What is an Extra Firm Mattress?
An extra firm mattress offers a highly robust and firm surface, and unlike a traditional firm mattress, it feels rock hard and almost like sleeping on the floor. These mattresses are typically chosen by people who simply prefer or are used to a very hard and firm mattress.
Unlike softer mattresses, an extra firm mattress is made by combining firmer comfort foams with a firm core which leads to the extra firm feel.
Extra firm mattresses offer maximum support for back sleepers while helping to keep the spine in alignment during the night, so they’re also perfect for anyone with additional support needs
What Are The Benefits of an Extra Firm Mattress?
Depending on your sleeping preferences and any health issues you have such as back problems, then an extra firm mattress can offer a lot of benefits and really improve the quality of your sleep. Here are some of the main benefits of having an extra firm mattress:
Improved spinal alignment
An extra firm mattress shouldn’t sink or dip much during the night, which means that if you’re sleeping on your back then your spine is kept in a neutral position, helping to reduce issues such as back pain and stiffness.
Good support for back and stomach sleepers
One of the problems often faced by people who sleep on their back or stomach is that their mattress doesn’t provide enough support as they sleep. So. it’s important to find a good quality mattress that suits your needs, especially the position you sleep in.
Durable and longer lasting than other mattress types
If made with good quality, durable foams and materials, then extra firm mattresses can be more durable and have a longer lifespan, making them better value for money.
Motion isolation when sharing with a partner
Due to a more dense surface of an extra firm mattress, you’re less likely to feel or be disturbed by your partner moving around during the night.
What Sleeping Position is an Extra Firm Mattress Most Suitable For?
Extra firm mattresses are best suited to people that sleep on their back and stomach. This is because the extra firm surface and low movement helps to keep the spine correctly aligned during the night, which is crucial to avoiding back problems, pain or stiffness.
If you’re someone who sleeps on your side or are a combination sleeper, an extra firm mattress won’t provide you with the pressure support you need while sleeping in those positions.
Even so, you might still prefer a firmer mattress over a soft or plush mattress, so instead we would recommend that you look for a medium mattress or a firm mattress that will still give you that firm support, while allowing for enough sinkage to ease pressure on your joints as you sleep.
Knowing which mattress to buy for your sleeping position can be challenging, so we always recommend visiting our showroom in person if you’re able so that you can try out the mattresses and have your questions answered to help you find the right mattress.
Of course, we understand that visiting in person isn’t always an option, so as an alternative, we have created a personalized Sleep Match Quiz to help you find the perfect mattress for your needs.
Extra Firm Mattress Sizes and Choosing The Right One for You
Our extra firm mattresses come in all sizes at Rested Pillow so that you can find the right mattress size for your needs. Here are the size options we have available:
Twin mattresses - Generally most suited to children and teens. While twin mattresses can sometimes work for single sleepers, they’re generally not comfortable enough and don’t offer real space to stretch out.
Twin XL mattresses - Slightly larger in length than a twin mattress, the Twin XL mattress is a good option for children and growing teens who will appreciate the extra length.
Full mattresses - A full mattress is great for single adults or those who prefer the extra space compared to a twin. Although couples can share a full mattress, it will be quite cramped, so not usually good for ongoing use, and are better suited to a guest bedroom or for single sleepers.
Queen mattresses - Generally the most popular mattress size for couples, a queen mattress will fit most bedrooms comfortably. It’s also a great option for single sleepers who just like that feeling of extra space.
King mattresses - A king mattress is usually chosen by those who have a bigger space to fill and couples who want extra space and the luxurious feeling of a larger bed.
California king mattresses - This is a specialty size and is ideal for those who are quite tall since the California king mattress is slightly longer than a standard king mattress. When considering this mattress, it’s important to note that the width is a little less than a king, and you’ll generally require a custom bed frame and sheets.
Custom mattress sizes - If you require a custom mattress size to fit something like an antique bed, specialty bunk bed or the bed in your camper or RV, we will partner with you to help you create the exact mattress you need.
What Things You Should Consider When Buying an Extra Firm Mattress
Extra firm mattresses are not suitable for everyone and should only be used if you know for certain that you truly prefer the very solid feel of this mattress or if you have additional support needs that would make sleeping on any other type of mattress too uncomfortable.
When deciding whether or not buy an extra firm mattress, here are some of the things that are important to consider:
Your sleeping preferences
You should only buy an extra firm mattress if you’re absolutely certain that you prefer a very hard sleeping surface. Most people find this mattress uncomfortable, so it’s important to consider this before you buy a new mattress.
Your sleeping position
Extra firm mattresses are best suited to back sleepers and stomach sleepers since they won’t provide enough support or comfort for side or combination sleepers. If you sleep in another position, it’s recommended that you buy a medium mattress or a firm mattress.
Any health needs
If you have back or hip problems, then an extra firm mattress can help provide you with the much needed support during the night to keep your spine aligned and prevent pain and stiffness when you wake up.
Who’s going to be using the mattress
Because an extra firm mattress will feel quite uncomfortable to many people, it’s important to consider your partner’s needs and preferences before buying one.
Is an Extra Firm Mattress Right For You?
If you’re considering buying an extra firm mattress, it’s important to do your research and make sure it’s right for you. As with all mattresses, an extra firm mattress has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of the pros and cons of extra firm mattresses to help you decide if it’s right for you:
Pros of an extra firm mattress
- Generally last longer and are more durable than other mattresses
- Provide maximum support for those with back or hip problems
Cons of an extra firm mattress
- Feel very hard to sleep on, almost like a floor
- Many people won’t find them comfortable
- Are only suitable for people who sleep on their back or stomach
Caring For Your Extra Firm Mattress
If you buy a good quality extra firm mattress, it should hopefully last you a long time and provide you with many good nights of sleep. Of course, there are also things you can do to ensure that your mattress stays in good condition for longer so that you get the most out of it. Here are some of our top tips for looking after your mattress.
- Use a waterproof mattress protector - A good quality waterproof mattress protector will protect your mattress and help to keep it clean and free from dust and other allergens.
- Clean regularly - You should also clean your mattress regularly and spot treat any spills or accidents by using a mild detergent and warm water.
- Rotate or flip if required - If you buy a flippable mattress, then you need to flip it regularly to help maintain their shape and firmness. Other mattresses don’t need to be flipped, but can be rotated for the same reason, and it’s a good way to help maintain the shape and firmness.
Find Your Extra Firm Mattress at Rested Pillow
At Rested Pillow, we believe that good sleep should be a priority, and this is reflected in everything we do, from the quality of our extra firm mattresses to our personalized customer service.
We can help you find your perfect extra firm mattress, no matter whether you live in the Michigan area or on the other end of the country.
Visit us in person at our showroom if you’re able, or contact us to learn more about our products and how we can help.
