Firm Mattresses

Firm mattresses offer plenty of great benefits, particularly for those who are heavier or prefer to sleep on their front or back. A firm mattress has high levels of support, making it ideal for alleviating back pain. As the name suggests, it will feel very 'firm' to the touch with minimal give. This means that body weight is evenly distributed, whereas a softer mattress is more likely to have you 'sink' into it.

Extra-firm mattresses are simply the highest firmness rating you can get - these may not have some features such as foam to achieve high levels of firmness.

Firm mattresses feel like your body is being supported or 'held up', so you won't feel like you're sinking; instead, you should feel like you are lying on the mattress. As you might expect, this can make changing sleeping positions much easier!

Individuals who would benefit the most from a firm mattress are those who sleep on their front or back. These positions can often lead to incorrect spinal alignment, resulting in aches and pain during the day. A firm mattress forces your body to rest correctly, relieving pressure on your spine and joints. Check out our guide on the best mattresses for front sleepers if you need help finding your perfect match!

Others who will benefit from a firm mattress are those who are heavier or experience back pain or mobility issues. As a firm mattress provides more support, it ensures you do not sink into it during the night. Heavier people may find that softer mattresses are less comfortable, as they are designed to have little resistance and can lead to your body sinking too much. This can make it hard to shift position, get out of bed, and even cause poor spinal alignment!

Firmer mattresses, much like medium mattresses, are usually made with various materials, including springs and even some foam options. Foam layers are more common on hybrid mattresses and are usually included to ensure firm mattresses feel a little more comfortable.

Materials such as latex foam can help improve the breathability of your mattress, making it cooler to sleep on. A pocket sprung mattress has individual pockets of springs that react to pressure in localised areas, whereas an open coil mattress offers more generalised support. These are especially useful for firmer mattresses, as they will spread your weight evenly for a supportive yet restful sleep.