Firm vs. Medium Mattress

When it comes to firm support, most sleepers prefer a mattress with a gently firm surface like the AS2. A medium-firm mattress is often to more people’s taste than a true firm mattress, which can cause stiffness and soreness to build up in a back sleeper’s body. The conforming nature of the AS2 helps to relieve pressure on the back and prevents spinal misalignment

Our AS2 memory foam mattress model has three foam layers:

•  2 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
• 3 inches of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology
• 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam

Bio-Pur® foam provides the pressure-relieving cushion needed for restful, restorative sleep. To produce Bio-Pur®foam, we substitute select petrochemicals with plant-derived oils. Not only does this recipe make a more eco-friendly, but it also improves breathability and responsiveness, giving Bio-Pur®foam the advantage over traditional memory foam.

All Amerisleep mattresses, regardless of what mattress you choose, include a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

We mostly recommend our AS1 mattress for stomach sleepers, who need the extra supportive feel to maintain a healthy spine alignment. Other sleeping styles may find the AS1 too firm, though some back sleepers and heavyset sleepers may find its feel just right.

The AS1 is our thinnest model and possesses the simplest design, containing only two foam layers:

• 2 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
• 8 inches of Bio-Core® foam

Sharp-eyed readers have likely noticed the lack of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. We leave that layer out of the AS1 to better establish a universally firm surface.

Like the AS2, the AS1 comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

It’s not difficult to understand why the AS3 is our most popular mattress, as its medium feel is backed by a versatile, durable design offered at an affordable price.

When constructing the Amerisleep AS3, we rely on three foam layers:

• 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
• 2 inches of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology
• 7 inches of Bio-Core®foam

We’ve discussed the unique benefits of these materials, though sharp-eyed readers have probably noticed how the AS3 has an extra inch of Bio-Pur® foam when compared to the AS1 or AS2. This establishes a softer feel for more pressure relief, creating more cushion for side sleepers who want a supportive mattress.

As with the AS2, we also offer the AS3 Hybrid for sleepers who prefer a bed with some bounce. The pocketed coil base can make it simple for one-half of a couple to move across the AS3 Hybrid’s surface without disturbing their partner’s rest.

We recommend the Organica to most types of sleepers. It’s also well-suited for people with allergies or people sensitive to synthetic materials. Lastly, it’s a good cooling mattress for sleepers who live in warmer climates or who run a little hot at night.

Our Organica is 13 inches thick and made up of:

• 1 inch of New Zealand Joma Wool®
• 3 inches of Talalay latex
• 8 inches of pocketed coils
• 1 inch of Dunlop latex

As you can see, the Organica has an entirely different construction from our other beds. The Talalay latex and wool make the bed extra cushiony and breathable. Not only that, but the wool is a natural flame barrier, meaning we don’t have to add chemicals or other toxic materials to the Organica.

Meanwhile, the pocketed coils make the bed bouncy while supporting your spine. The Dunlop latex beneath it absorbs shock from the springs, ensuring your bed doesn’t sag or wear down prematurely.

What’s the Difference Between a Firm and Medium Mattress?

Mattress firmness is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10—with 1 being the softest comfort level and 10 being the firmest.

A medium mattress is a 5 on the firmness scale. These beds are soft to the touch, respond quickly to pressure, and are less likely to have excessive sinking than a soft bed.

A firm mattress typically rates between 8 and 10 on the firmness scale. These beds have less give and offer a more stable, even sleeping surface with very little sinking.

Overall, when comparing mattress thicknesses between the two, a firm mattress is likely to be thinner than a medium one, as the latter has more cushioning.

Of course, the type of mattress you have can also impact the firmness.

Memory foam mattresses are available in a wide range of comfort levels. So, these beds can accommodate several different support needs.

Latex beds have a firmer feel, so these mattresses tend to have a medium-firm comfort level—between medium and firm on the firmness scale.

Hybrid mattresses can feature either memory foam or latex foam in their top layer. So, it is helpful to understand the firmness of the foam being used. Plus, the overall feel of a hybrid will depend on the type of spring coils used in the base.

