How to Choose a Mattress: A Simple & Uncomplicated Guide
Feeling springs poke into your back or sinking down to the bottom of your foam mattress? It's time for a replacement. Knowing how to choose a new mattress shouldn’t be as stressful as getting a bad night’s sleep — which is where our guide helps.
There are different things you need to look out for and think about when buying yourself a new mattress, some of the most important being…
- Your sleeping position
- Your body type
- Any support you require (temperature regulating, hypoallergenic, pain relief…)
- The size of your bed
- Lastly, your budget.
The best way you’re going to make the right choice is by trying before buying (which we always recommend to our customers).
But doing some online research and heading into a furniture shop with some mattresses in mind you’d like to try is a good way to narrow down your search.
Read on to find out what the best type of mattress is for you.
Quality & Comfort-Assured Mattresses From Fairway Furniture
At Fairway Furniture, we have a huge range of comfortable and long-lasting mattresses (backed by a 5-year guarantee) to help you get the perfect night's sleep for you or your guests.
From classic pocket spring mattresses to luxurious hybrid surfaces, we have everything you need to have a restful night that leaves you feeling refreshed.
Explore our full range of quality mattresses online, or visit one of our South West stores to see our comfortable beds in person.
What to Consider When Choosing a Mattress
It’s easy for things to get complicated when deciding on your mattress, but there are only a few factors you need to concern yourself with.
The size of your mattress is an easy one — buy one that fits the bed frame or base it’s going on.
But when it comes to considerations like firmness, material, and support, it’s important to think about your own individual needs and preferences, which you may not have given much thought to before.
Here’s what we mean…
1. Your Preferred Sleeping Position
Are you a dedicated side sleeper, or do you spend the night tossing and turning?
The way you sleep plays a big part in how to choose a new mattress that’s right for you. Knowing how you sleep can help you pick a mattress that gives your body the support it needs for a great night’s rest.
- Side sleepers will want something that cushions your hips and shoulders, like a medium-soft or memory foam mattress.
- Back sleepers need proper support for their spine, so a medium-firm mattress is usually the way to go.
- Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to keep the body aligned and prevent the hips from sinking too much.
- Combination sleepers who move around a lot during the night, you’ll need a mattress that’s supportive and responsive enough to handle all those shifts.
2. Your Body Type
When it comes to how to choose a good mattress, your body type, including your weight, makes a big difference.
- If you’re on the heavier side, a firmer mattress might be your best bet — it’ll give you the support you need without letting you sink too much, which can throw off your spinal alignment.
- If you’re lighter, a softer mattress could be more your style, letting you sink just enough to cushion pressure points like your hips and shoulders.
- For those in the middle, a medium-firm mattress often strikes the perfect balance between comfort and support.
3. The Durability of the Mattress
When you’re buying a mattress, durability is something you definitely want to think about.
A durable mattress doesn’t just mean long-lasting comfort and support — it also means better value for money since you won’t need to replace it after just a few years. A good mattress should last on average 7 years, depending on the type.
Look for high-quality materials like dense memory foam, natural latex, or reinforced springs. These are built to last and keep their shape over time.
Cheaper materials, on the other hand, can break down quickly, leaving you with sagging, uncomfortable support, and nobody wants that.
Mattress Firmness Levels Explained
When it comes to picking a mattress, firmness is a big deal — it’s what makes sure you’re comfy and supported while you sleep. Most mattresses fall into three categories: soft, medium, and firm.
| Mattress Firmness | Ideal Sleeping Position | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | Side sleepers | Hugs the body, eases joint pressure | May not provide enough spinal support |
| Medium | Most sleepers/switchers | Balanced cushioning and support | Good all-around option |
| Medium-Firm | Back, side, & combination sleepers | Good motion isolation and pressure relief | May feel too hard for lighter sleepers |
| Firm | Back & stomach sleepers | Keeps spine aligned, distributes weight evenly | May feel too hard for some side sleepers |
If you’re not sure how you sleep or you’re in limbo between two firmness levels, our experts suggest starting with a medium mattress.
A medium mattress offers the best of both worlds — cushioned enough to provide pressure relief for side sleepers while still supportive enough for back and stomach sleepers. It’s also a good option for those who switch between sleeping positions throughout the night.
Some medium mattresses we would recommend include the Duet 1000 5’0 Mattress with 1000 pocket springs for adequate support. Or, keep things simple with our Clovelly Turn-Free Mattress for effortless medium support night after night.
Our new Trio Natural 3000 range is available with medium tension and is manufactured with natural fibres for a safe and comfortable night’s sleep.
Different Types of Mattress Materials
Now you know what level of support you want from a mattress, you need to know what types of mattresses are available and which ones can give you what you need for a comfortable night's sleep.
Gel Mattresses
Gel mattresses are a great option if you’re someone who tends to overheat at night.
The gel-infused layers are designed to keep you cool by dispersing body heat more effectively than regular foam mattresses so you can enjoy a restful and refreshing sleep.
On top of that, gel mattresses provide great support and pressure relief, moulding to your body while keeping your spine aligned.
