Sleeping on an extra firm mattress doesn’t mean that you will feel like lying on a huge brick.
It means solid, consistent support.
But to enjoy that support, you need to know how to pick the best extra firm mattress. And that’s what you are going to learn today.
How to Pick the Best Extra Firm Mattress
When it comes to sleep, we all have our preferences.
That’s why it can be hard to make the final choice sometimes.
To make the most informed decision when looking for the best extra firm mattress, consider the following factors:
Your budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on your new mattress, and you will narrow the number of options.
Keep in mind that memory foam models cost around $900-$1,100 on average; hybrid mattresses range between $1,300 and $1,700; latex beds are more expensive (around $1,600-$2,000), and innerspring models are among the cheapest ones ($600-$1,000).
Materials
The most popular mattress type is memory foam. It is favored for its gentle hugging feel and superb pressure relief. Memory foam easily adapts to the body curves and creates that famous enveloping sensation.
However, don’t expect too much sinkage in extra firm models.
As for innerspring mattresses, they offer bouncier support. They are easier to get in and out of, which makes spring beds a good option for people with obesity.
Latex beds are durable and resilient. They conform closely to the body curves without allowing for much sinkage. Extra firm models offer a little give and make you feel like sleeping “on” your mattress rather than “in” it.
Hybrid mattresses typically use coils for support and foam (sometimes latex) for comfort layers. They are popular thanks to the balanced feel they provide. Extra firm hybrid beds don’t offer that much cradling, but they typically have strong edges.
Cover
For easier maintenance, it’s better to pick a mattress with a removable zippered cover.
Also, keep the material in mind. Natural fabrics are more preferable as they offer better breathability.
Cotton, bamboo, and viscose would be the best choice in this case. Tencel is another popular option.
Size
After you have decided on the mattress type, it’s important to pick a proper size. Now, if you are a solo sleeper, a Full mattress should suffice. For couples, Queen size is the most popular option.
However, if you require more legroom, you may want to consider a King.
Some brands offer split models with different comfort levels on two sides (in case you and your partner have different preferences).
Edge support
Even extra firm mattresses can have weak edges. That’s an important aspect to keep in mind, especially if you tend to roll to the edge during sleep.
Strong edges also make it easier for users to get in and out of bed. Typically, innerspring and hybrid mattresses can offer the best edge support.
Warranty
A good warranty can be an indication of the mattress quality. Keep in mind that some mattresses can’t be used with just any bed frame.
So if you don’t want to void your warranty, read the conditions carefully before making a purchase.
If you aren’t 100% sure about whether you need an extra firm mattress or maybe you don’t know what mattress brand to proceed with, check this guide to extra firm mattresses by SleepingOcean with the top 5 best options on the market.
5 Reasons to Start Sleeping on an Extra Firm Mattress
While some people choose squishy soft beds, others realize that sleeping on an extra firm mattress has its perks:
- Proper weight distribution and spinal alignment. An extra firm bed would not allow for too much sinkage. It will prevent your lower back from collapsing and creating unhealthy curves in the spine. Which means, your back will remain in a neutral, healthy position. Plus, firmer support aids an even weight distribution, which, again, helps with proper spinal alignment.
- Improved blood circulation. When lying on a stiffer surface, your bones absorb most of the pressure. This leaves less tension on your muscles and blood vessels and results in increased blood circulation.
- Cooler sleep. An extra firm mattress would not allow too much sinkage. This means you won’t be trapped inside the comfort layers of your bed. Consequently, you will experience minimal (or zero) heat retention.
- Solid support for heavier sleepers. Sometimes it’s hard for overweight sleepers to find a proper bed. They need study support, which would guarantee proper spinal alignment. An extra firm mattress can help with that, plus prevent too much sinkage for the heavier parts of the body.
- Sound sleep for your partner. A firmer sleeping surface means less bounce. Therefore, when you move in bed, your partner isn’t likely to feel much and get disturbed during sleep. Plus, a firm mattress with uniform support will not allow you to roll towards the center of the bed.