Innerspring mattresses are often classified as medium-firm to firm. These beds have a thin comfort layer and a thicker spring coil base, so they offer very little contouring and pressure relief.

Advantages of a Firm Mattress

Firm beds can promote a neutral spinal alignment, improve posture, and help reduce back pain. Since body weight is evenly distributed on a firm mattress, muscles and ligaments are more likely to relax so that healing can take place. A firm mattress comes with the following advantages.

Suitable for Back or Stomach Sleepers

For back sleepers, body weight needs to be evenly distributed to keep the spine in alignment with the shoulders. When back sleeping, a firm mattress can do this more efficiently. When weight is equally supportive, no one area of the body will bear the brunt of the pressure. A firm mattress will also keep the lower back lifted and supported to reduce back pain.

When stomach sleeping, the curve of the spine is naturally exaggerated—this can put pressure on the back and neck. Those who prefer stomach sleeping need a firm mattress to keep the hips lifted and the spine in alignment. When the spine is neutral, tension can release, and the muscles can relax.

Suitable for Heavy Sleepers

Heavy sleepers (250 pounds or more) will likely experience excessive sinking on a mattress that is too soft. This sinking can cause them to feel “stuck”—reducing mobility and restricting circulation. A firmer mattress for heavy sleepers will inhibit sinking, keep the torso lifted and in alignment with the shoulders, and allow the lungs to expand more fully.

Reduces Overheating

The softer the mattress, the more it will contour to the body. In some cases, this contouring leads to overheating. If you tend to sleep hot, a firmer bed may provide some relief. Firm mattresses have less give, so you will naturally sink less and feel less insulation. These beds allow more airflow, so you always sleep cool and comfortable.

Improved Circulation

Soft mattresses tend to cradle the body, which can restrict movement. With less mobility, circulation and blood flow can slow, resulting in aches and pains. A firm bed makes it easy to move on the surface of the mattress without sinking, so blood can flow freely.

Drawbacks of a Firm Mattress

If you sleep on your side, a firm mattress could cause pressure to build-up near the heaviest parts of the body—the hips and shoulders. When side sleeping, a firm mattress will also offer very little sinking, which could force the spine to curve.

Those who have arthritis need a mattress that will promote a neutral spine to relieve muscle tension. However, if the bed doesn’t cradle the pressure points, it could result in pressure build-up and exacerbate pain.

Advantages of a Medium Mattress

Medium mattresses offer the perfect balance between soft and firm. These beds provide enough compression to cradle the curves of the body. Plus, a medium mattress has a slight firmness that prevents sinking to keep the spine neutral. A medium bed comes with the following advantages.

Suitable for Side and Combination Sleepers

When resting on your side, the heaviest parts of the body, the hips and shoulders, bear the brunt of the body weight. If the bed is too firm, pressure can build up in near these areas causing tension and pain. Also, if the bed doesn’t offer enough give, the spine may be forced to curve, which causes the back muscles to tense. However, a mattress that is too soft can also cause excessive sinking, which forces the spine out of alignment. A medium is the best mattress for side sleeping because it provides the right amount of firmness to keep the hips and shoulders lifted and cushioned.

Combination sleepers tend to change positions throughout the night, so they need a firmness that will keep the spine neutral and pressure points cushioned when resting on their side or back. The comfort and stability of a medium bed makes them ideal for those who frequently change sleep positions.

Suitable for Most Body Types

The balance of firmness and softness makes medium mattresses suitable for most body types. A medium bed provides lighter sleepers (those less than 130 pounds) enough compression for contouring. A medium also has enough response to prevent average sleepers (those 130-230 pounds) from sinking and putting pressure on the spine.

Ideal for Couples

Since most sleep positions and body types find comfort on a medium bed, they tend to work well for couples. If one person is a side sleeper and the other is a back sleeper, a medium bed will prevent sinking and promote a neutral spine for either position. A medium bed also tends to have less motion transfer, so couples will be less likely to wake each other when getting in and out of bed.

