Mattress tension, or firmness, reflects how soft of firm a mattress feels when you lie on it. 

The tension of your mattress is dictated by the core support system, at Cottonsafe® we opt to use pocket springs.

Deciding what tension suits your comfort level should be at the top of your list when purchasing a new mattress, and it is important to note that the feel and tension of a mattress is subjective. Two sleepers can experience the same mattress differently. 

You may assume that firmness rating and support are the same and while they can impact each other, there is a different. A supportive mattress should keep your spine in a healthy, neutral alignment and it is a common misnomer that the firmer the mattress the more supportive it will be. 

The fillings in a mattress can vary the feel and firmness isn’t only reliant on the tension, so it is worth doing some research, particularly as the feel of a mattress can be subjective to the individual.

Typically sleep position and body weight are the biggest influence on mattress firmness, a lighter person may find a mattress firm while a heavier person may find the same mattress softer. As a general rule if you are heavier in build, you should consider a firmer mattress, as this will ensure you are properly supported.

Whilst we would always recommend buying the mattress you find comfortable, sleep position is another factor to consider when choosing your new mattress. If you can’t try a mattress before you purchase then here are some general rules to follow:

If you are a side sleeper or change position regularly then you will most likely benefit from a soft or medium mattress, this is because you already relieve the pressure from your spine so you will want a mattress that moulds to your body’s natural sleep positions. 

If you are a back sleeper, it is generally recommended you opt for a medium to firm mattress, this is because sleeping on your back puts more pressure on your lower back so you will need to ensure your spine is well supported.

If you are a front sleeper then a firm mattress will best support your spine, you don’t want to sink into the mattress too much because it could cause lower back pain. 

If you are planning on switching from one type of mattress model, such as a memory foam, to something with a different support system, such as a pocket spring or latex core then it is likely that you will find the feel significantly different and it may take your body a little time to adjust to the change in support. 

Where possible we would advise visiting us in our showroom to test our mattresses or giving us a call to discuss your choice.