Mattress buying guide: How to choose a mattress online

Looking to replace your scruffy old mattress? Follow our guide on what to look out for when shopping online.

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Amelia Glean
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Sleep is one of the most important pillars of our wellbeing. As we spend around 230,000 hours of our lives in this mostly unconscious state, it makes sense to ensure those hours are as restful as can be.

Having the right mattress on your bed for your height, shape and body could have a huge impact on the quality of your shut-eye, which leads to better health, more productive days and a happier life, too. Now, who wouldn’t want that?

Read on to find the right mattress for you, as well as deals and discounts should you wish to make a purchase.

Hybrid mattresses

A hybrid mattress is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a type of mattress that combines two or more support systems, typically an innerspring system with layers of memory foam or latex. Hybrid mattresses balance the pressure relief of a memory foam mattress with the classic feel of an innerspring mattress, and they’re often cooler for sleeping on than other models, too.

This type of mattress is best for heavier people as the coils can handle heavier weights and also provide the support needed for back sleeping and stomach sleeping.

Memory foam mattresses

A memory foam mattress is made from a polymer known as polyurethane. This material was actually created for NASA but has since become a staple in furniture and mattress construction. Memory foam generally has a soft feel that slowly compresses when pressure is applied. If you lie on a memory foam mattress, you should feel yourself slowly sink in. There are no springs in this mattress.

Memory foam mattresses are usually a good choice for those needing a bit of pressure relief due to back or joint injuries. They cushion the joints and relieve pressure on the heavier areas of the body. It also takes the shape of your body and fills in any gaps. This helps keep your spine in neutral alignment.

Pocket spring mattresses

One of the most luxurious mattresses out there, this type is made from individual, small springs housed in their own pocket of fabric. This means each spring moves independently, providing more support than an open spring mattress, for example. You can buy soft, medium or firm versions, depending on your preference.

This option is a good choice for couples, as the separate springs will cater for your different needs and weights, while also minimising the risk of you rolling towards your partner in the middle of the night.

Hypnos Superb Pillow Top Pocket Spring Mattress
Hypnos Superb Pillow Top Pocket Spring Mattress

John Lewis & Partners

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Open spring mattresses

Also known as open coil or continuous coil mattresses, these babies contain one long piece of metal wire coiled into numerous springs. It’s a great value for money option and is often lighter than other models, making them easy to turn and manoeuvre.

If you’re on the hunt for a guest bedroom mattress or a child’s mattress, this could be the best option for you. They tend to be less supportive than other models and will often need to be replaced regularly – perfect for an ever-growing child.

JAY-BE Open Coil Foam Free Kids Single Mattress
JAY-BE Open Coil Foam Free Kids Single Mattress

Argos

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Added Comfort Open Spring Mattress
Added Comfort Open Spring Mattress

John Lewis & Partners

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Mattress FAQs

Mattresses are often an overlooked item of furniture, but they’re vital for a good night’s rest! We pulled together some FAQs about mattresses so that you will go into your purchase with open eyes!

Deals and discounts for mattresses

Littlewoods
Deal

Up to 40% off selected Silentnight

Verified Today Expires 4 Nov 2021
Time to update your bedroom? From Divan Beds to Deep Sleep Pillows, shop now and save up to 40% off selected Silentnight at Littlewoods! T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Nectar Sleep
Deal

35% off Any Mattress

Expires 2 Nov 2021
Cool Summer Sleep Sale at Nectar Sleep! Save 35% off Any Mattress (worth up to £314 in savings)! T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Bensons for Beds
Deal

Shop mattresses from £99

Time to invest in a new mattress? At Bensons for Beds, sleep wellness lies at the heart of everything they do, that’s why they offer a range of mattresses to suit every need with prices from as little as £99! T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Bensons for Beds
Code Free delivery

Free delivery on orders over £100

Bensons for Beds offer Free Delivery on orders over £100. They will even deliver it to a room of your choice (excluding soft furnishings). T&Cs apply.
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Nectar Sleep
Deal

Nectar mattress from £449

After testing optimal levels of firmness, coolness, breathability and comfort across all sleepers, Nectar engineered a single mattress to give you one thing: your best night's sleep, every night. T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Eve Sleep
Deal

Eve pillows from £39

In two minds about the pillow for you? Don’t be. Eve is there to help you find the one that floats your boat and you will have 14 nights to make up your mind. Prices starting from as little as £39! T&Cs apply
Get deal
Arista Living
Deal

Shop your perfect bed at amazing prices

In need of a new bed? Then check out what Arista Living offers and discover great deals. T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Wayfair
Deal

Shop Wayfair mattress toppers from £15

Not quite ready to replace your mattress but looking for some extra comfort? Shop mattress toppers from only £15 at Wayfair now! T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Dreams
Code Free delivery

Free delivery on all orders

Free delivery on all orders, with no minimum spend at Dreams. So shop now and get your order delivered to your door for free! T&Cs apply.
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Emma Mattress
Deal

Buy now, pay later with Klarna

Sleep better without breaking the bank. Buy a new mattress now and pay for it later with Klarna. T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Nectar Sleep
Deal

Buy now, pay later at Nectar with Splitit

Get a peaceful night with peace of mind when you buy now and pay later at Nectar. T&Cs apply.
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Kally Sleep
Deal Free delivery

Free delivery on orders over £39

Spend £39 or more at Kally Sleep and get your order delivered for free! T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Kally Sleep
Deal

Find your perfect pillow at Kally Sleep

Whether you're a side sleeper, back sleeper, deep sleeper or light sleeper, you're sure to find the perfect pillow for you at Kally Sleep. T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Eve Sleep
Deal

100 night mattress home trial

Not sure if Eve is right for you? Try it for 100 nights and if you aren't 100% happy you can return your mattress for free! T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Eve Sleep
Code Free delivery

Free delivery on all orders

Order your new mattress from Eve and have it delivered straight to your doorstep, for free. The mattress comes compressed, vacuum sealed and neatly rolled in a box. T&Cs apply.
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