Different types of mattress available in the UK

Looking for the perfect mattress that will elicit a good night’s sleep? Here’s everything you need to know.

Updated

Dec 23, 2019

Fact checked

A good mattress can grant you so much more than a fabulous night’s sleep. Sleep is the answer to better brain function, a more positive perspective, and a stronger ability to seize the day. Let’s face it, there’s a lot of benefits to a good night’s sleep.

Considering buying a new mattress?

Firstly you’ll need to choose the right mattress size – it seems obvious, but it’s still an important consideration.
Next, you’ll consider the different mattress materials on offer – with foam, spring, fusion and other options on the market, it can seem somewhat confusing.
Finally you’ll need to think about your personal sleeping style – side sleepers, tummy sleepers and back sleepers all require varying levels of mattress density.

We’re on hand to help guide you through everything you’ll need to know about mattresses so that you get a great night’s sleep every single day.

Mattress types in the UK

Open spring mattress

This type of mattress is also known as an open coil or continuous coil mattress. It is constructed from a single piece of metal wire that is coiled into several springs within the mattress’ inner. It also has an additional structural wire runs around the border of the mattress.

Pros

Secure sleeping surface
Budget friendly
Usually light in weight making them easy to turn

Cons

This mattress type generally offers less support than others on the markets, so are better suited to guest bedrooms or beds that are infrequently slept on

Pocket spring mattress

Pocket spring mattresses offer a more luxurious sleeping surface than open spring ones. Pocket spring mattresses are made from individual, springs and each one is encased in it’s own pocket of fabric, allowing each spring to move independently resulting in a more supportive sleep.

Pros

Available in varying densities to suit all preferences and sleep styles
More breathable than memory foam or latex mattresses (ideal if you’re prone to overheating during the night)
The individual springs are capable of catering to different support requirements and weights, so they will also lessen the likelihood of rolling towards your partner in the middle of the night

Cons

Pocket spring mattress are heavy in weight which can make them tricky to turn

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are the most contemporary mattress style on the market and extremely popular throughout the UK. They are constructed from memory foam which is a malleable material that reacts to a person’s weight and temperature enabling it to mould to the shape of your body.

Pros

Absorbs body weight and eases pressure on joints
Assists in maintaining good posture and spinal alignment

Cons

Memory foam is not very breathable, leaving it easy to overheat.

Latex mattress

Latex mattresses are made from latex foam.

Pros

Breathable material, reducing the likelihood of overheating
Latex foam is extremely durable, making it likely to outlast other products on the market
Suitable for asthma and hay fever or allergy sufferers

Cons

Latex mattresses can be quite rigid, so if you prefer a soft sleeping surface this may not be for you.

Hybrids

Hybrid mattresses are created from a combination of latex, memory foam, polyurethane foams, coils, and other materials. If you like the best of all worlds whilst you sleep, a hybrid is the perfect option.

Pros

The combination of materials offers excellent support and comfort
Hybrid mattresses are breathable and cool
Suitable for couples with different sleeping styles

Cons

Often the most expensive type of mattress.
Heavy and difficult to move.

What’s the best type of mattress for me?

When you’re choosing the your new mattress here’s a few key factors to think about first. Once you’ve considered these four factors, you can stop losing sleep over choosing a new mattress:

How do you (usually) sleep?
How old is your mattress?
Do you prefer a soft of firm sleeping surface?
What’s your budget?

Choose your mattress based on your sleeping style

Choosing how firm your mattress is is extremely important and mostly depends on your preferred sleeping position. Choosing the right level of firmness is essential as it is will affect the quality of sleep you get.

Soft. Soft mattresses are perfect for side sleepers and those who tend to switch up their sleeping position during the night. Soft mattresses mould easily to your body’s natural sleeping position which helps to ease any unnecessary pressure on your spine whilst you sleep.
Medium soft. Medium soft mattresses are a good choice if you regularly change position throughout the night. Medium soft mattresses still mould to each different sleeping position whilst offering a more supported sleep.
Medium firm. If you sleep on your back, medium firm mattresses are perfect. Sleeping on your back mean you’ll need an increased level of support to your lower back which medium firm mattresses are great at.
Firm. Do you sleep on your front? Your best option is a firm mattress that will keep your back in a stable and supported position. Firm mattresses prevent your torso from sinking into the mattress whilst you sleep. A firm mattress is also good if you are over 15 stone in weight or regularly suffer from back pain.

Do I need a mattress topper?

Is your mattress feeling a little lifeless and is right now really not the best time to be forking out for a new one? A mattress topper could be the answer to your prayers. Mattress toppers are way more affordable than buying a new mattress, and in the short term can offer as good a night’s sleep.

So, when would a mattress topper be a good choice?

Student digs. It’s true, the sleeping conditions in student accommodations can be less than satisfactory. Bog standard mattresses can lead to a poor night’s sleep leaving your brain function a little worse for wear when you need it to be at full capacity. A mattress topper is the perfect solution in this case as, providing you choose the right one, it will enhance the level of support and comfort of that bog standard mattress, meaning you’ll get a better night’s sleep and awake feeling rested and ready to attack the day ahead.
Worn out mattresses. Whether your mattress is worn out and you can’t realistically afford one right now, or it’s the guest room mattress yet it’s used so infrequently it seems pointless to replace it, a good mattress topper can give an old mattress a new lease of life. At least for the time being anyway, which will give you the time you need to save up for a replacement mattress.

When is it time to buy a new mattress?

As a general rule, mattresses have a lifespan of around eight years. If your mattress has exceeded this age, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement.

Tips for making your mattress last longer

Check your mattress is correctly supported.
By supporting the mattress correctly, you’ll help to preserve and prohibit early wear. A good idea would be to check on your bed’s support on an annual basis to ensure there are no breakages or weakened supports that could potentially affect your mattress.
Turn your mattress regularly.
Turning your mattress helps to distribute the wear evenly. You should rotate your mattress 180 degrees every two to six months.
Don’t jump on the bed.
We know it’s oh so tempting, but don’t do it! And don’t let your kids do it either. Jumping on the bed will add additional unnecessary strain on the mattress, shortening it’s life expectancy.
Follow manufacturer cleaning instructions.
Mattresses need be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain a clean and healthy sleeping surface. The majority of manufacturers do include cleaning instructions in the event of the need to remove a stain as well as general cleaning. Hoover your bed every one to three months to get rid of surface dust and dirt that can aggravate allergies.
Use a mattress protector.
It’s best to start as you mean to go on, and by this we mean using a mattress protector from day one. Mattress protectors help to prevent sweat, saliva and unwanted odours from penetrating the mattress. The majority of us sweat whilst we sleep, and some of us do drool too, so it’s worth adding that extra layer of protection to prolong the life of your mattress. Gross but true.

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Different types of mattress available in the UK