The salesperson’s comment about mattress firmness ratings being influenced by marketing is partly true. Manufacturers and retailers sometimes use subjective terms like “medium firm,” “firm,” or “soft,” and these ratings can vary between brands. As a result, a “medium firm” mattress from one brand may feel firmer or softer than another brand’s version of the same rating. It can even end up being a different feel within the same company. My mattress company and mattress is a perfect example of this. The have one mattress that is offered i Soft, Medium and Firm. The firm is rated, by their own rating, a 7/10. Another mattress listed as a firm is rated an 8/10. My mattress from the same company is rated 9-9.5/10, although my mattress is considered extra firm. Since there is not uniform standard for measuring overall firmness of a mattress, companies will offer their own versions of what firm means and the comparative value it equates with.
This can be confusing when comparing mattresses across different manufacturers and as I mentioned within a specific manufacturers own line of mattresses.
Regarding your situation, since both your in-store and online sleep tests recommended a firm mattress, but you’re struggling to find one that fits your criteria, a medium firm mattress might still be a good option for you. Mattress firmness is only one aspect of comfort, and other features, such as pressure relief, spinal alignment, and support, may play a more significant role for you, especially given your height, weight, and back/shoulder issues.
At 6ft 2in and 109kg or about 240lbs, you likely need a mattress that provides substantial support to maintain proper spinal alignment, especially if you have back pain. Firmer mattresses generally offer better support for heavier individuals, but if they are too firm, they can create pressure points, particularly around the shoulders and hips.
A medium firm mattress, particularly with a natural pillowtop, can offer a balance between support and cushioning, which might help relieve pressure while still supporting your back. This could be a better option if you’re looking for both comfort and support.
As for the specific mattresses you’re considering, the British Bed Company Duchess Mattress, the Relyon Bourton Natural Luxury Pillowtop 2150, the Relyon Chiltern Natural Luxury Pillowtop 2500, and the Relyon Natural Supreme 2500 Mattress, all offer features that could work for you. The pillowtop design should provide some softness to alleviate pressure on your shoulders and hips, while the pocket springs should provide the support necessary for your back. These mattresses could offer a good mix of firm support and cushioning, especially for a side sleeper like yourself. The Relyon models, in particular, are known for high-quality natural materials, which may provide a more comfortable sleeping experience if you have back and shoulder issues. Keep in mind that the Bourton, Chiltern by their own description is good for a person 210-224lbs (15-16 stone).
A medium firm mattress with a natural pillowtop could still meet your needs, especially considering your body type and any pressure points you might experience with a firmer mattress. The medium firmness offers a compromise between comfort and support, which is ideal if you’re looking for a mattress that supports your back without causing discomfort at the shoulders or hips. Be sure to choose a mattress with a sleep trial so you can test it over time and ensure it works for your needs.
You could look for something that suggests it is suitable for a person slightly heavier than your weight and test some mattresses from there. You may want to consider a Millbrook Serene 3000 or 5000 Firm Tension as they describe them in England.
Millbrook is known for their all natural construction materials, quality and attention to detail.
Choosing the right mattress can be challenging, especially when converting measurements and trying to estimate what might work best for you. At 240lbs, your priority should be finding a mattress with a superior support system, such as those with high-quality spring systems. For example, Millbrook mattresses use a hand-nested spring system in a honeycomb pattern, which helps cover more of the mattress surface for better support. When comparing mattresses, it’s important to consider each layer and its specifications carefully. Ultimately, the best way to determine what works for you is to try the mattress in your home through a sleep trial to ensure it meets your specific needs and the research of the specifications match the body’s requirements.
Hope this helps,
Maverick