The Sweet ‘Sleep Spot’: deciding between a soft and a firm bed

At Beds R Us we totally get that everyone is an individual! With this in mind, the question of deciding whether to buy a firm or soft mattress shows itself to be a bit oversimplified.

We all have varying weights and builds, and when we lie down we all feel pressure in parts of our body differently.

That’s why we make it easy at Beds R Us, by providing personalised recommendations and advice in-store. One of our friendly team will help match your body type and other personal factors to a selection of products that are likely to provide you with the best overall support. From here, you can narrow down the field of options based on your preferences such as sleep position, budget or other needs.

When deciding what bed feels best you need to consider not just your physical traits but your personal quirks. You may find yourself sleeping on your back, your stomach or your side (or a combination of these).

Maybe you curl up in the fetal position, use a body pillow or multiple other pillows, or perhaps you sprawl out horizontally across the bed (much to your partner’s annoyance). Indeed, your sleeping partner’s preferences are very much a part of the equation in figuring out what will suit both of you best. That’s why it’s important to try before you buy. We can even arrange for a custom-made bed so that one half is firm and the other half is plush, or whatever you need—just ask in-store!

How to test out a mattress in-store? Firstly, take the time to figure out what style of sleeper you are and then apply this information practically. Lie down on a showroom mattress in your usual sleeping position. At Beds R Us we recommend spending 10 to 15 minutes on each mattress to gauge the right level of support. Look for a bed that feels naturally comfortable. If you feel pressure on certain points of your body then this is a strong indication that the bed is too firm for you. Work back to something softer.

Your body temperature will greatly influence the level of comfort you experience in bed. Body temperature and sleep are very closely related and extremes in hot and cold are likely to wake you up.

This is due to the fact that during the REM (rapid eye movement) part of sleep the brain’s temperature-regulating process switches off and allows room temperature to guide the body.

If you usually feel hot at night it is advisable to opt either for a firmer mattress or one with cooling technology included. Softer mattresses without cooling technology may result in your body sinking into the cushioning and you may not experience an optimum amount of airflow. Air circulation is crucial in regulating your body temperature. Sleepyhead’s Swisstek technology incorporates Fusiongel and Graphene components with highly effective heat-absorbing properties that leave you feeling fresh and comfortably cool all night long.