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Our handy mattress types guide

Last updated: November 2023

Mattress pocket springs

What are the different types of mattresses?

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
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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Memory foam mattresses (for a sumptuous, sinking-in feeling)

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 about memory foam mattresses, click here.

£ ⚫⚫⚫⚪

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Recommended if you’re a side, back or front sleeper, and you suffer from painful pressure points

Shop memory foam mattresses

Pocket Spring Mattress illustration

Individually wrapped coil springs
that move independently

 
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Pocket spring mattresses (great for couples)

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!

£ ⚫⚫⚪⚪

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Recommended for couples and if you’re a back or front sleeper

Shop pocket spring mattresses

Combination Mattress illustration

Memory foam, latex or gel
layer for comfort

 
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Spring system beneath for support

 
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Combination mattresses (for luxurious, hybrid comfort)

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.

£ ⚫⚫⚫⚪

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Recommended if you’re a side or front sleeper

Shop combination mattresses

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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Gel mattresses (cooling and cushioning)

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

Shop Gel mattresses

Traditional Spring Mattress illustration

Coil springs that move together
as one unit

 
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Traditional spring mattresses (for comfort and value)

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.

£ ⚫⚪⚪⚪

Comfort range: Medium – Very Firm

Shop traditional spring mattresses

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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Natural mattresses (for minimal environmental impact)

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.

£ ⚫⚫⚫⚪

Comfort range: Soft – Very Firm

Recommended if you’re a side, back or front sleeper, if you tend to overheat at night, and you’re eco-conscious

Shop natural mattresses

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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Bed in a box mattresses (rolled for comfort and convenience)

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.

£ ⚫⚫⚪⚪

Comfort range: Medium – Very Firm

Recommended if you’re a side, back or front sleeper, are on a budget, and have a narrow staircase or hallway

Shop bed in a box mattresses

Memory Foam 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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Latex mattresses (nature’s memory foam)

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

Shop Latex mattresses

What type of mattress is best for me?

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!

BROWSE OUR RANGE

Support for your back pain

This guide will help you identify the type of back pain you’re experiencing, what may be causing it and how you can try to alleviate it. Discover mattresses and pillows to help support your sleeping position.

Our full list of handy guides

Here we bring together all our guides to help you solve any bedroom dilemmas. From mattress guides to bed guides, plus tips on measuring up before you buy, we’ve got lots of helpful information.
Pillows

Your perfect pillow

Find out which pillow fillings and comfort grades are best for you and your individual sleeping position. This guide also runs you through how to care for your pillows to prolong their lifespan.
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