I am 6ft 2, 108kg weight. The mattress store recommended a firm mattress. I’m a side sleeper with shoulder issues and some lower back issues. The mattress was delivered and although it’s fine for my back it is too firm for my shoulders and causing pain. Doesn’t feel “comfy” either. Will moving to a medium firm mattress be that much of a noticeable difference or should I just go with medium? Thanks
Hi Josh,
At 6’2" and 240 lbs, finding a mattress with excellent support is essential. While a firm mattress might be recommended, it’s not one-size-fits-all. I’m 6’0" and currently 220 lbs (formerly 250), and my wife is 5’4" and 135 lbs. We both prefer very firm mattresses and manage to sleep comfortably on our sides, as a matter of fact, we love our ultra firm mattress.
It’s important to note that even two “firm” mattresses rated 9/10 can feel quite different, so there’s not enough information yet to make a definitive call. Different materials, foams etc, can get you to a “firm” but have distinctly different feel to the body when resting on it.
Your shoulder pain suggests that your pillow choice might also be contributing to the issue. When transitioning to a firmer mattress, it’s crucial to reassess your pillow configuration. A firmer mattress keeps you, as we say, sleeping on top of the mattress surface, rather than allowing you to sink in, which means you may need to increase your pillow loft and firmness to maintain proper alignment and prevent your shoulders from digging into the mattress. The situation, in addition to the shoulders digging in the mattress, cause your head to rest all night at an awkward angle, straining the muscles in your neck and shoulders.
This is a common challenge, especially when mattress stores offer generic pillows as a bonus. Often, these pillows aren’t well-matched to the mattress or your individual needs, leading to discomfort. These pillows do not take into consideration a sleepers, height, weight, mattress firmness, or any real criteria related to a comfortable sleep. The pillows are often best for stuffing the matching shams to your bed cover/sheet set.
While switching to a medium mattress might provide some relief initially, it might not be a long-term solution, especially if issues arise after the trial period ends—something that can be a hassle, when the timing of mattress issues is likely to happen, we all know how that goes.
I recommend adjusting your pillow situation first. You could even try stacking towels under your current pillow to raise its height. I’ve found that if my pillows are off by more than an inch and a half from my comfort height, I end up with a sore neck and shoulders—crazy, but true!
Try experimenting with different pillows or configurations, and then let us know how it goes. I, along with others in the TTTE forum, would be curious to hear what mattress model, manufacturer and topper (if the mattress is designed around a topper) you chose.
Wishing you all the best,
Maverick
PS Knowing the mattress, materials, spring support gauge and construction can be helpful. Some materials require a longer break in period than others and some humanoids need their bodies to adjust to the new feel of the mattress. Giving it a good 30 days of use, before coming to a decision, would be a sensible choice.
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Hi Josh,
I concur with what Maverick said - try a different pillow that has some loft to it or an adjustable pillow. Also, as he said, giving it a good 30 days would give it time to break in.
You may find a 2" to 3" topper may help to make the mattress feel more ‘comfy’ and ameliorate some of the pain.
Good luck, and let us know if we can help!
Katie for TCB
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@Maverick thank for your response. Here’s some more info;
Current Mattress (on trial):
The mattress I ordered was the Therapur ActiGel Arctic 2600. Got it ex-demo/return with a large discount it’s now been discontinued. The new model I think is a similar construction just 200 more springs. There’s an images with the composition listed on this page; Therapur Actigel Arctic 2800
I’ve been testing the mattress for around 2.5 months and am right at the end of the trial period (1 more week). I already added a 3 inch memory foam topper. It’s a bit better but still doesn’t feel like there is that much pressure relief.
Pillows:
I have already addressed the pillow issue also. I ordered new microfibre pillows and am stacking them appropriately to alleviate the shoulder pain. This has been effective on the whole but on occasion due to movement the pillows may adjust during the night and as this firm mattress is unforgiving, I risk waking up with pain. As you mention, if I add too much loft my neck tends to be uncomfortable.
Previous mattress:
My previous mattress was 15+ year old, medium firmness, pocket spring mattress with a foam filled pillow top. I ended up flipping the mattress and sleeping on the springs as it was cooler (I’m a very hot sleeper - you responded to me regarding this on another thread…). Maybe my back was a little worse, hard to tell, shoulders were not an issue with this mattress though even with a low loft pillow setup.
New mattress:
Currently in discussion with the Dreams store as to whether they’ll allow me to return the Therapur for a refund instead of an exchange after the trial ends. Is thats the case I can test and return another mattress from a different store. If not, I’ll have to get the next decision right.
