Can a mattress topper firm up a bed thats too soft?
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I bought a pocket sprung mattress recently (at a 3 comfort rating, 1 is soft and 5 very firm). I find that during the night I 'sink' into it and have mild lower back pain as a result.
I have tried various 'solutions' including putting plywood boards below mattress, but this has not worked. Some websites advise using a firm mattress topper and perhaps a Dunlop firm tension latex topper would help, but I am not sure.
Is this correct and do you have any toppers that might help? I am of slim build and a side sleeper.
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for getting in touch with us about your mattress problems. Sorry to hear you're sinking too far during the night into the mattress.
It sounds very much like you've got too soft a comfort layer in your mattress. This is when the upholstery layers are too forgiving without enough support layers. Whilst most people think the spring tension causes the firmness of a mattress this is incorrect. It's the upholstery fillings.
Also, the comfort ratings given by mattress companies are usually pretty useless as they don't take your bodyweight or sleeping position into account. What will feel supportive for a side sleeper maybe too soft for a back sleeper. Mattress comfort is dictated by the fibres and upholstery on top. See below for a guide to how each fibre works and why you need to know this when choosing a mattress rather than unknown and unquantifiable 'ratings' given in store.
| Upholstery Layer | Fibre Type | How it will feel? | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Synthetic | Soft | Cheap |
| White Fibre | Synthetic | Soft/Medium | Cheap |
| Recycled Fibre / Eco Fibre | Synthetic | Medium | Cheap |
| Memory Foam | Synthetic | Medium/Firm | Mid Price |
| Igel / Hybrid Foam | Synthetic | Medium/Firm | Mid Price |
| Polycotton | Synthetic/Natural Blend | Soft/Medium | Mid Price |
| Linen | Synthetic/Natural Blend | Medium | Mid Price |
| Wool (Pure) | Natural | Soft/Medium | High-End |
| Cotton (Pure) | Natural | Soft | High-End |
| Silk | Natural | Soft | Expensive |
| Horsehair | Natural | Medium | High-End |
| Mohair | Natural | Medium/Firm | High-End |
| Hemp | Natural | Medium | High-End |
| Latex (100% Natural) | Natural | Medium/Firm | High-End |
| Coir | Natural | Firm | High-End |
| Flax | Natural | Firm | High-End |
| Coarse Cashmere | Natural | Firm | High-End |
| Bamboo | Natural | Super Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Horsetail | Natural | Firm | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Alpaca | Natural | Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Cashmere (Pure) | Natural | Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Vicuna | Natural | Super Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
Unfortunately, mattress toppers will only ever soften the comfort layers of a mattress. Putting a firm layer on the top won't have any real impact as this will conform to the softer layers below. Mattress upholstery needs to be layered up firmest layers first to the softest for a mattress to react properly.
Like you've already said, our advice would be to out a layer of plyboard under the mattress on top of the base which can to a degree firm up a mattress slightly. You're never going to be able to completely change a mattresses comfort layer if you, unfortunately, end up with the wrong comfort layers.
We hope that helps and gives you further mattress buying guidance. If you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on info@localhost or 0161 437 4419.
Sleep well
John & Ryan
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