Firm Beds are Good for Your Back & Other Mattress Myths Debunked

Finding relevant, up-to-date information is key when purchasing a new mattress. The average individual spends 8 hours a night sleeping on a bed, which is why your mattress is one of the most useful but undervalued pieces of furniture in the home. 

Humans have used mattresses for over 77,000 years, so there’s bound to be some misinformation that has trickled down over the centuries. To make an informed choice about your upcoming bed upgrade or to help you understand more about sleep hygiene, it’s important to dispel and debunk any persisting myths surrounding mattresses.

No, a Firm Mattress Isn’t the Best for Your Back

A common myth you’ll hear is that very firm mattresses are the best for your back. Not only is this untrue, but according to a survey, those with back pain slept far worse on firm beds.

A firm mattress only provides support to the heaviest parts of the body, unlike the spine, which needs special love if you have a bad back. Pressure is, instead, targeted towards the shoulders and hips, which can lead to a considerable amount of pain and discomfort.

If you sleep on your side and have a bad back, you should especially stay away from firm beds.

Those with a bad back should opt for a medium-firm mattress, as it provides support to key pressure points without forcing the sleeper to sink into bed. No mattress can fix a bad back, but a quality one, especially one made of latex, can help mitigate the pain of a bad back.

You Shouldn’t Have To Replace Your Mattress Every 8 Years

Dishonest mattress companies will have you believe that you should be replacing your bed every 8 years in a bid to sell more beds. The truth is that different mattress types have different lifespans.

Mattresses can change shape over time, adapting to your body. An old mattress may not be as effective as it once was out of the box, but if your sleep hasn’t been negatively impacted, there’s not much reason to buy a new bed.

You should replace your bed if you notice that you’re waking up in pain or find yourself allergic to the bed and its materials – think dust mites or the buildup of sweat.

Also, pay strict attention to the shape of your bed. Is it sagging, damaged, or funky? These are signs to replace your bed, whether that’s in 4 or 10 years. To protect your bed over the years and to squeeze more life out of it, purchase mattress protectors.

Don’t Just Pick Any Mattress

Some manufacturers will have you believe that all mattresses cater to a variety of sleeping profiles. While that may have been the case centuries ago with a lack of options, modern advancement and rigorous studies have delved deep into the science of sleep.

We know that sleep is a highly personal activity and that you should choose mattresses with special care. For example, less than 10% of the population sleeps on their stomach, which means they’ll require different sleep needs than those who lie on their sides or backs.

Memory Foam Mattresses Always Feel Hot

At one point, memory foam mattresses were associated with heat retention. This is no longer the case because we've had years of development for cooling materials and improved airflow within mattresses.

Many memory foam mattresses now include features like gel-infused foam or open-cell structures. There are plenty of options to disperse heat with memory foam. This is even more true for extra-large beds like the Wyoming King. A modern memory foam mattress can improve temperature regulation and dissipate heat.

More Expensive Mattresses or Bed Frames Are Always Better

Price is not always an accurate indicator of mattress quality or comfort. While more mattresses may offer nicer features or luxury materials, not every model justifies its price. That’s why you need to find a manufacturer that stands by their pricing. 

Here, we have plenty of customer testimonials to tell you about the quality of our Wyoming King beds. Do your research on each model that you're buying from and find customer testimonials if you can.

The Harder the Mattress, the Longer It Lasts

This one sounds logical on the surface, but it’s just not true. A rock-hard mattress isn’t automatically built to outlive a softer one. Durability comes down to the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, not the firmness level. A cheaply made extra-firm bed can wear out faster than a high-quality medium-firm mattress.

Think of it like shoes — stiff doesn’t always mean stronger. Sometimes it just means more uncomfortable. If you want your mattress to stand the test of time, look for premium materials and construction, not just stiffness.

You Should Always Flip Your Mattress

Once upon a time, mattresses were double-sided, and flipping them was the norm. Today, most modern mattresses are built with a specific top comfort layer and a supportive base layer, so flipping would make them less comfortable.

Instead, what your giant mattress really needs is a rotation every few months to even out wear. Picture it like rotating the tires on your car — it helps keep everything balanced and working the way it should. So, skip the flip, give it a spin, and your mattress will thank you with longer-lasting comfort.

How to Find The Right Mattress

With so many mattress options, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect bed to match each individual’s needs.

Finding the right bed means improving sleep quality, which in turn leads to better overall health. For example, if you sleep on your side, it’s important to find a bed that supports your shoulders and neck, but not too firmly. A medium-firm mattress is recommended for side sleepers, while a firmer bed is best for those who sleep on their stomach.

Before you make a purchase, spend time researching different mattress sizes and firmness levels, which can help you get a good night’s sleep.

A Wyoming King bed is a great option for those who require large beds with endlessly customizable options. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why those with bad backs or unique sleeping profiles can customize their required firmness to their liking.

Made with premium, long-lasting materials with accessories and bed frames custom-made for our Wyoming mattresses, you’ll sink into comfort sooner rather than later.