Welcome to Mattress Matters, where myths come to die
If you have ever been told you need a rock solid mattress for your back, you are not alone.
It is one of the most stubborn sleep myths knocking about British bedrooms.
Firm mattress equals good posture. Soft mattress equals back pain. End of story.
Except it is not the end of the story. It is barely the beginning.
At Funkybedz, we talk to real sleepers every day. Side sleepers. Starfish sleepers. People who wake up feeling brilliant and people who wake up sounding like bubble wrap.
And here is the truth. Mattress firmness is not one size fits all.
So kettle on. Let us clear the air and get you sleeping better.
What mattress firmness actually means
Firmness is about how a mattress feels when you lie on it.
Not how supportive it is.
This is where most people get confused.
A firm mattress can feel hard but still offer poor support.
A medium mattress can feel cosy and still keep your spine beautifully aligned.
Support comes from what is inside the mattress. Springs. Foam density. Construction.
Firmness is just the surface feel.
The biggest myth of them all: firmer is better for your back
This myth refuses to leave the building.
Yes, some people with back pain prefer firmer mattresses.
No, that does not mean everyone should suffer on one.
In fact, studies consistently show that medium to medium firm mattresses suit most sleepers best.
Why?
Because your spine needs support and pressure relief.
Too firm and your shoulders and hips cannot sink in.
Too soft and your spine dips like a Yorkshire pothole.
Balance is the goal.
Firmness depends on how you sleep
Side sleepers
If you sleep on your side, pressure relief matters.
Shoulders and hips need to sink slightly.
Very firm mattresses often cause numb arms and sore hips.
A medium or medium soft mattress usually works better.
Back sleepers
Back sleepers need lumbar support.
Too soft and your lower back arches.
Too firm and pressure builds.
Medium firm tends to be the sweet spot.
Front sleepers
Front sleeping is tricky.
Your hips carry a lot of weight.
Too soft causes spinal strain.
Medium firm is usually safest here.
Your body weight changes everything
Firmness is not universal.
A mattress that feels firm to one person can feel soft to another.
Body weight affects how deeply you sink into the mattress.
Lighter sleepers often prefer softer feels.
Heavier sleepers usually need firmer support structures.
This is why mattress shopping online without guidance can go wrong.
Why cheap firm mattresses cause problems
Many budget mattresses achieve firmness by cutting corners.
Low density foam.
Fewer springs.
Hard surfaces with no pressure relief.
They feel firm in the shop but collapse unevenly over time.
That leads to sagging and discomfort.
Quality firmness should come from good materials, not stiffness alone.
Understanding different mattress types
Pocket sprung mattresses
Pocket springs move independently.
They adapt to your body shape.
Firmness depends on spring tension and comfort layers.
Explore our pocket sprung mattresses for balanced support.
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam moulds to your body.
It offers pressure relief.
Firmness varies by foam density.
Find the right feel with our memory foam mattresses.
Orthopaedic mattresses
Orthopaedic does not mean concrete slab.
It means enhanced support.
Good orthopaedic mattresses still cushion pressure points.
See our orthopaedic mattress range.
Firmness and storage beds: does it matter
Yes. Support underneath matters.
A great mattress on a poor base will fail faster.
Storage beds must offer full surface support.
Our ottoman beds and gas lift beds are designed to support mattresses evenly.
No dips. No drama.
Why showroom testing can be misleading
Lying on a mattress for two minutes tells you very little.
Your muscles have not relaxed.
Your body has not settled.
Real comfort shows after hours, not seconds.
This is why understanding firmness matters more than quick testing.
Signs your mattress firmness is wrong
- You wake up stiff or sore
- Your arms or legs go numb
- You toss and turn constantly
- You sleep better elsewhere
Your mattress should support you quietly.
If you notice it, something is off.
Firmness changes over time
Mattresses soften with use.
This is normal.
High quality materials soften evenly.
Low quality materials collapse.
Rotation helps maintain consistent firmness.
Use our mattress lifespan calculator to know when change is due.
The Goldilocks principle of sleep
Not too firm.
Not too soft.
Just right.
Your perfect mattress firmness supports your spine while letting your body relax.
It should feel comfortable, not corrective.
Funkybedz advice you can trust
We do not believe in pain equals progress.
Sleep should feel good.
Our mattress collection is built with real sleepers in mind.
Designed in Yorkshire. Tested in real homes.
No gimmicks. No nonsense.
Final word from Mattress Matters
Firm mattresses are not evil.
They are just not the universal solution.
Your body, sleep position and preferences matter.
Ignore myths. Listen to your body.
That is how good sleep actually works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a firm mattress best for back pain
Not always. Most people benefit from medium to medium firm support.
How do I know if my mattress is too firm
Pressure pain, numbness and restless sleep are common signs.
Does firmness affect mattress lifespan
Quality materials matter more than firmness level.
Can a topper fix firmness issues
It can adjust feel slightly but cannot fix poor support.
Should couples choose different firmness levels
Yes. Zoned or hybrid designs often work best.
