The most common question we receive at Olive Foam Awka Depot is: "What is the difference between Full Orthopaedic and Semi-Orthopaedic?" Both are supportive foam mattress ranges built for firmer sleep than a standard mattress, but they differ in firmness, warranty length and price, and each suits a slightly different type of sleeper. This guide compares them directly so you can decide which is right for you.
Quick Answer: Full Orthopaedic vs Semi-Orthopaedic
If you already know roughly what you're looking for, here is the short version.
| Full Orthopaedic Foam Mattress | Semi-Orthopaedic Foam Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| General feel | Firmer support option | Firm support with more give |
| Factory warranty | 10 years | 5 years |
| Price positioning | Premium-priced | Lower-priced than the equivalent Full Orthopaedic size |
| Best suited to | Buyers who genuinely prefer a very firm sleeping surface | Buyers who want firm support with some cushioning |
Full Orthopaedic vs Semi-Orthopaedic Comparison Table
| Feature | Full Orthopaedic | Semi-Orthopaedic |
|---|---|---|
| Relative firmness | Firmer of the two ranges | Firm, with more cushioning than Full Orthopaedic |
| Factory warranty | 10 years | 5 years |
| Starting price | From ₦145,992 | From ₦85,998 |
| Available sizes | Single (3×6ft) to Extra Large (7×7ft), 8 standard sizes | Single (3×6ft) to Extra Large (7×7ft), 8 standard sizes |
| Available thickness | 6″–12″, depending on size | 6″–24″, depending on size |
| Good for couples | Where both sleepers prefer maximum firmness | Where sleepers want firm support without maximum firmness |
| Hotel/guest use | Suitable where guest feedback favours firmer rooms | Suitable where a wide range of guest preferences must be covered |
| Main buying consideration | Firmness and the longer warranty | Balance of support, comfort and price |
Prices shown are starting prices for the smallest available size. The final price depends on the specific size and thickness you order — see the pricing section below.
What Is a Full Orthopaedic Foam Mattress?
The Full Orthopaedic Foam Mattress is Olive Foam's firmest orthopaedic range, built for buyers who specifically want maximum firm support. It carries a 10 Years Factory Warranty and is available across the same 8 standard sizes as Semi-Orthopaedic, from Single (3×6ft) to Extra Large (7×7ft), in thicknesses from around 6 to 12 inches depending on the size chosen.
It is positioned as the premium option in Olive Foam's orthopaedic line-up, both in terms of firmness and price. Buyers typically choose it when they already know they prefer a very firm sleeping surface, or want the longest warranty available on an orthopaedic mattress from Olive Foam.
What Is a Semi-Orthopaedic Foam Mattress?
The Semi-Orthopaedic Foam Mattress provides firm, supportive cushioning with slightly more give than Full Orthopaedic. It carries a 5 Years Factory Warranty and is available in the same 8 standard sizes, with a wider thickness range of roughly 6 to 24 inches depending on size.
Semi-Orthopaedic is generally the lower-priced of the two orthopaedic ranges for a comparable size and thickness. It tends to suit buyers who want firm, supportive sleep without the maximum firmness of Full Orthopaedic — a common choice for family bedrooms and guest rooms.
Full vs Semi-Orthopaedic: Firmness and Sleeping Feel
Full Orthopaedic is noticeably firmer underfoot and under body weight — press your hand into it and it pushes back with less give. Semi-Orthopaedic still provides firm support, but with more cushioning on top, which some sleepers find more comfortable over a full night.
Neither feel is objectively "better." Firmness preference is subjective and depends on factors such as sleeping position, body build, mattress size, and what the sleeper is already used to. Someone who has always slept on a firm surface may find Semi-Orthopaedic too soft, while someone used to a softer mattress may find Full Orthopaedic uncomfortably hard at first. Where possible, base your choice on your own comfort preference rather than assuming firmer is automatically superior.
Which Is Better for Back Pain?
Firmer is not automatically better for back pain, and no mattress — Full or Semi-Orthopaedic — should be treated as a medical treatment. Research on mattress firmness and non-specific lower-back pain has found that medium-firm mattresses can produce better outcomes than very firm mattresses on some measures of pain and disability, and individual comfort, body weight and sleeping position also affect the result. This is consistent with a randomised controlled trial on mattress firmness and chronic non-specific low-back pain.
In practice, this means a heavier sleeper or someone with back pain should not assume Full Orthopaedic is automatically the right choice, and Semi-Orthopaedic should not be dismissed as insufficiently supportive. If back pain is persistent, severe, or associated with other concerning symptoms, speak to a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on mattress choice alone. For a fuller discussion of firmness, sleeping position and back support, see our Best Mattress for Back Pain in Nigeria guide.
Which Is Better for Couples?
For couples, the right choice often comes down to whether both sleepers share the same firmness preference. If you and your partner both genuinely prefer a very firm surface, Full Orthopaedic may suit you both well. If one partner finds very firm mattresses uncomfortable, or your preferences differ, Semi-Orthopaedic's added cushioning over a supportive core tends to accommodate a wider range of sleepers on the same mattress.
Larger sizes such as Queen (5×6ft) or King (6×6ft) are worth considering for couples in either range, giving both sleepers more personal space regardless of which firmness level you choose.
