People consider all sorts of factors related to their sleep, everything from the level of light in their rooms to the time they eat dinner in the evening. 

Unfortunately, they don’t consider how soft their bedding is. And that’s a problem. The softness of bedding actually makes a big difference to sleep quality, depending on how heavy you are and how much your joints ache. 

Going hard is great if you want to feel like you’re on top of your mattress, but it can cause too much pressure to build up on some parts of your body. Going soft is cosy, but it may not offer enough support, making you feel like you’re sinking into your mattress. 

The following are some considerations you’ll need to make when deciding on how soft your mattress should be. 

Your Personal Comfort Preferences

You can have all the science in the world, but ultimately the softness of the mattress you choose comes down to your personal sleeping preferences. If you’re someone who loves to feel warm and cosy in bed, then you’ll need to take this into consideration. A hard mattress might not be the best option. 

Knowing which type of mattress you prefer personally requires a little trial and error. You don’t know immediately which you prefer until you try them out. 

If you’re unsure, test out multiple mattresses next time you go to the showroom. Lie on them for a few minutes and see how you feel. You should be able to tell straight away which is best for you. 

Body Weight

Your physical size and shape also determine the type of mattress you should choose. Usually, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses because they offer more support and maximise the surface area between their body and the mattress material.

Similarly, if you are light, then a softer mattress might be better. You’re less likely to sink into the material and more likely to find the bedding acceptably firm. 

Softness is on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 is extremely soft and your body will sink a long way, while 10 is very firm and you’ll hardly sink at all. 

Sleep Position

You’ll also want to consider your sleeping position when choosing the softness of your bedding. Usually, side sleepers prefer soft mattresses and Percale bedding sets while back and stomach sleepers enjoy a firmer feel. 

These preferences are not universal but you’ll want to take them into consideration. They may sway you in the direction of one product over another. 

Your Partner’s Preferences

Lastly, you’ll want to take your partner’s preferences into account. If you share a bed with them, consider their weight, size and the way they sleep. 

Couples usually choose a compromise mattress between 4 and 6. However, you can buy products with different firmness zones so that one side is different from the other. 

By considering all these factors, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Get it right and you could experience a much better night’s sleep overall.