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Our Handy Mattress Types Guide

Last updated: March 2026

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.

COMFORT GUIDE

What are the different types of mattresses?

Memory Foam Mattress illustration

Layer of body moulding memory foam

 
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Can include a spring unit or
foam base beneath for support

 
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What is a memory foam mattress?

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.

Price range: High

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Best for: All sleeping positions, those who suffer from joint pain.

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Pocket Spring Mattress illustration

Individually wrapped coil springs
that move independently

 
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What is a pocket spring mattress?

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!

Price range: Medium

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Best for: Couples, back and front sleepers.

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Combination Mattress illustration

Memory foam, latex or gel
layer for comfort

 
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Spring system beneath for support

 
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What is a combination mattress?

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.

Price range: Medium

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Best for: Side and front sleepers.

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Actigel Mattress illustration

A unique layer of gel that moulds
to body shape and keeps you cool

 
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Often contains a spring unit
for additional support

 
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What is a gel mattress?

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.

Price range: Medium - High

Comfort range: Medium – Very Firm

Best for: Side and back sleepers, people who overheat during the night.

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Traditional Spring Mattress illustration

Coil springs that move together
as one unit

 
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What is a traditional spring mattress?

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.

Price range: Low

Comfort range: Medium – Very Firm

Best for: Value for money.

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Natural Mattress illustration

Layers of natural fillings such as
cotton, wool, mohair and bamboo

 
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Often contains a pocket spring
system beneath for additional support

 
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What is a natural mattress?

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.

Price range: High

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Best for: Side, back and front sleepers, people who overheat during the night, eco-conscious shoppers, allergy sufferers.

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Bed In A Box Mattress illustration

Often filled with foam or memory
foam which is then vacuum packed
and rolled up tightly

 
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What is a rolled mattress?

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.

Price range: Low - Medium

Comfort range: Medium – Very Firm

Best for: Side, back and front sleepers, those on a budget, narrow staircases or hallways.

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Latex Mattress illustration

Layer of latex has a natural
moulding effect and recovers
its shape for continual support

 
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Often contains a layer of springs
for additional support

 
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What is a latex mattress?

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.

Price range: Medium

Comfort range: Soft – Firm

Best for: Side and back sleepers, people who overheat during the night, allergy sufferers.

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Latex Mattress illustration

Specially designed to adjust
to your chosen base
at the touch of a button

 
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What is an adjustable mattress?

Adjustable mattresses are designed to work with adjustable beds, allowing you to raise or lower different sections to suit how you sleep or relax. Whether you like to read in bed, ease pressure on your back or legs, or find a position that feels just right, adjustable mattresses help you personalise your comfort and support. They’re available in a range of fillings, including memory foam and pocket springs, to suit different sleep needs.

Price range: Medium - High

Comfort range: Medium – Firm

Best for: Those with mobility issues, people who enjoy reading or watching TV in bed, those who want more control over their sleeping position.

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