Best Firm Mattress in Canada

Benefits of Firmer Mattresses

Now, mattress firmness is a subjective thing, and what’s great for one user, might result in a totally ruined sleep for another.

However, firm mattresses seem to be avoided by most sleepers for some reason. 

But guess what?

They can be more comfortable than all-favourite medium-firm beds in certain scenarios.

So, who will benefit the most from purchasing a firm mattress?

• Stomach sleepers. Stomach sleeping is the least healthy position for your spinal health (1), particularly because it flattens the natural lumbar curve, which may result in lower back pain. However, if it’s the only position you find comfortable, then go for a firm mattress. Most models have zoned support in the lumbar area and can keep your back and lower abdomen properly supported by compensating for the weight.
• Overweight users. If you weigh more than 230 lbs, a firm mattress is the best option for you (2). Denser foams, thicker coils, and sturdier edges can compensate for the larger weight and prevent any unwanted strains and pains.
• Those who typically sleep hot. Firm beds have minimal sinkage, which means that the contact area between your body and the mattress will be smaller, and hence, the mattress will accumulate less of your body heat, so you’ll sleep cooler.

Finally, firmer mattresses typically require fewer resources to be manufactured, which reflects in the final price. So if you’re on the market for a cheaper bed, you may want to take a look at firmer models.

How to Choose a Perfect Firm Mattress?

Now, let’s gather the remaining bits and pieces that will help you make a measured choice of a perfect firm bed.

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider

The first step would be to speak with your health care provider. In fact, this is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a mattress. After all, if there is any medical issue that might be negatively affected by sleeping on a particular mattress, they can prescribe you a better one made specifically for people who have the same health issues as you do.

Your health care provider can explain to you the differences between a bed with a soft or firm mattress and should be able to help guide you toward a mattress that will be most beneficial for your specific sleeping needs.

Firmer is Not Always Better

The old saying "firm is better" is simply not true when it comes to mattresses. When buying a mattress, firmer is not better. A too-firm mattress can be quite uncomfortable, leading to restless nights and potentially even back pain. Look for a medium-firm option instead of the firmest mattress you can find. 

This will provide the perfect balance of support and comfort, ensuring that you get a good night's sleep. And, if you're still not sure, remember that you can always try out a mattress in the store before you buy it. That way, you'll be sure to find one that's just right for you.

Budget

As far as mattress buying is concerned, you really do get what you pay for. The most expensive option isn't always the best, but the least expensive option is rarely the best either.

The key is to find a balance that fits your budget. Be sure to read online reviews and compare prices before making your final decision. With a little research, you can find the perfect mattress at the perfect price.

Look at the Materials

Any mattress you’ll end up with will fall into four major types: memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex. 

The thing is, the average firm bed of each type will feel slightly different, so let’s look at them in detail:

• Memory foam. Memory foam is known for its cradling ability, and it will maintain a bit of traditional viscous feel even in the firmest configuration. Note that memory foam may also soften over time, and the mattress will eventually become less firm due to wear and tear. To slow down this process, choose denser foams and go for the closed-cell and heavy base over the polyfoam.
• Hybrid. Basically, if you need a really firm and long-lasting mattress — go for the hybrid. These beds have the best of both worlds: strong coil core and few layers of foam or latex above it. The coil system will prevent premature sagging and the loss of support, while the foam layers will gently conform to your body and relieve pain.
• Latex. Natural latex is heavy and dense, so it will be firmer than synthetic memory foam. Plus, latex has a sponge-like feel to it, which means instant cradling and quick rebound to its initial shape after the pressure is removed. Both these properties will come in handy for individuals with pain or restricted mobility, and the open-cell structure of latex will perform great at heat removal.
• Innerspring. The mattress with the most basic construction: a coil core and a pillow-top or just a single foam layer above it. Innerspring beds are typically the firmest options you can find, and they often feature models that score 8-9 out of 10 on the universal firmness scale. However, thin padding above the base layer may go flat pretty soon and the mattress might become uncomfortable, so bear this in mind if you go for an innerspring mattress.

Gauge the Motion Absorption

Full-body cradling and pronounced sinkage in medium mattresses also have a shock-absorbing function and eliminate any disturbances from the other side of the bed. Firm mattresses typically are more responsive to movements, which, on the other hand, makes them more sex-friendly but also makes your sleep less peaceful if your bedmate is too active.

If motion disturbances are the case, it’s recommended that you choose an all-foam mattress instead of a model with coils. Foam, even firm, will absorb sharp impulses while maintaining that floating feel you need.

Also read: How to Clean a Mattress

Think About Your Partner

Firm mattresses are more specific than medium-firm beds, and not every person is excited to sleep on a firm bed.

If you and your partner have different firmness preferences, you might want to purchase a split configuration. The split mattress consists of two independent halves that you put into the same bed frame, so each of you can choose the firmness level you like.

Note though, that split mattresses are mostly available in King and California King sizes, so you might need to scale your mattress size if you sleep on a Queen.

Another option is to look for a double-sided mattress. These models are a lot like splits, except that they come in one-piece design and are available in most standard sizes for two users.

F.A.Q.

How do I know my mattress is too firm for me?

The best way to determine whether your mattress is too firm is to try sleeping on it for a couple of weeks. If you notice any discomfort, you may need a firmer mattress. If that doesn't work and you still feel pain, stiffness, or soreness after sleeping on the new bed, you may need a softer mattress.

Do I need a firm mattress?

Many factors come into play when deciding the ideal mattress for you. These include weight, sleeping position, and what kind of body you have. However, a medium-firm or firm mattress is recommended for anyone who weighs more than 230 pounds. 

A firm mattress gives additional support for your weight, allowing you to sleep in optimal alignment.

Is firmer always better?

There are many advantages to having firm mattresses, but a firm mattress is not always better than a soft mattress. It all depends on your age, weight, and sleeping position. 

If you have never slept on a firmer mattress before, it may be challenging at first. However, this is an excellent time to take time to determine your perfect sleeping position because a mattress that is too soft will not support you in whatever position you are sleeping in.

Wrapping Up

Now you know a bit more about firm mattresses. To choose your ideal one, check your preferred sleeping style — a firm bed is best suited for the stomach, back, or a mixture between these two. Also, mind the motion absorption if you’re an active sleeper or share a bed with one. Finally, choose breathable materials for an excellent cooling effect if you tend to sleep hot.

Even though all these mattresses are great, we recommend the GhostBed Luxe mattress after experimentation. This is a heavily breathable mattress, with various different gel-infused layers and a latex layer. GhostBed Luxe combines responsiveness with support and creates a fantastic time for sleepers who prefer more firmness, like back sleepers. If you are suffering from back pain because of your previous or current mattresses, GhostBed might as well fix all of that.

Do you agree with us? Or maybe, you’ve chosen another model from the three to be in your bedroom? We’d love to read your feedback!

References

1. UCLA Ergonomics (n.d.). Sleeping Posture. Retrieved from  https://www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/backsafety/sleeping-posture
2. Daniel Noyed (2020, September 11). How to Choose a Mattress? Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-choose-a-mattress