Does your mattress have lumps? Are you tossing and turning at night? Or do you wake up each morning with aches and pains?
These are all tell-tale signs that you need to replace your mattress. The trickier question is what kind of mattress is best for me?
From spring to foam, soft to firm- there are hundreds of different mattress types and styles out there. This means that there is bound to be one perfect for you and your sleeping needs. And we’re here to help you find it.
Read our online mattress buying guide to find your ideal mattress and be on your way to a great night’s sleep.
Types of Mattresses Pros and Cons
First, let’s take a look at the different types of mattresses available and what they offer;
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are also sometimes referred to as spring or coil mattresses. This type of mattress is made up of an inner core of metal springs with a fabric top for extra padding.
Pros
- Offers a traditional bouncy feel
- Low cost
Cons
- Less long lasting as other mattress types
- Can exacerbate allergy symptoms due to collecting dust
- Uneven support
Pocket Spring Mattresses
Pocket spring mattresses differ in that each spring or coil is enveloped in it’s own fabric pocket allowing for more targeted support.
Pros
- Improved full body support
- Suited to sleepers who share a bed with a partner
Cons
- Can exacerbate allergy symptoms due to collecting dust
Latex Mattresses
A latex mattress is made from either natural rubber or manmade foam. This type of mattress has greater durability but can be more expensive.
Pros
- Pressure relieving
- Allergy friendly
- Durable
Cons
- Can be very expensive
- Can feel too firm for some sleepers
- Can feel too hot
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is a heat sensitive material that moulds to the shape of your body on contact.
Pros
- Superior comfort and support
- Pressure relief
- Encourages healthy spinal alignment
- Hypoallergenic
- Affordable options available
Cons
- Certain brands can get too hot for some sleepers
- Some sleepers can detect a chemical smell the first few nights, but it should fade quickly
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress combines the comfort of memory foam with the support and breathability of spring.
Pros
- Great balance between softness and support
- Breathable
- Variety of options available
Cons
- Heavy
- Not always suitable for allergy sufferers
Orthopedic Mattresses
Orthopedic mattresses are designed to ease back pain and spinal issues. They are typically constructed with medical grade memory foam.
Pros
- Improves spinal alignment
- Relieves pressure points
- Reduces back pain
Cons
- Some styles can be more expensive
Mattress Firmness Level and Body Type
Once you’ve chosen the right type of mattress for you, it’s time to think about firmness level.
The heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be.
A firmer bed is better suited to sleepers of heavier weights or front sleepers who need firm support to minimise spinal curvature.
A medium firmness should work well for most sleepers and is a good compromise if you share your bed with a partner of a different weight.
Soft mattresses are well suited to lighter sleepers and those who sleep on their sides as they provide cushioning around shoulders and hips.
Mattress Budget
Unfortunately, budget is another important factor we have to consider when choosing the best mattress.
If you’re on a tight budget, our Essentials mattress range offers quality, comfort and support on a shoestring. Perfect for guest bedrooms, uni accommodation or if you’re looking for a cheap fix.
To save money on your new mattress, it’s also worth keeping an eye out for mattress sales and discounts across our site.
If you’re lucky enough to have some cash to splash, explore the Komfi mattress range, featuring handcrafted mattresses made of the finest materials. Offering a range of options for all types of sleepers, including medical grade foam and mattresses for sports recovery.
Mattress Size
This is usually a simple one.
Got a tiny bedroom and sleep on your own? Opt for a single or small single mattress.
If you can afford to go bigger, a king size mattress is best for couples as it gives you extra wiggle room.
Find our full mattress size guide for exact measurements.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position should play a big part in deciding what type of mattress you sleep on.
Best Type of Mattress for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers will benefit from sleeping on a soft to medium firm memory foam mattress which cushions body parts in contact with the bed (shoulders, hips, ankles). This type of mattress prevents these sensitive areas from becoming sore whilst maintaining a level of support for spinal alignment.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Sleeping on your back is great for your spine. This means you can opt for most types of mattress. We suggest a medium firm memory foam hybrid.
Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Sleeping on your front can cause the arch in your spine to become over pronounced, leading to back and neck pain. To avoid this, choose a firm mattress to minimise curvature and realign your spine.
How to Choose a Mattress for Back Pain
Suffering from back pain? An orthopedic mattress could help you sleep through the night, pain free. Designed with strategically placed grooves in the foam to relieve pressure and increase lumbar support, mattresses containing medical grade foam can work wonders on aches and pains.
How to Choose a Mattress for Allergies
If you suffer from allergies, avoid spring mattresses as dust and mites can collect in the gaps. Memory foam on the other hand, is hypoallergenic and acts as a barrier against dust and bugs.
How to Choose a Mattress for Hot Sleepers
If you tend to overheat at night, it’s best to choose a hybrid spring mattress or a memory foam mattress with built in cooling technology.
The 4G Aircool mattress range increases airflow by up to 95% and features open cell foam technology to encourage breathability. By dispersing moisture and heat, you can sleep cool all night long.
Alternatively, the mattresses in our Coolmax mattress range feature removable, washable covers that disperse heat through breathable fibres.
How to Choose a Mattress for Tossing & Turning
If you or your partner tosses and turns in their sleep, memory foam can provide a handy solution. By minimising movement transfer, memory foam softens disturbances and you don’t have to worry about squeaky springs!
Mattress Reviews
The final step before choosing the best mattress for you is to check the mattress reviews for the products you’re looking at. Look for reviews from customers with similar sleeping issues as you to help you find your best fit.
You can check out our mattress reviews on Trustpilot.
Do You Need a New Mattress?
It’s best to replace your mattress every 7 years, or sooner if you start to notice lumps, sagging or if you wake up with aches and pains. It’s also worth changing your mattress if you’ve gained or lost a significant amount of weight as the support you need will differ.
Are you ready for a mattress upgrade? From memory foam to hybrid, budget to luxury- buy a mattress online here and discover perfect sleep with a mattress tailored to you.
