Mattress Buying Guide

Choosing the right mattress is one of the most important steps towards a comfortable night’s sleep. Whether you prefer a soft, cushioned feel or firmer support, finding a mattress that suits your sleeping habits and personal preferences can make all the difference.

With so many mattress types, materials and firmness levels to choose from, knowing where to begin can feel a little overwhelming. From understanding the different options to finding the right fit for your sleeping position and budget, our mattress buying guide will help you choose the best mattress for your needs.

What should you consider when choosing a mattress?

When choosing a mattress, it’s important to find the right balance of comfort and support. Everyone sleeps differently, so what feels comfortable for one person might not be quite right for another.

Before making your decision, there are a few key things to consider:

• Sleeping position: Whether you sleep on your side, back or front can influence the level of cushioning and support you need.

• Firmness: From medium to firm, different mattresses offer varying levels of comfort and support.

• Mattress type: Pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid mattresses each offer a different sleeping experience.

• Size: Choose a mattress that gives you enough space to stretch out comfortably, particularly if you share your bed.

• Budget: Consider the materials, construction and quality of your mattress to find an option that suits your needs and budget.

Understanding the different types of mattresses

One of the first things to consider when choosing a mattress is its construction. Different materials offer their own benefits, from responsive support to a more gently cushioned feel.

Pocket sprung mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses are made with individual springs, each enclosed within its own fabric pocket. These springs respond independently to your body’s movements, helping to distribute weight evenly and provide support where it’s needed.

They’re a popular choice for those who prefer a more traditional mattress feel, offering a combination of responsive support and comfortable cushioning.

For a touch of natural comfort, our Wool 2000 Pocket Spring Mattress combines 2,000 pocket springs with temperature-regulating wool, helping you enjoy a comfortable sleeping environment throughout the seasons.

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are designed to respond to your body’s natural contours, offering a gently cushioned feel that adapts to your sleeping position.

As the foam moulds to your shape, it can help relieve pressure around areas such as your shoulders and hips. Memory foam also absorbs movement, making it a good option for those who share a bed.

If you enjoy the contouring comfort of memory foam but worry about getting too warm during the night, our Cooling Memory Foam Mattress combines adaptive support with a cooling layer to help you sleep comfortably.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses bring together different materials, typically combining the responsive support of pocket springs with the cushioning comfort of memory foam.

This combination can offer a balance of support and pressure relief, making hybrid mattresses a versatile choice for different sleeping preferences.

Our Zoned Hybrid Deep Memory Foam Mattress combines pocket springs with deep memory foam cushioning, making it particularly well suited to side sleepers looking for comfort and support.

How firm should your mattress be?

Mattress firmness plays an important role in how comfortable and supported you feel throughout the night. While you might assume a firmer mattress always offers better support, the right level of firmness depends on your sleeping position, body weight and personal preference.

Medium mattresses offer a comfortable balance of cushioning and support. They’re a popular choice for those who prefer a little softness without feeling as though they’re sinking too deeply into the mattress.

Medium-firm mattresses provide a slightly sturdier feel while maintaining some cushioning. They can be a versatile option for different sleeping positions and preferences.

Firm mattresses offer a more supportive, less cushioned sleeping surface. They may be particularly appealing to those who prefer sleeping on top of their mattress rather than sinking into it.

It’s worth remembering that firmness and support aren’t quite the same thing. A good mattress should support your body comfortably, regardless of whether you prefer a softer or firmer feel.

What’s the best mattress for your sleeping position?

Your preferred sleeping position can help you decide which mattress is right for you. Different positions place pressure on different areas of the body, so choosing a mattress that offers the right balance of cushioning and support can make a noticeable difference.

Best mattresses for side sleepers

If you usually sleep on your side, a mattress with some cushioning can help accommodate the natural curves of your body, particularly around your shoulders and hips.

A medium or medium-firm mattress may be a good starting point, depending on your body weight and comfort preferences.

Hybrid mattresses with pressure-relieving layers, such as our Zoned Hybrid Deep Memory Foam Mattress, are worth considering if you’re looking for a combination of cushioning and responsive support.

Best mattresses for back sleepers

Back sleepers often benefit from a mattress that provides an even balance of comfort and support, helping maintain the natural alignment of the spine.

A medium-firm mattress can be a good choice, offering enough cushioning to feel comfortable while keeping the body well supported.

Best mattresses for front sleepers

Front sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress to help prevent the hips and middle of the body from sinking too deeply into the surface.

A mattress with a supportive, even feel can help maintain a more comfortable sleeping position throughout the night.

Best mattresses for combination sleepers

If you find yourself switching between different positions throughout the night, a responsive mattress that allows you to move comfortably may be a good option.

Medium and medium-firm mattresses can provide a versatile balance of comfort and support, while pocket sprung and hybrid designs can offer a more responsive feel.

How to choose the right mattress size

As well as finding the right type and firmness, choosing the correct mattress size is essential for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Think about how much space you need to stretch out and whether you share your bed with a partner. A larger mattress can give you both more room to move without disturbing one another.

From single and double to king, super king and emperor sizes, there’s plenty of choice to suit different bedrooms and sleeping arrangements.

Before purchasing, remember to measure your bed frame and bedroom to make sure your new mattress fits comfortably within your space.

How much should you spend on a mattress?

A new mattress is an investment in your everyday comfort, but finding the right one doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the most expensive option.

Mattress prices can vary depending on their construction, materials and size. While a more affordable mattress may offer everything you need, higher-priced options may feature more specialised materials, additional comfort layers or more intricate spring systems.

When deciding on your budget, think about the features that matter most to you, whether that’s pressure-relieving memory foam, responsive pocket springs or natural fillings.

The best mattress for your budget is one that offers the comfort, support and quality you’re looking for.

How often should you replace your mattress?

Even a well-made mattress won’t last forever. Although the lifespan of a mattress depends on its construction, quality and care, many people consider replacing theirs after around seven to ten years.

Some signs that it might be time for a new mattress include:

• Visible sagging or uneven areas.

• A noticeable loss of comfort or support.

• Waking up feeling uncomfortable or stiff.

• Increased movement or noise from the mattress.

• Finding that your sleeping preferences have changed.

Taking good care of your mattress, following the manufacturer’s instructions and using a mattress protector can help keep it in good condition for longer.

Finding the perfect mattress for you

Ultimately, choosing the best mattress comes down to finding the right combination of comfort, support and personal preference. Whether you favour the responsive feel of pocket springs, the contouring comfort of memory foam or the versatility of a hybrid design, understanding your options will help you make a more confident choice.

Take the time to consider your sleeping position, preferred firmness and budget to find a mattress that feels just right for you.

Explore our mattress collection and discover a comfortable foundation for a better night’s sleep.