Buying A Mattress
Everything you need to know about buying a mattress
Confused by the number of mattress types you can buy? Our guide to buying a mattress cuts through the noise and gives you enough expert advice to simplify the process and make an informed decision.
How to choose a mattress
So much needs to be considered when buying a mattress that it’s almost impossible to standardise a guide. Only you know what you find comfy.
Consider your personal preference, body shape and weight. Ask yourself how likely you are to move around in bed, and do you get hot at night. What’s your budget? A more expensive mattress doesn’t automatically mean it’s better.
Choose a type
Springs or something else?
You can’t beat trying a selection of options in-store when buying a mattress. Before you get there, start the process by understanding the 4 main mattress types…
Open Coil
Best suited for occasional use, a child’s bed or budget option.
Also known as Bonnell springs; an open-coil spring is made from a continuous piece of wire that’s coiled into multiple springs. These springs are arranged in rows and strengthened by a heavy gauge outer wire on the perimeter. You’ll normally find 300 open coils in a king-size mattress. They tend to be less supportive so you’ll probably feel your sleep partner moving around if you’re sharing a bed.
Pocket Springs
A more luxurious spring option
Springs are housed in individual fabric pockets that allow them to function independently of each other. This individual support results in a reduction of pressure points; and minimises transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to another.
Spring counts vary from 600 to 18,000 in more expensive models. A higher spring count will often give you more support but the quantity and quality of mattress fillings can be equally as important.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses vary hugely in quality and price.
All memory foam is chemically produced. It’s viscoelastic so reacts and softens when subjected to heat. Higher-density foam softens as it reacts to body heat; whilst lower density foam is touch-sensitive and quickly moulds to the shape of the body.
Whilst memory foam, by its very nature, does retain heat; newer hybrid ranges use cooling gels, aeration layers and innovative foams to combat this. The result provides a cooler sleeping surface and experience.
Latex
A premium hypo-allergenic choice
Natural latex is a highly durable and versatile product derived from the rubber tree. More expensive, and far less heat retentive than memory foam, it’s hypo-allergenic, and a great choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Suited to those who prefer a firmer bed, small holes are added in the manufacturing process to make the latex core more pliable and breathable. The larger and more numerous the holes, the softer the mattress will feel.
Did you know?
Mattresses are made up of several layers of material. These layers can be all-natural, all synthetic, or a varied combination of both. The differing properties and the way they are layered, have a huge effect on the feel, comfort, breathability, durability, and overall quality of a mattress.
Choose a filling
Comfort and extra support
If you’ve chosen an open-coil or pocket sprung mattress, it’s now time to think about the fillings.
From polyester to white fibres and responsive memory foam; synthetics can be some of the most cost-effective and technically advanced fillings available. Often used in entry-level models, these fibres can retain heat and often have a shorter lifespan. Maybe avoid them if you’re a warm sleeper.
Natural fillings will nearly always outperform synthetic fibres and offer the ultimate in comfort and support. Choose animal and plant-based fibres for increased breathability, responsiveness, moisture-wicking and durability.
Think of fillings as you would your clothes. Would you prefer to wear 100% cotton or polyester clothes on a hot summer’s day? What would keep you cool and comfortable?
Natural mattress fillings
Cotton
Cotton excels at dispersing excess moisture and is the material of choice to use near the surface of a mattress. It’s super soft and offers exceptional breathability for a perfect night’s sleep.
Lambswool
A resilient filling with a luxury feel. Lambswool is breathable and helps to regulate your temperature during the night. The natural fabric boasts fire retardant properties; reducing the chemicals in your mattress.
Hair
Often described as “nature’s spring.” When enough curled horse hair (from the mane) or cattle hair is in a pile, it creates a supportive platform that allows air and moisture to pass through.
Mohair
Originating from the Angora goat, this incredibly elastic filling is highly durable and offers enhanced cooling properties alongside a luxurious feel.
Cashmere & Pashmina
Softer and finer than lambswool, cashmere is usually sourced in southern Asia and provides natural, light-weight insulation and added loft to mattress upholstery.
Silk
A prized natural fibre produced by the silkworm. It’s a luxurious fabric which helps to equalize body temperature and offers enhanced comfort.
Hemp
A natural and greener alternative to oil based polyester fibres. Hemp is strong, absorbent and grown without pesticides.
Flax
The common name for Linacae, a family of annual herbs, flax is strong and very durable. The twine is used for the hand-stitching on the very best mattresses.
Bamboo
This remarkable material is renowned for its natural absorption, breathability and fresh sleeping surface. It’s normally combined with other materials to form the top layer of a mattress.
Our Mattress Top Tip
“Never buy a mattress on firmness alone. It’s all about comfort.”
Choose a finish
It's not just about the inside
Mattresses don’t just vary on the inside; in fact they can be very different on the outside too. From decorative fabric covers to processes that improve longevity, your mattress can be finished in a number of ways. We’ve included three of the most popular finishes below.
Side Stitching
A labour intensive process which gives absolute edge to edge support. This ensures that pocket springs and fillings are kept in place and prevents side panels from bulking out over time.
Quilting
A decorative stitch that holds fillings inside the mattress and provides a further element of substance to the top. It’s ideal for those who prefer a softer and even feel.
Hand Tufting
Found on the most expensive mattresses, this process involves pinning the fillings at specific points on the surface of a mattress. Whilst improving the life of your mattress, the tightness of the tuft can reflect the overall firmness of the mattress.
All good things come to an end
Does your mattress need changing? Consider these questions from the Sleep Council…
- Is your mattress 7 or 8 years old? The critical “7 year itch” can be a make or break moment for many marriages AND mattresses.
- Did you have your most recent best night’s sleep on another mattress?
- Are you waking up more frequently and feeling unrefreshed?
- Do you disturb your partner, or vice versa, by changing sleeping position?
- Does your mattress look used or worn? Does it feel lumpy?
- Does it make suspicious noises in the night?
- Is it sagging in the middle?
- Are the base, legs or castors lumpy, worn or wobbly?
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