No, you don't need a softer mattress as you get older. While a softer mattress is recommended for people who sleep on their stomach or side, older people actually need a firmer mattress.
For older people, medium-soft is often better because it reduces pressure on the spine, tailbone, pelvis, muscles and joints. However, a medium firmness is better if you have a bad back and need support. We recommend giving both a try!
Generally speaking, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses. Soft foams may sink in too much for comfort and adequate support. Conversely, lighter sleepers may sink in less and find firm beds to be uncomfortably hard, so they generally prefer soft to medium firm options.
Those without back pain and who sleep on their back or stomach will likely favor a firmer mattress. Side sleepers or those with back issues may prefer something softer – although it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The firmness of the mattress is also very important. Since older people are more prone to pain and aches, we should ensure we choose a firm or medium-firm mattress that can help them relieve the pain and provide good sleep.
Here are a few of the main signs that your mattress is too firm for you: It doesn't contour to your body. It feels uncomfortable. You wake up with back or neck ache.
Typically, the mattresses used in hotel rooms are medium-firm. This is because medium-firm mattresses can accommodate all three sleep positions. Back, side, and stomach sleepers will feel supported with proper spine, neck, and hip alignment.
Firm mattresses can be bad for side sleepers, especially ones under 150 pounds. If your mattress firmness is too hard, it might not have enough give and cushioning for your pressure points. Lack of pressure relief can disrupt your sleep and cause pain and even numbness and tingling in your extremities.
Is a soft mattress bad for your back? It is if it's so soft that it doesn't support your spine. If you sink into the mattress so that your hips are lower than your shoulders, your mattress may be too soft and could be contributing to back pain. Keep in mind that weight is a factor when it comes to mattress firmness.
Generally speaking, a medium-firm or firm mattress is the best choice for sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds. Firmer mattresses will offer ample support, encouraging proper spinal alignment and resisting sagging over time.
If your mattress is too firm, you might experience a few different symptoms. An overly-firm mattress can put excess strain on your pressure points (shoulders, hips, and torso) or cause spinal misalignment. You might also find that your body stays tense as you sleep, resulting in muscle, neck, or back pain.
Therefore, the best mattresses for side sleepers are often plush to minimizes discomfort around the shoulders and hips while promoting proper spinal alignment. If you change positions throughout the night, a plush mattress can work in your favor.
Seniors don't have to bathe every day
Even though most Americans are used to showering every single day, it's not a strict requirement for good health. At a minimum, bathing once or twice a week helps most seniors avoid skin breakdown and infections.
Look for firm, supportive comfort
A soft mattress will not support an overweight person properly as the body will sink very deep into the mattress. However, you do not have to worry because there are mattresses designed to provide firmness and strong stability for overweight people.
Lighter individuals tend to feel most comfortable on a relatively soft mattress with ample contouring. A firmer sleep surface may not let them sink in much, which can contribute to pressure buildup. If you weigh less than 130 pounds, consider a soft (3), medium soft (4), or medium (5) model.
Medium-firm mattresses seem to be the best option for avoiding back pain. They provide enough firmness to support the body's weight and maintain proper spine alignment.
“Most side sleepers will do best on a medium-firm mattress, as a general guideline, but that will vary based on their height and weight,” Dr. Breus explains. “If you're a 250- to 300-pound person, you're going to look for a different mattress than a 120- to 130-pound person.
Side sleepers typically benefit from softer mattresses because they cradle the hips and shoulders to help maintain spinal alignment. Back and stomach sleepers need less contouring and receive better spinal support from firmer beds with stable surfaces that prevent sinkage.
Hotel beds are so comfortable because hotel mattresses are often high-quality. Although all hotels don't use the same mattress, they sometimes consist of a hybrid spring latex foam or memory foam. These mattresses provide pressure relief and support for your body while also being soft enough for comfort.
Sealy is the most preferred mattress for five star hotels around the world, therefore, Sealy is proud to present our special edition HOTEL DELUXE. It brings luxury into your home combining comfort layer with our unique PostureTech coil to deliver an exceptional good night's sleep.
Hotels beds are incredibly comfortable thanks to their use of mattress toppers. These can significantly adjust mattress firmness and the quality of your rest. A mattress topper is simply an added layer of cushioning that rests on top of your old mattress and provides support and extra levels of comfort.
Consumer Reports magazine recommends replacement every 7 to 10 years. This may be a shock to many people who have purchased a mattress with a 20-year warranty.
Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are various factors that influence when you should replace your mattress.