Choosing a mattress is difficult because the labels sound similar and the differences are easy to miss. Pocket sprung, orthopaedic, memory foam, hydro-gel: each one describes something different, and none of them is best for everyone. The sensible way to choose is to start with how you sleep and what bothers you at night, then match the construction to that. This guide does exactly that, with product examples from our mattress range.
Step 1: How do you sleep?
Side sleepers
Side sleeping puts pressure on the shoulders and hips, which need to sink in slightly while the spine stays straight. A medium to medium-firm mattress with a comfort layer, such as memory foam or a pocket sprung mattress with fillings above, is usually comfortable.
Back sleepers
On your back, the lower spine needs support so it does not sag. A medium-firm or firm mattress with good support in the middle usually suits. An orthopaedic mattress is built for this, such as the Posture Pocket Plus orthopaedic support mattress.
Front sleepers
Front sleepers generally need a firmer surface so the hips do not drop. A firm orthopaedic mattress such as the Firm Support Orthopaedic Spinal Alignment mattress is a typical choice.
Combination sleepers
If you turn through the night, choose a responsive mattress that moves with you. Pocket springs with a medium feel are a good all-rounder.
Step 2: Understand the construction
- Orthopaedic mattresses have a firm, supportive feel designed to keep the spine aligned, and are popular with people who prefer a firmer bed.
- Pocket sprung mattresses wrap each spring in its own fabric pocket. They contour to the body and reduce movement between sleepers.
- Memory foam mattresses respond to body heat and pressure, giving a soft, contouring feel.
- Hydro-gel mattresses add a cooling gel layer that helps dissipate body heat.
- Natural and organic mattresses use materials such as wool and cotton, which manage moisture and temperature.
What does the spring count mean?
The spring count is the number of individual pocket springs in a mattress, for example 1000, 2000 or 3000. More springs generally means finer, more localised support. A higher count can also feel more luxurious, but it is not the only factor: the fillings above, the depth and the cover all affect how a mattress feels. Examples in our range include the 1200 spring Memory 1200 orthopaedic pocket mattress, the 2000 spring Arctic 2000 hydro-gel cooling mattress and the 3000 spring Naturelax 3000 natural pocket mattress.
Step 3: Choose a firmness
Firmness is personal, but this general scale helps:
- Medium: a balance of comfort and support, suits most sleepers and many couples
- Medium-firm: more support, suits back sleepers and people who like a firmer feel
- Firm: very supportive, suits front sleepers, heavier people and those who prefer a firm surface
Each of our product pages lists the comfort level, so you can compare. The firm Sultan luxury orthopaedic mattress and medium Arctic 2000 sit at different ends of the range.
Step 4: Do you sleep hot or cold?
If you wake up warm, look for cooling features. Hydro-gel layers help dissipate body heat, and the Arctic 2000 pocket hydro-gel mattress and Sirius 3000 luxury hydro-gel mattress are built for this. Natural wool and cotton fillings, as in the Naturelax 2000 range, manage moisture and keep a steady temperature through the seasons. Breathable covers and side vents also help.
Step 5: Allergies and materials
If you are sensitive to dust or allergens, look for hypoallergenic fillings and covers. Several of our mattresses use hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking materials. Natural options, such as organic wool and cotton, avoid synthetic fillings. For persistent allergy or back problems, speak to your GP.
Step 6: Check the depth, size and base
- Depth: many of our mattresses are around 25cm deep. Check that your fitted sheets and bed frame suit the depth.
- Size: choose the same size as your bed: Small Single, Single, Small Double, Double, King or Super King.
- Base: a solid divan base suits every mattress type. A slatted frame needs close slats.
A quick match guide
- Back pain or prefer firm: orthopaedic
- Partner moves a lot: pocket sprung with memory foam
- Sleep hot: hydro-gel or natural
- Want a natural bed: organic wool and cotton
- Not sure: medium pocket sprung
Give a new mattress time
A new mattress can feel different for the first few weeks as the materials settle and your body adjusts. Use it on a suitable base and give it time before deciding. See how to care for your mattress to keep it in good condition.
Seven mistakes to avoid when choosing a mattress
- Choosing by firmness alone. Firm does not mean better support. The right support depends on your weight, your position and the construction of the mattress.
- Judging by spring count alone. A higher count helps, but fillings, depth and the cover affect comfort just as much.
- Ignoring your partner. If you share a bed, test for motion transfer and compromise on firmness. See our guide to sharing a king size bed.
- Forgetting the base. A mattress on a worn or uneven base will not perform as designed. A solid divan base is a reliable foundation.
- Buying the wrong size. The mattress and base must match, or the mattress will slide and wear.
- Ignoring temperature. If you sleep hot, a thick, dense foam mattress may be uncomfortable. Choose cooling features.
- Not giving it time. A new mattress needs a few weeks to settle.
Understanding the layers
A mattress is more than its springs. From the top down, you will usually find:
- The cover: a soft-touch, breathable or quilted fabric, sometimes with side vents
- The comfort layers: memory foam, hydro-gel, wool, cotton or other fillings that set the surface feel
- The support layer: the pocket springs or an orthopaedic spring unit
- The border: a reinforced edge that keeps the shape and gives you the full width to use
Two mattresses with the same spring count can feel very different because of the layers above them. Read the product description to understand what sits on top of the springs.
Example: matching sleepers to products
- A side sleeper who runs hot: a medium pocket sprung mattress with a hydro-gel layer, such as the Arctic 2000
- A back sleeper who prefers firm: an orthopaedic option such as the Body Comfort Firm Orthopaedic Support mattress
- A couple who want a natural bed: an organic pocket mattress such as the Naturelax 3000
- A guest room: a medium-firm option that suits most people, such as the Premiere Comfort orthopaedic pocket mattress
How to compare mattresses on a product page
When you read a product page, look for four things: the spring count and type, the depth, the comfort level (medium, medium-firm or firm) and the fillings and cover. Then check the size and the warranty. Our mattresses are made in the UK and covered by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against manufacturing defects. Match the mattress to your base, such as an ottoman bed or divan bed.
Common questions
Is a firm mattress better for your back?
Not always. The right support keeps the spine in a neutral position, which differs between people. If you have persistent pain, speak to a healthcare professional.
Are pocket sprung mattresses better than open coil?
Pocket springs usually contour better and reduce movement between sleepers, which suits most people.
How long should a mattress last?
Many manufacturers suggest replacing a mattress every 7 to 10 years, depending on use. Ours are made in the UK and covered by a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Delivery is free to mainland UK in 5 working days. Pair your mattress with an ottoman storage bed or a divan bed.
