The definitive mattress buying guide

Five key questions

Some things to keep in mind as you go through this process.

1. Who will be using the mattress?

The first thing to consider when buying a new bed or mattress is who will be sleeping on it. People have different needs, depending on their age, size and health conditions. For instance, a child is light so they will need a soft mattress, while a middle-aged man with a bad back might need something much firmer and more specialised.

2. How often will it be used?

The mattress you use every day will get a lot of wear and tear and you should invest in one that will be with you for the long run.

On the other hand, a mattress in a spare room will probably not get a huge amount of use so it isn't as important. It's best to put more of your budget into your own mattress and make savings on the spare one.

3. What size mattress do you need?

Size matters. Well, let us qualify that. When it comes to beds and mattresses, size often matters.

As you might guess, a larger sleeping surface is best, and studies show that couples sleep better in larger beds. That being said, we don't all have the luxury of space, and you have to carefully consider the space you're working with.

• Sizes in feet
• Sizes in cm

4. Do you suffer aches and pains in your back/hips/shoulders?

If the answer to that is yes, you might have been told that you need a very firm mattress. That's actually a common misconception. The truth is that too firm a mattress will leave your spine misaligned and lead to aches and pains, especially on your hips and shoulders if you're a side sleeper.

5. How much do you want to spend?

In life, you get what you pay for; mattresses are no different. Considering you'll be spending a third of your life sleeping, it's worth your investment. Especially since sleep affects so many different facets of your physical, mental and emotional health.

That doesn't mean you need to spend a small fortune on a good night's sleep though - it all comes down to finding the right mattress for you and technology has made that a lot more affordable these days.

Do I need a new mattress?

Research shows sleeping on an uncomfortable bed can cheat you of up to one hour's sleep a night. However, the deterioration may be so gradual and subtle that you might not make the connection between an uncomfortable mattress and poor sleep quality. Here are four signs you want to look out for:

1. If you're not waking up feeling well-rested and fresh in the morning, you might need a new mattress.
2. If you've had your mattress for more than 10 years, you might need a new mattress.
3. If you notice that you're getting better sleep in beds that aren't your own (in hotels, for instance), you might need a new mattress.
4. If your mattress is showing signs of wear like lumps and sagging, then yes. You need a new mattress.

The mattress that was right for you years ago may no longer be right for you now. Lots of factors can affect the lifespan of a mattress, i.e. how frequently it's used, have the people sleeping on it gained a few pounds (or stones), ageing, the change from solo sleeping to couple sleeping, and so on. Many of these can accelerate the need for a new bed.

How to choose a mattress

When it comes to selecting a mattress, it's a matter of making a very personal choice from a very wide range of options. One person's luxury is another person's backache in the pipeline.

For something you are going to sleep on for several hours almost every day for the next 7 to 10 years, durability and quality is crucial. The amount of choices in the market might be bewildering, but the upside is that while generally speaking, higher prices correspond to higher quality, having so many options means that there's sure to be something out there that's right for your body and budget.

The trick now is in finding it, and it all begins with understanding all the terms involved.

Spring systems

Although there are foam only mattresses (which we will review later), most mattresses utilise some form of spring system. The majority of mattresses in the UK, have spring interiors to provide core support. Your choice of spring construction is often related to your individual requirements. For example, heavier people tend to go for the thicker springs.

The gauge of the wire can be anything from 12, which is the thickest and firmest, to 18, the thinnest and most compressible. So how thick the springs are, the number of coils, and the height of each spring, alters the tension, feel and weight distribution properties of each mattress.

Spring interior mattresses can be zoned across the middle to give extra support for the heavier parts of the body like the hips and shoulders; or half and half to provide different tensions on each side of the bed; or even round the perimeter to provide increased rigidity.

There are 3 types of spring system:

1. Open Coil or Bonnell Springs

Springs are arranged in rows and connected to each other top and bottom by helical wire (think a three dimensional spiral) along with an outer rod strengthening the perimeter.

Numbers vary but there are usually 325 coils in a King size (5ft/150 cm) mattress. Tensions vary and start from a very firm 12 gauge.

