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FULL OF KNOWLEDGE BLOG ONSEN® / About mattresses

Firm mattress – who should choose it and why?

10 marca 2025
Contents
When is a firm mattress a good choice?
When does a firm mattress cause harm?
Which mattress should you choose instead of a firm one?
The choice of the right sleeping mattress is a crucial element for healthy sleep. It directly influences comfort, the body’s recovery, and spinal health, often without our conscious awareness. One of the most common myths is the belief that a hard mattress is always better, especially for people with back pain. However, the truth about hard mattresses is quite different.

In reality, a very hard mattress works only in specific cases, but for the vast majority of people it can even be harmful. Thin, young, and athletic individuals who sleep on their stomach may benefit from a firmer surface, but for other users it can be an uncomfortable and even unhealthy solution. It is a mistake to push overweight or obese individuals towards hard mattresses when their spines and joints require a completely different kind of support.

When is a firm mattress a good choice?

It is undeniable that a hard mattress has its uses, but they are quite limited because a surface that is too hard does not allow for optimal adaptation to the natural curves of the spine. This, in turn, can lead to excessive muscle tension and pain, triggering many ailments. However, there is a group of people for whom a hard mattress may work well.

As a rule, young and fully healthy individuals who have no spinal issues can sleep on a firmer mattress. They often manage well on a hard surface. Their muscular and joint systems are quite flexible, allowing them to adjust to greater pressure. However, even in this case, it is important that the sleeping mattress is not excessively hard, because an overly rigid surface can disrupt blood circulation and lead to pain, especially at pressure points.

In some medical cases, doctors may recommend a firmer mattress for a short period. This can occur after spinal surgery or injury, although this approach is increasingly being avoided. It is, of course, a temporary solution that will not work in the long term.

When does a firm mattress cause harm?

That the fact that sometimes a hard mattress is advertised as a healthy choice is a harmful legacy of old-fashioned thinking that no longer has a place today. Just a few decades ago, it was believed that rigidifying parts of the body allowed for better regeneration. Nowadays, it is known that in most cases the effect is the opposite. Only some bone fractures become stiffer, while other injuries and ailments are subject to proper rehabilitation. That’s why it is understood that hard mattresses can bring more problems than benefits. For most people, a hard surface does not provide proper support, leading to a number of health issues.

One of the most common misconceptions is the belief that a higher body weight requires a larger mattress, although that makes no sense whatsoever. In reality, it is almost the opposite, because overweight or obese individuals need a mattress with dynamic support that evenly distributes body weight and allows for proper body contouring in the foam, eliminating pressure points.

For such people, a hard mattress causes too much pressure on the hips and shoulders, leading to pain and numbness in the limbs. Additionally, the lack of proper lumbar support can worsen back problems.
Such a mattress has little or no adaptation to the curves of the body, forcing an unnatural sleeping posture.

Also, sleeping on one’s side requires a mattress that allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly while keeping the spine in a straight line. A hard mattress results in excessive pressure on these points, leading to numbness in the limbs, and often also to pain and chronic muscle tension, making hard mattresses unsuitable.

It is also important to remember that with age, the skin and tissues become less elastic, while the joints become more susceptible to pain. A hard mattress can lead to circulation problems and also exacerbate rheumatic pain. For older people, a flexible mattress that adapts to the body is definitely a better choice. An excellent option is the Osaka Air mattress, which contours the body without a suction effect.

Which mattress should you choose instead of a firm one?

It is no secret that a well-chosen mattress should provide a balance between support and comfort. It should be flexible enough to conform to the curves of the body, yet stable enough to prevent sagging. Mattresses made from the right foams, such as the Osaka Air mattress, offer excellent support and dynamic body adaptation. Thanks to their outstanding structure, they ensure better air circulation, minimizing the risk of overheating during sleep.

Most users feel best on mattresses with medium firmness that are neither too soft nor too hard. An appropriately balanced mattress firmness is suitable for about 97% of the population. That is why the 6.5 mattress on the ten-point American firmness scale is the right choice. However, mattress firmness is not everything. The design and craftsmanship, which affect functionality, also matter.

A hard mattress is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should not be widely recommended. It works only for a very narrow group of people, such as young and athletic individuals who sleep on their stomach. For most people, an overly hard surface causes discomfort, circulation issues, and muscle tension, often only after some time. The perfect mattress should offer stable and flexible support, as provided by the Osaka Air mattress.

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.

FAQ: Hard mattress

Better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?

The choice between a hard and soft mattress depends primarily on individual needs and body structure. A hard mattress may be beneficial only in specific situations, while for most people a mattress with medium firmness is optimal. Such a surface adapts better to the natural curves of the spine, which translates into comfortable sleep and proper body recovery.

Who should sleep on a hard mattress?

A hard mattress is recommended for individuals with a slim build and good physical condition who also prefer sleeping on their stomachs. In this position, a firmer surface helps maintain proper spinal alignment and prevents excessive sinking of the hips. In certain medical cases?only for a short period?doctors may recommend using a firmer mattress, particularly after spinal surgery or injury.

How can you tell if the mattress is too hard?

A mattress that is too hard does not allow proper adaptation to the body's natural curves, which may result in discomfort during sleep. In practice, this means the body does not sink into the mattress and is not contoured by it. Consequently, certain areas?especially around the hips, shoulders, and lower back?experience excessive pressure.

What are the symptoms of a mattress that is too hard?

When the mattress is too hard, you might notice waking up with back pain or experiencing muscle tension. There may also be numbness in areas where excessive pressure is applied, as well as circulation problems that lead to overall fatigue and inadequate recovery during sleep.

Is the harder the mattress, the better for health?

The common myth that a harder mattress is better for your health is simply not true. An overly hard surface does not provide proper support for the spine because it fails to support the body's natural curves. As a result, it can lead to pain, muscle tension, and circulation issues. The best choice is a mattress that combines stability with flexibility, ensuring even distribution of body weight.

Contents
When is a firm mattress a good choice?
When does a firm mattress cause harm?
Which mattress should you choose instead of a firm one?
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