How to choose a mattress: a quick guide

The right mattress supports your body, suits the way you sleep and fits your bed and budget. Get those basics right and you're well on the way to better nights. This quick guide walks through the five things that matter most, so you can narrow down your choice without the jargon.

1. Get the size right

Start with the bed you've got, or the one you're buying. Your mattress needs to match the bed frame or divan base so it sits snugly without gaps or overhang. Here are the common UK sizes:

• Single (3ft): 90cm wide, ideal for children, teens and guest rooms.
• Small double (4ft): 120cm wide, roomy for one adult.
• Double (4ft 6in): 135cm wide, the classic choice for couples.
• King (5ft): 150cm wide, more room to stretch out.
• Super king (6ft): 180cm wide, the most space for two.

Lengths and sizes can vary a little between makers, so always check the dimensions on the product page against your bed.

2. Pick the type of mattress

The inside of a mattress decides how it feels and how it supports you. Here's a quick comparison of the main types.

Open coil

Open coil mattresses use a single connected spring unit. They're light, springy and great value. The Sleepycastle Bonnell mattress is one example from our range.

Pocket sprung

Each spring sits in its own fabric pocket and moves on its own. That means better support where you need it and less disturbance when your partner turns over. The Capsule Elite Pocket 1000 mattress is a good place to start.

Memory foam and roll-up mattresses

Memory foam softens with your body heat and shapes itself around you. Many foam mattresses also come rolled up in a box, which makes them easier to get up narrow stairs. Take a look at the Capsule Memory Roll-Up mattress if that sounds handy.

3. Choose your firmness

Firmness is personal, but your sleep position is a good guide:

• Side sleepers usually like a softer to medium feel, so shoulders and hips can sink in a little.
• Back sleepers often suit medium to medium-firm, to support the lower back.
• Front sleepers usually prefer medium-firm, so the hips don't sink too far.

Your body weight plays a part too. Heavier people often find a firmer mattress more supportive, while lighter people may find a firm mattress too hard. If you're stuck, medium is the comfy middle ground for most.

4. Think about who it's for

Some beds need a particular kind of mattress. Bunk beds, cabin beds and high sleepers often have a maximum mattress depth, so the guard rail stays at a safe height. A shallow mattress like the Platinum bunk mattress, at 18cm deep, is made with upper bunks in mind. For a guest bed that's only used now and then, a value open coil mattress can be a sensible choice. For your own bed, it's worth spending a bit more on something you'll sleep on every night.

5. Set your budget

You spend a lot of hours on your mattress, so it's worth buying the best you can comfortably afford for your main bed. You don't have to overspend, though. A good value mattress that suits your sleep style will beat an expensive one that doesn't. If your mattress is still supportive but feels too firm, a topper can be a budget-friendly way to add comfort. Browse our mattress toppers or read our feather topper buying guide to see the options.

Signs it's time for a new mattress

• You wake up stiff or achy and feel better after getting up.
• There are dips, lumps or sagging where you sleep.
• You can feel springs through the top.
• You sleep better in other beds than your own.

Mattress FAQs

Which mattress type is best for couples?

Pocket sprung mattresses are a good fit for many couples, because each spring moves on its own and you're less likely to feel your partner turning over. In the end, the best type depends on how you both like your bed to feel.

Can I use any mattress on a bunk bed?

No. Check the bunk bed's maximum mattress depth on the product page. A mattress that's too deep can make the guard rail too low to be safe.

Will a new mattress feel different at first?

Yes, often. New mattresses can feel a bit firmer to begin with and soften slightly as you sleep on them. Give it a few weeks to settle in.

Do I need to air a roll-up mattress?

It's a good idea. Unroll it in a well-ventilated room and give it time to expand fully before you sleep on it. Check the instructions that come with it for how long to leave it.

Ready to find the one? Browse our full range of mattresses, with free delivery to England, Wales and most of Scotland.