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Last updated: April 2025
Do you know about the different mattress fillings we offer? From springs to memory foam, this guide compares the main types of mattress filling, along with price ranges, comfort grades and general suitability. If you’d like to find out more on which type of mattress is best for your sleeping position, click to view our personal comfort guide below.
Layer of body moulding memory foam
Can include a spring unit or foam base beneath for support
Memory foam mattresses cleverly mould around your body's contours for luxurious comfort. If you’ve got aches and pains, this technology can help to relieve pressure points while keeping you supported and with good spine alignment. To find out more, read our memory foam mattress guide.
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Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm
Recommended if you’re a side, back or front sleeper, and you suffer from painful pressure points
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Individually wrapped coil springs that move independently
Pocket spring mattresses are similar to traditional spring mattresses, but their springs are each wrapped in individual ‘pockets’ of fabric. As each spring can move independently, you’re less likely to feel the movement of a partner tossing and turning in the night and more likely to sleep well – happy days!
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Recommended for couples and if you’re a back or front sleeper
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Memory foam, latex or gel layer for comfort
Spring system beneath for support
Combination mattresses, also known as hybrid mattresses, blend the stability of pocket or open springs with the luxury of a memory foam, latex or gel layer. These mattresses can therefore offer both support and a plush level of comfort.
Recommended if you’re a side or front sleeper
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A unique layer of gel that moulds to body shape and keeps you cool
Often contains a spring unit for additional support
Our gel mattresses all contain a layer of zoned ActiGel® foam made with breathable open-cell structures. This gel can help cushion your pressure points as well as regulate your body temperature, so it’s perfect if you often get hot in the night.
Comfort range: Medium – Very Firm
Recommended if you’re a side or back sleeper, and if you tend to overheat at night
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Coil springs that move together as one unit
A traditional spring mattress, also known as an open spring mattress, contains a host of interconnected metal springs throughout the mattress to provide you with great support as well as comfort. They offer the best value for money and are available in a variety of sizes and comfort grades, so you’ll be sure to find the mattress that suits your needs.
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Layers of natural fillings such as cotton, wool, mohair and bamboo
Often contains a pocket spring system beneath for additional support
A natural mattress is made using materials found in nature including fibres such as cotton, wool, mohair, and cashmere. A great advantage of these mattresses is their minimal environmental impact, however, they’re also good for you because most of the fibres offer natural properties such as temperature regulation and a moisture-wicking finish to keep you cool and dry.
Recommended if you’re a side, back or front sleeper, if you tend to overheat at night, and you’re eco-conscious
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Often filled with foam or memory foam which is then vacuum packed and rolled up tightly
A bed in a box mattress, otherwise known as a rolled mattress, delivers great support and comfort whilst also being conveniently and easily transportable. We’ve a great range of bed in a box mattresses to suit your sleeping needs as well as your budget. Discover fillings from supportive springs to body-moulding memory foam.
Recommended if you’re a side, back or front sleeper, are on a budget, and have a narrow staircase or hallway
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Layer of latex has a natural moulding effect and recovers its shape for continual support
Often contains a layer of springs for additional support
Latex mattresses contain a layer of natural latex, usually on top of springs and sometimes other fillings, to give you a comfortable surface to sleep on. Latex is sourced from the sap of a rubber tree. Some of these mattresses are hypoallergenic – great if you suffer from allergies such as asthma or have sensitive skin. Latex has pressure-relieving qualities, and this can help with aches and pains because it distributes bodyweight evenly.
Comfort range: Soft – Firm
Recommended if you’re a side or back sleeper
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With such a wide variety of mattress types available, finding the best mattress for you can seem overwhelming. However, a few factors can help narrow the search down, including your sleeping position, your build, and any health conditions you may have. Our Personal Comfort Guide runs through each of these factors to tell you the best mattress type and comfort grade for you.
You can also pop into your local store to use our unique Sleepmatch service. This smart technology chooses the right mattress just for you and the way you sleep. It maps your body and recommends the mattress that fits you perfectly in just 3 minutes!
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