Firm or medium firm mattress: which should you choose?

Your height and weight are the two key factors in choosing the right mattress. So you need to pay attention to both the firmness level and the size of the mattress. Sleeping on a mattress that's too small will restrict your choice of pillow - a large square model will be too bulky.

Which mattress is right for an overweight person? We recommend a firm or semi-firm spring mattress, ideally with comfort zones - i.e. specific zones adapted to the heaviest limbs, such as the head or pelvis. If you're over 1.75 m tall, opt for a 140 x 200 mattress, which provides great comfort for a single sleeper, or go for a 160 x 200, or even a 180 x 200 for two people.

If you're of average build and appreciate rather firm support, go for a latex mattress - softer than a spring mattress. Once again, take your height into account when choosing the size of your mattress.

To narrow down your choice, don't hesitate to consult a mattress comparison!

A soft to medium-firm mattress can be uncomfortable when you're expecting a baby. Pregnancy is accompanied by gradual weight gain. And without the right support, the weight of your belly can cause severe back pain. So which mattress is right for pregnant women? Ideally, a semi-firm mattress that gives you more support, while remaining fairly supple.

Do you love your current mattress, especially as it's almost new? While you're waiting for baby, try a mattress topper.

Now that we've covered all the issues for grown-ups, there's one question that remains: which children's mattress should I choose? And how firm should it be? Well, that depends above all on the child's age.

In the case of a baby, making the right choice is a question of safety. Babies should sleep on their backs, to limit the risk of suffocation and cot death. Around the age of 6 months, they start to turn over. But be careful: most babies start by rolling onto their stomachs before they learn to do the opposite. So it's essential to choose a firm mattress, so that once baby is on his tummy, he doesn't risk sinking into the mattress!

When a child starts to sleep in a ‘big bed’, it's generally advisable to opt for a foam or latex mattress. As they grow, it's vital for children to have optimum support for their spine. So avoid a soft mattress or one that's too firm, and opt for medium-firm support.

Good to know: viscoelastic memory foam mattresses are generally not recommended for children. One of the reasons given for this is that memory foam encourages perspiration - which is no longer entirely true, thanks to the latest generation materials (to find out more: Memory foam mattresses: advantages and disadvantages). Children in particular are still growing, so it's best not to ‘mould’ their bodies while they're sleeping!