We all know that quality sleep is very important for optimal health and mood. But getting a new mattress without actually knowing what kind you need can result in restless nights and tired days.
The type of mattress you get will hugely impact how well you sleep. What kind of mattress you need depends mostly on your sleeping position.
If you want a mattress that will actually make a difference in your sleep quality, it’s an investment.
And like with any other investment, you need to make sure it’s worth the return.
We have done the research for you - doesn’t matter if you sleep on your stomach or on the side, you’ll find your perfect match in this article.
Before we go any deeper, let’s look at the basics. These are the official UK mattress sizes.
Mattress Sizes
Small single: 75cm x 190cm
Single: 90cm x 190cm
Small double: 120cm x 190cm
Double: 135cm x 190cm
King size: 150cm x 200cm
Super-king size: 180cm x 200cm
Emperor: 200cm x 202cm
Large emperor: 215cm x 217cm
Sleeping Position
How you sleep is very important when you’re getting a new mattress. Different sleep positions require different levels of firmness and support.
We designed our mattress range with one thing in mind. Something as important for your health as getting the right mattress shouldn’t be complicated.
Here, we explain what type of mattress is best for every type of sleeper.
If you sleep on the side with your knees bent high, you need a mattress that supports your spine alignment while keeping the pressure off your shoulders, arms and ribs.
Our fetal sleeper mattress feels soft as a cloud, while still providing optimal support for your spine.
If legs straighten out a bit, a fetal sleeper becomes a side sleeper. This position takes the pressure away from your ribcage and shifts it towards your hips.
Side sleepers require slightly more support than fetal sleepers as in this sleeping position the legs straightened out, you don’t want your hips sinking in too deep and creating an unnatural curvature at the bottom of your spine.
Note: If you’re not sure if you are a fetal or a side sleeper, we’d recommend choosing the side sleeper mattress. It’s more versatile and suitable for both types of sleepers.
Sleeping on your back is great for your posture. Neutral spine alignment allows your neck muscles, which are working all day to keep your head up, to rest. If you sleep with your hands behind or above your head, this allows your shoulders to externally rotate, offsetting all the things we do with our shoulders turned in - such as writing on a keyboard, scrolling on our phones or lifting weights.
A good back sleeper mattress will provide extra support for your lower back and neck, not allowing your head or pillow to sink into the mattress, which can cause on your muscles.
Our back sleeper mattress is the perfect intersection of comfort and support.
Front sleepers need a mattress that will not allow their hips to sink in. Sinking, while lying on your stomach causes unnatural overarching of the spine resulting in pressure on the back and the ribcage from behind. This can end in serious health issues later down the line.
If you’re a front sleeper you would probably be better off putting your duvet on the floor and sleeping there than sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft.
We had a really hard time finding a mattress that would be suitable for a front sleeper, while still being comfortable and not feel like a wooden plank. So we developed our own.
Note: If your weight is over 100kg, you might want to get the front sleeper even though you sleep in a different position. A softer mattress could let you sink in too deep, resulting in unnatural spine positions.
Mattress Types
Open Spring
Sometimes referred to as open coil mattress, this has been a great budget option for a long time.
These mattresses are usually less supportive than other types so are best used in a room where they are used sparingly, such as a guest bedroom. Otherwise, you’ll need a new one quite often!
Pocket Spring
This type of mattress will provide more support than open spring. Here, every spring is moving individually in its’ own fabric pocket, as opposed to springs being attached to one single coil.
These mattresses tend to be quite breathable - a good fit for people who get too hot during the night. This option is very popular with couples as the spring separation allows for a different level of support on each side of the bed. It also helps you to stay on your side of the mattress and not roll in the middle with your partner.
Memory Foam
Made from a mouldable material responsive to temperature and weight, this type of mattress will adjust to the shape of your body. Absorbing your weight will ease down the pressure on your joints.
However, not all people find this “sinking” comfortable. This type of mattress is ideal for people who suffer from back pain as it will help you keep a neutral spine position when sleeping on your side.
Hybrid
This new, modern type of mattress is combining multiple materials into one. Most likely a hybrid will combine a memory foam top with a pocket spring base.
This combo allows for comfort on the top and support on the bottom giving you the best of both worlds. Memory foam will allow the top layer to adjust to your body.
All of our mattresses are triple hybrids. Combining a memory foam top, high-density foam support to prevent sagging over time, and a pocket spring base. You can check them out here.
Continuous Coil
This type of mattress is very outdated and we would not recommend buying it. They are usually quite sturdy and not very durable.
How To Take Care Of Your Mattress
After you have your mattress you should let it breathe for 5 - 6 hours. This rids the mattress of the “new” smell and any extra moisture it might be holding.
The mattress should also be let to breathe every 2 weeks by removing the sheets. Also, the mattress should be turned around regularly to prevent sagging caused by constant pressure on one side.
We recommend a waterproof mattress protector sheet for everyone. If you manage to get your mattress wet it might develop mould inside which will spread and could impact your health.
Try to replace your mattress every 6 - 8 years. It’s not only about hygiene. It’s also the fact that a used mattress will soften and stop giving you the support you need. If you feel sore and tight when you wake up or you find sleeping in other beds more comfortable, it’s probably time to think about a new mattress.
