At Carter & Lewis, we understand that finding the perfect mattress can feel overwhelming with so many options available. That's why we've created this comprehensive resource to simplify your decision-making process. Whether you're replacing an old mattress or buying your very first one, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed choice that suits your specific needs and preferences.

Mattress Size Guide: UK Dimensions and Recommendations

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when purchasing a new mattress is selecting the right size. Our mattress size guide helps you match your bed frame to the right mattress dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit for both your bedroom and your sleep requirements.

Standard UK Mattress Sizes

The UK follows specific standardized dimensions for mattresses that differ from European and American sizing:

This mattress size guide explains the differences between UK and European sizing standards, which is important to note if you're comparing options from different manufacturers.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs

When selecting a mattress size, consider:

Room Dimensions: Measure your bedroom to ensure the mattress will fit comfortably, leaving enough space to walk around and for other furniture. Ideally, you should have at least 60cm of space around three sides of the bed for easy movement.

Sleeper Requirements: Consider who will be using the mattress. For couples, a Double is the minimum recommended size, but a King or Super King provides more personal space and reduces disturbance from partner movement.

Height Considerations: Taller individuals (over 6 feet) should consider King or Super King sizes, which offer extra length compared to standard Double mattresses.

Future Needs: Think about how your requirements might change over the typical 7-10 year lifespan of a mattress. If you're planning to move in with a partner or expecting children who might occasionally share your bed, sizing up could be a wise investment.

Mattress Buying Guide: Understanding Different Types

Our mattress buying guide takes you through each step of the selection process, starting with understanding the main types of mattresses available in the UK market. Each type offers distinct features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional option that many people grew up with, featuring a support system made of metal coils or springs.

Key Features:

• Coil-based support system with various types (Bonnell, offset, continuous, pocketed)
• Different coil counts (typically ranging from 600-1,200 in a queen size)
• Varying coil gauges (thickness of the wire, typically 12-15 gauge)
• Comfort layers made of polyfoam, cotton, wool, or fiberfill

Benefits:

• Excellent airflow and temperature regulation
• Responsive and easy to move on
• Familiar feel that many sleepers prefer
• Generally more affordable options available
• Good support for back and stomach sleepers
• Strong edge support for sitting and getting in/out of bed

Drawbacks:

• Can transfer motion between partners
• May create pressure points for some sleepers
• Typically less durable than foam or latex options
• Can develop body impressions over time
• May create noise as springs wear

Best For: Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, those who prefer a responsive surface, and shoppers on a budget.

Memory Foam Mattresses

This mattress buying guide explains the key differences between memory foam and innerspring options, highlighting that memory foam has become increasingly popular for its pressure-relieving properties.

Key Features:

• Viscoelastic foam that responds to heat and pressure
• Varying foam densities (measured in kg/m³)
• Multiple foam layers for comfort and support
• Slow response to pressure, creating a "hugging" sensation

Benefits:

• Superior pressure relief and body contouring
• Excellent for pain relief, especially joint and back pain
• Minimal motion transfer, ideal for couples
• Silent with no squeaking or creaking
• Hypoallergenic options available
• Great for side sleepers who need cushioning at shoulders and hips

Drawbacks:

• Can retain heat (though newer cooling technologies help address this)
• Slower response time makes changing positions more difficult
• May have an initial odor (off-gassing)
• Can feel too soft or "sinking" for some sleepers
• Heavier and more difficult to move

Best For: Side sleepers, people with joint pain, couples, light sleepers easily disturbed by movement, and those who prefer a contouring feel.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses aim to combine the best features of innerspring and foam designs.

Key Features:

• Pocketed coil support core
• Substantial comfort layers of memory foam, latex, or polyfoam
• Reinforced edge support
• Multiple comfort layers for targeted support
• Often include cooling technologies

Benefits:

• Balanced feel of support and comfort
• Better temperature regulation than all-foam mattresses
• Reduced motion transfer compared to traditional innerspring
• Good pressure relief with responsive support
• Suitable for most sleeping positions
• Strong edge support maximizes usable surface area

Drawbacks:

• Generally more expensive than single-material mattresses
• Heavier and more difficult to move
• More complex construction can mean more potential failure points
• May still sleep warm for very hot sleepers
• Can still transfer some motion

Best For: Combination sleepers who change positions, couples with different preferences, those who want balanced features, and sleepers who find all-foam too soft or all-spring too firm.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are gaining popularity for their durability and eco-friendly properties.