The other mattresses I’ve whittled down to are;
Best natural mattress at Dreams store if I have to exchange the Therapur:
https://tinyurl.com/26d57u7x (medium)
(Dreams store don’t seem to stock any firm natural mattresses in my price range (sub £1000)
Best natural mattress at an alternative store (if I can get a refund from Dreams):
(link in next post)
Best natural mattress at an alternative store (if I can get a refund from Dreams):
https://tinyurl.com/2dj2bl5d (medium)
Based on the limited information on all three mattresses the Tuft and Springs is likely going to be best choice for shoulder pain issues. Oddly enough, the Artic 2800 would be the next choice.
Mattresses are a very subjective proposition. As I was mentioned the the other day in that, two mattresses both with 9/10 firmess ratings, but made with a different combination of materials, can feel very different to an individual sleeping on one verse the other.
You really need a mattress that have a very supportive support layer, but with a comfort layer that is configured in a way were you get a pillowtop type feel for your shoulders and a mid comfort layer that works in conjunction with the support layer to keep you from sinking entirely into the mattress.
It seems these british mattress companies dont always tell you what their foams are made with.
One last thing that caught my eye about the Actigel Arctic 2800, it incorporates a foam edge perimeter support edge. This video explains the different type of edge support. If you happen to sleep close to the edge of the mattress, it may have an affect on your comfort. Under these circumstances, it would seem unlikely, but you just never know.
You may want to consider a mid ILD 3" latex topper(low to mid 20’s ILD or there about) rather than memory foam. Although viscoelastic memory foam is known to be more pressure relieving, a plush latex will offer pressure relief and some additional support, where you will get a bit of a bouncy feel rather than sink into the mattress feel.
This mattress on their website, appears to be one to try relyon-bridgewater.
Thanks. Sorry to flog a dead horse but just to clarify; Is the Tuft & Spring still a valid choice since it had medium firmness. Or will some medium mattresses still be able to provide adequate back support given my weight?
Thanks for the latex topper recommendation but I’ve tried a full Dunlop latex mattress before and was far too hard. From what I’ve read even Talalay isn’t that much softer (?) so I’ve tried to factor it out of my research.
I’d actually already checked out Relyon Bridgwater mattress you attached. Issue is that the comfort layer you sleep on looks like its polyester fibre (they put the wool layer beneath this for some reason) and there is a dunlop latex layer, plus other synthetic layers so I thought this was a poor match for what I need. Beside the fact its out of my price range.
I just ran mattressnextday.co.uk mattress firmness calculator and between 95-110kg (planning on loosing weight) its suggesting medium firm mattresses. I’m guessing the medium Tuft & Spring might not be the best bet then? Issue is for some reason Dreams.co.uk (should I be locked into getting a replacement with them) only seem to sell medium OR firm mattresses - no medium firm.
Also, they dont seem to sell many pillow top mattresses with only natural layers. Most seem to include a foam or polyester fibre layer. If the only option is a wool comfort layer with synthetic / foam layers beneath, is this going to provide enough breathability for a hot sleeper?
Keep in mind that these “calculators” can be useful, but they should be viewed as a general guideline. Many trusted members here at TMU have used similar calculators, but their personal experiences working with patients of all sizes, shapes and preferences, often provide more valuable insights.
Remember, different manufacturers categorize firmness levels in various ways. For example, my mattress has one side touted as super firm and the other as firm, and both sides are firmer than many of the other “firm” mattresses they offer.
Regarding breathability, mattress designs can impact heat dissipation. For instance, Tempflow mattresses utilize viscoelastic memory foam (like the original tempurpedic foam), known for retaining heat, but their patented construction allows for better heat dispersion, making the experience cooler.
My mattress features a high-density foam comfort layer, which is not overly warm to begin with, and we added a 100% organic 3" wool topper. Wool is naturally heat-neutral, so we don’t sleep hot, or even warm at all.
As for synthetic materials, such as polyester and foam, they are less breathable and can cause heat retention (as they are essentially plastic) unless they effectively expel warm air. If you’re consulting with a knowledgeable, reputable, and honest mattress professional, they might provide valuable insights about specific mattresses and those of others who have purchased them.
If you have one exchange with the current mattress, you may like one similar to the bridgewater, or if they give you a refund, and you get the Opulence, and you dont like it, you are in the same situation as you are now. It can be a roll of the dice either way, so it may get down to who you trust the most over there.
Hi guys. I fortunately managed to get a refund of my current Dreams mattress and am now looking for my new natural pillow-top pocket spring. Quite a few on offer either include a memory foam or polyester fibre layer below the (wool) pillowtop. Will having a synthetic layer below the natural pillow-top likely to have any noticeable effect on the breathability of the mattress?