Mattress Buying Guide
Sweet Dreams! Choose Your Ideal Mattress
Types of Mattress
Coil Sprung Mattresses
This is the most common type of mattress – sometimes referred to as standard spring or open spring mattresses. The inside of the mattress contains a number of metal springs, which (unlike pocket springs) cannot extend and compress independently of each other. Coil sprung mattresses offer good value for money.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Pocket sprung mattresses are a development of standard coil sprung mattresses. Each spring inside the mattress is wrapped in an individual ‘pocket’. This allows each spring to expand and contract independently from those around it. Not only does this offer greater support, but if you share a bed with your partner, you’re less likely to feel their movements on your side of the bed and vice-versa.
Memory Coil Mattresses
Sometimes referred to as a hybrid mattress, a memory coil mattress is a combination of foam and coils. The top layer of the mattress is made from memory foam, which provides excellent comfort and adjusts to the contours of your body perfectly. Underneath is a sprung base which provides an excellent level of support.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are made using layers of flexible polyurethane foam with each layer offering a different weight and density to create a mattress which offers the perfect amount of support. Foam mattresses are very well suited to rolling and vacuum packaging. This reduces transport costs, which offers additional value for money.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are a development of standard foam mattresses, however the top layer of foam is of a special type which moulds to your body and retains its shape to provide maximum support. When changing sleeping positions, the foam gradually ‘forgets’ the old position and adjusts to the new one. Memory foam mattresses are often recommended for people who suffer from joint pain, but equally offer a high level of comfort to most people.
Mattress Firmness
Choosing the best firmness for your mattress comes down to personal preference and your preferred sleeping position. We grade our mattresses from firm to soft, with each offering advantages for various sleeping positions.
| Soft | Offers the least resistance, providing a gentle support base, contouring to your natural body shape. Perfect for side sleepers. | |
| Medium | Gentle support system, conforming to the shape of your body. Great if you sleep on your side or front. | |
| Medium Firm | Provides essential support to maintain natural spinal alignment. Ideal for back or front sleepers. | |
| Firm | The very firm base provides optimum support for your back. Great for back sleepers. |
Mattress Sizes
Common Mattress Sizes
| Type | Size (Width x Length) Metric | Size (Width x Length) Imperial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super King Mattresses | 180cm x 200cm | 6' x 6'6" | |
| European King Size Mattresses | 160cm x 200cm | 5'3" x 6'6" | |
| King Size Mattresses | 150cm x 200cm | 5' x 6'6" | |
| European Double Mattresses | 140cm x 200cm | 4'7" x 6'6" | |
| Double Mattresses | 135cm x 190cm | 4'6" x 6'3" | |
| Small Double Mattresses | 120cm x 190cm | 4' x 6'3" | |
| Single Mattresses | 90cm x 190cm | 3' x 6'3" | |
| Small Single Mattresses | 75cm x 190cm | 2'6" x 6'3" |
Mattress Finish
| Quilted | Quilted mattresses offer a smooth finish to the top of the mattress. In contrast to tufted mattresses, quilting involves stitching the layers of a mattress together using long lines of stitches which are visible on the top of the mattress. | |
| Tufted | Tufting is a technique that uses long straps or 'tufts' to link all the layers of a mattress together. Tufts are a common feature of pocket sprung mattresses as the pockets require tufts to keep the springs in place and to ensure the mattress holds its shape. Pocket sprung mattresses that also feature latex or foam layers can often be quilted. Tufting minimises sagging of the mattress. |