Select your bed mattress: the mattress buying guide

You spend a lot of time in bed, so finding the right mattress is a must. But choosing the right mattress is easier said than done. There are hundreds of different options. The marketing of mattress sellers is confusing. It’s all so overwhelming. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve put this handy mattress buying guide together to help you narrow down your choices and select the best mattress for you.

Yushan bed with Juno mattress

What size bed should I get?

There are several bed sizes available including single beds, small double beds, double beds, king beds, and super king beds. As a general rule, you should make sure that there is at least 2 feet of space around all sides of the bed so that you can move around your bedroom easily.

In our experience, people are usually more disappointed if they get a bed that is too small rather than one that is too large, so we always recommend going with the biggest option for your room.

Check out our blog What size bed should I get? for more info.

How much should you spend on a mattress?

We often get asked questions like “how much does a good mattress cost?” and “what factors influence the price of a mattress?”

The answer is that mattresses come in a wide price range, from budget options to luxury mattresses. You can expect to spend:

between £100 and £500 on a budget mattress;
between £500 and £1000 on a mid-range mattress;
between £1000 and £2000 on a luxury mattress.

TIP: The amount you spend on a mattress will vary depending on your personal preferences and available budget. We always recommend buying the best mattress you can afford.

Check out our blog How much should I spend on a mattress? for more info.

How do I choose a mattress?

Buying a mattress is hard when there are so many on the market today! You must consider all the options carefully and choose a mattress that suits your needs and preferences.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when buying a mattress:

What do you find comfortable e.g. do you prefer a firm or soft mattress?
What mattress materials suit you e.g. are you allergic to any materials?
Do you want a mattress with a warranty e.g. 30 day trial period?

Check out our blog How to choose the best mattress? for more info.

Can the wrong mattress cause back pain?

Back pain can have a serious impact on your physical and mental well-being which is why you must identify the cause as quickly as possible.

So, can a mattress cause back pain? Absolutely. The main reason your mattress will cause back pain is because it’s sagging and not providing you with enough support. Adding a quality mattress topper can provide a cheap, temporary fix but the best way to fix a sagging mattress is to replace it.

Check out our blog Can my mattress sagging cause back pain? for more info.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

Buying a supportive mattress is essential if you suffer from back pain. A good mattress will make sure you are rested and have the best sleep so you can recuperate from your back pain.

Here are three tips to help you find the best mattress for back pain:

Ensure your mattress is built to properly support your body and back.
Go into a mattress store to try our different mattresses and find what supports you best.
Add a mattress topper to your mattress to improve comfort and support.

Check out our blog What is the best mattress for back pain? for more info.

What is a pocket sprung mattress?

A pocket sprung mattress has individual springs that function independently of one another. They are one of the most popular types of mattresses in the market because of their ‘all-rounder’ quality.

Some of the main benefits of choosing a pocket sprung mattress are greater support, better airflow, and an individual spring system which reduces the amount of motion you feel if your partner moves during the night.

Check out our blog What is a pocket spring mattress? for more info.

Is a pocket sprung or memory foam mattress better?

Memory foam and pocket sprung are two of the most popular mattress types on the market today. Memory foam mattresses benefit from being long-lasting and low-maintenance whereas pocket sprung mattresses offer better support and air circulation.

Both mattress types have pros and cons and you should choose whichever one best suits your needs and preferences.

Check out our blog Pocket Sprung or Memory Foam Mattress? for more info.

How many pocket springs should my mattress have?

If you’re confused about how many pocket springs you need in a mattress, you’re not alone! Many people are unsure how many pocket springs they need and more does not necessarily mean better when it comes to pocket sprung mattresses.

In our experience, 1000-1500 pocket springs are optimal for a king-size mattress. If you choose a pocket sprung mattress with more springs, you may end up paying significantly more for minimal benefit.

Check out our blog How many pocket springs in a mattress? for more info.

What are common myths surrounding pocket spring mattresses?

There are lots of myths and misconceptions about pocket spring mattresses. Let’s clear a few up:

Myth 1: Pocket sprung mattresses aren’t good for your back.
FACT: The individual spring system in a pocket spring mattress means that it contours to different pressure points on your body, providing excellent support as you sleep.
Myth 2: Pocket spring mattresses are noisy.
FACT: A good quality pocket spring mattress shouldn’t make any noise. If your mattress is making noise, it might be time to change it.
Myth 3: Pocket spring mattresses are expensive.
FACT: Pocket sprung mattresses come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly to luxury.

Check out our blog Facts about pocket spring mattresses: myths debunked for more info.

What is an open coil mattress?

Open coil mattresses have inner metal springs that are connected and run down the entire length of the mattress. This is then topped with a foam layer or another type of padding. A standard open coil mattress could be a good option if you’re looking for an affordable mattress that is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.

However, we always recommend upgrading to a pocket sprung mattress if your budget can stretch. Pocket sprung mattresses adapt to your movements as you sleep and offer more personalised support.

Check out our blog What is an open coil mattress? for more info.

How firm should your mattress be?

Firmness plays a major role in how well a mattress performs and mattress firmness can have a significant impact on your overall sleep quality. Choosing the right mattress firmness can be difficult because each manufacturer has its own mattress scale. This usually ranges from soft or extra soft to firm or extra firm.

There are various mattresses available and choosing the right firmness will depend on your individual needs and personal preferences. There is no single mattress firmness that suits every sleeper, so weigh up the options carefully and pick the best mattress for you.

Check out our blog Mattress firmness guide for more info.

What is a mattress warranty?

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a mattress, including mattress firmness, size, and type. If you are buying a new mattress, or plan to buy one in the future, it’s also important that you understand mattress warranties.

A guarantee gives you peace of mind knowing that your mattress will be repaired or replaced if there are any issues with it. However, not all warranties are made equal! You must choose a reputable retailer and read the terms of the warranty carefully before committing to a purchase.

Check out What is a mattress warranty & what does it cover? for more info.

Final thoughts

Buying a mattress is a big decision and it’s important that you choose the best mattress for you. Visit our website to browse our collection of high-quality pocket sprung mattresses or get in touch if you would like help finding the best mattress. We’re always happy to help!