They’re especially good for back and side sleepers who need a little extra cushioning for their joints and lower back. With the perfect mix of comfort, support, and temperature control, gel mattresses are a solid choice for anyone looking to sleep better.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Pocket-sprung mattresses are a favourite for a good reason — they’re super supportive, durable, and great for all kinds of sleepers.
What makes them special? Each spring is wrapped in its own little fabric pocket, so they move independently. This means the mattress moulds to your body, giving you personalised support and keeping motion transfer to a minimum, perfect if you’re sharing the bed!
One of the best things about pocket-sprung mattresses is how they evenly distribute your weight, which takes the pressure off your shoulders, hips, and lower back.
They work well for all sleep positions but are especially comfortable for back and stomach sleepers who need extra support to keep their spine aligned.
These mattresses are also super versatile. Heavier sleepers can count on their sturdiness, while lighter sleepers can enjoy the softer spring options.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are all about comfort and support, moulding perfectly to your body.
One of the best things about them is how they relieve pressure points by evenly distributing your weight, which is a game-changer if you have joint or back pain.
They’re also great for couples — no more bouncing around every time your partner moves! Try our super king size for the ultimate undisturbed night’s sleep.
If you’re a side sleeper, memory foam is a dream, giving just the right support to your shoulders and hips.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are a great option if you’re looking for something durable, comfy, and naturally made.
They’re typically made from organic or synthetic latex and offer firm yet supportive comfort that keeps your spine aligned and eases pressure, great for back and stomach sleepers.
If you tend to sleep hot, you’ll love their breathable design, which helps with airflow and keeps you cool throughout the night. Another bonus? They’re bouncy but don’t transfer much movement, making them ideal for couples.
With just the right mix of support and softness, latex mattresses deliver a refreshing, cosy night’s sleep.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses bring together the best of different materials for an amazing sleep experience.
For example, a memory foam and pocket spring hybrid combines the cosy support of memory foam with the bouncy responsiveness of pocket springs. This means you get great pressure relief for your joints while still having a solid, supportive base that makes it easy to move around at night.
Or how about a pocket spring and latex hybrid? It pairs the breathable, buoyant feel of latex with the targeted support of pocket springs, keeping your spine aligned and minimising motion transfer.
The great thing about hybrids is how versatile they are — they work for almost everyone. Hybrids are a win for couples, hot sleepers, and anyone looking for a durable, adaptable mattress.
Mattress Sizes Explained
Choosing the right mattress size is one of the easier aspects, as you just need to buy one that correlates with you bed frame size — i.e., if you have a king-size bed frame, you’ll need a king-size mattress.
But if you’re not sure what size frame you have, or you just have the measurements, here's a quick and easy guide to mattress sizes in the UK:
| UK Bed Frame Size | Mattress Size |
|---|---|
| Single Bed | 90x190cm or 3 foot |
| Small Double Bed | 120x190cm or 4 foot |
| Double Bed | 135x190cm or 4 foot 6 |
| King Size Bed | 150x200cm or 5 foot |
| Super King Bed | 180x200cm or 6 foot |
When to Replace Your Current Mattress
Replacing your mattress is key to staying comfy and well-supported while you sleep.
On average, you should think about getting a new one every 7–10 years, but that can depend on the mattress type and quality.
Some telltale signs it’s time for an upgrade include sagging, lumps, or general wear and tear. If you’re waking up stiff, sore, or still tired despite enough sleep, your mattress might not be doing its job anymore.
Recycling Your Old Mattress
At Fairway Furniture, we’re committed to making your mattress upgrade hassle-free. That’s why we offer a furniture recycling scheme as part of our service.
When we deliver your new mattress, we’ll happily take away your old one for recycling. This ensures your old mattress is disposed of responsibly, helping reduce waste and protect the environment while giving you one less thing to worry about.
Should You Upgrade Your Bed Frame at the Same Time?
Bedframes usually outlast mattresses, but it’s still worth checking that yours is in good shape to properly support your new mattress.
A sturdy, fresh bedframe is key to getting the most comfort and life out of your mattress. If your current one’s looking a bit tired or doesn’t quite match your new mattress, it might be time for an upgrade.
At Fairway Furniture, we’ve got a great range of bedframes and mattresses that pair perfectly to give your bedroom a whole new look. Sink into adjustable comfort with our gorgeous crushed velvet Lilly range, or combine style and storage with our Heritage Ottoman Bed collection.
We also stock a range of classic bed frames and bedsteads, like the Rio 6'0 Superking Bedstead, for a modern bedroom aesthetic.
Investing in both means you’ll not only get a stylish setup but also the best sleep experience possible!
Upgrade Your Sleep With a Mattress From Fairway Furniture
At Fairway Furniture, we offer a wide selection of mattresses to suit every need, from single to super king sizes.
Our range includes models featuring gel, pocket sprung, and memory foam, ensuring you find the perfect mattress for ultimate comfort and support.
Whether you’re after a soothing sleep surface or superior back support, our mattresses are designed to help you achieve the best night’s sleep possible.
Shop our collection online and drift off in ultimate comfort.
FAQs