What Should I Consider When Buying a Mattress?
Everyone sleeps differently, so there is no single mattress that is perfect for everyone. The right mattress depends on your sleeping position, preferred firmness, body support, mattress type, size and personal comfort.
Think about how you currently sleep, what you like or dislike about your existing mattress and the amount of space available in your bedroom. Considering these factors before you buy can make it much easier to narrow down your options.
How Do You Sleep?
Your sleeping position can influence the level of firmness and pressure relief you need.
What Firmness?
Choose between softer, medium and firmer feels depending on your comfort and support preferences.
Which Type?
Compare pocket springs, memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses.
What Size?
Make sure the mattress fits your bed and gives you enough room to sleep comfortably.
Which Mattress Is Best for My Sleeping Position?
The position you normally sleep in can help you decide what level of support and pressure relief you may prefer. Think about your usual sleeping position rather than how you occasionally fall asleep.
SIDE SLEEPERS
Pressure Relief
Side sleepers may prefer a mattress with enough cushioning to allow the shoulders and hips to settle comfortably while still providing support.
BACK SLEEPERS
Balanced Support
Back sleepers often look for a balanced combination of support and comfort to help maintain a comfortable sleeping position.
FRONT SLEEPERS
Supportive Feel
Front sleepers may prefer a more supportive mattress that helps prevent excessive sinking around the middle of the body.
What Mattress Firmness Should I Choose?
Mattress firmness is one of the most important factors to consider. A mattress that feels comfortable to one person may feel completely different to someone else, so think about your own preferences rather than simply choosing the firmest or softest option.
Soft & Medium-Soft
A softer feel can provide additional cushioning and may appeal to sleepers who enjoy a more embracing sensation.
Medium
A medium feel can be a versatile choice for sleepers who want a balance between cushioning and support.
Firm
A firmer feel provides less sink and may appeal to sleepers who prefer a more supportive, stable sleeping surface.
Remember: Firmness and support are not exactly the same thing. A mattress can provide good support while still having a softer comfort layer.
Which Type of Mattress Should I Buy?
Mattress construction affects how a mattress feels, responds to movement and supports your body. Understanding the main mattress types can help you decide which construction best matches your preferences.
Responsive & Supportive
Pocket spring mattresses use individually pocketed springs that can respond independently to movement, offering a responsive feel and good support.
Explore Pocket Spring Mattresses →Contouring Comfort
Memory foam mattresses mould around the body to create a contouring feel and can be a popular choice for those who enjoy pressure-relieving comfort.
Explore Memory Foam Mattresses →Responsive & Natural Feel
Latex mattresses can offer a responsive feel with a distinctive springiness and are available in natural and synthetic constructions.
Explore Latex Mattresses →The Best of Both?
Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, commonly springs with foam layers, to provide a blend of responsiveness, cushioning and support.
Explore Hybrid Mattresses →Support-Focused
Orthopaedic mattresses are designed with support in mind and may appeal to sleepers who prefer a firmer, more supportive feel.
Materials Matter
If materials are important to you, explore mattresses made with natural fillings or materials selected with allergy-sensitive sleepers in mind.
Explore Hypoallergenic Mattresses →Memory Foam or Pocket Springs?
Two of the most popular mattress constructions are memory foam and pocket springs. Neither is automatically better — the right choice depends on the feel and features you prefer.
Choose Memory Foam If...
- You enjoy a contouring, cushioned feel.
- You prefer less bounce from your mattress.
- You like the sensation of sinking slightly into the mattress.
- Pressure relief is an important consideration.
- You prefer an alternative to traditional spring construction.
Choose Pocket Springs If...
- You prefer a more responsive, traditional mattress feel.
- You like some bounce when moving in bed.
- You want individually responsive springs.
- You prefer a mattress with a more open construction.
- You are looking for a wide choice of spring counts and comfort levels.
What Mattress Size Should I Choose?
Choosing the correct mattress size is about more than simply fitting it into your bedroom. Consider how many people will use it, how much space you need to sleep comfortably and the dimensions of your existing bed.
Useful for children's bedrooms, compact rooms and occasional sleeping spaces.
A popular option for one person, children's rooms, teenagers and guest bedrooms.
Provides more width than a single while taking up less space than a standard double.
A versatile and popular size for couples and larger single bedrooms.
Offers additional length and width for sleepers who want more room.
Does Mattress Depth Matter?
Mattress depth can affect the overall appearance and feel of your finished bed. A deeper mattress may change the height of the sleeping surface and can also affect how much of a headboard remains visible.
A thicker mattress will increase the overall height of your bed.
Consider how the mattress depth will sit against your chosen headboard.
Check that your fitted sheets are suitable for the depth of your mattress.
Mattress thickness alone does not determine comfort or support.
Choosing a Mattress for Couples
Buying a mattress for two people can be more complicated because you may have different sleeping positions, body types and comfort preferences. Where possible, choose a mattress that provides a comfortable compromise for both sleepers.
Different Firmness Preferences
If one person prefers a softer mattress and the other prefers firmer support, look for a mattress that offers a balanced feel or consider whether separate mattresses are suitable for your setup.
