Do you like a Firm bed or a soft bed? Why?
When it comes to choosing a bed, there are a lot of factors to consider. But one of the most important is whether you want a firm or soft bed. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for you.
This blog post will explore the pros and cons of both firm and soft beds. We’ll also give you tips on choosing the right bed for your needs. So read on to find out more!
What’s the difference between a firm and a soft mattress?
Regarding mattresses, there are two main types: firm and soft. Each type has its own unique benefits that can appeal to different sleepers.
Firm mattresses are often considered the best for back and stomach sleepers because they provide support for the spine and minimize sinkage. They're also beneficial for folks who suffer from hip and shoulder pains since they distribute weight evenly. On the other hand, firm mattresses might be too hard for certain side sleepers, which require a softer surface to avoid pressure points.
On the other hand, soft mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they contour the body and relieve pressure points. They’re also good for people with lower back pain because they provide cushioning and support. However, soft mattresses can be too mushy for back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface to prevent sinkage.
Beds and posture
There are many different types of beds on the market, each offering a different level of firmness. So, how do you know which one is right for you? It depends on your personal preference and what your needs are. For example, if you have back pain, you might opt for a firmer bed offering more support. On the other hand, a softer bed might be your style if you want a comfortable bed.
Regarding posture, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, ensure your mattress supports your spine in a neutral position. This means that your head, shoulders, and hips should align when lying down. If your mattress is too soft or firm, it can throw off this alignment and cause pain in your back or neck.
Second, if you like to sleep on your side, make sure you have a pillow that supports your head and neck, so they're not falling forward or backward while you're asleep. This will help prevent wrinkles in your skin and pain in your neck and shoulders.
What constitutes a suitable mattress?
When choosing a mattress, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What constitutes a suitable mattress depends on many factors, including your sleep habits, health conditions, and personal preferences.
What constitutes a suitable mattress
If you sleep on your side, you'll likely want a softer mattress that conforms to your body and relieves pressure on your hips and shoulders. If you sleep on your back, you may prefer a firmer mattress that keeps your spine aligned. People with chronic back pain often find relief with memory foam mattresses.
If you have allergies or asthma, you'll want to choose a mattress made of hypoallergenic materials. Some people also prefer organic mattresses because they're free of chemicals and off-gassing.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out what mattress is right for you is to lie down on different types in a showroom or store. Take your time testing them out until you find one that feels comfortable and supportive.
Advantages of a firm mattress
A firm mattress has several advantages over a soft mattress. Firstly, it provides more practical support for your back and spine. This can help to prevent or relieve back pain. Secondly, it is often more comfortable for people who sleep on their side. Side sleepers need a firm mattress to support their hips and shoulders, and a soft mattress can cause them to sink too deeply into the bed, leading to discomfort. Third, a firm mattress can last longer than a soft mattress because it doesn’t lose shape as easily. Finally, firm mattresses are generally less costly than cushy mattresses.
Disadvantages of a firm mattress
A firm mattress may not be ideal for everyone, as it can cause certain people to suffer from aches and pains. A firmer mattress may cause back pain. Those who suffer from hip discomfort may discover that a firm mattress puts too much strain on their joints.
Light sleepers may also find a firm mattress too hard and uncomfortable to sleep on. If you have any concerns about whether a firm mattress is right for you, it's best to consult your doctor or a sleep specialist.
Advantages of a soft mattress
If you’re considering a soft mattress, here are some of the advantages:
Soft mattresses are often more comfortable than firm mattresses. If you have arthritis or other joint pain, a soft mattress can help to reduce pressure on your joints and alleviate pain.
Soft mattresses can also be helpful for people with back pain. A firmer mattress can sometimes make back pain worse by not providing enough support or by putting pressure on the wrong areas of the back. A softer mattress helps to take pressure off the lower back and spine, which can provide relief from back pain.
Soft mattresses are often less expensive than firm mattresses. If you’re on a budget, a soft mattress may be a more affordable option than a firm mattress.
