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Busting a Mattress Myth: Support Doesn’t Always Mean a Firm Mattress

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Mattresses and beds lined up in mattress store

At City Mattress, we have over 80 sleep comforts for you to choose from. But, what does this mean exactly? Beyond just the size and brand of your mattress, you can actually choose how your new bed will feel. We carry firm, extra firm, plush, cush, and pillow top. These different comfort levels can be felt immediately when you lie down.

A Firm mattress is not always better

This brings us to an all-too-common mattress buying myth that has been pervasive throughout the mattress industry for too long: that one comfort level is better for you than another. This is simply not true! It is not necessarily true that firmer is better. What you need for a good night of sleep is a supportive mattress, and this support can be found in all comfort levels. A mattress that is firm, yet poor quality, does not support the body evenly, possibly only supporting your body's heaviest parts. This does not allow your muscles to rest, as they must work periodically throughout the night to find a comfortable position and maintain the correct posture. This certainly doesn’t sound like a very restful night of sleep.

A supportive mattress maintains the same natural spinal alignment you have when standing. This is ideal because when your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, your muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. You will awake well-rested and ready to take on the morning! A mattress that is perfect for your body’s exact needs will do three key things for you as you sleep:

  1. Allow you to rest in a neutral spine position, keeping your body straighter
  2. Keep your lower back from collapsing, which allows you to inhale more oxygen while you're sleeping
  3. Reduce the pressure on your entire body

A mattress without enough support for your spine can lead to muscle fatigue and a poor night's sleep, no matter if it is soft, firm, or anything in between. Whether the support is there or not has much more to do with the quality of the materials than how it feels.

The Foundation

Let’s not forget what is underneath your mattress! The foundation, sometimes called a box spring, is also important for the support of your spine. It absorbs stress and weight for the mattress. The correct foundation can extend the life of the mattress, keeping it feeling new for many years to come. On the other hand, using no foundation or an old foundation that doesn’t mesh well with your new mattress can negatively affect the level of support and the durability of your mattress. Don’t go halfway; create the sleep oasis you need for a deep and restorative sleep by picking out a new foundation as well!

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when buying the perfect mattress for you. A good mattress is the cornerstone of a good night’s sleep, so choosing which one is right for you really is a big decision. That is why at every City Mattress location you will find Sleep Experts, who will walk you through the entire showroom and have you try out as many different comfort options, brands, and styles as you need in order to feel really secure in your choice.