Why a supportive mattress doesn’t have to be a firm mattress

Adequate support is vital for healthy sleep. Without proper support, you may wake up with aches and pains or struggle to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.

One of the biggest misconceptions that we often see is that a supportive mattress has to be a firm mattress. But whether you prefer a firm, medium, or soft feel, you can still get adequate support from the right mattress. That’s because support and the feel (or comfort) of the mattress are delivered by two different parts of the mattress.

Support comes from the core

So, how do you know if a mattress has adequate support? You’ll want to learn about what’s inside. A mattress’ support comes from its core — either the innerspring unit or a high-density foam core. You want to make sure that core is firm, supportive, and durable.

We shared more information about what to look for from proper innerspring and foam support here.

After you know what the mattress is made of, it’s important to test it out. Testing out a mattress in your natural sleeping position for at least 15 minutes will not only let you get a good feel for the comfort, but also the underlying support.

Comfort comes from the upholstery layers

While you want to have a firm, supportive core, you can add layers of upholstery on top of that core to give it a different feel. The type of upholstery material, how thick it is, where it is placed, and the order of the materials can all have an impact on what your mattress feels like.

While everyone benefits from good support, comfort preferences vary from person to person. That’s another reason why testing out a mattress is important. There simply is no one-size-fits-all option.

Get comfort and support at OMF

At The Original Mattress Factory, we only make mattresses that provide adult support for every night use. Our team can help you find the right support and comfort fit for you.

Check out Mattress Shopping 101. 

Ready to start your mattress buying journey? Come to The Original Mattress Factory first. No one knows more than our team about what makes a great mattress great. Whether you buy from us or not, you’ll be better prepared to make a smart mattress buying decision. Find a store near you.