HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATTRESS

To know what kind of mattress is best for you, you will need to identify the right firmness and features that suit your own personal needs. For this, you will need to undertake a mattress type comparison to work out what your body will benefit most from.

What are the standard mattress sizes?

It’s important to make sure your mattress will match your bed frame, so ensure you have measured the height and width correctly.

Average mattress sizes

A common mistake is to use the mattress dimensions when calculating whether it will fit in your space, but you should always use the internal dimensions of the bed frame itself for exact measurements. Most modern mattresses sold in the UK are generally sold in metric dimensions:

Mattress	Super King	King	Double	Single
Dimensions	180cm x 200cm	150cm x 200cm	135cm x 190cm	90cm x 190cm

Different types of mattresses explained

If you’re wondering what the differences in mattress types are, we breakdown the options so you can find the comfiest mattress type for you.

What is a pocket spring mattress?

Pocket spring mattresses are one of the most popular types due to their high levels of support and durability. This type of mattress is made from individual pocket springs which are enclosed within their own fabric pocket. It achieves a great level of personalised support and response for the user as the springs work independently from each other, reacting only to the pressure applied to that area.

Our Marlborough Spring Mattress has a special temperature regulating open cell foam top layer, allowing for a cooler sleeping surface and contains 6,000 foam encapsulated pocket springs which reduce the transfer of movement you can often experience when sharing a bed.

What is a foam mattress?

Foam mattresses rely on trapped air rather than springs - aerated foam provides the support and ‘bounce’ you need for a good night’s sleep.

Our Maxi Cool Foam Mattress is constructed from foam, with a high resilience core and extra layers for comfort at the top, meaning that the mattress doesn’t need to be turned. It’s gently supportive with a comfortably quilted cover that will keep you cool while you sleep, using a special fibre to take away heat and moisture by capillary action. It’s the perfect mattress if you’re looking for your guest or children’s bedrooms.

What firmness of mattress should I get?

How firm your mattress is will affect how well you sleep. Firmness preferences are down to what you prefer and ultimately will depend on your sleeping position, height and weight. Here we explain what level of firmness means for the way you sleep:

Firmness Level	Characteristics
Soft	The mattress sinks and moulds to a significant extent
Medium Soft	The mattress sinks somewhat and conforms fairly closely
Medium	The mattress does not sink much and will conform to a noticeable extent
Medium Firm	The mattress sinks very little and conforms to a moderate extent
Firm	The mattress remains even with little to no sinking; conforming is minimal

Of course, too firm a mattress can cause back pain and you can make a firm mattress softer by placing a cosy mattress topper in between your mattress and bed sheet. But you may wish to opt for an altogether softer mattress.

Soft vs. firm mattress

The most notable difference between a firm or soft mattress is the feel. A firm mattress has less give, whereas a softer mattress will compress more easily under pressure.

The best way to choose what firmness you need is to identify what kind of flexibility you require. As you get older it’s likely you’ll prefer a firmer mattress, whereas as a child a softer mattress is often preferred, however it’s important to remember that it’s all about personal preference.

Pros of soft mattresses - If comfort is what you’re looking for, you may want to opt for a softer mattress to sink into, such as our Marlborough 6000 & 3000 or Malmesbury 2000 mattresses.

Pros of firm mattresses - A firmer mattress, like our Fairford Ortho Pocket 1000 or Charlford 600 mattresses, helps to maintain a neutral spine position and keep your body straight. The firmness can also reduce the amount of pressure that is being put on your circulatory system which helps with blood flow.

Mattresses should last you between eight to ten years, leaving lots of room for your body – and so your preferences – to change. Our Tweak mattress is customisable, offering a replaceable system of foam inserts so you can decide between a firm, medium and hard mattress without having to throw the whole thing out. Plus, it’s split down the middle so couples with different requirements can sleep side-by-side with each individual’s needs catered for.

What type of mattress is coolest?

Cool mattress types are best for hot sleepers, so keep an eye on the descriptions when you’re shopping for mattresses as there are a number of cooling technologies built for those who tend to get uncomfortably hot during the night hours.

