New Harrison Spinks Snowdrop mattress feels too firm on slatted base

Question

Hi, what a useful website of mattress Q&As you provide. It’s been very helpful, thank you!We have a new King size Harrison Spinks Snowdrop sprung mattress which we have on a slatted wooden base. It’s a medium tension to match our weights and is replacing a 20 year old Hypnos sprung mattress.The problem is that the new mattress feels too firm under my hips (side sleeper). I don’t know whether to get a sprung base or a mattress topper to try to improve it? Would a topper really make a difference? If so what material would you recommend?Or is a sprung base the answer - it would have to be a shallow one? It didn’t seem to make much difference in the shop, where the mattress felt softer anyway. We’ve had it 8 weeks so far and been turning it lots and I know it’s a gorgeous mattress, but I need to make it a bit softer somehow. Your advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Lee · Accepted Answer

Hi Diana,

Thanks for your message asking about Hypnos beds and sprung bases and kind words about our extensive mattress buying website.

It sounds like you've done all your research by choosing the correct mattress pocket spring tension for your bodyweight. Most people get this vital first step wrong and then are left with an unsupportive or overly supportive mattress that can cause back aches and sleep issues.

Let's take a look at why the Hypnos Snowdrop (made by Duvaley mattresses) maybe feels too firm for you could be causing you sleep disturbance.

Image from: landofbeds.co.uk/duvalay/divan-beds/snowdrop-2000

Does a slatted base firm up a mattress?

Any solid or slatted base will be firmer than a sprung edge mattress base. However, the difference is not hugely noticeable for most people. It will soften and dampen the overall suspension of the mattress but it won't change the top upholstery comfort layers.

What you can do to help is both board over the slats to stop the mattress from getting damaged via bulging between the gaps but also adding a cheap duvet on top of this board. This will soften it ever so slightly.

It's these top upholstery layers that provide the overall sleep comfort or true feel of the mattress. When we look at what the Hypnos Snowdrop contains it does give us an idea of maybe why it's not providing the best feel for your needs.

Hypnos Snowdrop Mattress Specifications:

- 2000 Midas Touch Pocket Springs - The pocket spring system is the best at providing individual support to the sleeper. The upper part of the spring shapes to the body contours whilst the lower part absorbs changes in weight distribution for the ultimate in comfort and support. The Midas Touch Pocket Springs provide a special combination of responsiveness, comfort and support, making them highly receptive to individual body weights and shapes.
- Pillowtop - A Pillowtop refers to a type of mattress that is made with extra layers and cushioning to increase softness and comfort, as if the mattress were topped with a pillow.
- Wooltec Fibre Layer - An innovative method for blending and bonding lamb's wool fibres, which gives greater, natural temperature control with increased durability and comfort.
- Cashmere Layer - A layer of cashmere is added to the mattress to provide levels of exquisite comfort. Cashmere is historically regarded as the softest natural hair.
- Hand Tufted - The traditional method of mattress upholstery where the fillings are secured by hand with tufts from the top of the mattress to the bottom to ensure all loose fillings are secured to provide the perfect finish.
- Soft Viscose Cover - This mattress cover is made from viscose, a material that has natural origins, the primary material being cellulose, derived from wood pulp, and it has unique qualities. Viscose breathes and regulates temperature well. It is softer than cotton and very comfortable next to the skin.
- Side Air vents - The air vents ensure that the mattress breaths and maintains a fresh and dry sleeping environment.
- 2 Rows of Side Stitching - Extends the sleeping area to the mattress edge by supporting the mattress walls.
- Flag-stitched Handles - Handles on both sides for ease of positioning.
- Easy Care - No need to turn the mattress over - just rotate head to foot, with the seasons, to ensure longevity and continued comfort.

The spring count shows it's a one layer spring mattress which is fine. It doesn't give any indication of the three usual spring tensions that you can pick from. For the price, we would hazard a guess that the springs are spun bond and not calico encased.

The fibres are interesting as there's no GSM or weight given to show how much fibres in there. It isn't surprising most retailers hide this information for some reason. Mainly so you can't compare to other models.

Given its price point of sub £1000 there's no way it will contain anything more than around 200-400gsm of Cashmere. We would guess its been blended as its one of the most expensive fibres, see table at the bottom of this comment. The problem with that is a 200gsm layer will literally sit there under that pillowtop and serve you no benefit. Which is a shame.

https://youtu.be/BHi58NqepXY

However one fibre's used raise an eyebrow. In particular Wooltech. This is some form of proprietary fibre with a mix of wool and some synthetic material no doubt given the price.

The issue Diana is that wool is a fantastic soft and breathable mattress comfort layer. You'd only blend it with another natural fibre if you wanted to tweak its rebound or maybe add some more loft ie cotton. However, you would blend it with a synthetic fibre to firm it up and reduce the cost. Which maybe leads to some of the discomfort you're experiencing.

https://youtu.be/JAiskQWeFLM

The other niggle is that its a pillowtop mattress. We've written extensively about why you should always avoid these types of mattresses as the pillow topper tends to always be the first point of failure. Once it compresses or sags there is no way to remove it so it can be game over for the mattress. This is where that Wooltech may be the culprit.

Given that retailers are now accepting that pillowtops have a single point of failure - the topper - they are adding higher volumes of more resilient firm polyester to reduce them sagging. This though has the additional drawback of you sleeping on synthetic fibres rather than nice breathable wool, but it also firms up the very top layer. Hence sleeping issues as a side sleeper who needs a softer comfort layer.

Why is my new mattress firmer than the shop?:

This is a common question we get asked. The simple answer is that a showroom model will have been pounded by bed jumpers of varying weights sometimes for months, probably never turned, meaning that top layer softens significantly. Your new bed will feel firmer and take at least 4-6 weeks to bed into its true feeling.

Can adding a topper help soften a bed?:

The quick answer is yes. If we were you Diana we would add a 10% wool or down topper to help soften the top layer and bring some breathability back to the mattress.

Lastly please make sure that you rotate this mattress each month religiously. This will help slow down the compression of the pilllowtop and make sure you get the very most out of this Hypnos mattress.

[table id=160 /]

https://youtu.be/3-Pno_9qR2M

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

All the best John & Ryan

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