Mattress buying guide

Standard size:

• Length 175cm / 5ft 9in
• Width 75cm / 2ft 6in

Standard size:

• Length 190cm / 6ft 3in
• Width 90cm / 3ft

Standard size:

• Length 190cm / 6ft 3in
• Width 120cm / 4ft

Standard size:

• Length 190cm / 6ft 3in
• Width 135cm / 4ft 6in

Standard size:

• Length 200cm / 6ft 6in
• Width 150cm / 5ft

Standard size:

• Length 200cm / 6ft 6in
• Width 180cm / 6ft

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.

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.

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 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.