Published by Mercado do Mattress on 27th Aug 2025
Firm mattress? How to know the ideal firmness
Choosing the firmness of your mattress is one of the most important factors in ensuring a good night's sleep and looking after your spine. However, many people have doubts about which level is ideal: soft/soft, medium or firm? The answer depends on a combination of factors such as body weight, sleeping position, personal preferences and any health problems.
What is mattress firmness?
Firmness refers to the initial sensation of lying down on the mattress, i.e. how "hard" or "soft" it feels. This characteristic is directly related to the type of materials used in its construction, such as foams, springs and the density of the components.
We suggest you read the article how to choose the ideal mattress to find out more about the materials used in a mattress and the types of mattresses available.
It's important to differentiate between firmness and support: a mattress can be soft but still offer excellent support for the spine.
Types of mattress firmness
Soft mattress
- Ideal for those who like the feeling of a "hug" when lying on the mattress;
- Suitable for people who are underweight and prefer to sleep on their side;
- Relieves pressure points in the shoulders and hips.
The Luxury Gel Bagged Spring Mattress is ideal for those looking for maximum comfort and softness when lying down. Made up of pocket springs, it offers individualized support, independence of movement, greater durability and excellent adaptation to the body.
Medium Firm Mattress
- Balance between comfort and support;
- Suitable for most profiles, especially side and back sleepers;
- A good option for couples with different sleeping preferences.
For those who like a mattress with medium firmness, we recommend the Energy II Foam Mattress , which adapts to different body types and sleeping positions. In addition, it has a cozy feel, with a high-density core that provides stability and correct alignment of the spine.
High firmness mattress
- Ideal for those who need extra support or have back pain;
- Suitable for people weighing more than 90 kg or who sleep on their stomachs or stomachs;
- It keeps the spine well aligned, but can be uncomfortable for those who like softer mattresses.
The Energy Foam Mattress is characterized by its high firmness and highly resilient block. It also has an excellent quality/price ratio which makes it extremely versatile for rental homes 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 as much.
Think about your sleeping position
- Sleep on your side: opt for softer mattresses that help relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips;
- Sleep on your back: prefer medium to firm mattresses for better support;
- Sleep on your stomach: we suggest mattresses with high firmness, which are ideal for avoiding an exaggerated curvature of the spine during the night.
Back problems or body pain
For people suffering from lower back pain, medium to firm is usually the most recommended. However, it's always a good idea to consult an orthopedist or physiotherapist.
So, when it comes to mattress firmness, there is no perfect answer for choosing the ideal firmness. That said, we suggest that you try to find a balance between comfort and support, always taking into account your personal characteristics and physical needs.
At Mercado do Colchão, we offer a complete range of mattresses with different levels of firmness, materials and guaranteed quality. If you're still unsure, we'll be happy to help you find your ideal mattress. Contact us by 10pm and we'll try to help.