If you want a really good night's sleep, investing in the right quality mattress is essential. In fact, it's probably one of the most important products we buy for our homes, so it pays to do plenty of research - and that includes testing mattresses in store. Here's what you need to know: What you are looking for is a mattress that is comfortable and supportive. Get it right and a good quality mattress should last you 10 years, so buy the best you can afford. Although you can buy online, this is one purchase you really do need to try out before you make a decision. Even then, two minutes lying rather awkwardly in front of passing customers isn't going to compare to a full-night's sleep. But in trying out a few different types of mattress you'll get a sense of what support works best for you. Sit on the edge of the bed, too, as a good gauge to see how firm the mattress is. Slide your hand into the small of your back: if it becomes lodged the bed is too soft and if there is a distinct gap it's too hard.
Make sure you can turn on to your side easily and that it isn't too hard on your shoulders and hips. Don't be too influenced by terms like 'orthopaedic' and 'posturepaedic', which usually mean the mattresses has more springs to give increased support. The general view today is that a very firm mattress isn't always the best support for a bad back. And however good your mattress is, it's not going to be the cure-all for back problems. Look for a mattress that has a supportive structure. The amount of padding on top comes down to personal preference. If you are replacing a mattress that came with its own divan base, you may be better off replacing both. But if you have a bedstead, which is still in good condition, a new mattress should suffice. Super kingsize zipped and linked These are the most popular type of mattresses in the UK. Springs form the central core of the mattress and are the main support layer. The thickness of the wire and the number of springs determine the firmness of the mattress.
A spring made from a 12-gauge wire is harder than a 15-gauge one. A pocketed-spring mattress tends to use 15-gauge or higher because there are many more springs offering extra support. Orthopaedic beds, on the other hand, use 12- to 14-gauge springs. In a top-of-the-range mattress, the number of springs used will be included in the sales literature or the cover label. A standard double will probably contain around 300 springs, which provides a reasonable level of support, whereas a mattress at the luxury end of the market may contain over 2,500. There are three main types of sprung mattress: Open spring mattress: The most common, and generally cheaper than pocket springs. Found with cheap to mid-priced beds. They consist of rows of spring coils joined to adjacent springs by a continuous small-diameter spiral spring. The edge of the spring unit is strengthened by a heavy-gauge border rod top and bottom. This gives the mattress a firm edge and helps it retain its shape. Continuous spring mattress: A development of open springing, a continuous spring mattress is made from a single piece of wire forming all the coils in the mattress, producing a three-dimensional knitted effect.
The coiled unit is attached to helical wire springs and held within a metal border at the top and bottom. These tend to be in the middle price range. A pocket-spring mattress has cylindrical coils individually enclosed in fabric pockets made from calico, viscose or polyester. This allows them to work independently of each other so that you are better supported regardless of your sleeping position. These tend to be mid- to top-end price range. The rows of springs can be joined in different ways: ✓ Clipped pocketed springs - use fewer springs per bed than other types. Each encased spring is wire-clipped to its adjacent springs at four points, top and bottom. ✓ Honeycomb pocketed springs - have small coils that are crammed tightly into the frame (there are over a thousand springs in a double mattress). The coils are tied into position. ✓ Independent pocketed springs - coils are neither clipped nor tied so they act independently when pressure is applied. An ideal choice for a double bed where the occupants are very different in weight.
These are a good option for anyone who is allergic to dust mites. The sprung mattress is topped with a layer of temperature-sensitive viscoelastic material (memory foam). This reacts to your body heat by moulding to your shape and is said to help you maintain your correct posture and align the spine horizontally when lying on your side. Some people find that it can be difficult to move when lying down or to get out of bed once your shape has been formed. This type of mattress can feel warmer during the summer months. Unlike standard memory foam mattresses, foam-only mattresses have extra layers of foam instead of springs and are often described as pure memory foam. They shape to your body and, again, can feel warmer in the Summer months. Their top price tag doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the best night's sleep. It's a matter of personal preference. The upholstery filling contributes considerably to the comfort and support offered by a sprung mattress. Good-quality sprung mattresses will contain a number of layers (cotton felt, wool, coir, sisal or hair) on each side of the springs.
The layers are built up, finishing with the comfort layer, which is generally polyester fibre, cotton or wool. Each has different advantages: polyester is non-allergenic, cotton is cool for summer, and wool is warm for winter. Top-quality mattresses can contain up to 15kg/33lb of pure new lamb's wool. • Cotton felt - used for comfort and spring insulation. • Wool - should be pure new wool, and is the luxury comfort ingredient. It also has good wicking properties and can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water. • Coir or sisal - usually worked into a jute or polypropylene mesh for easier handling. • Hair - has a big role to play in the upholstery of a mattress. The curled hairs act like springs and are very strong when matted together. For an extra layer, a mattress topper can provide additional support and comfort and a cosier feel to your bed. They come in a range of materials from goose feather and down to siliconised polyester or quilted cotton-rich fibres.