Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, a decent night’s sleep is really important. To make sure you’re well rested, the best place to start is by looking at your mattress and if it’s working for you. 

We get it- a mattress is a big investment, and is often overlooked in favour of other more exciting stuff like bed linen or wall art. Having a good quality mattress that’s suited to your sleeping position, the size you need, and the firmness you prefer really makes the world of difference to your sleep, and in turn, your overall health and energy. 

To get you up to speed on all things snoozy, we’ve put together our guide on choosing the best mattress for you with some helpful pointers you might not have thought about. Sweet dreams!

What types of mattresses are there?

Let’s bring it back to basics. There are a number of types of mattresses out there, but the most common you’re going to find when shopping online are:

Foam Mattresses
These mattresses are spring-free and made with 100% foam. On the firm to medium feel, a foam mattress provides the support and motion isolation needed for those who experience aches and pains, and those who share a bed with a partner. You’ll often hear these described as memory foam. 

Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are pretty much what they say on the tin- a combination of both individual pocket springs and body-contouring memory foam. This option is often a good middle ground for those who prefer a medium to soft feel, but still want the orthopaedic and motion isolation elements of the other types.

Spring Mattresses
Spring mattresses usually have an inner coil system made up of metal springs that support the weight placed on top of the mattress, and in turn, have more bounce. This type is usually found in more budget-friendly options.

How do I choose the best mattress type for me?

While mattress preference is pretty subjective and up to you, general guidance depends on your sleep position.

Side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress such as a hybrid, to help relieve pressure points through the hips and shoulder. If you sleep on your back, the firmer feel of a 100% foam mattress will keep you supported through the spine, whilst gently contouring to your individual body shape.

Keeping a note of what position you usually wake up in in the morning will give you an idea of the position you most likely spend most of the night in, especially if you suspect you’re tossing and turning. 

When buying a mattress online, look for retailers that offer free returns, so you’ve got a hassle-free way of trialling a new mattress without the commitment. If you need a mattress quickly for a house move, a guest bedroom or anything else similar, it’s worth searching for next-day delivery mattresses. 

What’s the best mattress type for couples?

Sharing a bed with someone else? When there are two of you, you’ll want enough space to move around during the night and not affect each other’s body temperatures too much, so a double bed or bigger is ideal. 

Nobody likes being woken up by their bed buddy getting in and out of bed, or tossing and turning throughout the night. That’s why it’s important to choose a mattress type like 100% foam, or a good quality hybrid which helps with isolating motion caused by movement.

How often should you get a new mattress?

• It’s not comfortable for you anymore
• It’s noticeably worn, damaged, or uneven 
• You find that you’re sleeping better in other beds (hotels, friends’ houses, etc)
• You regularly wake up with joint or muscle stiffness 
• Your needs for space and size change

Are mattresses in a box just as good as traditional mattresses?

Absolutely. In short- rolled mattresses are just as comfortable and structurally supportive as traditional mattresses. Boxed mattresses take on average only a few hours to expand to their full shape, are much easier to manoeuvre up stairs and through tight doorways, and are a great option if you need a mattress that’s delivered fast.