How To Choose The Best Mattress For Me

Thinking of buying a new mattress but having trouble working out which type is best for you? Finding the right mattress for your needs is made simple with this ultimate guide. Let us help give you the necessary tools to choose a mattress.

All You Need To Know In Order To Choose Your Next Mattress

Are you looking for a new mattress but have no idea where to start? There are 1000s of different types and sizes, all with differing tensions, fillings, and feel. We understand that this can be overwhelming when searching for your next great night’s sleep, so we’ve put together the following guide to help steer you through the selection process.

Why Choosing the Right Mattress Matters

A good mattress isn’t just about comfort, it plays a vital role in your spinal alignment, posture, and overall sleep quality. The wrong mattress can lead to back and neck pain, poor sleep, and even affect your mood and energy levels.

Since we spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, investing in the right mattress makes complete sense. The right choice can significantly improve your physical health, mental wellbeing, and how refreshed you feel each day.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of mattresses, how they work, and how to choose the one that best supports your sleep style, body type, and budget.

Different Types Of Mattresses To Choose From

Pocket Spring Mattress

Pocket sprung mattresses are among the most popular styles available, providing the sleeper with customised support and comfort where they need it most. Each of the individual pocket springs works independently, meaning that there is no transfer of pressure as you move. Pocket springs are a solid choice for those sharing a bed with someone else as there is no “roll-together”. You will be able to have a peaceful night’s sleep without being disturbed by your partner.

Open Coil Mattress

The open coil is often referred to as the “traditional spring mattress”. An open coil mattress features a series of springs that, unlike pocket sprung, are connected together throughout the whole mattress. Usually a less expensive alternative, open coils offer a great value-for-money high level of support across the whole sleeping surface.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses became popular in 1991 and were initially known as “slow spring back foam”. Providing the sleeper with exceptional levels of comfort and support, memory foam mattresses have increased in popularity over the years. Offering great pressure relief, memory foam is able to adapt to your body shape and night-time movements to enable fantastic pressure-point relief.

Orthopaedic Mattresses

Designed for maximum support, orthopaedic mattresses help maintain spinal alignment and are often recommended for those with chronic back pain or joint issues. They typically feature firmer tension and may use pocket springs, memory foam, or supportive foam layers.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds: the responsive support of springs with the comfort of foam or latex. They are ideal for sleepers who want a balance of contouring and bounce, and often work well for couples or combination sleepers.

Different Types Of Mattress Fillings To Choose From

Ever consider what mattresses are made of? You may not be able to see it, but the fillings inside your mattress determine how comfortable it is to sleep on. There are a plethora of mattress fillings available, each offering their own unique benefits.  

Natural Mattress Fillings

Cotton

Breathable and soft, cotton enhances airflow and provides a comfortable, responsive sleeping surface.

Wool

A natural insulator that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, with excellent moisture-wicking properties.

Bamboo

Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, bamboo helps regulate temperature and keeps your sleeping surface feeling fresh, dry, and comfortable throughout the night.

Unlike most synthetic materials, natural fillings offer great, balanced temperature control, making them an excellent choice of mattress all year round – suitable for those hot summer nights as equally as those cold winter mornings. So as well as offering a luxurious sleeping surface, they also help regulate your body heat through the night. 

Choose A Mattress Based On The Type Of Sleeper You Are

I Have Chosen A Mattress – Do I Need A Mattress Topper?

If you ever feel the need to make your bed softer then an extra layer of cushion called a mattress topper can be added. Essentially a thinner mattress placed on top of an existing one, toppers help raise the profile of a bed for a softer, more comfortable sleeping surface. They are often used to extend the life of a mattress until a new one can be purchased, but are also popular ‘extras’ on brand new beds too.  

Although a practical investment, mattress toppers are also luxury items. Whenever funds allow, a bed should be both, as feeling well-rested is crucial to a happy, healthy lifestyle. Consider adding a mattress topper to your bed by checking out the wide range available at Land of Beds. If you’re unsure if you need one, then consult our Mattress Topper Guide for more information. Additionally, you might want to think about saving your bed from spills with a mattress protector (read our Mattress Protector Guide to learn more).

Adjusting To A New Mattress

If you have been sleeping on the same mattress for years, even one that isn’t very comfortable, the sudden change to resting on a different one can take a while to get used to. During this bedding-in period it is important to give yourself time to adjust and not swap back to your old mattress. Giving in to the temptation to return to your old one will only delay the changeover period and extend the correctional stretch. 

Most people sleeping on a new mattress will rarely experience anything other than a luxurious new resting space, but the few that do have difficulty adjusting should expect the transition to last no longer than a couple of nights, or a month at most.  

Specialist Mattresses

Please be aware that if you’re thinking of getting an adjustable bed then you will need to make sure the mattress is compatible. Likewise, if you’re of a bigger build then you might want to consider reading our guide on How To Choose The Best Bed For Heavier People. There are also extra considerations necessary for mattresses when choosing them for Children’s beds.

Want to know more about mattresses? Check out our guide to flipping and rotating to increase longevity.

Need Help Choosing The Best Mattress For Your Needs?

Deciding on the best mattress type for your needs depends on several factors.

• What type of sleeper are you?
• What filling materials do you feel most at ease on?
• What type of fabric would you be most comfortable with?

There is no need to lose sleep over trying to choose the right mattress type for your bed. Our bed experts at Land of Beds pride themselves on their specialist knowledge and ability to guide you to the mattress that’s just right for you. 

Our customer-first policy means we listen and give good, independent advice based on the needs of the individual. By pairing consumers up with ethically sourced, affordable, quality products, we provide as many people as possible with a great night’s sleep.  

If you would like help being connected with your ideal mattress , feel free to get in touch with us on 01928 242829

Written by Judith Ackers

Judith brings her background in psychology, neuroscience, and education to her role at Land of Beds, where she shares expert advice to help customers sleep better. From product buying guides to bedtime routines and sleep-friendly habits, Judith’s insights support Land of Beds’ mission to improve sleep for everyone.

Approved by Dr Katrina O’Donnell.
Dr O’Donnell is a retired General Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the NHS. Her extensive background in patient care, health education, and preventative medicine brings trusted medical insight to the content we share. Dr O’Donnell has reviewed and approved this blog to ensure the information supports our commitment to promoting healthier sleep and wellbeing.