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When selecting the mattress, five levels of firmness are available. We will show you how to determine the appropriate mattress firmness. Continue reading and benefit from a comfortable lying sensation and increased sleeping comfort.

5 Firmness Levels – Information about the firmness of mattresses

The firmness of the base depends on the body weight, body height, and sleeping position of the individuals who sleep in the box spring bed. There are 5 levels of firmness available, each with specific designations. However, the specifications can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Mattress Firmness Scale: An Overview of All Firmness Levels

The following values in the table are a guide for purchasing mattresses:

Firmness level	Features	Weight
H1	The H1 firmness level is not used for box spring beds. Mattresses with a firmness level of 1 are suitable for children, for example. However, in adults, body parts often sink too deeply into the mattress while sleeping.	Up to 60 Kg
H2	A mattress of this firmness is ideal for people who prefer sleeping on a soft to medium-firm surface. The firmness level H2 is favored by side sleepers.	Up to 80 Kg
H3	If you are a back sleeper, this base will support your pelvis and lumbar region.	Up to 110 kg
H4	Stomach sleepers benefit from this mattress firmness: The stomach cannot sink in too deeply, thus preventing the formation of a hollow back.	Up to 140 kg
H5	Mattress types with a firmness of H5 have a high firmness.	Over 140 Kg

You can find more tables on the internet - our information is based on the standard criteria for the firmness level of mattresses. However, there are slight variations depending on the mattress manufacturer.

The Incorrect Firmness: Consequences

When you buy a box spring bed, it's not just about the price, quality, color, and design. Primarily, it is important that the right bed provides you with good sleep, which depends on the base. Therefore, choosing the right mattress is crucial and is influenced by your sleeping position.

Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or too hard often leads to back pain and tension in many people due to the lack of ergonomics, as the foam does not yield ideally under pressure. With a too soft base, your spine and body sink too deeply. In this case, back pain is almost inevitable.

If you lie on a mattress that is too hard, the shoulders and pelvis can only sink in to a limited extent. Your spine will curve too much. For a restful sleep and to prevent back and shoulder problems, you should therefore choose the mattress firmness that suits you.

The shoulder zone also suffers during the nights if you make the wrong mattress choice. But which firmness level of the mattress is right for you?

How to tell that the firmness level is not right for you

There are various signs that indicate that the firmness of your mattress is not appropriate. These include:

Discomfort: Do you feel uncomfortable on your mattress or do you constantly toss and turn to find comfortable sleeping positions? This could be a sign that the firmness level is not right.
Pain: If you wake up in the morning with pain in your back, neck, or joints, then your mattress may be either too hard or too soft in at least one area. A mattress that is too hard can exert pressure on your spine, shoulder, and joints. Meanwhile, a mattress that is too soft can lead to an unnatural position of your spine.
Sleep Quality: If you sleep poorly or wake up frequently, this could also indicate an unsuitable mattress.
Numbness: If you experience numbness or tingling in your limbs upon waking, you may be suffering from circulation issues due to your mattress, and it may not be providing optimal support in the hip area.
Energy levels: If you feel constantly tired and exhausted despite getting enough sleep, it could also indicate an unsuitable mattress.

Finding the right firmness level

Finding the right mattress can be a challenge. Therefore, we will share some tips with you below so that you can find the ideal model. The general formula for calculation is as follows:

Body weight in kg < (Body height in cm minus 100) → soft
Body weight in kg = (Body height in cm minus 100) → medium
Body weight in kg > (Body height in cm minus 100) → firm

These are the most important points that you should additionally consider for an ideal body shape:

Personal Preferences: Sleeping Position and More

The ideal firmness of a mattress strongly depends on your preferred sleeping habits. For instance, if you are a stomach sleeper and are undecided between two firmness levels, you should opt for the higher firmness level.

A mattress that is too soft can cause your abdominal or shoulder area to sink too deeply, resulting in suboptimal weight distribution. This can lead to the formation of a hollow back, which may cause shoulder and back pain.

In contrast, the mattress for a back sleeper or side sleeper should be softer. This allows for deeper sinking of the shoulders and hips when lying on the side. It relaxes your back and transforms your bed into your favorite place and the center of your life. You will not even want to get up anymore.

Tip: Note that the manufacturer's specifications may sometimes differ from the competition. Our experts are available to assist you as a retailer if you have questions about firmness levels or box spring beds.

Weight: The Body Mass Index as a Decision-Making Aid

Your weight or body type also plays an important role in selecting the right firmness level. The Body Mass Index (BMI) can also be a useful tool for determination. It is a measure that indicates the ratio of body weight to body height.

Individuals with a higher BMI generally require a firmer mattress to offset the additional pressure. A mattress that is too soft can cause them to sink in too deeply, leading to back pain or other discomforts.

Conversely, many individuals with a lower BMI often prefer a softer mattress. Keep in mind that the following information is only general guidelines for guidance when purchasing a mattress. Comfort is ultimately a very personal matter.

Firmness level	BMI
H1	15 to 19
H2	20 to 24
H3	25 to 29
H4	30 to 34
H5	35 and above

Here too, it applies: The firmness ratings from the manufacturers vary slightly from one another. Therefore, before making a purchase, look at the recommendations of the various brands for customers.

Consider a slatted frame and topper

The combination of a mattress with a suitable slatted frame and mattress topper can significantly influence a restful night's sleep. The slatted frame provides the necessary support for the mattress and extends its lifespan. A good slatted frame relieves the spine.

In suitable versions, it ensures that it remains in a neutral position - regardless of how you sleep. Back problems are less likely to occur in this way. You also fight shoulder pain. In addition, slatted frames slightly improve the ventilation of the mattress.