Key Features:

• Made from natural, synthetic, or blended latex
• Dunlop or Talalay processing methods (affecting feel and durability)
• Responsive, bouncy feel
• Naturally breathable material
• Often organic and eco-friendly options

Benefits:

• Highly durable, often lasting 15+ years
• Naturally cooling properties
• Responsive feel with gentle contouring
• Environmentally friendly options available
• Naturally resistant to dust mites and mold
• Good for all sleeping positions
• Consistent support throughout

Drawbacks:

• Higher price point, especially for natural latex
• Heavier and more difficult to move
• Can feel too firm for some sleepers
• Limited availability compared to other types
• May not provide enough contouring for side sleepers

Best For: Eco-conscious shoppers, those seeking durability, hot sleepers, people with allergies, and those who prefer a responsive but contouring surface.

Mattress Thickness Guide: Finding Your Ideal Comfort Level

Our mattress thickness guide covers everything you need to know about mattress depth and how it affects comfort and support. Mattress thickness typically ranges from 15cm to 40cm, with most quality mattresses falling between 25cm and 30cm.

Understanding Mattress Layers

Modern mattresses are constructed in layers, each serving a specific purpose:

1. Comfort Layer (Top): Provides immediate cushioning and determines the initial feel
2. Transition Layer (Middle): Bridges comfort and support layers
3. Support Core (Bottom): Provides the essential structure and support

 

Recommended Thickness by Sleeper Type

 

This mattress thickness guide explains how to test firmness levels effectively, noting that thickness doesn't necessarily indicate firmness—a thick mattress can still be soft, and a thinner one can be firm.

Special Considerations for Thickness

• Mobility Issues: Those with mobility challenges may prefer thinner mattresses (20-25cm) for easier getting in and out of bed
• Adjustable Bases: If using an adjustable bed base, mattresses under 30cm typically work best
• Bed Frames: Ensure your bed frame can accommodate your chosen mattress thickness
• Sheet Fit: Thicker mattresses require deep-pocket sheets (typically for mattresses over 30cm)

Mattress Firmness Guide: Which Level is Right for You?

The firmness of your mattress significantly impacts your comfort and support. Our mattress firmness guide helps you understand the different levels and which might be best for your needs.

Understanding Firmness Ratings

Most manufacturers rate firmness on a scale of 1-10:

1-3: Soft
4-6: Medium
7-10: Firm

However, it's important to note that firmness ratings aren't standardized across the industry, so one manufacturer's "medium" might feel different from another's.

Firmness Recommendations by Sleep Position

Side Sleepers

• Recommended Firmness: Soft to Medium (3-5/10)
• Reasoning: Side sleeping creates pressure points at the shoulders and hips that need cushioning to maintain proper spinal alignment

Back Sleepers

• Recommended Firmness: Medium to Medium-Firm (5-7/10)
• Reasoning: Back sleepers need support that maintains the natural curve of the spine while providing comfort

Stomach Sleepers

• Recommended Firmness: Medium-Firm to Firm (6-8/10)
• Reasoning: Stomach sleepers need firmer support to prevent the midsection from sinking too deeply, which can cause back pain

Combination Sleepers

• Recommended Firmness: Medium (5-6/10)
• Reasoning: Those who change positions need a versatile firmness that works reasonably well for all sleep positions

Firmness Considerations by Body Weight

Lightweight Sleepers (Under 60kg)

• May find firm mattresses too hard and uncomfortable
• Often prefer soft to medium firmness (3-5/10)
• Need softer surfaces to allow enough contouring

Average Weight Sleepers (60-105kg)

• Usually comfortable on medium firmness (5-6/10)
• Can follow standard recommendations for their sleep position

Heavyweight Sleepers (Over 105kg)

• May find soft mattresses too unsupportive
• Often need medium-firm to firm options (6-8/10)
• Should consider mattresses specifically designed for higher weight support

This mattress firmness guide UK shoppers trust provides information on local brands and standards, noting that UK mattresses sometimes use different terminology for firmness levels compared to international brands.