Soft mattresses are generally easier to move around on than firm mattresses. If you like to change positions often when you sleep, a soft mattress may be a good choice for you because it’s easier to adjust your position without having to get out
Disadvantages of a soft mattress
If you're considering purchasing a soft mattress, there are a few disadvantages you should be aware of. First, soft mattresses tend to sag more than firm mattresses over time, meaning they won't provide the same level of support. This can lead to back and neck pain and increased tossing and turning during the night. Additionally, soft mattresses can be more difficult to move on, making it challenging to get in and out of bed. They don't typically fare as well in terms of durability, so a firm mattress may be a better option if you're looking for a long-term investment.
Why Should You Invest In A Good Mattress?
A good mattress is one of the most important investments you can make for your health and well-being. A comfortable, supportive mattress can help you get a good night’s sleep, which is essential for your overall health.
There are many different types of mattresses on the market, so it’s important to research to find the right one for your specific needs. If you have a medical condition or sleep disorder, talk to your doctor about what type of mattress might be best for you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress:
Support: A good mattress should provide support for your back and spine. The support you need will vary depending on your sleep position and whether you have any health conditions that need to be considered.
Comfort: A comfortable mattress is important for a good night’s sleep. Look for a mattress that suits your sleeping position and has features that meet your comfort needs. For example, if you tend to sleep hot, look for a mattress with cooling technology.
Durability: A durable mattress will last longer and provide better value for money in the long run. When comparing mattresses, pay attention to the materials used and the warranty period offered.
Conclusion: Firm bed VS Soft bed: How to choose what’s right for you.
There are two groups for picking a bed: those who want a hard mattress and those who prefer a soft mattress. There are pros and cons to both, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before you make your purchase.
Firm beds are great for people who want support while they sleep. They’re also good for people with back pain, as the firmness can help align the spine. Soft beds, however, are more like sleeping on a cloud. They’re perfect for people who want to stay in comfort and sink into their mattresses.
So, which is right for you? It depends on your personal preferences. A firm bed might be the way to go if you like to feel supported while you sleep. A soft bed is certainly the preferable option if you like to burrow into your mattress and be enveloped by softness. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what feels best.
How to make Christmas dinner for four people for less than $100
Christmas dinner is supposed to be joyful, celebratory – yet seems to have quietly become one of the season’s more stressful undertakings. Even households that keep things modest can feel the pinch when supermarket prices creep up and festive expectations stay high. Yet it’s entirely possible to serve a generous, properly festive meal for four for under $100, without resorting to packet gravy, instant stuffing or anything that tastes like compromise.
This is a menu that feels like Christmas, looks abundant and uses ordinary supermarket ingredients treated well. It slots comfortably under $100 across Pak’nSave, Woolworths and New World, and includes easy swaps for fussy households, clever ways to use what you already have, and simple ideas for making the table look special without spending extra.
A chic seafood starter
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Seafood is an elegant way to open a meal and, when you choose cleverly, one of the most cost-effective.
Mussels in white wine, garlic and cream are a standout. At around $5-$7 a kilo, they offer enormous impact for very little money. Steam them with garlic, a splash of the wine you’re already serving and a touch of cream, then finish with lemon and herbs. Tip them into a large serving bowl and let everyone help themselves. It feels summery, generous and unmistakably festive.
If mussels aren’t universally adored in your household, a refined prawn cocktail is the perfect alternative. Frozen prawns, thawed and tossed in a homemade Marie Rose sauce (mayo, ketchup, lemon juice, paprika), look instantly polished when served in cocktail glasses or small bowls with a few herbs scattered over. It’s retro chic. Or skewer prawns, flavoured with whatever you have – garlic butter, sweet chilli, paprika …
A chicken that looks genuinely festive
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Turkey and ham have their devotees, but a whole chicken remains the most economical centrepiece for four. Prices vary from around $9 to $14 depending on the supermarket, and with a little attention it can look and taste like a genuine showstopper.
