WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FIRM & PLUS SIZE MATTRESS?

A firm mattress is typically made of denser materials and has less give when pressure is applied. There is a full spectrum of firmness levels to take into consideration when buying a mattress, rated on a scale of 1 to 10 and ranging from very soft to very firm. Often, the firmer areas are located in targeted zones that accommodate a specific sleep style or an average-size body. A person who weighs 250 pounds or more will naturally sink deeper, and experience comfort differently than someone who weights 130 pounds. A mattress designed specifically for a plus- size person should have a firmer density across the entire mattress for optimal pressure point relief.

There is no one-size-fits-all mattress, and no one way to construct a firm mattress. Customers of size should have the luxury of choosing a personalized sleep solution. A premier, plus-size mattress is constructed with greater durability in the center—and additional support, such as individually encased coils, paired with high-density foam to ensure deeper compression support as well as longer life for your mattress. A true plus-size sleep solution also offers adequate edge support to avoid the feeling of sinking, rolling or falling.

High quality mattress materials are important to every sleeper and a main factor that determines how long your mattress will last. The heavier the sleeper, the greater the amount of pressure on the sleep surface—making the overall integrity of the mattress even more vital. If you’re a plus-size sleeper, all-foam mattresses should be avoided as they tend to wear down more quickly. Look for higher density, top foam layers and a base of industrial coils to ensure the integrity of your investment.

Even though firm mattresses tend to retain less body heat than a typical plush mattress, cooling is a top consideration for plus-size sleepers. A larger body mass produces more heat, and night sweats are common for customers of size. Phase change molecule (PCM) surface infusions, added to the top foam layer can deliver much needed cooling on contact. Foams that are manufactured with an open-cell structure and pin core ventilation offer a more breathable sleep surface than most other materials. Individually encased coils also contribute to greater airflow throughout the mattress.

Motion transfer can occur in any bed regardless of firmness level, but customers of size tend to experience more motion transfer—and more sleep disturbances because of that transfer—than other sleepers. If your mattress is made of flexible springs or continuous coils, you will feel the disturbance more prominently. Individually encased coils, particularly those of industrial strength, or higher density foams (like memory foam) will reduce motion transfer best, allowing for a deeper, uninterrupted sleep.