Mattress Guide for Back Pain: Finding Relief Through Better Sleep

If you suffer from back pain, your mattress choice becomes even more crucial. This mattress guide for back pain section focuses on how to select a mattress that may help alleviate discomfort and promote better spinal health.

Key Considerations for Back Pain Sufferers

Support vs. Firmness
Many people mistakenly believe that firmer is always better for back pain. In reality, the best mattress provides proper support while conforming to your body's natural curves. Medium-firm mattresses (5-7 on the firmness scale) often provide the best balance for most back pain sufferers.

Spinal Alignment
The most important factor is maintaining proper spinal alignment during sleep. Your mattress should support the natural curve of your spine, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

Pressure Relief
Reducing pressure points helps relax muscles and improve circulation, which can reduce pain. Memory foam and latex mattresses often excel at pressure relief.

Recommended Mattress Types for Different Back Conditions

Lower Back Pain (Lumbar)

• Medium to medium-firm hybrid or memory foam mattresses
• Look for enhanced lumbar support features
• Zoned support systems that provide extra support for the hip area

Upper Back and Neck Pain

• Medium mattresses with good contouring
• Memory foam or latex with proper pillow support
• Adjustable bases can help position the upper body optimally

Sciatica

• Medium-firm mattresses with good pressure relief
• Memory foam often works well for cushioning sensitive areas
• Avoid overly soft mattresses that may cause misalignment

Our buying a mattress guide simplifies the complex world of mattress shopping, especially for those dealing with back pain. Remember that while a good mattress can help manage back pain, it's always advisable to consult healthcare professionals for persistent issues.

Practical Buying Considerations

Beyond the technical aspects of mattress selection, there are several practical factors to consider when making your purchase.

Budget Expectations

The UK mattress market offers options at various price points:

Our guide to buying a mattress covers everything from budget considerations to delivery options, noting that investing in a quality mattress is worthwhile considering how much time you spend on it and its impact on your health.

Returns

• Understand the return process and any associated fees
• Check if returns require original packaging
  

Warranty Coverage

A good warranty protects your investment:

• Understand what is covered (typically manufacturing defects and excessive sagging)

• Be aware of what voids warranty (stains, improper support, removing tags)
• Check if the warranty is prorated (decreasing coverage over time)

Delivery and Setup

Consider the logistics of getting your new mattress home:

• Delivery fees and timeframes
• Availability of old mattress removal
• Setup services, especially for heavy mattresses
• Box delivery vs. full-service delivery
• Access issues for larger mattresses in tight spaces

This guide to buying a mattress explains how to test firmness levels effectively, recommending that you lie on a mattress for at least 15 minutes in your typical sleep position when testing in a showroom.

Making Your Final Decision

After considering all the factors above, how do you make your final choice? Our mattress buying guide UK focused will help you navigate British mattress terminology and make the right decision.

Decision-Making Process

1. Prioritize Your Needs: Decide which factors matter most to you—comfort, support, temperature regulation, motion isolation, or budget
2. Narrow Down Options: Based on your priorities, narrow your choices to 2-3 mattresses
3. Read Specific Reviews: Look for reviews from people with similar needs and body types
4. Test If Possible: Visit showrooms to try mattresses in person
5. Check Policies: Compare trial periods, warranties, and return policies
6. Make Your Choice: Select the mattress that best meets your prioritized needs

When to Replace Your Mattress

Most quality mattresses last 7-10 years, but consider replacement if:

• You wake with aches and pains
• The mattress shows visible sagging or indentations
• You sleep better in other beds
• Your needs have changed (new health conditions, partner, etc.)
• Allergies or asthma have worsened

Conclusion

Choosing the right mattress is a personal decision that depends on your unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. This comprehensive mattress guide has provided you with the essential information to make an informed choice that will support your sleep and overall wellbeing for years to come.

At Carter & Lewis, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress for your needs. Our team of sleep experts is available to answer any questions you might have and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific requirements.

Need More Help?

If you have questions about which mattress might be right for you, or if you'd like personalized advice, we're here to help:

• Visit our showroom to test our mattress range in person
• Call our sleep experts at + 44 (0)7572364576
• Email us at support@carterandlewis.co.uk
• Use our online chat for immediate assistance

Your perfect night's sleep is just a decision away—and we're here to help you make it with confidence.