In this way, the sleeping pad remains fresh and wicks away moisture. When choosing a slatted frame, it is important to select one that matches the type of mattress.

Important: Some types of mattresses, such as foam or latex mattresses, require a slatted frame with closer spacing of the slats. This is the only way to ensure proper support for the mattress core. If these parts do not match, sagging may occur as a result.

The mattress firmness level for 2 people

When two people share a bed, choosing the right mattress can be a challenge. Each person has individual needs and preferences when it comes to sleeping comfort. An important aspect of this is the firmness levels of the mattresses. Therefore, we present several options.

This is how you find the product with the ideal firmness for both partners.

Mattress wedge

A mattress wedge, also known as a love bridge or double bed bridge, is a practical solution if you and your partner prefer different firmness levels in your cold foam mattress. It is a piece of padding that is placed in the gap between the mattresses.

This is ideal when using two single mattresses of the same size but different firmness levels. The mattress wedge ensures that no annoying gap forms between the mattresses. It also allows each partner to choose the optimal firmness level for themselves.

It is a simple and cost-effective solution that can significantly improve sleeping comfort and eliminate the issue of separate sleeping surfaces.

Double mattress

Another option is the couple mattress, also known as the partner mattress or duo mattress. These mattresses are designed to consist of two separate cores, each with a different mattress firmness level for ideal body support.

In this way, each partner can choose the firmness level that suits their individual needs. Couple mattresses are usually equipped with a continuous cover, making them appear as a single mattress. They offer the advantage of absorbing the movements of the partner.

This ensures a more restful sleep. The downside is the purchase price, which is often high.

Topper

A topper is an additional mattress pad that is placed on top of the actual mattress. It can be used to alter the firmness of a mattress or to increase comfort.

A topper is a good solution if you and your partner have different preferences but still prefer a continuous mattress. This option is available in various materials and firmness levels. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

A topper also extends the lifespan of your mattress, as it acts like a mattress protector.

How do I determine the firmness level for children?

Determining the correct firmness of a mattress for children may seem complicated at first glance. The reason is simple: there is no fixed scheme that is adjusted to body weight. However, there are some general guidelines that are helpful in preventing sagging. These include:

For babies and younger children, it is often recommended to choose a firmer mattress to ensure optimal support. The head should not sink in more than 2 cm.
From the age of about four years, most children can comfortably sleep on a mattress with a firmness level of 2. At this age, your little ones should sink in no more than 4 cm.
A medium firmness such as H3 is often a good choice for teenagers. However, we recommend that you consider the individual comfort of the child. Trying it out also helps you in making a decision.

Refer to our comprehensive guide that details which mattress is best for children.

Topper + Mattress: How do I determine the firmness level?

Determining the correct degree of hardness of The mattress and topper are crucial for restful sleep. Many adults wonder how to combine these two products. Generally, the choice of firmness depends on body weight and size.

Note: The heavier and larger a person is, the firmer the mattress firmness should be for maximum durability. However, when it comes to a topper, it is not always sensible to determine the firmness based on weight and size. Here, the focus is more on increasing lying comfort and possibly compensating for the hardness of a mattress that is too firm.

Therefore, it may be sensible to choose a topper with a lower firmness level if the mattress is very hard. When selecting, personal comfort and your health should always be the priority.

Material: How it affects the firmness of mattresses

When it comes to purchasing a new mattress, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important aspects is the material of the mattress and how it affects the firmness level. Below, we will look at the most common options. With our overview, you can be sure to make a safe choice.

Cold foam mattresses

If you want to choose a cold foam mattress, you must consider, among other things, the density (RG).

RG 35 is comparable in firmness to an H2 mattress.
H3 corresponds to a density of 40.
RG 45 is equivalent to hardness level 4.

This type of mattress is usually divided into thirds. These zones adapt to the needs and differences of the area to be supported. Cold foam mattresses prevent pressure points in this way.

In our guide, you will find more information on choosing your mattress.

Spring core

Spring mattresses are known for their good ventilation and high stability. They consist of many individual steel springs sewn into fabric pockets. The firmness of a spring mattress is determined by the number and diameter of the springs.

A high number of springs results in a greater surface load, thereby increasing the firmness of the mattress. Similarly, a larger diameter of the springs also contributes to increased firmness.

Therefore, it can be said that an innerspring mattress with a high number of springs and a large fiber diameter has a higher degree of firmness. If the criterion of breathability in conjunction with flexible support is a priority, then this option is ideal.

Latex mattresses

Latex mattresses offer excellent point elasticity and pressure relief. They are made from natural or synthetic latex. The firmness of a latex mattress depends on the density of the latex. A higher density results in a firmer mattress.

Latex mattresses with a low density usually have a softer firmness level. Meanwhile, mattresses with a high density are firmer. Note that the firmness level is also influenced by the thickness of the mattress.

In conclusion, a thicker mattress generally provides more support and therefore has a higher firmness level. Feel free to check out our variants in the shop!

Frequently Asked Questions about Mattress Firmness

What mattress firmness do I need for a toddler?

A firmer mattress is often recommended for toddlers to ensure optimal support. From the age of about four years, most children can sleep well on a mattress with a firmness level of 2.

Which mattress firmness is recommended for a hollow back?

For a hollow back, a medium-firm to firm mattress (firmness level H3 or H4) is recommended. It provides the necessary support with a stable shape to keep the lower back area in a neutral position and thus alleviate discomfort.

Which mattress firmness is suitable for my body weight?

If your weight is below 80 kg, then firmness level 2 is generally most suitable. For weights above that, up to a body weight of 110 kg, firmness level 3 is suitable, and up to 140 kg, firmness level 4 is suitable. If you weigh over 140 kg, then firmness level 5 is most suitable. Please also check our mattress firmness level chart.

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