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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.

Amelia Glean
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.

What's in this guide?

  1. Hybrid mattresses
  2. Memory foam mattresses
  3. Pocket spring mattresses
  4. Open spring mattresses
  5. Mattress FAQs
  6. Deals and discounts for mattresses

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

Kally Sleep Kally Sleep
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.

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Free delivery
Kally Sleep Kally Sleep

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.

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Eve Sleep Eve Sleep

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.

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Dreams Dreams

Mattress recycling from just £30

Treating yourself to a new mattress? Get rid of your old one quickly and easily thanks to Dreams' mattress recycling service! A service that’s fast, convenient and environmentally friendly, prices start at just £30. T&Cs apply.

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Dreams Dreams

Browse Dreams full range of mattresses from £39

Whether you are looking for a pocket spring or memory foam mattress, a traditional spring or gel mattress. Find your new perfect mattress from as little as £39 now at Dreams! T&Cs apply.

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Dreams Dreams
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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Free delivery
Eve Sleep Eve Sleep
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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Free delivery
Dreams Dreams

Get great deals on mattresses, bed frame bedding and more at Dreams!

Shop Dreams now for amazing deals on a great night's sleep! T&Cs apply.

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Eve Sleep Eve Sleep

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

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Emma Mattress Emma Mattress

Free returns

We are sure you will love your new Emma mattresses products but if for any reason you do not, then you can return it for a full refund. T&Cs apply.

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Emma Mattress Emma Mattress

10 year guarantee

Your mattress comes with a 10-year guarantee. That’s how sure of its quality Emma mattresses are. Shop Emma mattress stress free with a 10 year guarantee! T&Cs apply.

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Emma Mattress Emma Mattress
Free trial

200 night free trial

Now isn’t the time to worry about having to make a quick decision about whether the Emma products are perfect for you. So, relax, take your time and enjoy your new mattress with a 200-Night Trial. T&Cs apply.

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Free trial
Emma Mattress Emma Mattress
Free delivery

Free delivery on all orders at Emma

Each Emma product is delivered factory-fresh and brand-new straight to your doorstep. Shop Emma mattresses and accessories and enjoy free delivery on your order! T&Cs apply.

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Free delivery
Emma Mattress Emma Mattress

Treat yourself to a great night's sleep

Featuring the highest quality foams and made using the most advanced technologies, Emma gives you the perfect amount of pressure relief, support, and comfort. Upgrade your mattress to Emma today! T&Cs apply.

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Bensons for Beds Bensons for Beds

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.

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Popular Mattresses UK discount codes

Last checked Code description Code
10 Sep 2020 Free delivery on all orders No ****
10 Sep 2020 Free delivery on all orders No ****
10 Sep 2020 Free delivery on all orders at Emma No ****
25 Sep 2020 Free delivery on orders over £40 No ****
11 Sep 2020 Free delivery on orders over £100 No ****

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