Pressure Relief

Medium beds provide more cushioning than a firm mattress, so the body is protected from pain and pressure build-up. The compression of a medium mattress affords just the right amount of contouring to hug the body without added pressure. When the joints are cushioned, and the spine is neutral, you can achieve a genuinely weightless sleep.

Drawbacks of a Medium Mattress

For heavier sleepers, a medium mattress may cause excessive sinking, which could force the spine into an awkward position. Also, if you have back pain, the lower back may collapse on a medium bed–resulting in more discomfort. If you suffer from chronic back pain, it is best to opt for a medium-firm mattress. This firmness will give you a bit more support around the lower back.

Firm vs. Medium Mattress Overview

A firm mattress is best for….

• Heavier sleepers (those over 230 pounds)

• Back sleepers

• Stomach sleepers

• Hot sleepers

A medium mattress is best for….

• Lightweight sleepers (those less than 130 pounds)

• Average sleepers (those between 130-230 pounds)

• Combination sleepers

• Side sleepers

What About Soft Mattresses?

Soft beds are excellent for side and petite sleepers who want a mattress for pressure point relief. We have guides comparing firm and medium mattresses to plush mattresses, so shoppers can better understand what the right choice for their needs is:

• Plush vs. Medium Mattress: What is the Difference?
• Plush vs Firm Mattress: What’s Best For You?

While many associate pillow top or Euro top mattresses with plush feels, we want to note this is not necessarily the case. Pillow top mattresses come in various firmnesses, same as any other type of mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mattress is better—foam or spring?

The materials used in a mattress can affect the firmness. The best mattress type for you will depend on your body type and sleep habits.

Memory foam beds come in several different firmness levels. At Amerisleep, we offer five different memory foam mattresses that range in comfort from soft to firm. Using the standard firmness scale, it’s easy to determine the best mattress for you.

Hybrid mattresses have a sturdy coil support base and a foam top layer. The type of foam used in the comfort layer will determine the overall feel of the bed. Our three Amerisleep Hybrid Mattresses are available in medium-firm, medium, and soft.

Innerspring beds have a thin comfort layer and a thicker spring coil base, so these beds tend to have a very firm feel. Plus, spring coils tend to break and bend quickly. When this happens, they may stick up into sensitive areas and cause pain.

How can you make your bed less firm?

If your current mattress feels too firm, you can add a pillowy mattress topper to increase the softness. Memory foam toppers are often available in either soft or medium. If your bed is too soft, a medium-firm to firm mattress topper will add more stability and support to the bed.

Our Amerisleep Lift Memory Foam Topper is available in two different firmness options—Comfort and Support. Comfort offers more compression to cradle the body. Support has a firmer feel that can be used to add firmness to your current mattress.

What’s the best mattress of 2024?

The best mattress for you will depend on your support needs. However, memory foam beds tend to rate the highest in terms of customer satisfaction. Memory foam beds contour to the curves of the body and provide instant pressure relief. Plus, this material is responsive enough to reform to the shape of your body as you change positions throughout the night. This combination makes memory foam the ideal choice for those with back pain and arthritis.

Is memory foam suitable for side sleepers?

The medium memory foam mattress is typically the best option for side sleepers. These beds are soft enough to mold to the curves of the body for pressure-free support. The responsiveness of the material also prevents excessive sinking, so the spine remains in a safe, neutral position.

How much should I spend on a mattress?

Mattress prices can vary considerably. Added features such as sleep tracking sensors, organic materials, and cooling features can increase the cost of the bed. However, you can purchase a high-quality, supportive mattress for between $1000-$2500.

Conclusion

Selecting the right mattress for your needs can feel overwhelming at times. By keeping your body type and sleep habits in mind, it will be easier to narrow your choices. Once you decide on the right firmness, you can shop for beds within this range.

Also, be sure to test out the mattress for an extended period of time. Most mattress companies will offer a free sleep trial period that allows you to try out the bed in the comfort of your own home. This trial provides you plenty of time to be sure the firmness level is supporting you correctly.