Exminster Ortho Mattress: An In-Depth Review
A good night's sleep is essential for our overall well-being. It recharges our mind, rejuvenates our body, and directly impacts our mood. Our sleeping setup significantly influences the quality of our sleep. When it comes to our sleeping setup, one particular component stands out - our mattress. Having the right mattress is not only for our comfort but also for our spinal health. Today, I'll be sharing my detailed review of Bensons for Beds' Exminster Ortho Mattress, which I had the opportunity to test in-store.
Design and Features
The Exminster Ortho Mattress has a traditional flair blended with modern functionalities. At the very core of this mattress are 1000 individual pocket springs, offering a dynamic, responsive support by adapting to body movements. The mattress has been generously upholstered with an exquisitely woven Belgium damask cover, improving the breathable sleeping surface and promising longevity.
The Exminster Ortho Mattress also features a unique, hypoallergenic comfort layer, which is 75% recycled. This additional layer illustrates a more sustainable approach and further enhances the responsive nature of the mattress.
One standout feature is its orthopaedic support offered by firm hand-tufted fillings. They add support and help the mattress wear well. Also, it features dynamic reinforced edge support to prevent roll-off and uses the sleep surface more effectively.
The mattress is double-sided, aimed at prolonging its shelf life. By simply turning and rotating the mattress, you can keep it in prime condition for a longer period. Despite its detailed design and heavy-duty construction, the Exminster Ortho mattress is hefty, measuring 26.5 cm in height, underlining the need for assistance in manoeuvring it around your space.
Interestingly enough, the Exminster Ortho has been developed in a ‘I'm Green™' packaging, stating their commitment towards an eco-friendly approach by incorporating a minimum of 50% sugar cane and 30% recycled plastics in their packaging.
Mattress Comfort
Situated on the firmer end of the comfort scale, the Exminster Ortho Mattress is engineered to cater to a niche category of sleepers who prefer a more supportive, sturdy feel. The mattress is an amalgamation of well-structured support layered with a soft, well-crafted damask cover. Lying on my side in store, I found the firmness almost overwhelming: at 61 kg I got too little give at the hip and shoulder, and it felt too solid for someone who likes to sink in. The pocket springs did an excellent job of responding as I moved, though, so turning over was easy.
Fans of a traditional mattress will like the old-school tufting.
Suitability
Firm mattresses, such as the Exminster Ortho Mattress, tend to be more suitable for back or stomach sleepers, who require rigid and consistent support. If you sleep on your side, or have an hourglass figure, walk past it. For these specific groups, I would recommend a softer tension support layer to ensure comfortable, uninterrupted sleep.
What Customers Thought
Owners mostly write about comfort and better sleep, and the firm feel suits the people who went looking for it. "It's very comfortable if you're used to a firm mattress," one owner wrote, while another said "we have slept better and have woken up with less aches and pains". Back support comes up often too: "It was exactly what my back needed." Plenty of the reviews are as much about Bensons' service and delivery as the mattress itself, with one owner praising "Great communication from Bensons throughout."
The firmness is also the main complaint. One owner found it "slightly too firm for us, but overall good quality", and another wrote "Unfortunately it's too firm for me". Beyond that, the gripes come from individual owners: one said "the mattress has dipped already where I sleep", another that "The sides need to be firmer", and a third found the "Springs very noisy when moving or turning over".
The Verdict: Exminster Ortho Mattress
The Exminster Ortho Mattress, with its stringently firm build and conventional design, is a mixed bag. While some components have succeeded in combining comfort and supportive qualities, others fall short.
If you're seeking a mattress that offers firm support, traditional build, and the luxury of a damask cover, then the Exminster Ortho ticks these boxes.
Then there's the double-sided build, which I love: turning it extends its life. It's hefty, though, so turning it is a two-person job. Its packaging does require some commendation. The careful incorporation of sugarcane and recycled plastics shows Bensons for Beds' commitment to reducing waste - but remember, green packaging doesn't mean green comfort.
The Exminster Ortho Mattress keeps its firm promise. If you're a back or stomach sleeper who wants firm, buy it. If you sleep on your side or like something softer, look elsewhere.
