Everything you need to know before buying a mattress, from choosing the right type and firmness to finding the best option for your budget.
How to Choose the Right Mattress
The right mattress depends on how you sleep, the level of support you need, your comfort preferences and how much you want to spend.
Choose the Right Firmness
Mattress firmness affects both comfort and support. Your ideal firmness will depend on your sleeping position, body weight and personal preference.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
Side, back and stomach sleepers often need different levels of cushioning and support, so your usual sleeping position is an important factor when choosing a mattress.
Compare Mattress Types
Memory foam, hybrid, pocket sprung and latex mattresses each feel and perform differently, so understanding the main types can make it much easier to narrow down your options.
Set Your Budget
A higher price does not always mean a better mattress. Setting a realistic budget helps you compare the options that offer the best combination of comfort, quality and value for money.
Mattress Types Explained
Understanding the differences between mattress types can help you decide which construction is best suited to your comfort, support and sleeping needs.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body and can provide excellent pressure relief and motion isolation, making it a popular choice for side sleepers and couples.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine springs with layers of foam or other materials, offering a balance of support, pressure relief and airflow.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Pocket sprung mattresses use individually wrapped springs that respond independently to your body, providing targeted support while helping to reduce movement across the bed.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are naturally responsive and durable, offering supportive comfort with good airflow and less of the sinking sensation associated with memory foam.
What to Look for When Buying a Mattress
Beyond mattress type and firmness, there are several practical factors worth comparing before you spend your money.
Trial Period and Returns
A good mattress trial gives you time to test the mattress properly at home, so check how long the trial lasts and understand the return conditions before you buy.
Mattress Warranty
Check the length of the warranty and what it actually covers, including manufacturing defects and excessive sagging, as the terms can vary between brands.
Delivery and Setup
Check whether delivery is free, whether the mattress arrives boxed or flat, and whether services such as room-of-choice delivery or old mattress removal are included or cost extra.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can help reveal how a mattress performs over time, but look for consistent patterns across multiple reviews rather than relying on individual experiences.
How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress?
Mattress prices vary considerably, but you do not need to spend a fortune to get a comfortable, supportive bed. The key is to focus on quality, suitability and value rather than price alone.
Ready to Find Your Mattress?
Use our independent mattress reviews to compare your options and find a mattress that suits your sleep style, comfort needs and budget.