How to choose a mattress, a comprehensive guide

We asked a range of mattress and sleep experts what to look out for when thinking about how to choose a mattress. Global Marketing Director at Vispring, Clare Schifano, says 'Take your time to decide what works for you. If you are buying in person,  go back and visit a few times. Don't be embarrassed. Lay on your side, on your stomach — shuffle around a bit. We move in our sleep about twenty times per night, so see how that feels. I would also recommend wearing comfortable clothes. Most people don't sleep in thick jumpers with bags slung over their shoulders (unless you've had a really big night) so it's unrealistic to assess the comfort of a mattress while dressed like that.'

Levitex's James Leinhardt's shares his advice on how to test a mattress when shopping around: ‘to check if a mattress truly supports you, sit on the edge of the mattress at the head, foot, and middle. If the middle feels noticeably softer, it’s probably not the right choice. No matter the price or the promises a brand has made about their product, if the mattress dips in the middle, your hips will sink, and you’ll end up sleeping in a hammock-like dip.’

Founder of Naturalmat, Mark Tremlett, says ‘size and firmness are the main points to consider when purchasing a new mattress, along with the mattress filling’, adding ‘although mattress firmness is mostly down to personal preference, your sleeping position may also affect the type of mattress you choose.’ He recommends ‘going for the biggest size you can fit in your bedroom, no one ever regrets buying a big bed!’ Make sure to measure up if you're buying a new mattress and bed frame to leave enough floorspace around the bed, or if you're buying for an existing frame, that the mattress will fit snugly - beware of the differences between UK and EU dimensions, as well as a small double vs a double.

Osteopath Anisha Joshi advises that ‘it may help to consider how well the mattress supports you and distributes weight. Factors like sleep position, body weight, and any existing pain or mobility issues can all influence what feels comfortable and supportive.’

So what exactly makes a good mattress? There are three categories of mattress: those with springs, those with foam and those with both, known as hybrids, which have swept the market in recent years. When it comes to springs, there are open coil mattresses and pocket sprung mattresses; the latter being higher quality and more expensive. ‘In an open coil mattress, the spring coils that form the mattress all move together as one unit, so if you are sleeping next to someone and they move in the night, you will move too,’ warns Vispring. In a pocket spring mattress, each spring is encased in its own fabric pocket. ‘This enables each spring to move independently from the other springs, which creates more support and less movement of the mattress when you or your partner move during sleep.’ This motion transfer is particularly important if you and your partner have different sleeping habits or times. ‘In general, the more pocket springs that are contained within a mattress, the more supportive it will be. A higher spring count offers more contact points with your body and will better contour your shape.’

Advocates of memory foam mattresses claim that it is particularly supportive and cradles your body, as it softens at the contact point, offering relief from pressure points. It also means you're less likely to feel your partner moving around, although with a good pocket sprung mattress, this shouldn't be an issue.

Many manufacturers are now producing hybrid mattresses, featuring springs underneath and then several layers of foam on top, which should provide the best of both worlds and work well for people who share a bed, but have different sleeping styles. While springs make up the main body of a hybrid mattress, it is also worth thinking about what's on top, in the "comfort layer," or sleep surface. In some mattresses this will be foam, or natural materials such as latex or bamboo which are becoming increasingly popular.

‘Natural materials such as wool and horse tail are breathable and help to regulate temperature as you sleep by wicking moisture away from the skin,’ says the team at Savoir Beds. ‘Natural, chemical-free fillings are also kinder to the sleeper and also - during both processing and disposal - to the environment,’ they add. As well as the breathability, natural materials are ‘more comfortable and longer lasting, all contributing to a far better and healthier night’s sleep.’ according to Mark Tremlett of Naturalmat, who specialise in organic mattresses. He continues, ‘the majority of mattresses in the UK are still sprayed with chemical fire retardants and we’ve always thought this was crazy. Instead, we opt to support local, buying our organic wool directly from local farmers - this has the added benefit of making our mattresses naturally fire retardant too.’ More mattress brands are looking towards making mattresses easier to recycle and kinder to the environment by using more natural materials, so expect to see more natural latex mattresses, as well as some including coconut fibres.