Prices tend to be budget but can increase with better fillings. Open coil has been the mainstay of mattress production for a long time. The main advantage is price, but continuous coil or pocket springs bring extra benefits.

2. Continuous Spring

As the name suggests, the continuous spring unit is made from one single length of wire knitted or woven into a series of interwoven springs which run up and down the length of the mattress and are linked vertically rather than horizontally.

Gauges of wire used tend to be softer and the size of each coil is smaller than traditional open coil., This provides a higher spring count and a more responsive feel.

Suppliers have developed their own versions of this technique such as The Silentnight Miracoil and the Sealy Posturepedic and have developed comfort levels approaching that achieved by pocket spring systems but at a generally lower price than pocket springs. Other comfort and support levels have developed out of these exclusive systems so it is important to study each product to get the feel you need.

Advantages of Sealy Posturepedic

• Supports the body throughout the night, following the sleeper's subtle twists and turns and changes of posture.
• Edge-to-edge support is a steel rod running around the perimeter which the outer springs are attached to. This means every square inch of spring gives maximum support and comfort and you do not roll off the edge, thereby increasing the usable sleeping surface.

Advantages of Miracoil (Silentnight)

• Zoned support
• Pressure relief
• More sleeping space
• Less partner disturbance

3. Pocket Springs

Whilst there are some very good open coil and continuous spring mattresses that are good value for money, there has been a large trend to move towards the pocket spring system. This is hardly surprising as the flexibility and benefits of this system give more versatility and options than the other simpler systems, albeit at a higher price.

The pocket spring system comprises small, softer springs that work independently from each other, with better quality springs enclosed in their own fabric nested pockets to reinforce their individuality.

The greater the number of pockets the better the support. This number of pockets represents spring density. An 800 pocket mattress has 800 springs in the King size, and less in the double, more in the Super King and so on, but its density remains the same.

The key advantages of pocket springs:

• Helps to eliminate roll together with your partner and partner disturbance by absorbing movement underneath and not across.
• Conforms and adjusts to body contours giving support where you need it. The individual spring responds to the pressure applied as you sleep on it, so the springs mould to your body shape and provides your spine with unique support.
• Some pocket springs give specific zoned support. Nearly 50% of our weight is in our hip zone when we lie flat and our shoulders also need more cushioning. This zoning reduces pressure and consequently aches and pains are minimised.
• More space to sleep
• Spring counts typically vary from 600 to 1000 but can increase to 3000 and 4000. Just like the other spring systems, these can be made in a range of tensions to suit individual needs.
• Long lasting and used in better quality products. The springs are encased in calico pockets, hand nested in a honeycomb pattern and hand centre tied with linen cord giving even more stability and comfort.

  If cost is a concern, a good compromise to make pocket springs more affordable is to have less expensive springs encased in Fibretex or stitchbond fabrics and lightly glued together in linear rows.

• A recent development in spring technology is the extra low profile mini spring – which can have a height of under 3 cm (1 inch). These innovative units offer an alternative to fillings by providing a highly resistant comfort layer. They can also be stacked together to form a very soft, high spring count mattress core.

So despite being more expensive such are the benefits of pocket spring that over 60% of mattresses sold are from that technology. Also increasing are the number of foam encapsulated mattresses where the springs are supported in a foam case again giving extra support particularly at the edges but again usually at a higher price.

Expert tip

Pocket sprung mattresses tend to feel slightly softer than open coil mattresses

Types of fillings

Moving on from the spring system, the other biggest influence of your comfort will be the type of foam and fillings your mattress is made of.

Interior Sprung Mattresses use a large variety of fillings to create different properties and comfort options (which also influence price). Fillings are chosen for their resilience, durability, flexibility and body moisture absorbing properties. In budget mattresses, fillings usually come in compact pads. In better quality models, layers of loose fillings in greater volume are used to give more flexible pressure relief.

Some examples are:

Cotton

Often used near the surface for its soft feel, its ability to breathe, and excellent moisture absorbing properties.

Wool

A naturally resilient fibre with good fire retarding properties. Also luxurious and very breathable.

Polyester

Man-made fibre, it’s a cheaper filling but with good recovery properties.

