AS the days are getting shorter, I find myself hitting the sack earlier, and really value my sleep.
A supportive mattress can really make a difference – I first put the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress to the test months ago, and have been reaping the benefits ever since.
REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress, from £386
In the autumn and winter, the dark mornings can make it more difficult to get up – but the good quality sleep I get now helps me feel more energetic and resist pressing the snooze button.
I also suffer from backache quite often, which I put down to sitting in a chair all day at the office and on packed trains during my commute.
Being the first mattress I’ve tried with ortho support, I can safely (and gladly) say that it does live up to its promises.
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You’ll also get one 400 Memory Foam Pillow (with single mattress) or two 400 Memory Foam Pillows (with small double, double, king and super king sizes) plus a Tencel Cool Mattress Protector.
REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress, from £386.40 – buy here
Once I got used to the initial firmness after switching from a springy, unsupportive mattress, I could feel my body sinking into the memory foam.
I’m usually a side sleeper, but I find this supports whatever position I find myself in during the night.
A mattress is a big purchase, so the 100-night trial is very welcome, and it’s upgraded to 200 nights if you include a mattress protector in your purchase.
I think three months is more than enough time to figure out if it’s the best mattress for you, and if it isn’t, you can return it for a full refund.
Pros
- The back support is great
- Lessens the impact of your partner’s movements during the night
- 200-night sleep trial is generous
Cons
- It may be too firm for some people
- Temperature-regulating qualities weren’t super noticeable
Overall rating: 8/10
REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress review: Quickfire Q&A
How much does the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress cost? A king-size mattress costs £699.99 but you can currently buy it for £540.96, which is moderately priced for a Hybrid mattress. The smaller sizes now start from £386.
How firm is the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress? It’s rated 9/10 for firmness by REM-FIT, making it the brand’s firmest mattress. I’d agree that it has a firm feel to touch and to sleep on.
Who is it best for? Those who suffer from back problems or just prefer a firm and supportive mattress. It’s also great if you get woken up a lot by your partner’s movement.
What I loved: The support is undeniable, and while it’s much firmer than others I’ve tried, there’s no bouncing or squeaking. It truly feels like your body is being properly cushioned. The memory foam absorbs most movement, so if you share the bed with a fidgety partner, it’s less likely to disturb your sleep.
What I didn’t: The initial chemical smell wasn’t ideal, but it disappeared within a day.
How I tested the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress
I’ve now slept on the REM-Fit mattress for three months consistently, so my thoughts are based on over 90 nights of sleep.
The testing process included scenarios in which I was both sharing the mattress with my partner and sleeping alone, so I could check against the claims of zero motion transfer.
Throughout my time using the mattress, I was mindful of several factors, including the comfort level, back support and pressure-relief, the edge-to-edge support and the breathability.
REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress review: The Nitty Gritty
REM-Fit® 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress, from £386
First impressions
Due to the 2000 spring count, I was expecting the mattress to be heavy, and that it was.
Luckily, upon delivery, it was brought upstairs by the driver and came rolled up in a bag, which made it much easier for my partner and me to move it to the bed, but it would be difficult alone.
If you were moving house and getting one delivered, having it rolled up would also be a godsend space-wise.
Once I’d cut open the bag, the mattress sprung to life, so you want to make sure you open it as close to your bed frame as possible.
I was instantly impressed that the mattress came with a cover on, which helps protect it. I usually use a mattress topper, but don’t think that would be necessary with this.
REM-Fit advises waiting 2-3 hours before using the mattress, which is when it will expand and rise to its full height.
During this time, the mattress did have a slight chemical smell, but once I put bedding on it went away.
Does it deliver?
REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress, from £386
The mattress does what it says on the tin — I was impressed to find that almost all of the claims REM-Fit made were true.
Not only do I find it supportive, but it also gave me nights after night of uninterrupted slumber.
The standout for me was not feeling my partner’s movements, and it’s particularly handy when we get up at different times for work.
The standout for me was not feeling my partner’s movements, and it’s particularly handy when we get up at different times for work.
I think most of that is down to the memory foam, and it makes sense as you can feel yourself sinking into it rather than just lying on top.
It is without a doubt the firmest mattress I’ve had, but it does naturally encourage me to lie on my back, something which matches the claims that it promotes correct spinal alignment.
I have to say, I can’t recall noticing the temperature-regulating aspect, although some of the periods I tested it in included a heatwave, during which time nothing could cool me down.
The edge-to-edge support was no lie either — considering how well the mattress supports the body and keeps it in place, I think it would be pretty difficult to roll off.
I also loved that the mattress came with a cover, giving some extra padding underneath your bedding and also protecting it from wear and tear.
A deal REM-Fit is running at the time of writing includes two of the brand’s 400 memory foam pillows for free when you purchase a mattress — I tested one out, and it was super-bouncy and fairly comfortable.
Personally, I would choose a slightly denser pillow, as I found this one slightly too springy; it felt like my head was resting on top, not sinking in.
How does it feel after three months?
I haven’t noticed any sinking or deterioration, with the mattress feeling just as firm as the day I got it.
As expected, there’s no wear or tear to the material, but it’s also good to know that the cover is there to protect it just in case.
I can testify to the fact that it is genuinely supportive, and although it took me a while to get used to sleeping on memory foam for the first time, I can feel the benefits.
The switch has helped me adjust my sleeping positions, and feels considerably more supportive – mattresses can last up to 10 years, so hopefully my body will thank me in years to come.
REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress: The Verdict
Overall, I’d recommend this mattress, especially to anyone looking for back support, which is where it excels.
Its effective motion control means it’s also great if you or your partner work hours that mean one of you has to sneak out of bed in the middle of the night.
The full-body support is impressive, and the firmness is beneficial for joint and back problems.
The high-quality mattress cover is a bonus, too.
However, it’s not perfect — I didn’t feel the effects of its temperature-regulating tech, and it might be too firm for some people.
How much is the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress?
When I first tested it, the king-size that I tested retailed for £699.99 – but it’s now on offer for £540.96, while a double is reduced from £649.99 to £502.31.
This is thanks to the sale price and discount code combined.
It’s not the most expensive of its kind, and the features, which include edge support, motion isolation and pressure point relief, make it worth it, if they’re all important to you.
REM-Fit does have two cheaper alternatives in the range – the REM-Fit 400 Hybrid mattress starting from £399.99 and the REM-Fit 1000 Pocket Hybrid mattress starting from £349.99.
However, neither of those offers orthopaedic support.
Where to buy the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress?
REM-Fit’s website is the only place you can currently buy the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid mattress.
REM-Fit mattress alternatives
There are good alternatives to the REM-Fit mattress at Emma and Simba, both have hybrid mattresses with varying firmness.
If you’re looking for an affordable orthopaedic option, the Silentnight Firm 1000 Pocket Orthopaedic Mattress from Dunelm is a great option.