There is a huge range of different mattresses out there, varying hugely in firmness, price, and quality. To help you figure out what mattress is best for you, we've browsed, researched and explored the best mattresses from all our favourite furniture shops. Many people might start at a retailer which sells a number of brands. And So To Bed, for example, stocks Vispring mattresses, which start at around £1,100. We also like Westend Bed Company, who carry Marshall & Stewart and Hypnos. Bensons for Beds also stock a great range of high quality brands, such as Sealy, Silentnight, Tempur and Eve, as well as their own brand. For a wider range of prices, John Lewis is an ever-reliable standby, stocking affordable mattresses under its own labels, such as Anyday and Classic Collection. Many of these furniture stores offer a range of other bedding necessities such as duvets, pillows and even beds themselves.

Going to see and feel the mattresses in person is never a bad idea, even if you then go away, have a think then order online. Mark Tremlett agrees: ‘we always recommend, if possible, visiting your local showroom and trying all of the available options, this is the best way to get a feel for the different mattresses in terms of tension, comfort and support. It’s important to make the right choice when it comes to sleep, so if you’re struggling, make sure to speak to one of the in-house experts who will be able to recommend the best mattress for you.’

Yes! Increasingly, buyers are flocking towards "mattress in a box" or bed-in-a-box furniture stores such as Simba, Emma and Panda, which operate an online-only model selling foam or premium hybrid mattresses that arrive in a compact box, often with free delivery, unless a certain room or two-person delivery is selected. As these mattresses are only available online, they come with generous try-at-home policies (many offer 100 night trials) so you can return them if you're not convinced and receive a full refund. If you do decide to buy online, be sure to look at each brand's warranty so you know your rights if you need to return or exchange the type of mattress you've plumped for. We also recommend purchasing a mattress protector (this is different to a mattress topper which provides extra cushioning), to improve the lifespan of your mattress. Many of the mattresses come with a minimum 10-year-guarantee too, so you can rest easy if something should happen to it.

As well as the previously mentioned department stores and bed or sofa shops that stock mattresses, you can also go direct to the brands themselves. The definitive answer to what is the ‘best’ cannot be concretely defined, one person's perfect is another's middle of the road, after all. We love the range of technologically innovative hybrid mattresses that are crafted using excellent quality materials, which are offered at both Emma and Simba; the former has a more focused range, whereas the latter offers a broader selection. Both, however, prioritise a combination of comfort and support, and frequently offer mattress deals where significant savings can be had. Your own personal preferences should be taken into account, from firmness, to the materials and method of manufacture of the product. For organic mattresses, Naturalmat is undoubtedly the way to go. Panda is another great eco-conscious brand, as they use ethically sourced bamboo in their mattresses. Or for the top end of luxury, head to Savoir. On top of the brands already featured, other sleep specialists such Dreamcloud and Origin, are also worth a browse. Anita Joshi highlights the importance of ‘sleep trials, transparent return policies, and clear product information’ when looking for a quality mattress.

What is determined the most highly recommended mattress will vary depending on who you ask. From our perspective, after trying out a wide range of mattresses, our top picks are the Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress and the Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress, which are foam and pocket sprung mattresses that are soft and sumptuous, as well as very supportive. Another brilliant choice would be Panda Hybrid Bamboo Double Mattress, which is great for those with allergies. Of course, it goes without saying that the best mattress for you, isn't necessarily the same as it is for your sibling, mother, cousin or friend. There's no one size fits all policy with mattresses, which is why sleep trial periods are important factors to consider when buying a mattress online. When searching for the best mattress for your lifestyle, consider factors such as firmness, material, and your specific sleep needs to ensure optimal comfort, durability and support. For more on our top picks, head to our comprehensive best mattress guide.

