With a wealth of top-quality extra firm mattress options out there, it can be challenging to find the right kind of mattress that suits you. There are plenty of factors to consider – are you a front, back, or side sleeper? Do you have back problems? Do you prefer a firm mattress or a snuggly-soft, one?
Most people think that the spring tensions stop at ‘firm’. However, another level of support is available for those who believe that ‘firm’ isn’t firm enough – Extra Firm. They’re commonly rated as 9 or 10 on the firmness scale. But who needs an extra firm mattress? It could be personal preference or back problems made worse by a softer mattress.
They’re not commonly available, but if a firm mattress isn’t enough for you, it’s well worth seeking them out. Of course, they won’t suit everyone, but it’s worth considering upgrading if you have back issues, are larger or heavier than average, or love a firm feel to your mattress.
There are several different types of extra firm mattresses in the UK. Pocket spring mattresses are a great option if you want a mattress that contours to the shape of your body but keeps the level of support dialled up to the maximum. Pocket sprung mattresses use a traditional steel spring coil matrix to provide your needed support. They’re great if you love the feel of a conventional sprung mattress but also want the cushioning of natural fibres.
The first port of call if you suffer from back pain has to be your GP to find out exactly what’s causing your back issues. While the common consensus is that firmer mattresses are suitable for lumbar support, it’s not always the case, especially if you tend to sleep on your side rather than on your front or back. However, a firm or extra firm mattress does help you realign your spine while you sleep, keeping it in a neutral position so that pressure points on the hips, shoulders and lower back are reduced.
Extra firm mattresses are best suited to those who sleep on their stomach or flat on their back. If a bed is too soft, it’ll let the hips sink into the layers of padding rather than keeping them flat and level. This can misalign the spine, causing more significant lower back and hip pain. On the other hand, if you sleep on your back or your stomach and suffer from back problems, then an extra firm mattress may suit you perfectly.
A firm mattress has a lower firmness rating, usually a 7 or 8 on the scale. They also have a thinner spring gauge than an extra firm mattress, so they’ll feel softer to the touch. If you already have a firm mattress but don’t feel it’s offering you the comfort you need, you need a new one.
You can choose from several extra firm mattresses if you suffer from back pain. UK sellers have expanded their range over the last few years to cater to the demand. For example, Winston’s No1 Pocket Spring Mattress comes in various firmness ratings, including extra firm, and is one of the best mattresses for combatting back pain.
Most orthopaedic mattresses fall into the ‘firm’ category, but they include extra firm options too. So when our customers ask us, ‘What is the firmest mattress UK suppliers provide?’ we usually point them towards our medium-firm feel mattresses as they represent one of the best quality firmer feeling mattresses available today, and are specifically designed to minimise pressure points and give real relief for back and joint pain sufferers for a better night’s sleep.
When you’re looking for extra firm mattresses, make sure they are designed to ensure your spine stays in a neutral alignment position and provide zero movement transfer. This means you’ll get a more restful night’s sleep with less moving around to try to get comfortable. (A bonus is that it also means your partner gets a better night’s sleep!)
While memory foam cradles you and contours to the shape of your body, an orthopaedic mattress will give you more support and a firmer feel. An orthopaedic mattress is specifically designed to alleviate back pain but can be used by those who prefer a firmer feel. So, you don’t have to have a bad back to appreciate the comfort of an orthopaedic mattress!
Many orthopaedic mattresses (even extra firm ones) also incorporate layers of natural fibres into their design to provide a more cushioned feel but with no compromise on the amount of support given. These may be more suitable if you prefer to sleep on your side, as the natural layers will cradle your body and allow you to relax into a position without any pressure points to irritate your back, shoulders or hips. This gives a more restful night’s sleep.
The simple answer is yes, it can. If you wake up in the morning with back, shoulder or neck pain, your mattress may be too firm for your needs. Also, look out for pain in certain areas like the hips or shoulders (especially if you’re a side-sleeper), which may indicate that your mattress is creating pressure points.
If your mattress doesn’t contour to the shape of your body, then it’s not doing its job, even if you’ve gone for an extra firm option. A dead giveaway that your mattress is not the right firmness for you is if you stay overnight in a hotel and get a better night’s sleep than you usually do, then your mattress is probably too firm. The easiest way to combat this without buying a new mattress (especially if you’ve only just bought your current version) is to add a pillow topper. Conversely, if your mattress is too soft, you can add an extra firm mattress topper to give you the support you need.
Buying the right mattress isn’t just a financial investment; it’s an investment in your health and well-being. If you’re unsure whether you need an extra firm mattress or if another option would suit you better, talk to our friendly team, and we’ll be happy to help you make the right decision.
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