We spend over one third of our lives in bed so choosing the right mattress is important. It’s only when you go to buy one that you

How to Choose a Mattress

We spend over one third of our lives in bed so choosing the best and right mattress is important. It’s only when you go to buy one that you’ll realise that there’s so much involved in the decision but fear not, we’re here to explain what you need to look for and the terminology you’ll encounter in this type of bedroom furniture.

A good quality mattress should last you between 7 and 10 years so it’s definitely worth investing your time and money in the pursuit of the best mattress for your needs. 

Choosing a Mattress - Support or Comfort?

Choosing a Mattress - Support or Comfort?

Before you choose, you should isolate your requirements; is comfort your priority or do you suffer issues like back pain and require increased support? It is important to remember that a firm mattress isn’t necessarily what you need if you have back issues. A mattress that is soft enough to allow you to sink into it, while firm enough to support you is a better choice (perhaps a “medium-firm mattress?) - unless of course you require a specialist orthopeadic mattress.

When you go shopping for a mattress, you’ll likely see this type of terminology which describes what type of mattress you’re looking at: Memory foam mattresses contain foam between the layers. Gel mattresses are quite a new concept but contain a revolutionary new material formed from natural mineral oil. Pocket spring, open coil (which can also be referred to as “open spring”) & continuous coil are made up of actual springs and coils between the top level and base level.

Latex mattresses are durable and should last for many years. They’re a good option for those with allergies or asthma. They can feel rather solid at first though, so they’re better suited to those who prefer a firmer bed.

Foam mattresses are ideal for those who need support or suffer from a bad back, as it will maintain posture and align the spine horizontally when sleeping on your side.

Due to product innovation, gel mattresses provide fantastic pressure support for those with back issues. They are also effective in dissipating heat so a great option for those who find they get overheated easily and so are now a hugely popular mattress.

Pocket spring mattresses are a good option if you’re looking for a bed for two people, as the separate springs will cater for your different needs and weights.

Open coil and continuous coil mattresses are a great value for money option, although sides are machine-stitched rather than hand-stitched, but they are lighter than other models, making them easy to turn. Both types tend to be less supportive than other mattresses too, so are most suited to guest bedrooms or as children’s beds, where they are used occasionally or will need replacing regularly anyway.

If you’re on a budget, buy the best mattress you can afford but budget to pay a little extra for a mattress topper to give some extra comfort.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that a cheaper option to upgrade your mattress is to add a mattress topper, by doing this you could end up with back issues due to poor support. In the long run, a good quality mattress is a wiser choice over a mattress topper and will last longer also.

Respa Regent Mattress

Respa Regent Mattress

Dorset 6 Mattress

Dorset 6' Mattress

Emilys Dream 5 Mattress

Emilys Dream 5' Mattress

Mattress Shopping - Sizes & Choice

Most good mattress retailers will offer a range of mattress sizes but they are standardised according to single, double, king, super king but you’ll sometimes see Queen mattresses and California king mattresses so this is just a guide. Ask your instore assistant for the measurements and the details will likely be listed on the mattress packaging too.

You might have decided on the type of mattress material but then you need to decide on the firmness. The best way to judge this is to literally test it by lying down on the mattress in the store. Things you need to take into account are for example if you toss and turn a lot, then a softer mattress might be a good option. People who like to sleep on their back might be best with medium firm and so on. Handily, on our website, we have categorised our mattresses in terms of comfort so you can choose all the mattress brands that fall into the “firm mattress” category or all those that fall into “medium-firm” or even “extra-firm mattresses” and so on! Of course, instore our sales assistants can talk you through this choice as we know trying to understand what is the best mattress to buy can be overwhelming!

Once you have a mattress, you should care for it; turn it occassionally, air it and use a mattress protector which are relatively inexpensive. You should aim to replace your mattresses every 7 to 10 years. This is not only for hygiene reasons but because it will soften over time, reducing the support it gives you. If you feel sore when you wake up or you find you sleep better in other beds, it’s time for a change.

Good luck with your mattress purchasing journey and sweet dreams! Also, remember EZ Living Interiors staff will be happy to help you with your purchase of your mattress, just ask in-store or use our handy online chat! 

Simple Chic
King Koil Pocket Supreme 6' Mattress

King Koil Pocket Supreme 6' Mattress

Savoy 6 Mattress

Savoy 6' Mattress

King Koil Extended Life Support 6' Mattress

King Koil Extended Life Support 6' Mattress