Choosing the right mattress type Mattresses are designed to provide the support and comfort you need to relax and rest. If you have had your mattress for a while, you may be wondering if it is time to buy a new one. Research shows that people sleep better, suffer less back pain and experience fewer symptoms of stress when sleeping on newer beds. In general, your sleep quality improves if your sleep surface relieves pressure on joints and other areas of the body. Matching your specific comfort needs with the right product is a very subjective process. Mattresses are made with a variety of materials and technologies to deliver support systems that meet the broad array of consumers’ needs, tastes, and budgets. Mattresses should be evaluated every seven years for quality and support. If you haven’t shopped for a new mattress recently, there are many options to choose from. The following provides basic information on the different types of mattresses available today so that you are better equipped to choose a mattress that meets your needs.
Finding the right type of mattress to suit your body and budget can be tricky, so we show you how to choose the best mattress.Memory foam, pocket sprung, latex, open coil, continuous coil... not sure which type of mattress is best for you? We look at the pros and cons of the main types of mattresses to help you find the best.There are four main mattress types to choose from. Most mattress manufacturers make more than one type - different varieties go through a different manufacturing process and cost different amounts. Price isn't everything, though, as what is most important is what you as an individual find comfortable.Use our interactive tool, below, and read our expert tips to help you decide which type of mattress to buy. Once you've made up your mind, you can use the filters on our independent mattress reviews to find your perfect mattress. Keep reading for more information on the main type of mattress. Or, if you already know which type you want, find out how to buy the best mattress.
Pocket sprung mattressIn pocket sprung mattresses, the springs are sewn into individual fabric pockets. Pocket sprung mattresses are the most popular type of mattress among Which? members - more than half of the members we surveyed about their mattress had bought a pocket sprung one.Pocket sprung mattresses don't mould to your shape in the same way that memory foam mattresses do, but that doesn't necessarily mean they offer less support. They also tend not to be as warm as memory foam mattresses, which could be an important consideration if you tend to find yourself too warm at night.We've tested some great pocket sprung mattresses at a range of different prices, so you're sure to find one that suits you. Go to our Best Buy mattresses page to see the very best.Memory foam mattress/memory mattressMemory foam mattresses, also known as memory mattresses, are topped with a layer of temperature-sensitive viscoelastic material (memory foam). They can be expensive, but we've found some fantastic memory foam mattresses for less than £400.This makes the shape of the mattress change to fit the shape of your body, and it also tends to make the mattress feel warmer.
Everything you need to know about this increasingly popular type of mattress can be found in our memory foam mattress guide. If you already know that you want to buy a memory foam mattress, you can find the right model for your budget and body type by reading our mattress reviews.Continuous coil mattress and open coil mattress These mattresses are cheaper than other types of bed mattress. Continuous coil mattresses are made from a single looped wire Open coil mattresses are made of single springs fixed together by one wire. Because the springs move as one unit, you're more likely to be disturbed by your partner moving around during the night. The coils in these mattresses wear out more quickly than pocket springs, so you’re likely to end up rolling together eventually.When we surveyed Which? members to find out more about mattresses, those who own an open-coil mattress are less likely to say that it helps them to get a good night's sleep than those who own other types of mattress.
You can find out more about our survey results, including which brands to look out for, in our full mattress brand reviews.Latex mattressLatex is a less common type of mattress which features a core made up of layers of springy latex. These mattresses tend to be more expensive, but manufacturers claim that they are more resilient and able to better keep their shape. Manufacturer Dunlopillo specialises in latex mattresses, although the one we've reviewed doesn't come cheap.Mattress toppersThese add a layer of extra padding to your existing bed mattress. Mattress toppers can be made of memory foam or other materials. However, they can be as expensive as buying a new mattress in some cases, and won’t provide more support if your old mattress is already sagging.Discover which are the best mattress topper brands according to our survey of more than 1,000 mattress topper owners. Sleep Train Education Center With so many different models and types of mattresses, shopping for one can seem confusing.
The Sleep Train Education Center is a great place to start. Here we address this confusion by educating shoppers on common questions about mattress construction and mattress types. Now you can shop with confidence. How to Shop For a New Mattress It's easy to be a smart shopper when you have the right information. Here are a few tips: Come Prepared: Dress comfortably, you will be testing many mattresses... Know what you’re buying: Mattress manufacturers use different model names to identify each mattress... More Mattress Education ResourcesYour Personal Comfort Guide Whatever your sleeping preference may be, we're sure to have the perfect mattress to suit. Using our handy tool, Your Personal Comfort Guide, will help you to decide on the perfect mattress for you whatever your sleeping position, comfort issue or mattress desires. What is your sleeping position? Side As a side sleeper, you are with the majority of the nation as more than half of British adults sleep in the foetal position.
Although this posture can sometimes result in a numb arm, side sleeping is great for pregnant mums-to-be and those suffering from heartburn or acid reflux by easing discomfort. Back As a back sleeper, whether you opt for the starfish or 'Savasana', sleeping on your back is beneficial for your spinal alignment as it remains neutral. Because your face is not crumpled into a pillow, sleeping on your back can also reduce the probability of wrinkles. Front As a stomach sleeper, chances are you're less likely to snore. However, sleeping on your front is often cautioned, as it can lead to overarching the natural curve of your spine and even straining your neck. So it's important to take extra care with your mattress choice if you find you unconsciously adopt this position. Pregnancy is a magical experience but it does come with its fair share of unexpected changes both physically and in your daily routine. Sleep is just one of the things that can be affected. JOINT AND BACK PAIN