Hair

Hair is a highly resilient fibre with natural bounce. It’s often described as nature’s spring, so if you like a bouncy bed, this may be right for you.

Other materials include silk, cashmere, and mohair. They are used mainly to give a luxury feel and to give additional insulation properties.

Foam and comfort layers

Having covered spring systems and fillings, now for what will be one of the biggest influences on the feel of the bed: the type of foam used.

Certain mattresses (including very expensive products) are marketed as foam only. Although these generally are not as resilient as mattresses with springs, they do have their own individual feel. The other key advantages are: lighter weight, lower price and a roll up feature which makes them more portable.

There are four main types of foam:

Standard Reflex Foam

Reflex is a support foam used for support or bulking up mattress upholstery layers. Most foam mattresses either use foam exclusively or are made from layers of different foam densities combined with springs.

By varying their density and depth, it is possible to achieve different levels of support and comfort. Foam only versions are particularly suitable for use with slatted bases and adjustable beds. Foam only mattresses can be combined with other types of foam such as memory foam.

Memory Foam (Visco-Elastic)

The history of memory foam is spectacular and starts in the 1970s when NASA produced a foam for use in their space programme. However, domestic users did not gain advantage of this product until the 1990s. This evolved from the medical world when they noticed that it reacted well to temperature and also worked well under pressure. As more doctors began to appreciate the benefits for their patients such as bed sore prevention and soothing warmth for chronic pain, this cascaded down to the normal consumer.

What is memory foam?

Memory foam is made out of polyurethane, a man-made polymer which softens with heat. Whilst normal foam recovers its shape quickly from different levels of force, memory foam has its own levels of viscosity and elasticity. Its ability to recover from pressure is measured in seconds and it does not have the property of absorbing the energy of compression and returning it with a springy feeling. Its greatest asset is the ability to distribute and relieve pressure.

The moulding quality provides a stable cradle which minimises partners rolling together, as do some of the other spring systems.

So why choose memory foam?

• Soft to the touch and to feel.
• Responds and readily moulds itself to the contours of the body, and to individual shape and pressure.
• Has good pressure relieving properties and provides support for the whole body.
• Warm feel creates that cosy feel so important for a good night's sleep.
• Available in a variety of qualities, densities and depths. This is reflected in the price. The greater the depth and density, the more noticeable the effect of the memory foam will be. Most mid-market mattresses will have 23 to 25 millimetres of memory foam which is adequate but for a more noticeable effect a deeper layer of memory foam is better. However once you pass 7 to 10 cm, the extra benefit is small. In terms of density 5 pounds per cubic foot is considered very high quality 3 pounds per cubic foot less so.

However, despite the numerous advantages of memory foam, it is not for everyone.

Despite superb pressure relief, the sensitivity to heat may result in the product becoming too soft or too hard. It's also not for people who toss and turn a lot.

The issue of temperature doesn't end there. The heat absorption can make it feel hot and uncomfortable. Coolmax covers can help but if you're sensitive to temperature, memory foam may not be for you.

The elderly or disabled may find that its body moulding properties make it harder to move or get out of bed.

Memory foam is made from safe chemicals (all foam contains chemicals for fire retardant purposes) but for those who want a more organic mattress there are other options.

Expert tip

Memory foam mattresses often have a distinctive odour when first unwrapped. You may wish to air the mattress by keeping it in a well ventilated room with no sheets on for 48 hours.

Geltex/Gel Foam

A new filling taking the bed market by storm is gel foam, such as in brands like Geltex.

What is gel foam?

Gel foam is a combination of extremely elastic gel and air permeable foam offering the unique combination of breathability, preventing overheating and giving excellent (some say perfect) pressure relief. Therefore it keeps you cool whilst still preventing pressure points from developing and provides optimal body support with perfect spinal alignment and support.

In addition the mattresses tend to be durable and are being heralded as the new and improved memory foam. Like all new technologies they come at a price and are dearer than memory foam. However prices are coming down as volumes increase and those who have slept on the product recommend it highly.

Latex Foam

Another different option to memory foam and gel foam is latex. A key feature is it enables the sleeper to move freely for a healthy sleep and does not need body heat to be activated, making it cooler than memory foam.

