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.

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 delivered rolled for easy transportation. While they can't be re-rolled, these are best for first time installation in tight spaces.

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. The best bit? It still offers the same optimum comfort and support as a regular mattress.

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. Some of the natural mattresses made from natural fibres are also great allergy-friendly options.

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.

Vacuum cleaning the mattress regularly is crucial to maintain it's quality and lifespan. Use appropriate attachments for the mattress surface in order to avoid damaging it. Trying to get rid of stubborn stains? A spot cleaner is your answer.

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!

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.

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