Extra firm mattresses are not a popular choice due to the misconception that they are bad for your back and are uncomfortable. Contrary to this, there are a number of health benefits to an extra-firm mattress, as well as negative aspects.
Benefits for the Back
Extra-firm mattresses are meant to be beneficial to your back because your back is exposed to a surface that is all the same level, as opposed to a soft bed, which can cause your back to curve. Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft can cause a backache over time since there is little support, which can put stress on your back. That said, a mattress should have have softness to its cushion, otherwise it can provide discomfort to the shoulders and hips.
Weight Distrubter
A mattress that is too soft, especially for those who are overweight, does a bad job of properly distributing your weight. Your sleep can become disrupted by certain parts of your body sinking into the mattress more than others.
Breathing Problems
This problem is especially prevalent in babies. To minimize the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), it is recommended to buy a firm mattress. An SIDS risk is heightened when a baby sleeps on his stomach, and a firm mattress lessen the chance of the baby having breathing problems if he rolls onto his stomach.
Discomfort
Despite the benefits to having an extra-firm mattress, many people opt for a softer mattress. A firmer mattress can be uncomfortable, especially for restless sleepers who often sleep on their sides.