Knowing how to choose a mattress is key for a good night’s sleep. After all, having a restful sleep is important for your mental and physical health. The right mattress is crucial, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best fit for your needs.

In our mattress buying guide, we will tell you everything you need to be aware of so that you know how to choose a good mattress that will provide excellent comfort and lumbar support for years to come. Once you’ve found your ideal match, view our range of premium quality mattresses online to invest in exactly what you need for a proper, comfortable night’s rest.

What type of mattress is best for me?

One of the most important considerations when choosing a mattress is the type of mattress you opt for. Pocket sprung and memory foam mattresses are some of the most popular types available today, but there are plenty of other choices available as well. Each mattress type offers a different range of firmness levels, materials, and price points.

Pocket sprung

Pocket sprung mattresses, like our Grange Natural Ortho 1000 mattress and Relyon Canterbury mattress, contain wrapped coil systems that are individually covered and stitched into the mattress. These spring pockets are covered in a layer of foam or another material for comfort.

Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, pocket springs move independently of each other, allowing for more contouring and pressure point relief. The more coils a pocket sprung mattress contains, the more motion-controlled and responsive it will be.

Grange Natural Ortho 1000 - Mattress & Base Set

Open coil

Open coil mattresses offer excellent firmness and support and are available at varying price points to suit everyone’s needs.

The thickness of the wire used for open coil mattresses will determine how supportive they are. Thicker gauge spring wires will provide more lumbar support and firmness and thinner springs will provide a softer and more yielding feel.

Memory foam

Memory foam, originally created by NASA engineers, has become a top pick for mattress materials in recent years. Memory foam mattresses offer superior pressure relief, contouring, and motion isolation, and they have a firm feel that provides support for people of all weights.

At Fishpools, we offer a wide range of memory foam mattresses by the leading mattress supplier, Tempur. Tempur mattresses offer both comfort and full body support by adjusting to the body’s contours to provide an unrivalled sleeping experience.

Hybrid

Many hybrid mattresses offer features of two or more traditional mattress types. For instance, some mattresses pair classic innerspring or pocket coil systems with memory foam or latex layers for extra support and comfort.

Mattresses like the Tempur Hybrid Elite Mattress, offer a combination of material for sumptuous sleeping. While they do sometimes carry a higher price point, hybrid mattresses provide unparalleled back and joint support and a softer feel, as well as motion isolation and breathability.

Tempur Hybrid Elite - Mattress

Gel

Gel mattresses, like our Sleepeezee Gel Sensation 2000 Mattress, combine a special gel foam material with a foam or pocket sprung base. The gel foam layer provides superior support and helps to minimise heat build-up while you sleep, making for a cool and comfortable experience.

Sleepeezee Divans Sleepeezee Gel Sensation 2000 - Mattress & Base Set

What size should I choose?

When choosing a mattress, it’s key that you choose a size that corresponds with your bed base. So, if you already have a double bed base, then you should choose a matching double mattress to fit. If you are shopping for a base and mattress set, choose according to the size of your room, your personal preferences, and of course, the number of people who will be sleeping in the bed.

Fishpools offers premium quality mattresses in a range of different sizes to suit your needs. Our collection includes single and small single mattresses, double and small double mattresses, and king and super king sizes.

What mattress firmness is best for me?

Different levels of mattress firmness are best suited to different people, depending on their preferences and their sleeping positions. The firmness of your mattress is an essential feature. It will determine your overall comfort levels and how supportive your bed is.

If you sleep on your side, a softer mattress may suit you best as it is more yielding. Side sleepers and those who sleep on their backs and stomachs may also enjoy a medium mattress, while back sleepers and stomach sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds often opt for firm mattresses to provide additional support.

If you have back pain or lumbar issues, an orthopaedic mattress like the Hypnos Ashburton Ortho Mattress will offer the support and cushioning you need.

Frequently asked questions

Which mattress is best for allergies?

Latex mattresses are the ideal choice for people with allergies, as latex is a completely hypoallergenic material. For extra protection, invest in an anti-allergy mattress topper and pillow protectors.

Which mattress is best for back pain?

Generally speaking, a medium-firm mattress is the best option for those dealing with back pain. Memory foam mattresses are another great choice, as they cushion the spine and promote even alignment for people who sleep in a variety of positions.

Which mattress will keep me cool?

Gel mattresses are designed to minimise heat retention for a cool and comfortable night’s sleep.

Which mattress is best for couples?

Pocket sprung, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses offer the best motion isolation, ensuring that both sleepers can move around freely without disturbing each other at night.

How do I look after my mattress?

Flip and rotate your mattress regularly – once every month is ideal – to reduce settlement and avoid the sagging that comes with uneven weight distribution over time. We recommend using a mattress protector to protect your mattress against dirt, stains, spillages, and other potential sources of damage.

How often should I replace my mattress?

You should aim to replace your mattress after 6 to 8 years, however this can vary. If you wake up with stiffness or notice your mattress is showing wear and tear, this could be a sign your mattress isn’t providing the level of comfort it should be and may need replacing.

Discover how to choose a mattress with Fishpools

Fishpools offers an extensive range of durable mattresses to suit every sleeper’s preference and needs. Now that you’ve read our mattress buying guide, use our helpful tips to choose a new mattress and order online. Shop by mattress type, mattress size or brand and invest in your sleep quality and comfort with Fishpools. Visit our showroom today to see our range of mattresses.