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Choosing the right mattress firmness is one of the most important factors in ensuring a good night’s sleep and maintaining spinal health. However, many people are unsure about the ideal level: soft, medium, or firm? The answer depends on a combination of factors, such as body weight, sleeping position, personal preferences, and any existing health issues.

What is mattress firmness?

Firmness refers to the initial sensation when lying down on the mattress—that is, how "firm" or "soft" it feels. This characteristic is directly related to the types of materials used in its construction, such as foam, springs, and the density of the components.

We recommend reading the article “How to Choose the Perfect Mattress” in full to learn more about the materials used in mattresses and the types of mattresses available.

It is important to distinguish between firmness and support: a mattress can be soft yet still provide excellent support for the spine.

Types of mattress firmness

Soft mattress

• Perfect for those who enjoy the feeling of being "cradled" when lying down on the mattress;
• Recommended for lighter individuals who prefer to sleep on their side;
• Relieves pressure points on the shoulders and hips.

The Luxury Gel Pocket Spring Mattress is ideal for those seeking maximum comfort and softness when lying down. Featuring pocket springs, it offers individualized support, motion isolation, greater durability, and excellent body contouring.

Medium-Firm Mattress

• A balance between comfort and support;
• Suitable for most people, especially those who sleep on their side or back;
• A good option for couples with different sleep preferences.

For those who prefer a medium-firm mattress, we recommend the Energy II Mattress—a foam mattress that adapts to different body types and sleeping positions. In addition, it has a cozy feel, with a high-density core that provides stability and proper spinal alignment.

Firm mattress

• Ideal for those who need extra support or suffer from back pain;
• Recommended for people weighing over 90 kg or who sleep on their back or stomach;
• It keeps your spine properly aligned, but it may be uncomfortable for those who prefer softer mattresses.

The Energy Foam Mattress is characterized by its high firmness and high-resilience core. It also offers excellent value for money, making it a highly versatile choice for rental properties or second homes.

How do you choose the right firmness for you?

Consider your body weight

Lighter people tend to prefer softer mattresses, while heavier people generally feel more comfortable on firmer mattresses that don’t sink in as much.

Think about your sleeping position

• Sleep on your side: choose softer mattresses that help relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips;
• Sleep on your back: choose medium-firm to firm mattresses for better support;
• Sleep on your stomach: We recommend firm mattresses, as they are ideal for preventing excessive curvature of the spine during the night.

Back problems or body aches

For people who suffer from lower back pain, a medium-firm to firm mattress is usually the most recommended. However, it’s always a good idea to consult an orthopedist or physical therapist.

That being the case, when it comes to mattress firmness, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for choosing the ideal firmness. With that in mind, we suggest you try to find the right balance between comfort and support, always taking your personal characteristics and physical needs into account.

At Mercado do Colchão, we offer a full range of mattresses in various firmness levels and materials, all with guaranteed quality. If you still have questions, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect mattress. Contact us by 10 p.m. and we’ll do our best to assist you.