Mattress buying guide

The classic sprung mattress, also known as continuous sprung mattresses. Springs are joined together by a coiled wire which spreads your weight across the surface.

They're great for:

• Moving and turning easily as they're lightweight.
• Single sleepers who have the bed to themselves.

On the flip side:

• You may feel your partner moving if you share.
• You may roll towards the middle.
• They can be less supportive than other styles.

A pocket sprung design has springs woven into individual pockets, meaning they work individually to provide improved support for your body. In general, higher spring count = better support.

They're great for:

• Providing more support than coiled mattresses.
• Supporting partners of different sizes and weights.
• You won't roll into the middle.

On the flip side:

• They can be heavier and harder to turn, requiring two people to lift them.

A memory foam mattress doesn't have springs, but is made from a supportive foam base layer, which is then typically topped with an additional memory foam comfort layer. 

They're great for:

• Holding their shape with no sagging.
• Distributing body weight evenly but moulding to your shape.
• Allergy sufferers due to most being made of hypoallergenic material.

On the flip side:

• They can be quite heavy.
• They retain heat which can make them warmer than other mattresses.
• They tend to have less bounce.

These are specially designed mattresses, that combine two or more of the comfort and support features from the mattress types above. Providing improved support overall.

They're great for:

• Being more supportive: their stronger structure will benefit those of a larger build or with back problems.
• Breathability and temperature control: designed to let air flow through them easily, they’re more breathable than memory foam mattresses. 

On the flip side:

• They tend to be heavier and require 2 people to move them.

Also known as a bed in a box, a roll up mattress is a type that can be compressed to a small size.

They're great for:

Being easily transportable and relatively lightweight: so you’ll never have to worry about how to get your mattress through the front door or struggle with moving it into a spare room. The best bit? It still offers the same optimum comfort and support as a regular mattress. 

Soft mattresses let your body sink into them, contouring around your hip, shoulder and arm while you sleep.

Perfect for - side sleepers

The firmness of this mattress lets your body sink into it, contouring around your hip, shoulder and arm while you sleep.

Medium-soft mattresses maintain the flex of a soft mattress and add in a little more support. They suit people who are of a modest build who tend to move about in their sleep.

Perfect for - side sleepers

Whilst slightly more supportive, your body will still sink into it and will also feel comfortable around your shoulder, arm and hip.

Medium mattresses are the most popular customer choice as they offer the suppleness of a soft mattress combined with better support. They suit most body sizes.

Perfect for - back sleepers

Most firmness levels are comfortable for back sleepers as your weight is evenly distributed - but medium is a safe bet.

Medium-firm mattresses offer a bit of flex but have an extra level of support compared to a medium mattress. These suit those who are of an average build.

Perfect for - stomach sleepers

The added firmness will support your body as you sleep on your front, making sure your spine is straight, helping to alleviate backaches.

Firm mattresses have very little flex and offer the most support, providing a sturdy sleeping base. They're ideal for those who are of above average build.

Perfect for - stomach sleepers

Firm mattresses will prevent your hips from sinking lower than your shoulders, keeping your spine better aligned.

Firmer mattresses usually offer the most comfort when it comes to back pain, with medium-firm, firm and extra firm mattresses offering the most support. Orthopaedic mattresses are designed with this in mind and offer zoned support to pressure points when you lie on your back to minimise aches and pains.

Specially designed hypoallergenic mattresses are considered best for allergy sufferers. They are often treated with an antibacterial cover technology that helps to reduce allergy triggers by preventing dust mites, mould and bacteria settling into the surface of your mattress.

Cooling gel layer is a new innovation to the mattress market. The top layer is filled with a gel which has a similar feel to memory foam mattresses. The benefit of gel is its cooling properties - so they're a great option if you get hot in bed.

We can take away your old mattress when we deliver your new one. Our drivers will bring a recycling bag to place over it before we take it away and dispose of it responsibly.

Can you make a difference to our planet even while you are asleep? The answer is yes! Our planet-friendly mattresses are made from sustainable fibres and are chemical and foam-free. You'll sleep soundly knowing you've made a sustainable choice.

We recommend you rotate your mattress 180 degrees (on the same side) every 3 - 6 months to increase its life. If you have a double sided mattress you can also flip it over every year.

We recommend you use a mattress protector from day one to keep your mattress in top condition and extend its life.

Add an extra layer of cosiness and support to your mattress. Available in memory foam and breathable microfibre and hollowfibre, mattress toppers offer great ergonomics while adding a layer of protection to the mattress.

Here at Argos, we want you to get a great night's sleep, and because choosing a mattress shouldn't keep you up all night we're offering a 100 night comfort promise. So if you're not sleeping soundly on your new mattress, you can exchange it within the first 100 days.

There are two key signs to look out for if you're not sure if you need a new mattress. Firstly, your mattress is showing visible signs of deterioration, such as lumps or dips. Secondly, you're no longer getting a good night's sleep, and are waking up with aches and pains. If you experience either of these, then it's time for a new mattress. Still unsure? The Bed Advice UK suggests replacing your mattress every 7 years. In this time it will have been subjected to around 20,000 hours of wear and tear!