How to Choose a Mattress: Firm, Soft or Medium?

You spend roughly a third of your life asleep, so the mattress you choose matters more than almost anything else in your bedroom. The trouble is that there are dozens of options, and words like “firm”, “orthopaedic” and “pocket sprung” are rarely explained.

This guide keeps it simple. We will cover firmness, mattress types, sleeping position and size, so you can narrow down the choice and buy with confidence.

Step 1: Start with firmness

Firmness is how hard or soft a mattress feels when you lie on it. There is no single best level. The right one depends on your body, your sleeping position and personal preference.

Step 2: Match firmness to how you sleep

As a general rule:

These are guidelines rather than rules. If you wake up with aches, your mattress may not suit you, and trying a different firmness is a sensible first step.

Step 3: Know the main mattress types

Step 4: Choose the right size

Your mattress needs to match your bed base exactly. Common UK sizes include single, small double, double, king and super king. If you are not sure which suits your room, read our UK bed sizes guide before you buy.

Step 5: Check it suits your bed base

A mattress and base work as a pair. A solid divan or ottoman base gives firm, even support, so a supportive mattress usually feels best on top. If you are still choosing a base, see our comparison of a divan bed vs an ottoman bed.

Our mattress range

We offer mattresses to suit different preferences. A few to look at:

You can see everything in one place on our mattress collection page.

How to look after your mattress

• Use a mattress protector to guard against spills and stains.
• Rotate your mattress regularly, as the manufacturer recommends, so wear is spread evenly.
• Let the mattress breathe when you change the bedding, and keep the room ventilated.
• Keep it on a suitable base so it stays properly supported.

When should you replace your mattress?

Many manufacturers suggest replacing a mattress every seven to ten years, though it depends on the quality and how heavily it is used. Signs it may be time include visible sagging, lumps, noise from the springs, or waking up stiff when you used to sleep well.

Frequently asked questions

Find your mattress

The best mattress is the one that lets you wake up rested. Shop our mattresses or browse all beds to put together your perfect sleep setup.