How to Choose The Perfect Mattress
Choosing the perfect mattress requires careful consideration of several factors. Our guide helps you through the maze of decisions.
Type of mattress
Your first consideration is the type of mattress you'd like. This is mainly to do with the construction and materials used on the inside of the mattress - the springs or upholstery (or both), for various levels of comfort and support. The materials used to upholster each mattress are different for every single model. The quantity of filling, the type and quality of the materials used can vary enormously and feel very different.
Each type of mattress has advantages and drawbacks, but not every mattress will be suitable for everyone. That's why we offer a wide selection, including pocket sprung, natural latex, hybrid mattresses and memory foam. We can help you determine which one will suit your needs best.
Latex mattresses
A natural latex mattress offers a breathable, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fillings like wool, cotton or foam. Made from the sap of rubber trees, it provides a naturally cool and responsive surface that adapts to your body as you move.
The open-cell structure promotes airflow, helping regulate temperature throughout the night. Latex’s natural elasticity offers instant pressure relief and balanced support for joints and muscles.
Latex is durable and long-lasting, keeping its shape and freshness without synthetic chemicals. Naturally resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria, it’s ideal for allergy sufferers and those who prefer a cleaner, greener night’s sleep.
Explore more benefits of sleeping on a natural latex mattress
Pocket spring mattresses
A pocket spring mattress offers responsive, full-body support by using individually wrapped coils that move independently to match your shape and weight. This helps reduce pressure points and prevents motion transfer, so you and your partner sleep undisturbed.
Quality matters. Premium models use durable steel springs and breathable fabric pockets that improve airflow and extend lifespan. Handcrafted versions from leading brands like Vispring use strengthened wire for consistent comfort that can last for years.
More springs don’t always mean better sleep - the quality of the steel and construction makes the real difference. A well-made dual-layer pocket spring design provides the best balance of comfort, stability and lasting support.
Hybrid mattresses
A hybrid mattress balances comfort with adaptive support. It combines pocket springs with layers of foam, latex or cooling gel to deliver the best of both worlds - responsive support and pressure-relieving comfort.
The pocket springs adapt to your body’s contours for strong, balanced support, while the comfort layers cushion your joints and eases a change of position throughout the night. This design avoids the “stuck” feeling some all-foam mattresses can create.
Hybrid mattresses are breathable and durable, so they circulate air efficiently for a cooler, more comfortable sleep. Premium options, such as those in the Hypnos range, blend high-quality materials for a supportive, long-lasting and versatile choice suitable for most bed frames.
Memory foam mattresses
A memory foam mattress provides pressure relief and cosy comfort. It gently moulds to your body, offering exceptional pressure relief and support for tired joints and muscles. Available in a range of firmness levels, a memory foam mattress suits all sleeping positions, from firmer options for back and stomach sleepers to softer foams for side sleepers.
High-quality memory foam is resilient and durable, while cheaper, lower-density versions can lose shape more quickly. Choosing a reputable brand, such as Sleepeezee, ensures long-term support.
Naturally warmer than other mattress types, memory foam retains gentle heat for a cosy, soothing night’s sleep. It’s also low-maintenance, needing no turning or flipping, and works well on most bed frames and bases.
Mattress support and firmness
Consider your sleeping style and body type to determine the level of firmness and support you need from a mattress.
We've provided a handy guide on each product page to help you choose the right "feel" or firmness of mattress, based on your individual body weight and the type of sleeper you are. It's personal, so your preference is always an important aspect when choosing how a mattress will feel.
The choice of firmness varies from soft right through to extra firm. Here's the full range:
- Soft
- Soft / Medium
- Medium
- Medium / Firm
- Firm
- Extra firm
Sleeping style:
We all sleep differently - the way our bodies react when we sleep on our tummy is different to when we sleep on our backs or on our side. The firmness rating of a mattress will benefit you in different ways depending on how you tend to lie in bed.
- For restless sleepers and people who change sleeping position a lot, consider buying a more breathable mattress and use higher quality bedding which can help to wick away excess moisture.
- Higher temperatures can make us more restless. You may find you are more restful if you can reduce your sleeping temperature a little by opening a window and letting air circulate.
- Other benefits can include less background noise and lower light levels.
- Back sleepers will generally need more cushioning, as the small curve of our lower back and spine will need more cradling and support.
- Side sleepers need to consider how your hip and shoulder bones are supported. These need to be absorbed by the mattress more than if you lie on your back or tummy.
Body Type:
Choosing the firmness of mattress for our body type is highly subjective, but our Mattress Firmness Guide can give you some pointers. Every mattress in our shop tells you which firmness rating is available for that mattress, with a guide to tell you a bit more about each firmness grade.
As a rule, if you have a slim build and weigh up to 10 stone you should consider a soft mattress. If you are a larger build and weigh anything over 16 stone you should consider a firm or extra-firm tension mattress to hold your body weight and support you properly. Our in-store team will help if you need more guidance.
Our Mattress Firmness Guide offers more information on each type to help you choose what's best for your body type and the way you sleep.
Mattress size
Bigger is better! Especially if you're sharing the bed. The more space we can snooze in the better we sleep. Undisturbed, good quality sleep is essential to our health, so measure your space carefully and always buy the largest width mattress you can fit in.
Mattresses come in all sizes, from small single right through to super-king, and even Emperor-size for those who want to stretch out! Not every mattress is available in every size, but high quality examples like the Vispring Magnificence will be.
- Small single
- Standard single
- Long standard single
- Small double
- Standard double
- Kingsize
- Small super kingsize
- Super-kingsize
- Large super kingsize
- Emperor
Budget:
A common question we hear is: “What do I really get for my money?” At first glance, most mattresses may look and even feel similar, but the differences beneath the surface are significant. The quality of the materials, the craftsmanship involved, and even the grade of steel used in each spring all influence how long your mattress lasts and how well it supports you over time.
Investing a little more often means greater comfort, durability and consistent support for many years. A well-made mattress should easily last around ten years. When you consider we spend roughly six hours a night asleep (that’s over 30,000 hours in a decade), even a premium mattress represents excellent value.
The Cost of Quality Sleep
| Cost of Mattress | Cost per night over 10 years | Cost per month* over 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| £500 | 14p | £4.34 |
| £1,000 | 27p | £8.37 |
| £3,000 | 82p | £25.42 |
(*Month based on 31 nights)
Ultimately, choosing the perfect mattress requires some trial and error to find the one that feels the most comfortable and supportive for your individual needs.
By taking the time to consider your sleeping style, body type, mattress material, and budget, you should be able to find the perfect mattress that will provide a comfortable and restful night's sleep. Our sleep experts can talk you through each of these areas and guide you to the one that will best suit you.
Category: Mattress Guides
