Find Your Perfect Match - Our Mattress Buying Guide
Posted by Emily Lawrence | BSPOQ on 21st Feb 2023
Getting a full night's sleep is vital for your health and happiness. We spend up to one-third of our lives in bed after all, so making sure you spend that time in comfort is important. A great bed can make a huge difference to your well-being, but choosing a mattress can be more complicated than it seems.
Opting for the wrong bed can lead to sleepless nights spent tossing and turning, so it's important to do your research and know exactly what to look for in a mattress before you buy. In this blog, we're doing the work for you, with our handy buying guide.
From the different mattress types to which firmness is best for your sleeping position, we have the answers to all your questions. Whether you're a stomach sleeper, suffer from aches and pains, or need something more specific - we'll help you find the best type of mattress for you.
Find The Best Mattress Size
When it comes to buying mattresses, the first step is to find the right fit for you. We offer the standard UK sizes, and while these tend to be the same for most beds and retailers, it is always worth double-checking before you buy.
- Single - 90cm x 190cm
- Small Double - 120cm x 190cm
- Double - 135cm x 190cm
- King Size - 150cm x 200cm
- Superking Size - 180cm x 200cm
Select The Perfect Mattress Type
Knowing what makes a good mattress can help you sleep better, and since everyone sleeps differently, choosing between the different kinds available can be tricky. We are detailing what makes these beds unique, so you can select the best mattress type for you.
Open Spring Mattress
Often known as open or continuous coil mattresses, these beds are composed of one long layer of metal wire that is coiled into many smaller springs. A border wire helps keep the shape of this layer and provides extra comfort and support for a brilliant night's sleep.
While these beds are not the most supportive compared to other options, they are the most affordable choice and quality mattresses - perfect for guest bedrooms. Coil mattresses are also a lightweight option that is effortless to turn.
Pocket Spring Mattress
For those who take sleep seriously, the luxury of a pocket spring mattress is impossible to resist. These types of mattresses are constructed of individual springs placed in their own pocket of fabric and positioned all over the mattress, which offers more support than an open spring mattress.
There are several options for firmness levels to choose from, so you can tailor your mattress to your body type or sleeping position - perfect for picky sleepers that need something for their personal sleeping style. They are also more breathable than geltex, latex mattresses, and memory foam mattresses - which makes them a great choice for keeping your body temperature regulated while you sleep.
A pocket-sprung mattress is a fantastic option for solo sleepers thanks to the unbeatable support they offer and the breathable material, however, they are an especially good option for couples. The separate springs help to distribute support throughout the mattress, catering to unique needs and body weights, which gives you all the space you need to get comfortable.
Memory Foam Mattress
When it comes to customising your sleep routine, a modern memory foam mattress is a great choice that gives you all the options you need. These mattresses are made from a spongy foam that moulds to your body shape and sleeping position - supporting your weight while you sleep. They also help keep you at the right temperature, so there's no more waking up too warm or too cold.
This type of mattress is a popular choice for those who suffer from a bad back or joint pain, as it supports your posture and helps to align your spine. Memory foam mattresses are also less likely to sag in the middle over time - allowing them to last longer than other options.
Geltex Mattress
This type of mattress is especially unique and is a wonderful option for those who tend to overheat at night or who have allergies. These mattresses usually use pocket springs, but also have an extra open structure gel layer. This layer is especially breathable and bounces back to provide you with more support while you sleep.
The top layer of these mattresses uses a 'comfort filling' that responds to the way your body moves as you sleep, and also works to keep you cool through the entire night. This makes geltex mattresses ideal for anyone that tends to toss and turn, and those who need a cooler option.
Choose Your Mattress Firmness
We all sleep differently, and it's important to choose a mattress that's customised to your needs. The firmness of your mattress will affect how you sleep, and if you opt for the right one, you'll notice a massive improvement in your schedule. So, how do you make the best decision for your sleep style?
Soft Mattress
If you prefer to drift off in a bed that moulds to your body and really lets you sink into comfort, then a soft mattress is the key to a refreshing eight hours. A soft tension mattress is ideal for side sleepers and those who tend to move around as they sleep.
The soft foam gives your shoulders and hips plenty of spongy support, and moulds to your body to provide pressure relief. A soft mattress is also a good option for those with back pain, in particular, a soft memory foam mattress can help take the strain off your pressure points.
Medium Soft Mattress
These mattresses are the perfect middle ground for those who like to sleep on their side or move around at night but still prefer something a little more supportive than a soft mattress. These mattresses still mould to your hips and shoulder and can help to relieve back pain.
Medium-soft mattresses also offer an extra layer of firm support that keeps you comfortable. This makes them a great choice for anyone that doesn't like a firm mattress but wants support.
Medium Firm Mattress
Get the best of both worlds - cushy comfort and firm support with a medium-firm mattress. This type of mattress is on the firmer side of the spectrum and is a great choice for anyone that sleeps on their back. This is the second most common sleeping position but can put a lot of tension on your lower back.
A medium-firm mattress helps to support your lower back, and keep you comfortable. If you sleep on your back and notice aches and pains, your mattress could be the issue.
Firm Mattress
For anyone that sleeps on their front or suffers from back pain, a firm mattress is an excellent choice, as it offers unbeatable support for your entire body. These mattresses are fantastic at keeping you in a comfortable and stable position all night long, which helps stop aches and pains.
Orthopaedic Mattresses
While the mattress firmness and type you opt for can help you enjoy a more restful night's sleep, more intense issues sometimes need a more specialised bed. An orthopaedic mattress can help solve issues like serious back problems and chronic joint pain, so they are definitely worth the investment!
These mattresses are designed to be firmer than other standard options and provide your hips and back with fantastic support. They also help to improve your posture and mobility by aligning your spine.
Eco-Friendly Mattresses
Many of us are looking for ways to shop more sustainably, and this new eco-friendly focus is also true for mattresses. Environmentally friendly mattresses are made using all-natural and sustainable materials, and recycling your old mattress is easier than you'd think.
The Silentnight Eco Comfort collection uses sustainable fibres made from recycled plastic bottles to keep you comfortable while you do your bit for the planet. You can also help reduce your carbon footprint by taking care to recycle the packaging materials your mattress will arrive in.
How To Take Care Of Your Mattress
Once you've brought your brand-new mattress home, knowing how to take care of it can let you get the most out of this important investment. Maintaining your mattress doesn't have to be time-consuming, and our handy guide makes it easier than ever:
1 - Rotating Your Mattress
Turning over your mattress helps to prolong the life of your bed, and make sure the filling settles evenly to avoid lumps and bumps. Experts recommend rotating your mattress from head to toe once a month, and using the handles on the side to do this.
2 - Air Out Your Mattress
An easy way to keep your mattress in great condition is to it out on a daily basis. You can do this by pulling back your bed linens and leaving your mattress to air out for a while.
3 - Use A Mattress Protector
This might seem obvious, but a mattress protector can help keep your bed in perfect condition for longer by preventing stains and damage from occurring.
4 - Cleaning Your Bed Linens
Another simple way to keep your mattress lasting as long as possible is to wash your bedsheets once a week to stop dirt from reaching your mattress.
When To Replace Your Mattress
Experts recommend replacing your mattress every eight years, as over time, your bed will start to be less supportive of your pressure points. Over the years, your mattress will retain dust and sweat - so you don't want to hang on to the same one for too long.
Another indicator it could be time to change your mattress for a new one is if you find yourself waking up with aches and pains. If your mattress has started to sag in the middle, this could lead to discomfort, and it could be a sign to upgrade.
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