All mattresses

A mattress is one of the most personal purchases you can make, because what works well for one person can be genuinely uncomfortable for another. The right choice depends on how you sleep, what you sleep on, and how your body needs to be supported through the night.

Pocket sprung mattresses are built around individually wrapped springs that respond independently to weight and movement. This means they contour to the shape of your body without transferring movement to the person sleeping beside you, which makes them a practical choice for couples with different sleeping patterns. The spring count gives a rough indication of quality, but spring gauge and the layers above and below the springs matter just as much.

Memory foam mattresses work differently. Rather than springing back immediately, memory foam responds slowly to pressure, moulding around the body and distributing weight evenly across the sleeping surface. This is particularly effective at relieving pressure points around the hips, shoulders, and knees, making memory foam a popular choice for side sleepers and those who experience joint discomfort.

Hybrid mattresses combine both technologies, typically using a pocket sprung base with memory foam or other comfort layers above. This gives the responsive, breathable feel of springs alongside the pressure-relieving properties of foam, and tends to suit people who want the benefits of both without committing fully to either.

Firmness is the other key variable. Side sleepers generally benefit from a softer to medium mattress that allows the shoulders and hips to sink slightly, keeping the spine aligned. Back and front sleepers typically need a firmer surface that prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply. Most people fall somewhere in the medium to medium-firm range, which is why these are the most widely stocked options.