Why Edge Support is Important When Buying a New Mattress

When it comes to finding your ideal mattress there are a number of factors that you need to take into consideration. From the materials, your bed is made from to the support and comfort it can offer. It’s these details that really matter, as they can make the difference between a restless night and a relaxing and comfortable sleep.

However, many people sometimes overlook another important aspect of buying a new mattress, and that is whether or not it has suitable edge support. Edge support in a mattress is a defining feature of higher-end mattresses. So let’s explain what edge support is and why you should always look for it.

What exactly is mattress edge support?

Edge support refers to the amount of resistance that a mattress can provide around its edges. It essentially acts as an encasement that goes around the frame of a mattress. Edge support is usually provided by a single row of firm tension pocket springs, usually a 1.6 gauge. This acts as a stabilising perimeter around the mattress.

It’s a small yet effective difference that can really add to how supportive the mattress feels, which in turn impacts how easily you can drift off to sleep undisturbed.

What benefits does mattress edge support offer?

There are a number of key benefits to having tailored edge support around the edges of your new luxury mattress.

1. Less Mattress Sagging

The more support your mattress has around its edges will mean it has less sagging around the perimeter. If you happen to move about a bit during the night, then the extra edge support can mitigate the risks of rolling or falling off the mattress.

The mattresses in our Artisan range already have the benefit of having two rows of firmer springs around their outer edges,  to help combat the feeling of rolling off and make you feel safer as you slumber.

2. More stability towards the edge of the mattress

Another reason why edge support can be beneficial when choosing your new mattress is that it can also provide more support and stability when you’re simply sitting on it. Particularly if you’re sitting on the edge.

If you happen to sit on the side of the bed when getting dressed, or when you’re just putting on shoes, for example, you’ll find this much easier with a proper edge supported mattress.

However, we don’t recommend sitting on the edge of your bed for long periods of time (for example, if you do your hair or makeup in the same spot each morning), as this could gradually cause a dip in your mattress.

Will mattress edge support be beneficial for me?

Edge support is always preferable and should be looked for in a quality mattress.

If you’re a heavier sleeper or you sleep with a partner, then like anyone else, you’ll need a mattress that can offer your whole body the full support it needs in order to rest as comfortably as possible. A tailored luxury mattress with edge support can be the perfect solution for getting a great night’s sleep, and it could help to further alleviate any aches and pains.

You may also spend a lot of time sitting on your bed, in which case an edge supported mattress will be necessary, especially if you happen to suffer from hip, joint or even neck pain. The extra stability will make it easier if you struggle to get up from a low position, and will mean you’ll be putting less pressure on your body in general.

Many people sometimes physically struggle to get in and out of bed due to limited mobility, and an edge supported mattress is perfectly designed to offer the right kind of support in these situations. Our Artisan Base is a true edge pocket sprung base, and its height is 13” (allow an extra 2” for castors). This allows you to gently lower yourself onto the bed, instead of having to hoist your body up onto it. We can also offer a lower, bespoke size if you require a lower base to assist with getting in and out of bed.

Of course, your personal preferences, sleeping habits, height and weight will all determine how you would like your new mattress to feel in terms of comfort layers, edge support and everything else.

Bodyweight Spring tension

Edge support with John Ryan Mattresses

At John Ryan, we believe that everyone deserves a luxurious, satisfying and soothing sleep experience each and every night, and a bed that fully supports you in every way is essential to that. This is why all of our mattresses can offer the right kind of edge support to suit any sleeper.

For our Artisan Bespoke 004 mattress, we zone the perimeter sides with a slightly firmer spring in order to enhance the edge support and to better stabilise the mattress when you sit on its edge. Also, our Origins Pocket 1500  has butterfly clips to further aid the edge support of the mattress.