Top 10 Tips When Buying A Mattress

1. Shop When You Are Well Rested

If you are sleep-deprived when mattress shopping, you are more likely to make a hasty decision. Studies show that tiredness reduces focus, slows recall, and lowers concentration. Go shopping after a good night's sleep, when you can take your time and think clearly.

2. Do Your Research Online First

Rather than visiting shop after shop, start by researching mattress types, construction, and features on manufacturer websites. Knowing the difference between memory foam, pocket sprung, latex, and coil sprung before you walk into a shop will save time and help you ask better questions.

3. Know Your Comfort Level

Mattresses broadly fall into five types: memory foam, pocket sprung, latex, orthopaedic, and coil sprung. Decide whether you prefer soft, medium, or firm, and you will immediately narrow the field. Our firmness guide explains how sleeping position and body weight affect what feels right.

4. Choose A Trusted Brand

A mattress is a significant purchase that should last seven to ten years. Stick with established brands that have built a reputation over time. Check online reviews, but focus on patterns in feedback rather than individual complaints.

5. Buy From A Reliable Retailer

Choose a retailer you are comfortable with. Check what is included: free delivery, old mattress removal, trial period, and return policy. For current prices across UK retailers, our mattress listings page compares offers from major shops.

6. Understand The Price

The average mattress lasts 8 to 10 years. A mattress that costs £800 works out at roughly 22p per day over that period. Buy the best mattress you can afford. A good mattress is an investment in sleep quality, which affects everything from productivity to mood.

7. Test Before You Buy

When visiting a store, test as many mattresses as possible. Lie in your normal sleeping positions: back, side, and front. Twist and turn as if you were settling down to sleep. Spend at least five minutes on each mattress. Take your partner along if you share a bed.

8. Consider Your Space

You spend a third of your life in bed, so make sure you have enough room to move. Our UK mattress sizes guide covers standard dimensions and the room sizes each one requires.

9. Choose A Safe Mattress

Look for mattresses that offer fire-resistance protection. In a regular mattress, fire doubles in size every three minutes. A fire-retardant mattress helps isolate the fire and slow its spread, providing valuable extra time in an emergency. Check for a BS7177 compliance label.

10. Check The Warranty

Read the warranty terms before buying. Reputable manufacturers offer 5 to 10 years, but check what is actually covered. Some warranties only cover manufacturing defects, not normal wear and sagging. Know what you are getting before you commit.