How to tell whether to choose a medium or firm mattress?

Hi Fiona,

Thanks for getting in touch with us for mattress buying advice.

It can be a confusing a murky world when buying a new bed especially in retail shops where sometimes the staff simply don't have the knowledge or experience to help. It also doesn't help that more often than not the brands, retailers and manufacturers of mattresses refuse to tell you exactly what's inside them.

Making comparisons even harder, however, we're going to give you all the information you need to become a mattress buying pro in no time!

But first, we need to answer your question!

Choosing a medium or firm mattress is usually a mistaken process as buyers often choose the 'spring tension' believing this will set the 'comfort preference' ie make the mattress medium or firm. This is completely incorrect. The mattress spring tension ie soft, medium or firm is set by your body weight.

It is then up to you to choose fibres and filings to give the 'comfort preference' or 'upholstery feel' of the mattress. ie soft, medium or firm. This preference depends on what feel you prefer in a mattress and is entirely up to you. It also depends on whether you're looking for a synthetic man made mattress or one that's 100% natural fibre. Natural fibres are more breathable and last far longer but are at a higher price point. Lastly your sleeping preference, ie if you are a side sleeper or back sleeper will help navigate you to the firmness of a mattress. You can read more on sleeping positions and why they matter here.

Have a look below as to how each fibre filling feels. Then it is wise to take some advice, by say asking one of our team, how these layered together will work. If you come with a range of mattresses you're looking at we can assist you.

Have a look below to see how much to spend on a mattress based on the above which may be helpful.

If you have any more questions please get back in touch with us on 0161 437 4419.

All the best John & Ryan