattress softness scale

Choosing the right mattress firmness

When choosing a new mattress, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with reliable information that will help you select the firmness of the mattress according to your sleep position. A mattress that is too firm puts pressure on the joints and spine, while one that is too soft generally fails to provide adequate support, leading to health issues in the long run.

Therefore, it's worth considering the Osaka Air mattress from the Polish brand ONSEN®, which is an exceptionally perfect product. It has been designed according to modern methodologies, providing its users with consistent, optimal, and universal firmness of 6.5 on a 10-point scale.

By using HR foams combined with the modern V foam placed in the second layer, this mattress offers the ideal combination of comfort and support. It allows for body contouring without the sinking effect, ensuring healthy sleep every night. It represents a fully innovative solution that combines the best features of modern technologies with a scientific approach to sleep. Additionally, with its optimal firmness and flexibility, it provides perfect conditions for the body's regeneration.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
what does mattress firmness H3 mean, medium-firm mattress, H3 foam mattresses

FAQ: Mattress firmness

What mattress firmness is the healthiest?

The healthiest mattress firmness is around 6.5 on the American firmness scale. This level of firmness is suitable for about 97% of the population. It means that an ideal mattress with the best firmness should balance support and comfort. This allows for proper spinal support and comfort during sleep.

Is it better to choose an H2 or H3 mattress?

Generally, an H3 mattress seems better, as long as it is truly medium-firm. H2 and H3 are firmness units that don?t exist in any measurement system. Instead, it?s better to focus on selecting a mattress with a firmness of around 6.5 on the American firmness scale, which ensures optimal support and comfort.

What firmness is best for sleeping?

The best mattress for sleeping has a firmness of around 6.5 on the American scale. This firmness balances between medium-firm and firm, providing a perfect mix of support and comfort, which positively affects sleep quality and spinal health.

How to choose the right firmness for a problematic spine?

People with spine issues should definitely opt for a mattress with a firmness of 6.5, as it provides proper back support and prevents excessive pressure on the joints. It?s also worth choosing a highly elastic mattress that adapts to the natural curves of the body, bringing relief to back pain sufferers.

Is it better to sleep on a firm mattress?

Generally, no. A mattress that is too firm is not the right choice, as it can cause discomfort and excessive pressure on the body. You should choose a mattress that offers both support and comfort. It should contour the body without pulling you in too deeply. The Osaka Air foam mattress allows for this balance by supporting the spine?s natural curves and ensuring comfort throughout the night.

Contents
Controversies surrounding mattress firmness
Mattress firmness and user weight
Alternative mattress firmness scale
Choosing the right mattress firmness
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