Mattresses come with a vast spectrum of price tags, and are one of the things in your home that you should invest in as generously as your budget allows. Mark Tremlett recommends thinking about the amount of time you spend in bed – a third of our lives according to the National Institute of Health – and allocating funds accordingly. 'Over a seven-to-eight year lifespan it can cost the same as a daily cup of coffee,' he says, adding 'a mattress is an investment, so if you look after it properly it's going to last you for many years to come. There is no easy answer to how much a mattress should cost, but as long as it feels comfortable to you and you’re getting a good night’s sleep as a result, that’s money well spent.'

A mattress that is on the firmer side will be helpful if you suffer from back pain, as it will provide more support and stop you from sinking or rolling too much which can mean your spine and hips won't be aligned while you sleep. However, at the same time you don't want to feel as though you're sleeping on a board. The key thing is to strike that perfect balance between firm enough as to be supportive to the contours of the body and keep your head, neck, spine and hips as aligned as possible, while also feeling cushioned, cosy and comfortable. However, there is no one size fits all, so it may be helpful to consult an osteopath or doctor if your back pain is chronic and severe. The two mattresses below are frequently cited by customers as being great for relieving back pain. Head to our dedicated guide for more recommendations for mattresses that relieve back pain.

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Simba Sleep

Hybrid Pro Mattress

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REM-FIT 400 Hybrid Mattress

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If you struggle to be on the same page as your partner when it comes to mattress choice, a mattress that features a different tension on each side would be ideal. Mark Tremlett says, ‘Sleep routine is so personal and what may work for one person, may not work for another - making it sometimes difficult to share a bed! One solution for this is a zip and link mattress, which is two separate mattresses zipped in the middle. Our range of pocket sprung mattresses are available in soft, medium, or firm tensions, and these can be mixed in a Zip and Link mattress to suit your taste. So, if you prefer a slightly firmer mattress but your partner prefers softer support, we can easily make two different mattresses which are then zipped together in the middle.’

Other good bed companies make similar products for couples of different statures and sleeping styles: ‘at Savoir we offer a split-tension mattress option, custom-made to your preferences, so both you and your partner can have totally different support in the same bed.’ Vispring offers the same thing built in to some of their mattresses. 'If it's just a one step difference – i.e. soft and medium, or medium and firm – we can make this so it's seamless, with no zip down the middle of the mattress.'

The firmness of your mattress will depend on your body shape, body weight and body type. ‘Generally speaking, for people that weigh up to 11 stone (70kg) we recommend choosing soft,’ says Clare Schifano. ‘Between 11-16 stone (70-102 kg) we recommend medium, 16-20 stone (102-125 kg) is firm, and above that extra firm.’ The team at Savoir expand on this idea. ‘The correct level of support is fundamental when choosing a mattress,’ as you need to ensure your spinal alignment is in its natural position. ‘To achieve this perfectly, you must sink into the bed to some extent, or your spine will curve unnaturally, and this may affect your posture. If you lie on your side, your hips and shoulders need to sink in to make sure you get support around waist level. If you lie on your back, your body must sink in sufficiently to ensure your lower back is well supported.’ So even if you have a bad back, you don't necessarily need to buy a firm mattress. Anita Joshi mentions the importance of ‘breathability and temperature regulation’ in a mattress ‘may also play a role in the quality of sleep you experience which in turn can aid your back pain or recovery.’

Mark from Naturalmat says we should be ‘embracing natural, breathable fillings and avoiding synthetic materials such as foam and chemical fire retardants that may cause you to overheat while you sleep, instead looking for natural fibre or pocket sprung mattress options made with alternatives such as organic wool and natural latex. Not only are these more environmentally-minded mattresses better for your health but they are extremely comfortable too.’ For those concerned about the environmental and health effects associated with some synthetic materials and processes used in the manufacture of mattresses, head over to our buying guide to the best organic mattresses, which are primarily made with naturally derived materials.