Mattress Buying Guide

Choosing the right mattress is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home. The average person spends around a third of their life in bed, and the quality of your sleep directly affects your energy, mood, and long-term health. Yet buying a mattress can feel overwhelming — with so many types, firmness levels, and materials available, it is hard to know where to start.

This guide covers everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision.

In this guide:
Mattress Types | Firmness Levels | Choosing the Right Size | Materials Explained | Which Mattress is Right for You? | Mattress Care | Common Questions

Mattress Types Explained

The type of mattress you choose affects how it feels, how long it lasts, and how well it supports your body. Here are the main types available:

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body in response to heat and pressure, then returns to its original shape when you move. This makes it excellent for pressure relief, particularly for side sleepers and those with joint pain. Memory foam reduces motion transfer, so if you share a bed, you are less likely to disturb each other when moving.

Best for: Side sleepers, couples, those with joint or back pain.
Consider: Memory foam can retain heat. Look for open-cell or gel-infused memory foam if you sleep warm.

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses contain individual springs, each housed in its own fabric pocket. Because each spring moves independently, the mattress responds to your body shape rather than moving as one unit. The higher the spring count, the more precisely the mattress contours to your body.

Best for: Couples (excellent motion isolation), those who prefer a traditional sprung feel, back and front sleepers.
Consider: Spring count matters — look for at least 1,000 springs in a King size for good support.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress combines a pocket spring base with one or more layers of foam or memory foam on top. This gives you the support and breathability of springs with the pressure relief and comfort of foam. Hybrids are one of the most popular choices because they suit a wide range of sleepers.

Best for: Most sleepers, couples, those who want the benefits of both foam and springs.
Consider: Hybrids tend to be heavier than foam-only mattresses.

Open Coil (Bonnell Spring) Mattresses

Open coil mattresses use a single continuous wire formed into springs connected together. They are generally more affordable but offer less precise support than pocket sprung mattresses. Motion transfer is higher, meaning movement on one side of the bed is felt on the other.

Best for: Guest bedrooms, single sleepers on a budget.
Consider: Not ideal for couples or those with back pain requiring targeted support.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic rubber. They are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and highly durable. Latex provides a responsive, buoyant feel rather than the sinking sensation of memory foam.

Best for: Those with allergies, hot sleepers, those who prefer a responsive rather than contouring feel.
Consider: Natural latex mattresses are among the most durable available but tend to be at a higher price point.

Firmness Levels

Mattress firmness is rated on a scale, typically from 1 (very soft) to 10 (very firm). Most mattresses fall between 3 and 8. Choosing the right firmness depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preference.

Soft (1–3)

Soft mattresses allow significant sinkage and contouring. They are best suited to lighter sleepers and dedicated side sleepers who need pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.

Medium Soft (4)

A good choice for side sleepers of average weight who want comfort without excessive sinkage.

Medium (5)

The most versatile firmness level. Medium suits a wide range of sleepers and is the most popular choice for couples with different preferences.

Medium Firm (6–7)

Provides more support with less contouring. Ideal for back sleepers, combination sleepers, and those of average to heavier build.

Firm (8–10)

Firm mattresses offer maximum support with minimal sinkage. Best suited to front sleepers, heavier sleepers, and those who prefer sleeping on top of the mattress rather than in it.

Quick guide by sleeping position:

• Side sleepers: Soft to medium — you need pressure relief at the shoulder and hip
• Back sleepers: Medium to medium firm — you need lumbar support without excessive sinkage
• Front sleepers: Medium firm to firm — prevents the hips from sinking and straining the lower back
• Combination sleepers: Medium — versatile enough to support multiple positions
• Couples with different preferences: Medium, or consider a zip and link mattress with different firmness on each side

Choosing the Right Size

UK standard mattress sizes are as follows:

• Single: 90 x 190cm — ideal for children, teenagers, or single adults in smaller rooms
• Small Double: 120 x 190cm — suits single adults who want more space, or couples in smaller rooms
• Double: 135 x 190cm — the most common size for couples; allows around 67cm per person
• King: 150 x 200cm — more width and length; ideal for taller sleepers or couples who want more space
• Super King: 180 x 200cm — maximum space; suits larger bedrooms and those who prioritise sleep comfort

Before you buy: Always measure your room. Allow at least 60cm of clearance on each side of the bed for comfortable movement, and check that the mattress and bed frame can be carried through your doorways and up your staircase.

Materials Explained

Understanding what is inside a mattress helps you make a better decision:

• Memory foam: Viscoelastic foam that responds to body heat and pressure. Excellent for pressure relief.
• Reflex foam: A denser, more supportive foam often used as a base layer. Provides structure and durability.
• Gel foam: Memory foam infused with gel beads or layers to improve temperature regulation.
• Pocket springs: Individual springs in fabric pockets. Higher spring counts offer more precise support.
• Natural fillings: Wool, cotton, silk, or cashmere comfort layers. Naturally breathable and temperature regulating.
• Latex: Natural or synthetic rubber. Responsive, durable, and hypoallergenic.

Which Mattress is Right for You?

• You sleep hot: Choose a pocket sprung, hybrid, or latex mattress. Avoid dense memory foam unless it is gel-infused or open-cell.
• You have back pain: A medium firm pocket sprung or hybrid is generally recommended. Avoid mattresses that are too soft.
• You share a bed: Pocket sprung or hybrid for motion isolation. Consider a medium firmness to suit both sleepers.
• You have allergies: Look for hypoallergenic covers and latex or foam mattresses rather than natural fillings.
• You are a heavier sleeper: Choose a firmer mattress with a higher spring count or denser foam base for adequate support.
• You are on a budget: A good quality open coil or basic memory foam mattress is suitable for a guest room. For your main bed, invest in at least a mid-range pocket sprung or hybrid.

Mattress Care

A good mattress is an investment. Proper care extends its life significantly:

• Rotate regularly: Rotate your mattress 180 degrees every 3 months for the first year, then every 6 months. This ensures even wear.
• Use a mattress protector: A good protector guards against spills, dust mites, and allergens without affecting comfort.
• Allow it to breathe: Pull back the covers each morning for 20–30 minutes before making the bed. This reduces moisture build-up.
• New mattress smell: A slight smell when first unpacking (off-gassing) is normal and harmless. Air the mattress in a ventilated room for 24–72 hours.
• Roll-up mattresses: Allow 24–72 hours to fully expand before sleeping on them.

Common Questions

How long should a mattress last?

A good quality mattress should last 8–10 years with proper care. Signs it needs replacing include visible sagging, loss of support, increased aches and pains on waking, or visible wear to the cover.

Do I need a specific base for my mattress?

Most mattresses work with slatted bases, divan bases, and platform tops. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific mattress. Slat gaps should generally be no wider than 7cm for adequate support.

Can I try the mattress before buying?

As an online retailer, we do not have a showroom. We provide detailed specifications, firmness ratings, and material information on every product page to help you make an informed decision. If you have questions, our team is happy to help — contact us before you buy.

What is your returns policy for mattresses?

Unopened mattresses can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Once opened, mattresses cannot be returned unless they are faulty, for hygiene reasons. Please see our Returns & Guarantee page for full details.

Ready to find your mattress? Browse our mattress collection or contact us if you need personalised advice.

You may also find these guides useful: Bed Size Guide | Mattress Firmness Guide | All Buying Guides