Mattresses such as the Malmesbury Pillow-top 4000 Pocket Spring Mattress is finished with a high loft fabric cover which allows for increased air circulation while you sleep. Alternatively, the Marlborough range combines foam and pocket springs to provide a cooling and comfortable sleep. Our 4000 and 5000 options are the firmer options available in this range but still incorporate ClimaSmart technology: a cooling fabric that helps to dissipate heat.

Which type of mattress is best for pregnancy?

Sleeping while pregnant can, ironically, be an exhausting experience. Memory foam mattresses can help support equal weight distribution and a medium-to-firm mattress will cradle you without letting you sink into the bed or be disturbed by the weight and movements of your partner.

Best mattress for heavy people

Pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses are a comfortable option for heavier people as spring functionality is incredibly supportive compared to base foams.

What is the best mattress for allergy sufferers?

Whether you’re asthmatic, have a dust mite allergy or just prefer a purer mattress, it’s best you go for an allergy proof mattress. At Oak Furnitureland, all our mattress ranges – including our flagship Tweak mattress – are dust free and completely hypoallergenic.

Best mattresses for side, stomach and back sleepers

Did you know that the way you sleep can also affect how comfortable your mattress is to you? Once you identify how you sleep, selecting a mattress based on your sleeping patterns will become a lot simpler.

Best type of mattress for side sleepers

A medium/medium-soft mattress is recommended for side sleepers as they allow plenty of flexibility to contour to your body's natural curve and keep the spine aligned while providing maximum comfort.

Our Marlborough 6000 Pocket Spring Mattress is the best bet for side sleepers as its 6000 foam encapsulated pocket springs work together to give individual support across the mattress, really moulding to your shape. Completed with a special temperature regulating open-cell foam top layer which increases air circulation through the mattress to help improve sleep, and a breathable quilted knit cover.

Best mattress for back sleepers

Back sleepers specifically should consider the mattress’ firmness. While it is up to personal preference, scientifically, the best mattress for a back sleeper is a medium-firm mattress that will give your lower back the support it needs so you don’t wake up with lower back pain.

The Chalford 1000 Pocket Spring Mattress has a specially designed combination of pocket spring technology and high-grade comfort foam encapsulation that gives back sleepers the medium-firm feel and support they need for a great night’s sleep.

Best mattress for stomach sleepers

Due to the level of support front sleepers will need for their spine, a firm/medium-firm mattress is recommended to provide support to maintain the natural alignment of the spine. The firmness of your mattress will allow maximum comfort while preventing you from sinking in and arching your spine.

Front sleepers will find comfort with the Zest 1000 Ortho Pocket Mattress. Specialist foam layers allow for comfort and temperature control and extra comfort. The Zest also comes with two moulded pillows and a zip topped section that can be easily removed.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

A good mattress needs to give both support and comfort which is especially true for those who suffer from back pain. It's important to look for a mattress that keeps your back aligned while sleeping and relieves pressure points along your spine and joints. If you pick a mattress that’s not right for you, then yes, a mattress can cause back pain, so here are the best options for your sore spots:

• Our Fairford Ortho Pocket 1000 Mattress has been designed to provide you with excellent orthopaedic support to bring you a more natural, uninterrupted sleep. The individually wrapped pocket springs provide firm support across the mattress for excellent back care and no roll-together during the night. The springs are encased in foam to provide edge-to-edge support, it features a hand-tufted damask finish for added luxury. A perfect addition to any bedroom.

• Our Tweak mattress is an orthopaedic mattress, which is the best type of mattress for sleeping pains. It is highly rated among customers for upper back pain, targeting areas of acute pain and neck pain. You can play with firmer or softer inserts under specific sections of your body, cushioning you with soft inserts exactly where you need it.

Ready to find the mattress of your dreams? Take a look at our great selection of single, double, king and super king mattresses and find the right mattress for you.

When you invest in a mattress from Oak Furnitureland you can be rest assured that all of our ranges have been 10 year tested and don’t need to be turned. They’re dust free and completely hypoallergenic, and pressure tested to avoid pressure points.

If you’re looking to invest in a good night’s sleep, shop now to find the perfect mattress for you.