What is Latex Foam?

Latex is a natural, premium quality product. In its natural form (there are synthetic alternatives) it is derived from the sap of the rubber tree. It contains thousands of tiny bubbles creating a unique elasticity that adds a natural “bounce” to the mattress and instant pressure relief for your joints.

Advantages of latex foam

• Naturally hypoallergenic - ideal for allergy suffers.
• Comfortable, long lasting, and with limited roll together.
• Healthy and safe with no chemicals in its purest form, for those who like a more organic product with anti-microbial properties.
• Natural elasticity, recovering its shape immediately once pressure is removed.
• Very good point elasticity, resulting in even distribution of pressure relief for independent support, especially in back support and comfort.
• Good for those who struggle to turn over in bed, such as the elderly and disabled.

The only real disadvantages are weight (it tends to be heavier) and price as it is more expensive. However there are now different types of latex. Natural Talalay latex has a softer feel, while the new synthetic latex is heavier and denser but has brought the price down.

Pillow Top

Some mattresses have what is called a pillow or cushion top added onto the top of the mattress. These give an extra luxurious feel and an impression of greater mattress depth. They are made of fabric and sometimes have small springs.

They give an impression of additional comfort which is very desirable. These come at a slightly higher price. The mattress cannot be turned over but can be rotated.

Natural

No mattress can be 100% natural due to fire regulations, but they can have more natural, organic covers. For people who have aversions to certain chemical smells or prefer having less chemicals used in their household, natural covers are a good option.

Mattress finish

Quilting or Tufting?

Most mattresses are finished by either quilting or tufting.

Quilting is a decorative effect attaching the outer fabric to the surface fillings. These mattresses tend to have a smoother, flatter surface. Foam topped mattresses are often quilted as tufting would distort the shape of the foam.

On the other hand, tufting is where tapes are passed right through the mattress at regular intervals and secured each side by tags or washers, thus preventing loose fillings from being dislodged. This is either done by hand or by machine, with hand tufted mattresses holding their shape slightly better over time.

The choice is entirely yours to make, but tufted mattresses have a firmer feel, while quilted mattresses are softer.

Expert tip

Tufted mattresses can have a slightly firmer feel while quilted mattresses may feel softer.

Side stitching

The process of side stitching anchors the edges of the internal spring unit with stitches to the ticking on the sides of the mattress. This traditional skill and time-consuming process improves not only appearance, but mattress edge support. It also extends the sleeping area to the very edge of the mattress.

Vents

Some mattresses feature air vents which allow fresh air to circulate within the mattress, keeping you cool and expelling stale odours. It's a similar concept to having air vents in your home.

Handles

If you need to take your mattress up a tricky staircase, choosing a mattress with handles could make life much easier. However, they are not supposed to be used multiple times to flip your mattress and could tear. They are actually designed to manoeuvre the mattress a little at a time into the correct position on the base. If you find it difficult to flip a mattress without handles we would recommend opting for a one-sided mattress that does not need to be turned.

Ticking (Cover)

The outside of a mattress is a fabric known as ticking. It's usually done in neutral colours, as it is covered 99% of the time by bedclothes anyway.

However, it is not just there for aesthetic reasons. It also needs to be tough and tear resistant. Better quality fabrics such as high quality viscose or cotton yarns are woven or knitted and cheaper products in polyester and so on are often printed. At the bottom end of the market are stitch bonded fabrics and cheaper knits which do not feel as good, or wear as well.

Look out for ticking with special qualities including being anti-dustmite, anti-allergy, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-static, breathable, water and stain resistant, naturally fire retardant, and so on.

As the closest point of contact between the body and the mattress, ticking should ideally be made from a breathable material. To prevent overheating on a memory foam mattress look for a Coolmax© cover. Some mattresses have organic cotton ticking for a more eco-friendly approach.

One of the latest innovations is tickings that offer effective thermal regulation through moisture wicking and evaporation technology. Fabrics that move perspiration away from the body and through the fabric weave where it can evaporate quickly (such as we see in our sports wear) allow the sleepers to feel cooler and more comfortable. This is especially useful for those with medical conditions that stimulate sweating.

