Mattress manufacturers know there’s a demand for durable products so they started coming up with lost lasting product. They also then focused their advertising on longevity more than other factors.
The technology available back then to manufacture the mattresses were not enough to ensure the best comfort or softness. Just like brick and steel would last longer than glass and wood, any harder or denser material would last longer than a softer material. Therefore, in order to focus on durability, the manufacturers had to use denser and harder materials to ensure quality, and it resulted in firmer mattresses.
Most of us have had a spring bed in our homes at some point. If not we have probably seen them at other places like college dormitories or other institutional settings. These spring beds have firmer mattresses on top. However, the mattress would feel a little softer than usual due to its softer outer base covering.
A high quality soft mattress, such as natural latex, would not work well on spring beds because of the soft core of the mattress. When it is laid on a spring base, it can feel like a hammock or sag, making it look bad and feel uncomfortable to sit or lay down on.
A soft mattress, such as a latex mattress, is designed to cushion the body’s weight while the mattress is itself supported by a harder base platform. The sturdy platform supports softer surfaces for pressure relief and sturdier layers underneath for better back support.
Therefore, when you go out to look for a mattress, look for a mattress with a softer top and supportive (hard) base.
Pros of a Hard Mattress
- They help maintain a neutral position of the spine and keep our body straight.
- They put minimal pressure on the circulatory system, which helps the blood to flow better.
- They do not let your lower back collapse, which means you would be able to inhale more oxygen while you are asleep.
- They do not make use of props (like pillows) difficult.
- You can adapt to sleeping on a hard mattress and begin to find it comfortable after a while.
Cons of a Hard Mattress
- Switching to a hard mattress form a soft one can be difficult and uncomfortable for a few days.
- According to studies, hard mattresses are not suitable for people with lower back problems.
- It is difficult to notice a significant difference between a hard mattress and one that is not hard enough.
- Body weight might eventually create indentations in the mattress surface, depending on the quality of your mattress.
If you need any advice on which mattresses suit your specific needs, either based on medical conditions or otherwise, feel free to contact.