Let’s take a moment to appreciate the humble mattress. While it may not be the most glamorous of home purchases, it is one of the most important. So, if you’re in the market for an upgrade, we’re helping you figure out which model is right for you…

We all have a little Goldilocks in us when sleeping in a bed, don’t we? The mattress is either too hard or too soft – but rarely ‘just right’. However, given approximately one third of our lives is spent horizontally (provided we get an eight-hour sleep each night), this shouldn’t be the case, should it?

“Scientific evidence demonstrates that settling for a mattress ill-suited to your physical characteristics and sleeping habits can lead to health complications in the future,” says Clare Schifano, global marketing director at Vispring. “This underscores the importance of selecting a mattress specifically designed to support your spine’s unique needs.”

But how do you choose the right one for you and, ultimately, what qualities make for a good mattress?

Part of it, of course, comes down to personal preference; and there’s a lot to choose from. “Hybrids, memory foam, latex, pocket springs, airbeds… There’s something for everyone,” says Hafiz Shariff, founder of Owl + Lark.

So, if you’re in the market for a new bed, it’s imperative you do your research, and try each one before buying. Let us help you with the first bit…

Types of mattress

One of the most popular types of mattresses, the man-made memory (or ‘viscoelastic’) foam is “especially beneficial if you’re after pressure relief and proper alignment, as it moulds to your body for targeted support,” says Hafiz.

Verity Kick, marketing director at Oak Tree Mobility, explains that this type of foam was originally used for seats in airplanes. It then made its way to hospitals to help reduce the risk of bedsores among patients, before being widely available in mattresses and pillows.

“They’re also preferable for those who ‘run cool’ at night, as the foam is denser, so it keeps you warmer,” she adds. However, since it is made of chemicals, it can potentially exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms. (And it usually takes some getting used to.)

For an improved version of the traditional spring mattress, look at pocket-sprung mattresses. These are made with individual metal springs which move independently, making this type of mattress comfortable and supportive. “It’s ideal for ‘active sleepers’ – people who change position frequently during the night,” says Verity. “The individual springs help your spine to keep its natural curve as you move around, which reduces back pain, allowing you to sleep more soundly.”

Then, you’ve got latex, which is durable and hypoallergenic, and typically firmer than both pocket-sprung and memory foam options. “This extra firmness helps your body weight to stay evenly distributed as you sleep and relieves pressure on your joints as a result,” she continues.

The tension

In fact, tension – soft, medium, firm or extra firm – is incredibly important to get right when choosing a mattress. “The mattress should be perfectly tensioned to suit your sleeping position,” says Adam Black, co-founder of Button & Sprung. “For example, a side sleeper should have a mattress where pressure points such as shoulders and hips are contoured to alleviate joint pain.”

Tension also correlates to your size and weight; for instance, a softer mattress is best for lighter people, and a firm one, for a heavier build. It’s simple physics – to get the right support, your body needs to engage the springs. A light person on a firm mattress is not heavy enough to do this, causing the spine to bow upwards. (Hence why it’s so important to try out a mattress in a showroom for at least 10 minutes.)

The comfort factor

Discomfort doesn’t just come from the lack of support – there are other factors at play, too. For those overheating or getting cold at night, for instance, experts agree that a mattress made from natural materials – such as wool, cotton, cashmere, alpaca and silk – is preferable, as it offers better breathability, preventing body temperature fluctuations.

“Wool mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic and temperature regulating,” says Chris Tattersall, sleep environment expert and managing director at Woolroom. “Due to the permeable air pockets within wool, heat doesn’t get trapped within your mattress, meaning you’re less likely to wake up feeling hot and sweaty.”

Eco-conscious mattresses

Wool is a great eco-friendly choice, as are other natural materials like bamboo and alpaca – handcrafted, organic mattresses lacking substances like plastic, polyester and glue are your best bet if you want to minimise your environmental impact. Some of the manufacturers also offer recycling services and lead ‘green’ initiatives, while others use technology to produce more sustainable, easier-to-recycle mattresses.

Still, according to the National Bed Federation, more than six million mattresses are discarded in the UK every year, of which only an estimated 14% is recycled. “To ensure your mattress is properly disposed of when it’s no longer needed, check your local council and recycling facilities for designated drop-off points in your area,” advises Chris.

Sizing and pricing

Finally, you need to think about the size and price that works best for you. “We suggest buying the biggest mattress your room can accommodate,” says Adam. “More surface area on your mattress will lead to better sleep.”

Depending on the type and size of mattress you opt for, prices can vary significantly, from under £200 for budget options to over £3000 for luxury models. We also recommend buying the best you can realistically afford within your bed budget, prioritising the actual mattress over the frame, if you can.

Which brings us back to our point in the beginning of this article – we spend a third of our lives in bed, so quality really does matter.

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