Extra Firm Mattresses

What is an extra firm mattress?

The sturdiest sleeping surface that you can choose, an extra firm mattress sits pretty at the peak of the mattress firmness ratings. Offering enhanced levels of support, these are the best mattresses for back pain, providing more than enough lumbar support to help you drift off into a peaceful sleep.

What are the different types of extra-firm mattresses?

Pocketed sprung mattresses 

With individually pocketed springs that can act both independently and in sync with their neighbours, these mattresses offer premium levels of support. They also reduce movement transference so even wriggly sleepers won’t disturb their partners at night. 

Reflex foam mattresses

Reflex foam is denser than standard memory foam and is much firmer. It still has that spring-back that memory foam has but provides more support for heavier or larger users. They do tend to retain the heat, though, so if you suffer from hot flushes you may want to look at an alternative or a hybrid option. 

Miracoil mattresses 

Exclusive to Silentnight, Miracoil mattresses use reflex foam springs rather than traditional high-tensile steel. They deliver outstanding levels of support and comfort and are a real luxury option with a 10-year guarantee for peace of mind. 

Medical-grade foam mattresses

Medical grade foam mattresses are dense foam that’s been developed to provide a firm feel but with plenty of cushioned support. They’re great for those who suffer from back problems but prefer to sleep on their sides. 

Hybrid mattresses 

These combine memory foam or reflex foam comfort layers with a sprung core to deliver exceptional support. They do need to be turned regularly to prevent dips or bumps from forming, but as they are usually single-sided designs, you won’t need to flip them over to maintain them. 

Do I need an extra firm mattress?

As with all bed accessories, it’s important to consider the requirements of your body when deciding which type of mattress is right for you. If you’re of lighter weight, then chances are an extra firm mattress won’t be suitable for you. The lighter you are, the softer the mattress as a general rule of thumb.

For heavier individuals, sinking into a soft mattress can do more harm than good, and therefore a firmer mattress is better for a larger or heavier person. Similarly, if you’re suffering from back or neck problems, the stiffness of an extra firm bed mattress can aid in the recovery and soothing of the aches.

Consider any ailments that you have, as well as any problems you encounter with trying to get to sleep when selecting the most comfortable mattress for your needs.

Is an extra firm mattress good for back pain?

When finding out what is the best extra firm mattress for your needs, a key factor to consider is back support. If you find your sleep hampered by aches and pains, then we have the best mattresses for back pain relief in the form of our extra-firm offerings.

Our specialist orthopaedic mattresses offer top support to sore backs, helping to adjust the body into a suitable sleeping position, and achieving correct spinal alignment for enhanced comfort. The extra support offered by a firmer mattress improves the posture of the body while sleeping, stopping the body from curving uncomfortably.

Available in a range of sizes including extra firm double mattresses and more, the stiff and rigid mattress can be applied to anyone who requires enhanced levels of support.

Is a firm or extra-firm mattress better for back pain?

The firmness of a mattress will depend on your size, your weight and of course, your preference. However, an extra-firm mattress isn’t always the best option for back pain relief, especially if you are lighter or smaller. If you weigh under 150 lbs or 10½ stone, you may need a softer mattress to give you the cushioning you need. If you weigh over 230lbs or 16½ stone and sleep on your front or back, a mattress that is too firm may also cause you discomfort and aggravate pressure points. 

Don’t naturally assume that the firmer the mattress, the better it will be for your back. If you sleep on your side, then you may need a softer option. However, if you like the sensation of a firm or extra-firm mattress but need a softer feel, why not add a memory foam mattress topper? 

How firm is too firm for a mattress?

If you wake up with a backache or existing aches and pains feel worse after a night’s sleep, your mattress may be too firm. If you’re lighter or a side sleeper then a firm mattress may feel uncomfortable. Firm mattresses are more suitable for those who sleep on their front. 

A firm or extra-firm mattress will take a little while to ‘break in’ and may start to feel softer after a couple of months or so. However, if you still feel uncomfortable then adding a mattress topper may be a solution. A 3-inch topper will drastically soften the feeling of an extra-firm mattress while a 1-2-inch topper is suitable for a firm mattress. No matter what type of mattress you choose you can get free next-day delivery to any part of the UK mainland with MattressNextDay. 

Will a firm mattress get softer?

Designed with an enhanced lifespan of upwards of a decade, our tough firm mattresses are built to last and retain their firmness for the duration of their use. While there are home remedies for making a firm mattress softer, the quality materials used in the construction of each of our extra firm mattresses ensure that they remain as good as new. The bed mattress of dreams for anyone who requires additional back support and a harder sleeping surface, you can rely on our extra firm mattress range to be in it for the long haul.

Which is the best extra firm mattress?

Extra firm mattresses are ideal if you’re a little larger, need extra support for your back, or simply prefer a firmer feel. To counteract the firmness and give you a little extra cushioned support, most extra firm mattresses will also have soft touch covers that provide a softer feel but with no compromise on support. All of the major brands produce a selection of extra firm options, including Silentnight, Sealy and Sleepeezee. 

The majority of extra firm mattresses will be coil sprung, but you can also benefit from the additional support of Reflex Foam options, which give you premium support but with more spring-back and cushioning.  

How to choose the best extra firm mattresses

Whether you’re looking for a mattress for back pain or the best mattress for a larger person, we are your one-stop mattress shop for all specialist mattress needs. Similarly, an extra hard mattress is suitable for those who sleep on their stomachs, providing additional support to pressure points.

Our cheap extra firm mattresses offer all the support you need for a comfortable night’s sleep at a price that cannot be beaten. With sizes ranging from extra firm single mattresses to extra firm king-size mattresses, and everything in between, you can add a more solid mattress to any bedroom in the house, suitable for all requirements. For help finding the best size extra firm mattress for you, read our Ultimate UK Bed & Mattress Size Guide.

As well as being the premium mattress manufacturers, we also stock offerings from the best mattress brands, such as Silentnight, Sealy, Emma and Sleepeezee. Rest easy, safe in the knowledge that our firmer mattresses are as high in quality as they are in value. If you need help choosing the right mattress firmness for you, check out our Mattress Firmness Guide.