Full vs Semi-Orthopaedic for Hotels and Guest Accommodation
Buyers purchasing for hotels, guesthouses or staff accommodation face a different set of considerations from a household buyer. Guest comfort preferences vary widely, so the mattress needs to work reasonably well across many different sleepers rather than being optimised for one person's ideal firmness. Durability under frequent turnover, budget across multiple rooms, replacement planning, and the thickness appropriate to the room category (standard rooms versus premium suites, for example) all factor into the decision alongside firmness itself.
Olive Foam Awka Depot handles enquiries for multiple mattresses and bulk or institutional requirements — see our hotel mattress supply guide for guidance on ordering in volume.
Sizes and Thicknesses
Full and Semi-Orthopaedic are both available across the same 8 standard Nigerian mattress sizes, from Single (3×6ft) up to Extra Large (7×7ft), including the popular Double (4.5×6ft), Queen (5×6ft) and King (6×6ft) sizes. Thickness availability differs between the two ranges: Full Orthopaedic is generally available from around 6 to 12 inches depending on size, while Semi-Orthopaedic extends further, to around 24 inches on some sizes, for buyers who want extra depth as well as firmness.
Always measure your bed frame rather than relying on size names like "double" or "queen" alone, since actual dimensions can vary. For a full explanation of Nigerian mattress measurements, see our Nigerian Mattress Sizes Explained guide.
Full Orthopaedic vs Semi-Orthopaedic Prices in Nigeria
Price varies by mattress type, dimensions and thickness. As a starting point, Full Orthopaedic begins from ₦145,992 and Semi-Orthopaedic begins from ₦85,998, both for the smallest available size. Full Orthopaedic costs more than the equivalent Semi-Orthopaedic size and thickness, reflecting its firmer construction and the longer warranty, though the exact difference varies by specification rather than following a fixed percentage. Confirm the current price for your specific size and thickness before ordering, rather than relying on an old online figure.
Which One Should You Buy?
These are buying considerations rather than medical prescriptions — the right choice depends on your own comfort preference, budget and household.
Choose Full Orthopaedic if:
- you genuinely prefer a very firm sleeping surface
- you want the longer 10-year factory warranty
- the additional cost fits your budget
Consider Semi-Orthopaedic if:
- you want supportive cushioning with more give
- you find very firm mattresses uncomfortable
- you want a lower-priced orthopaedic option
- the 5-year warranty meets your requirements
Once you have decided which support level suits you, compare Full and Semi-Orthopaedic foam mattresses by available sizes, prices and ordering options in our complete buying guide.
Where to Buy in Awka
Customers in Awka and surrounding parts of Anambra State can order either range through Olive Foam Awka Depot, Romans 9:15 Plaza Arroma, 3 Ifite Road, off Arroma Junction, beside Femas Filling Station, Awka. Contact us on WhatsApp or phone to confirm current size, thickness, price and availability before travelling or paying — stock levels can vary by size and thickness, particularly for larger or less common combinations.
Romans 9:15 Plaza Arroma, 3 Ifite Road, off Arroma Junction, beside Femas Filling Station, Awka, Anambra State.
WhatsApp/Phone: 08108310088 · Alternative line: 08067178810
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Full Orthopaedic and Semi-Orthopaedic mattresses?
The main differences are firmness, warranty and price. Full Orthopaedic is the firmer of the two ranges and carries a 10-year factory warranty. Semi-Orthopaedic offers firm support with slightly more cushioning and carries a 5-year factory warranty. Both are available across the same range of sizes.
Which is firmer, Full Orthopaedic or Semi-Orthopaedic?
Full Orthopaedic is the firmer option. Semi-Orthopaedic still provides firm, supportive cushioning, but with more give than Full Orthopaedic, which some sleepers find more comfortable.
Which is more expensive?
Full Orthopaedic generally costs more than the equivalent Semi-Orthopaedic size and thickness, reflecting the firmer construction and longer warranty. The exact difference varies by size and thickness, so confirm current prices for your specification before ordering.
Which has the longer warranty?
Full Orthopaedic carries a 10-year factory warranty, twice the 5-year factory warranty that comes with Semi-Orthopaedic.
Is Full Orthopaedic better for back pain?
Not automatically. Research on mattress firmness and non-specific lower-back pain suggests medium-firm options can perform as well as, or better than, very firm mattresses for some people, and comfort also depends on body weight, sleeping position and personal preference. A mattress is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, and persistent or severe back pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Is Semi-Orthopaedic good for couples?
It can be, particularly where partners have different firmness preferences, since its slightly softer cushioning over a supportive core suits a wider range of sleepers than a very firm surface. Couples who both prefer maximum firmness may still prefer Full Orthopaedic.
What sizes are available?
Both Full and Semi-Orthopaedic are available in the same eight standard sizes, from Single (3×6ft) to Extra Large (7×7ft), including Double (4.5×6ft), Queen (5×6ft) and King (6×6ft). Available thickness varies by size and range.
Where can I buy an orthopaedic foam mattress in Awka?
Olive Foam Awka Depot, Romans 9:15 Plaza Arroma, 3 Ifite Road, off Arroma Junction, beside Femas Filling Station, Awka, stocks both Full and Semi-Orthopaedic ranges. Contact 08108310088 or 08067178810 to confirm current size, thickness, price and availability.