How to Choose the Right Mattress: A Buyer’s Guide

You spend roughly a third of your life in bed, so your mattress matters. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here's a straightforward guide based on what we've learned from years of helping customers at our Portsmouth showroom.

Open Coil vs Pocket Sprung

Open coil mattresses use a network of springs that are all connected together. They're the most affordable option and perfectly decent for guest rooms, children's beds, or if you're on a tight budget. Our open coil mattresses start from just £80 for a single. The downside is that because the springs are linked, you'll feel movement when the other person moves — not ideal for couples who are light sleepers.

Pocket sprung mattresses have individual springs, each wrapped in its own fabric pocket. They move independently, which means far less roll-together and better support for your body's natural shape. They're our most popular choice and the upgrade is genuinely worth it if your budget allows. The higher the spring count, generally the more responsive the support.

Firmness — It's Personal

There's no "correct" firmness — it depends on your body weight, sleeping position, and personal preference. As a rough guide: side sleepers tend to prefer something softer that cushions the shoulders and hips, while back and front sleepers usually benefit from medium to firm support. But honestly, the best way to choose is to come in and lie on a few. We always tell customers to spend at least five minutes on each mattress — give your body time to settle in rather than just sitting on the edge and bouncing.

Toppers Make a Difference

The topper layer is what you actually feel against your body. We offer mattresses with fibre, memory foam, gel, and wool toppers. Memory foam moulds to your body shape and relieves pressure points — great if you get aches. Gel does similar but stays cooler, which suits people who sleep hot. Wool is naturally temperature-regulating and breathable. Fibre is the most affordable and gives a traditional, responsive feel.

Size Matters

If you're sharing a bed and currently on a double (4ft6), seriously consider upgrading to a king (5ft). That extra 6 inches makes a noticeable difference to how often you disturb each other. We stock all standard UK sizes from single through to super king.

The Best Test Is In Person

We encourage every customer to visit our showroom on London Road and try the mattresses in person. No amount of online research replaces actually lying on one. And remember — when you buy a mattress with a bed frame from us, you save £20.