The simplest, most effective way to make it feel special is a bacon lattice. Lay streaky bacon strips over the breast in a loose criss-cross. As it cooks, the bacon bastes the bird, crisps beautifully and infuses the pan juices with the savoury depth you’d normally associate with Christmas ham. Slide a garlic and herb butter under the skin first, tuck halved lemons or oranges around the tray and roast until the bacon is bronzed and the chicken deeply aromatic. The whole thing looks far more expensive than it is.
For households who prefer something quicker-cooking or more “chef-y”, a butterflied chicken is an excellent alternative. It cooks evenly, the skin goes crisp, and you can work flavoured butter into every nook.
Once the chicken is done, make a proper pan gravy from the roasting dish. Add a spoon of flour, a splash of wine or water and whisk until glossy. A little mustard or a touch of cream turns it into something quietly luxurious.
Sides that stretch the meal and brighten the table
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Vegetables are where you create generosity without driving up the bill, and they bring much of the colour and fragrance that make a meal feel celebratory.
Rosemary roast potatoes are non-negotiable. Use the rosemary you bought for the chicken, coat the potatoes well in oil and roast until crisp at the edges.
Honey-orange carrots bring warmth, sweetness and scent. Roast sliced carrots with a little honey and finish with orange zest from the fruit already in your tray.
Minted butter peas prove that frozen vegetables can be elegant. A toss with butter, salt, lemon zest and mint is enough to lift them.
Pavlova, but zhuzhed
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Pavlova is almost mandatory at a New Zealand Christmas, but the trick is to treat it in a way that feels fresh.
A layered pavlova fool is the easiest way to elevate a bought base. Break it into shards, then layer it in a glass bowl with vanilla whipped cream, tinned peaches, mint and a handful of toasted nuts. It looks far more considered than a single pav on a plate, and it stretches further too. Making individual portions in small glasses adds a restaurant-style flourish without increasing the spend.
If you find frozen berries in the freezer – most households have a bag tucked away – blitz them with a little icing sugar to make a glossy sauce to pour over the top. It adds colour and acidity without the budget-pushing price of fresh berries.
For adults, a quick affogato is an elegant “second dessert” if you have vanilla ice cream in the freezer and some coffee on hand. An old bottle of Cointreau, brandy or Kahlua lurking adds a decadent splash. A scoop of ice cream drowned in hot coffee and, if you have it, a dash of whatever liqueur you have on hand feels like an indulgence, yet costs nothing extra.
The savings hidden in your garden and pantry
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Before you shop, check what you already have. December is the moment when gardens and pantries quietly come into their own.
Herbs first. Rosemary thrives almost everywhere at this time of year, thyme is forgiving and mint has a habit of taking over. Lemons linger on trees in much of the North Island, and even one fruit can provide zest for chicken, peas and carrots. Borrowing a sprig of rosemary or a lemon from a neighbour is well within the bounds of festive generosity.
Then survey the pantry. A single can of chickpeas can be roasted with smoked paprika for a crunchy nibble. Nuts and seeds can be toasted and sprinkled over vegetables or folded into pavlova layers. Olives whizz into tapenade. Anchovies melt into flavoured butter for potatoes. Breadcrumbs toasted in butter and garlic add crunch to almost anything.
Your freezer is likely to be just as useful. Bread ends become crostini, berries become sauce and peas become a side dish. Ice cream turns into affogato. Using these odds and ends often keeps the supermarket bill tens of dollars lower.
A stylish table without extra spending
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A festive table doesn’t require a last-minute shopping spree. A few sprigs of rosemary down the centre of the table make an instant garland. Citrus slices in a jug of water double as decoration and refreshment. Plain napkins tied with old ribbon look thoughtful. Jam jars with candles provide atmosphere. The principle is simple: arrange what you have with intention.
The final tally
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Across all major supermarket chains, this menu – seafood starter, bacon-latticed chicken with sides, pavlova fool and even a simple affogato – reliably comes in between $70 and $90 depending on specials. It’s generous, flavourful and unmistakably festive. Most importantly, nobody at the table will guess where the savings were made. A feast for four for under $100, without the compromise.
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Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Celebrate in Style: Craft Your Own Decor with Testpots
Create handcrafted celebrations using Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
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