When it comes to finding the right mattress firmness, I've spoken with a wealth of experts on how to determine it and what to avoid. But, on a recent trip to Vispring's famed showroom, I learned an unexpected rule from the supplier to royalty that's changed the way I'll buy mattresses forever.
The key, as the Showroom Manager Andrew Soule explained during the tour in the heart of London and just a mile from Buckingham Palace, has less to do with what you might think suits you and more to do with your body weight.
As the official mattress suppliers for all suites and cabins on the Titanic, the rooms at The Dorchester in London, and the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, and even a Royal Warrant to their name, there's no doubt that the experts at Vispring know a thing or two about finding your best mattress.
The Vispring Advice on Choosing Your Perfect Mattress
Clare Schifano is the Global Marketing Director at Vispring, a luxury mattress brand, founded in London in 1901 by John Nolon and Frederick James, who introduced fellow Brit James Marshall’s 1899 patent for the pocket sprung mattress to the UK.
She shares, 'Vispring presents four mattress tensions: Soft, Medium, Firm, and Extra Firm. While many believe that firmer is always better, comfort is a deeply personal experience.'
This is something that Andrew also highlighted, stressing that, while many people think they need a firm sleep surface to combat aches and pains, this approach could actually be a direct hindrance, rather than a help.
'The right tension should gently cradle the body, supporting the spine in correct alignment for a truly restful night’s sleep,' continues Clare. 'While personal preference plays a role, we recommend using body weight as a key guide to finding the best fit.
'Every Vispring mattress is defined by two elements: Tension and feel. Tension, created by the springs, provides the support your body needs, while feel comes from layers of natural materials such as wool, cotton, horsehair, and silk, which create a soft, breathable, and luxurious surface. Together, they work in harmony to deliver both comfort and support.'
So, to help you sleep better and determine which mattress will suit you, as a general guide, Clare advises that Soft tension suits those up to 154 lbs (70 kg), Medium from 154 to 265 (70-120 kg), Firm from 265 to 280 (120 to 127 kg), and Extra Firm for those over 280 lbs (127 kg).
Why Does This Method Work to Ensure the Right Support?
'This approach works because the level of support a mattress provides is directly influenced by how your body weight interacts with the springs,' advises Clare. 'In a Vispring mattress, each pocket spring works independently, responding to pressure exactly where it’s needed and contouring to your body shape.
'This allows the mattress to distribute weight evenly and maintain correct spinal alignment throughout the night.'
Even if you aren't looking to buy a Vispring mattress, this same approach will still work, though perhaps not as effectively, for choosing a pocket-sprung mattress more generally.
'By selecting the appropriate tension for your weight, the springs can compress and respond as intended,' adds Clare. 'If a mattress is too soft, the body can sink excessively and fall out of alignment; if it’s too firm, it won’t contour enough to support natural curves.
'Choosing the right tension ensures the springs and natural fillings work in harmony, delivering balanced support, comfort, and minimal disturbance as you move,' which is particularly important if you share your bed with a partner.
How This Works to Offset Common Sleep-Related Aches and Pains
Even the very best sleep positions are often not enough to combat sleep-related aches and pains entirely.
But, as Clare emphasizes, 'Choosing the correct mattress tension can play a significant role in alleviating common sleep-related aches and pains. When the tension is suited to your body weight, the mattress is able to respond as intended, contouring to your shape, supporting the spine in proper alignment, and distributing weight evenly across the surface.
'This is particularly important around key pressure points such as the hips, shoulders, and lower back. A mattress that is too soft may allow the body to sink and strain these areas, while one that is too firm may not provide enough contouring to relieve pressure. The right balance helps the body rest in a more natural, supported position.'
Of course, as Clare appreciates, a mattress is not a medical solution. But, she concludes, 'Selecting the correct tension can make a meaningful difference in reducing everyday discomfort and improving overall sleep quality.'
What to Shop
From the right mattress to the best bedding, every aspect of your sleep space should complement one another. Below, you can shop six of my top Sleep Editor-approved recommendations for upgrading yours.
All prices were correct at the time of publication, and refer to Queen sizes where applicable.
I find myself recommending this linen duvet set time and time again − it's just that great. With a relaxed, lived-in look and luxurious feel, it's my bedding of choice for year-round comfort.
This Brooklinen pick, in the Soft support option, is my favorite pillow. It mimics the exact feel of Down, but is hypoallergenic, and perfectly supports my side sleeping position without causing any neck ache.
This IKEA bedding proves that luxuriously comfortable bedding doesn't have to come at a high price. Muslin bedding is naturally breathable, lightweight, and airy.
Add a pop of color and texture to your bed with this affordable blanket from IKEA. It's made of 100 per cent cotton, for a durable finish, and provides an extra layer of warmth and comfort.
This may be one of the most expensive comforters I've seen, but it's also the best I've ever tried. It's filled with breathable, 100 per cent mulberry silk, and is available in two weights for your perfect sleep temperature.
This innerspring mattress from Saatva currently sits at the top of our best mattress buying guide. Our expert tester, Jaclyn Turner, has been testing it for over four years and says, 'It's like bringing a luxury hotel bed back home with you.'
Meet the Expert
Interested in finding out more about Vispring? Our Vispring mattress review is full of useful information and shopping insights.
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