Movement
If one person moves frequently during the night, mattress construction can affect how much movement is felt on the other side.
Space
If your bedroom allows, choosing a larger mattress can give both sleepers more personal sleeping space.
How Important Is Mattress Support?
Support is an important part of mattress selection. A good mattress should feel comfortable while providing appropriate support for your body. Your preferred level of support can depend on your sleeping position, body shape and personal comfort preferences.
Body Support
Look for a mattress that feels supportive without creating uncomfortable pressure points.
Pressure Relief
The comfort layers can influence how the mattress cushions areas such as your shoulders and hips.
Edge Support
Consider the stability around the edges if you regularly sit on the side of the bed or use the full sleeping surface.
Do Mattress Materials Affect Temperature?
The materials and construction of a mattress can influence how it feels while you sleep. If you tend to feel warm at night, consider the materials used, the mattress construction and the type of bedding you use alongside it.
Foam can provide a close, contouring feel. Different foam constructions can have different properties.
Spring-based mattresses can offer a more open construction and a responsive feel.
Natural fillings and materials can provide a different feel and may be appealing if material choice is important to you.
Does My Mattress Need to Match My Bed?
Yes. Your mattress should be the correct size and suitable for the bed base you are using. Before ordering, check the mattress dimensions, the required mattress size and any manufacturer recommendations for the bed.
Check the Size
A double mattress should fit a double bed, while king and super king mattresses have different dimensions.
Check the Base
Make sure your bed base is in good condition and suitable for the mattress you choose.
Check the Height
Mattress depth can affect the final height of your bed, especially when combined with a deep divan or tall bed frame.
When Should I Replace My Mattress?
Mattresses don't last forever. Changes in comfort, visible wear and your own sleeping needs can all be reasons to consider replacing your mattress.
Visible Wear
Sagging, lumps, damaged areas or visible deterioration can indicate that your mattress is no longer performing as it should.
Reduced Comfort
If your mattress no longer feels comfortable or supportive, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Poor Sleep
If you regularly struggle to get comfortable or wake feeling less rested, your mattress may be worth reassessing.
Your Needs Have Changed
Changes in sleeping position, lifestyle or who shares your bed can all influence what mattress is right for you.
Your Bed Has Changed
If you're replacing your bed, it can be a good opportunity to reassess whether your existing mattress is still suitable.
10 Things to Check Before Buying a Mattress
Think about whether you mainly sleep on your side, back or front.
Decide whether you prefer a softer, medium or firmer sleeping surface.
Compare pocket springs, memory foam, latex and hybrid constructions.
Make sure the mattress dimensions match your bed.
Consider how the mattress thickness will affect the finished bed height.
Look for a mattress that feels supportive and comfortable for your body.
Consider foam, springs, latex, natural fillings and other materials.
Consider the construction and materials if you tend to sleep warm.
Couples may have different sleeping positions and comfort preferences.
Make sure your bed base is suitable for the mattress you plan to buy.
Ready to Choose Your New Mattress?
Whether you prefer the contouring feel of memory foam, the responsiveness of pocket springs, the natural feel of latex or the combination of a hybrid mattress, our range gives you plenty of options to explore.
Shop All Mattresses →Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Mattress
What type of mattress is best?
There isn't one mattress type that is best for everyone. Your ideal mattress depends on your preferred firmness, sleeping position, support requirements and the feel you enjoy. Pocket spring, memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses all offer different characteristics.
Is a firm mattress better for your back?
Not necessarily. The right firmness depends on the individual. A mattress should feel comfortable and supportive for your body, rather than simply being as firm as possible.
Is memory foam better than pocket springs?
Neither is automatically better. Memory foam generally provides a more contouring feel, while pocket springs tend to offer a more responsive and traditional spring feel. Your personal preference should guide the decision.
What mattress firmness should I choose?
Consider your sleeping position, body shape and personal preference. Side sleepers may appreciate additional cushioning, while some back and front sleepers may prefer a more supportive feel.
What mattress size do I need?
Your mattress should match the required dimensions of your bed. Consider the available bedroom space and how much room you want while sleeping. View our Mattress Size Guide →
How deep should my mattress be?
There is no universal ideal mattress depth. Thickness varies by mattress construction and comfort layers. Consider how the depth will affect your finished bed height, sheets and headboard. Read our Mattress Depth Guide →
Can I put a new mattress on my existing bed?
In many cases, yes, provided the bed base is the correct size, suitable for the mattress and in good condition. Always check the requirements of your chosen mattress and bed.
Are hybrid mattresses good?
Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, often springs and foam, to provide a mixture of responsiveness, cushioning and support. They can be a useful option if you want characteristics from more than one mattress type. Explore Hybrid Mattresses →
Explore Our Mattress & Bed Buying Guides
Still deciding what you need? Explore our other buying guides for more helpful advice on mattresses, beds and bedroom furniture.
Ready for a Better Night's Sleep?
Explore our range of mattresses in different sizes, firmness levels and constructions to find the comfort and support that's right for you.
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