Support matters
With pocket springs underneath, support comes from the build, firmness comes from the layers on top.
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Clearing up a few common myths
There’s a lot of well-meaning advice out there about mattress firmness. Some of it sticks. Much of it doesn’t. Here’s what we see most often and what’s actually true.
Myth 1: A firm mattress isn’t always better for your back
The truth: Support keeps your spine aligned, not surface hardness. A mattress can feel soft and still offer excellent support if the spring system is doing its job.
Myth 2: Spring count tells you how firm a mattress will feel
The truth: Spring count affects how evenly your body is supported. Firmness comes from the comfort layers above the springs.
We’re clear on this because we make mattresses by hand, every day and we see how materials, springs and bodies interact over time. Many mattress labels are designed to simplify selling, not sleeping.
You don’t need a showroom to get firmness right
Trying a mattress for five minutes in a shop isn’t how your body really decides. Real comfort shows up at 3am. And 6am. And after a full night of proper sleep. That’s why we offer our 45 Night Sleep Promise. This is a real opportunity for your body to get used to a new mattress.
It gives you time to:
- Let the natural fillings settle
- Let your body adjust
- Decide how the mattress actually feels night after night
If the firmness isn’t quite right, we’ll help you change it.
Spring count vs Tension
Let’s start here, these are two words you’ll hear a lot when looking for a new mattress and they can often be misused.
Spring count
Simply put: the more springs, the more evenly your body is supported.
More springs allow the mattress to respond more precisely to your shape and movement, helping spread weight evenly and reduce pressure points. If budget allows, choosing a higher spring count is usually a good idea. Your back will thank you for it over the long term.
Spring count affects support, not firmness.
Tension
Tension is another word for mattress firmness. This is refers to the thickness of the wire of the springs in the mattress. A mattress that has a firm tension uses a thicker wire than a mattress that has a medium tension spring. The way we decide which spring tension you need is based on your body weight and height to ensure that the spring is able to effectively support your body – regardless of the number of springs you’ve chosen.
Firmness and support are not the same thing
This is where most confusion starts.
Firmness = comfort feel (soft, medium, firm)
Support = how well the mattress keeps your spine in a natural, healthy alignment
A mattress can feel soft and be supportive. And one can feel firm but offer poor support. With pocket springs doing the hard work underneath, support comes from the spring system responding to your body, firmness comes from the thickness of the spring and what’s layered on top.
Select the right tension
Your mattress should be tailored to your body weight and preferred level of support.
If you’re unsure which comfort level is right for you, we’re always here to help. Just give us a call, and our sleep experts will guide you to your perfect mattress.
Spring Tension |
Recommended Weight Range |
| Soft | Bespoke product – please call for details |
| Medium | Up to 16 stone (101kg) |
| Firm | 16 stone (101kg) – 18 stone (114kg) |
Our Best Selling Mattresses
What affects how firm a mattress feels to you?
A few things matter more than labels:
- Your sleeping position (side, back, front — or all three)
- Your body shape and weight distribution
- How sensitive you are to pressure at shoulders and hips
- What you’re used to sleeping on now
This is why two people can lie on the same mattress and describe it completely differently.
FAQS about mattress firmness
Is a firmer mattress better for your back?
Not necessarily. Good sleep comes from proper support, not surface hardness. A mattress can feel soft and still keep your spine well aligned.
Does body weight determine mattress firmness?
It plays a part, but it’s not the whole story. Body shape, sleeping position and comfort preference matter just as much.
How long does it take to know if the firmness is right?
Usually a few weeks. Natural fillings need time to settle, and your body needs time to adjust. That’s why we build in breathing space with our sleep promise.
Does mattress size affect firmness?
It can. Larger mattresses distribute weight differently, which can subtly change how firmness feels. If you’re choosing something non-standard, our mattress size guide is a helpful place to start.
Still unsure?
That’s normal. And it’s why our team exists. If you want help choosing the right firmness, without pressure, jargon or guesswork then give us a call or email.
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