Types of ticking:

Stitchbond

Stitchbond is a non-woven fabric usually made from polyester. It is a very durable fabric and is often used on children's mattresses as patterns can be printed on it, or on budget mattresses due to it's low cost.

Damask

Damask is one of the most common types of mattress ticking, it is a woven fabric which can be made from a variety of different materials. A damask ticking would be a more comfortable and breathable surface to sleep on than stitchbond.

Microquilt/Knit

Microquilting is a method of attaching a knitted ticking to the upper fillings of the mattress. This creates a flat surface and is typically the type of cover you would get on a foam topped mattress.

Pique

Pique is simply a weaving style used with cotton to produce a mattress ticking with a soft, breathable finish.

Mattress firmness

Firm, medium or soft - which is the one for you? It's a subjective, tricky question and the answer that you might think is right for you may not be the case. Here are some pointers:

If you are slim a softer feel mattress might be beneficial. Especially latex or memory foam, depending on your preference.

Aching joints may also benefit from a softer mattress, as they are often helped by the moulding of memory foam.

But if you have a back problem, look for something a little more supportive. Perhaps the time might even be right for a specialty mattress. The trick is going for comfort but with support.

If you're heavier, a firmer option may be the right one, but bear in mind that if you're sharing the bed with someone lighter, your perceptions of what is firm, medium or soft may be very different.

When you're testing the mattresses out, remember that a mattress is often firmer when it is new. So if you like something and take it home but find that it's stiffer than you'd like, give it more time - your new bed should feel the same way soon.

Another note on testing, a good rule of thumb might be this: to gauge the right tension, lie on the mattress and push your hand under the small of your back. If there is a large gap, the mattress is too firm, no gap at all, then it's too soft. If your hand can just pass through, then it is just right.

The Right Firmness

• Excellent body support
• Natural spinal alignment
• Optimal pressure distribution
• Good blood circulation

Too Firm

• Distorts your back
• Pressure concentrated on two areas: shoulders and pelvic area

Too Soft

• Sagging
• No proper back support
• Causes back pain

Backcare

One of the main reasons for changing a bed is a bad back. While no mattress can offer a cure-all for a bad back, they can certainly both ease and prevent them getting worse.

Often somebody will say “I have a bad back, I want a really hard mattress”, seeking out the hardest mattress in town. That might seem intuitively correct, but for a back problem the mattress needs to be supportive and - importantly - comfortable. An orthopaedic mattress is designed to benefit the whole body and provide a comfortable night's sleep. The owner should wake refreshed with no aches and pains.

A backcare mattress tends to be made from the firmest 12.5 gauge springs which are the most durable and won't sag with use. Memory foam also plays a role here in providing spinal support.

There are lots of back care mattresses on the market, and remember the key point here is to seek out a mattress that is comfortable but supportive.

Mattress FAQs

Which mattress is best for back sleepers?

This is the worst sleeping position for your back and can cause aches and pains. Using no pillow or a very shallow one may be beneficial. A firmer mattress will help to prevent your spine from curving.

Expert tip

If you sleep on your front a better option than choosing a mattress for this sleeping position is to try to change it.

What's the difference between traditional springs (open-coil) and pocket springs?

A sprung mattress is a popular and affordable option, consisting of open-coils joined together in rows within the mattress filling. With a pocket sprung mattress, the springs are individually wrapped in cloth “pockets”, which are sewn together to create a sleeping surface, allowing each spring to operate individually. The more pocket springs in your mattress, the more support you will get and the longer your mattress will continue to give you this support.

How often should I change my mattress?

The Sleep Council advises changing your mattress every seven years. By then you'll have spent more than 20,000 hours in bed, losing an average of half a pint of fluid each night and shedding a pound of dead skin cells a year. We wouldn't want to sleep on that – and we don't think you should!

Mattress glossary

For a more comprehensive Mattress glossary, click here.

Size

Furniture And Choice offers standard mattress sizes. In the UK, standard mattress sizes are given in feet and inches and represent the width of the bed, they may also include the depth of each mattress.

Note that some suppliers, such as IKEA, work to the different ‘Continental' sizes, even with beds sold in the UK.