When buying a mattress, there is always talk of mattress firmness.

What exactly does the degree of hardness indicate? Which degree of hardness is suitable for you?

The mattress firmness (H) is a general measure of the firmness of a mattress. It provides information about how hard or soft a mattress is. In order to create an orthopedically healthy position of the spine, the degree of hardness should match personal needs as well as possible.

The differences in strength that are characteristic of degrees of hardness are achieved through the use of different materials (visco, latex, cold foam, spring core, etc.) and density.

Unfortunately, there are no uniform standards for degrees of hardness. Depending on the manufacturer, a mattress is often offered in different degrees of firmness. This often has a confusing effect on the consumer.

The division into four degrees of hardness (H1, H2, H3, H4) is the most widespread. Most mattresses today are sold with H2 or H3 firmness.

HOW DOES THE CORRECT MATTRESS FIRMNESS AFFECT YOUR BODY?

Choosing the right level of firmness is critical to keeping your spine horizontal and straight in the side-lying position. The shoulders and pelvic area require a slightly greater sinking depth. In the supine and prone position, you must not fall into a hollow back. Choosing the wrong level of hardness can lead to pain in the back, neck and other areas of the body.

WHICH MATTRESS FIRMNESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Choosing the right degree of hardness mainly depends on your body weight and height. The more pounds you weigh, the harder the mattress should be. But your lying behaviour and physique also play a role. To give you a rough orientation, you will find the recommended degrees of hardness for different body weights in the following table.

THE MEANING OF THE DEGREE OF HARDNESS: SO DIFFERENT IS THE FEELING:

The degrees of hardness affect the feeling of lying and are therefore an important factor for restful sleep. In the following table, you can see how different the feeling of lying can be with different degrees of hardness. In order to achieve the ideal lying feeling, you should rely on your body and choose the degree of hardness that offers you the most comfort.

DECISIVE FOR THE RIGHT LEVEL OF HARDNESS: YOUR BODY WEIGHT:

Body weight is the most important factor in choosing the right degree of hardness. A mattress that's too soft can cause your body to sink and your spine to curve, while a mattress that's too hard can put too much pressure on your body parts and cause pain. Therefore, always consider your body weight to find the right degree of firmness for your mattress.

Determine the mattress firmness with our firmness calculator

Choosing the right mattress is a big factor in getting a good night's sleep. The degree of hardness plays a crucial role in this, as it directly affects your body. With our firmness calculator, you can easily find the right degree of firmness for your mattress.

FIRMNESS CALCULATOR: FIND THE PERFECT FIRMNESS FOR YOUR MATTRESS: *

With our degree of hardness calculator you can quickly find out which degree of hardness is suitable for you. Simply enter your height and weight in the firmness calculator, and you will receive a personal firmness recommendation as a first orientation.

Hardness Classification

Degree of hardness 1 (H1) = soft | Degree of hardness 2 (H2) = medium | Degree of hardness 3 (H3) = hard | Degree of hardness 4 (H4) = very hard

Best mattress for heavyweights:

Finding the right mattress for a heavier person is not easy. Many mattresses are only available in hardnesses H2 and H3. However, these are often too soft for people weighing more than 100 kg.

When choosing a mattress, heavy people should therefore make sure that a sufficiently high degree of hardness (H4 depending on their weight) is offered. In addition, the mattress should have a high stability.

The right degree of hardness how does it work

You can tell whether you have chosen the right degree of hardness by the fact that the spine is horizontal and straight when lying on your side. In the side position you need a slightly higher sinking depth, especially at the shoulders and in the pelvic area.

In the back and prone position, you must not fall into a hollow back!

Degree of hardness too low – mattress too soft:

If the mattress is too soft, it can happen that the body and spine sag (also called the hammock effect). Back pain and tension are the result. In this case it is advisable to choose a higher degree of hardness.

Degree of hardness too high - mattress too hard:

A mattress that is too hard should also be avoided. Due to excessive stress in the shoulder and pelvic area, the spine and intervertebral discs cannot regenerate sufficiently, which in the worst case can lead to back problems.

In addition, pressure points can form on the shoulders and hips and blood circulation can be impaired. People with back problems in particular should therefore pay attention to the degree of hardness.

The right degree of hardness

If you choose the right degree of hardness, the spine is horizontal and straight in the side position. The right mattress helps the body find a natural position and ensures that the spine and intervertebral discs are optimally supported.

This enables restful and relaxed sleep and avoids annoying back pain and tension.

Which degree of hardness is right for me

The degree of hardness is the right one for you if your spine remains in a straight position when lying on your side. Choosing the right degree of hardness depends primarily on your body weight.

The more pounds you weigh, the harder the mattress should be. Body size, lying behaviour and your personal physique also play a role. The following graphic should give you a rough orientation as to which degree of hardness is right for you.

Meaning of degrees of hardness:

The following table makes it clear how different the lying feeling is that the different mattresses create due to the degrees of hardness. When choosing the right degree of hardness, your body weight is crucial.

There are four different mattress firmness levels at Matratzenland.

These are suitable for different weight classes and groups of people. If you choose the wrong degree of firmness, this will have a negative effect on the sleeping position, your lying comfort and the optimal pressure relief.

Therefore, it is important to first inform yourself and to think about which degree of hardness is suitable. For example, if you sleep on your side, you should maintain this lying position. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, have more neck problems because the cervical spine bends unnaturally while sleeping. Side sleepers and back sleepers are most likely to find ergonomically restful sleep!

You should keep this in mind when buying your new mattress in the online shop.

We explain the meaning of the degrees of hardness and which one suits you best to simplify your mattress purchase.

Mattress hardness H1

The mattress firmness H1 is mainly used by people with a lower body weight up to about 65 kg. This degree of hardness is very soft. In order to avoid a hollow back, people with a higher body weight should choose a different degree of mattress firmness. However, the degree of hardness H1 is very rare nowadays.

Mattress hardness H2

Anyone who weighs between 60 and 90 kg should choose mattress firmness 2. Most mattresses are sold in H2 or H3. People who like to lie a little softer can easily choose an H2 mattress. Cold foam mattresses like the Emma One offer good support for people of normal weight.

Mattress hardness H3

Hardness level 3 (H3) is the right one for people who are heavier than 90 kg (up to 120 kg). Mattresses with this degree of hardness are rather hard and are ideally suited for this weight range. An H3 mattress is best suited for people who like to sleep on a slightly firmer base.

Mattress hardness H4

Anyone who likes to lie very hard and weighs more than 120 kg should buy a mattress with mattress firmness 4 (H4). Innerspring mattresses, for example, are inherently a little firmer.

Degree of hardness phobia goodbye

Many people are afraid of making the wrong decision when it comes to mattress firmness. The purchase of a good mattress, which they really need so urgently, is put off, according to the motto "postponed is cancelled". This is definitely the worst solution.

You can use our firmness calculator or a good mattress finder to find the right firmness quickly and easily. Matratzenland offers a risk-free test sleep of up to 14 days anyway. If it really does not fit, you are welcome to make use of the right of exchange.