What is the Best Type of Mattress?

Investing in a decent mattress is key if you're looking for the perfect night's sleep. Our guide explains the different options, from pocket sprung to memory foam (and everything in between)

Content editor

Sarah Lafarge

How to choose a mattress: key things to consider

Getting the best night's sleep is all about choosing the right mattress for you. Sink into a cloud-like oasis or settle down with some firm support at the end of the day. The best option for you may depend on how you sleep:

Side sleeper: Look for medium to soft mattresses to keep your spine aligned and to cushion your shoulders and hips.
Back sleeper: Opt for a medium-firm mattress to help support your lower back.
Front/ stomach sleeper: Go for a firm to extra firm mattress as it prevents your hips from sinking and straining your lower back.
Combination: If you move around during the night, a medium or medium‑firm mattress makes it easier to change positions.

You may also want to consider a hypoallergenic mattress if you suffer from allergies.

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Understanding the different types of mattresses

Next, think about the type of mattress that would best suit your sleeping needs. If you need more support, opt for a sprung mattress. Do you toss and turn? Memory foam absorbs movement. Do you sleep warm? Look for cooling gels and breathable materials.

Read on to discover our favourite mattress types:

Pocket-spring mattress

A pocket-spring mattress contains hundreds of springs which are individually enclosed in separate fabric pockets. The springs work independently, giving your body tailored support, relieving pressure on backs and joints. Mattresses with more springs offer greater support, which can help to reduce sleep disturbance. Pocket-spring mattresses are ideal for those who sleep on their front or their back, and they can also help to reduce motion transfer, so if you share your bed, you won't be as disturbed by your partner's movements.

Some pocket-spring mattresses have more than one layer of springs. The mini springs shape to your body's contours, while the core pocket-sprung layer absorbs any changes in weight distribution for the ultimate in comfort and support. Need an extra layer of softness and comfort? Try our sumptuous Pillowtop mattresses, which are ideal for sleepers who like to feel they are ‘sinking in' to the mattress.

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Open-spring mattress

The open-spring mattress is a traditional design that's strong and durable and offers great support, with a firmer sleeping surface. Also known as an open-coil mattress, it has large springs that are connected by coiled wire that move as one unit, distributing body weight evenly across the surface, which can help to reduce back pain.

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Gel mattress

Our gel mattresses combine a gel foam layer with a pocket-sprung core. The gel layer is made from breathable latex infused with gel pods that react and contour to your body in a similar way to a memory foam mattress, but with the added benefit of being much more breathable and with greater bounce and lift. The gel also has temperature-regulating properties that can help disperse excess heat, making this type of mattress ideal if you sometimes get too hot at night.

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Memory foam mattress

Designed to contour to a sleeper's body, memory foam mattresses soften and mould in reaction to heat, giving excellent pressure-relieving support. As memory foam mattresses are made from synthetic materials, they can also be helpful for people with allergies. They also tend to retain more body heat, which makes them a little warmer than other mattresses, so we've added a cooling outer fabric which helps maintain the perfect sleeping temperature. Using a memory foam mattress can also be beneficial for those needing greater back support.

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How often should you change your mattress?

When was the last time you changed your mattress? Most of us hardly ever think about it, but mattresses can wear down over time and negatively affect our sleep routines.

Most people should change their mattresses every seven to ten years.

If you start to notice sagging or dips in the mattress, you may want to consider replacing your mattress sooner. Other signs it's time to upgrade may include waking up with back, neck or shoulder pain, lots of tossing and turning at night or your allergies getting worse.

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Published 08/04/2026