Firm mattresses often provide good back support but fail to offer pressure relief, leading to sore shoulders and hips. Get more information on why to avoid firm mattresses with tips from the owner of a mattress store in this free video on how to buy a mattress. more »

You may think that buying a soft mattress is the best for your body because it feels more comfortable. Firm mattresses are actually a better option, especially for those that suffer from back problems. A firm mattress will keep your spine straight, whereas the soft mattress will conform to your shape. It is important to make sure that your mattress is firm and not hard. more »

For years, doctors have been recommending sleeping on a firm mattress in order to avoid back pain, especially since lying flat on a hard surface seems to alleviate the problem. Recent studies, however, have shown that a medium mattress may be more effective in reducing back pain. more »

A comfortable mattress is vital to getting a good night's rest. However, sometimes when buying a mattress, you choose a mattress that is comfortable in the store, but after you sleep on it for a few nights at home you realize it's too firm for you. An option for making a firm mattress softer is buying a mattress topper. One type of mattress topper is a memory foam pad that can be placed underneath a mattress pad and/or the fitted sheet. more »

The best kind of mattress for spinal stenosis is one that promotes natural spinal alignment. This differs for individuals, which is why it's important before buying a mattress to lie down on it in your usual sleep position for at least 15 minutes to determine its comfort level. What is known is a medium-firm mattress seems to provide proper support and more comfort to people with lower back pain than a firmer one. But whether that medium-firm mattress should be made of coil, memory foam or latex foam is up to personal preference and comfort. more »

Do you suffer from chronic back pain and you want a firm mattress for support that will mold itself to your body shape? Consider making your own horsehair mattress. Historically, chiropractors used horsehair to fill the pads on their manipulation tables. This offered firm support, yet a little give for the comfort of their patients. It also last for decades. How do you make a horsehair mattress? more »

There is nothing worse than poor nights of sleep from a sagging mattress. Though the best solution is to buy a new firm mattress, it is possible to wake up without an aching back if you fix your current mattress. The following can help save your back and your wallet. more »

Memory foam mattress toppers conform to the human shape because of their cell structure. A 2 to 3-inch topper on a firm mattress reduces pressure points and can prevent morning aches and pains. Memory foam holds water like a giant sponge, so washing it can be tricky. Memory foam should never be put in the washing machine and only some types can be dry cleaned. more »

Pillow-top mattresses are a comfortable combination of soft and firm that acts as a great alternative to the old-style mattress from which the person had to choose one or the other. With a firm mattress under a soft sewn-on pillow, the person is offered the best of both worlds. Cleaning stains on a pillow-top mattress is very easy. There are several proven methods to help restore the new look of your mattress with minimal effort. more »