Mattress buying guide

Looking for the perfect mattress but not sure where to start? Our helpful guide will take you through everything you need to know, from mattress sizes and firmness levels to different types and features. Whether you're after supreme comfort, firm support, or something in between, we’ll help you find the right fit for a great night's sleep.

What are the different UK mattress sizes?

Mattresses come in standard UK sizes, making it easy to match a mattress to your bed - a double mattress goes with a double bed, a super king mattress is for a super king bed, and so on.

Single

190cm x 90cm (6ft 3” x 3ft). Suitable for single beds.

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Small Double

190cm x 120cm (6ft 3” x 4ft). Suitable for small double beds.

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Double

190cm x 135cm (6ft 3” x 4ft 6”). Suitable for double beds.

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King size

200cm x 150cm (6ft 6” x 5ft). Suitable for king size beds.

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Super king

200cm x 180cm (6ft 6” x 6ft”). Suitable for super king beds.

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What mattress firmness do I need?

Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to the firmness of their mattress, and many factors can determine what type you need - which is why mattresses come in a range of firmness levels. Correct support during sleep depends not only on your weight, but your height, build, and preferred sleeping position. It’s the same for comfort - some may prefer a firmer mattress, and others may prefer being cocooned and sunk into their bed.

Firm mattresses

Ideal for front sleepers and the best option for those with joint or back pain, firm mattresses are suitable for heavier sleepers and offer improved airflow to encourage heat dissipation. May feel too hard for some sleepers though.

Medium-firm mattresses

Perfect for back sleepers, medium-firm mattresses provide great support for the spine and joints. While some of the most durable, and with many options to choose from, they may feel too hard for some sleepers.

Medium mattresses

Ideal for back sleepers, medium mattresses provide good support regardless of weight. While great for partners with different sleep needs, and with many options available, they may feel too hard for some sleepers.

Soft-medium mattresses

Perfect for side sleepers, soft-medium mattresses provide a good balance of comfort and support. While more durable than soft mattresses, they may not suit heavier sleepers, and don’t provide much back or joint support.

close up of a soft mattress with additional pillowtop for extra support

Soft mattresses

Great for all sleeping positions, soft mattresses provide soft, sink-in comfort. They are ideal for those who move frequently in their sleep but might not suit heavier sleepers and don’t provide much back or joint support.

What are the different types of mattresses?

From different types of foams to various spring designs, mattress fillings (and combinations) vary to accommodate many different sleepers. Let’s explore the different mattress types to help you decide how to pick out a mattress.

Natural mattresses

As well as being more eco-friendly, many natural mattresses avoid harmful chemicals and are hypoallergenic, naturally antibacterial, or offer extra cooling properties. There are plenty of options to suit the budget of every eco-conscious consumer.

close up of a kids mattress on top of a teal divan bed

Kids mattresses

Kids’ growing bodies have different needs to adults, and their mattress is an important part of supporting their development. Luckily, there is a range of specialist kids’ mattresses on the market specifically designed for their sleep needs.

Boxed and rolled mattresses

Cleverly rolled at the factory, boxed and rolled mattresses are easier to manoeuvre around awkward corners, up staircases and into lifts. They still offer plenty of filling choices, so no need to compromise on those benefits you wanted.

Orthopedic mattresses

Often science-backed and high-tech, these mattresses are designed specifically to provide superior support to the joints - helping ease pressure and offer relief to those with back pain and other types of chronic joint pain.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds, providing plenty of benefits. While they can be more expensive, they offer unrivalled comfort, with movement isolation, breathability, and support that’s hard to match from a single-filling mattress.

mattress buying guide with open coil mattresses

Open coil or coil sprung mattresses

Open coil mattresses’ internal springs are connected by wire and covered by fabrics. While undeniably one of the most affordable options, offering great support, they aren’t good at isolating movement from multiple sleepers.

Pocket sprung

Pocket sprung mattresses’ individual springs isolate movement, making them ideal for shared beds. Designed for support and pressure relief, they also provide great airflow. A higher spring count usually translates to a higher quality mattress.

How can I make my mattress last longer?

Your mattress is an investment in your perfect night’s sleep - and every investment should be protected! To keep that brand new mattress feeling for even longer, consider choosing a mattress protector or topper to protect your mattress against spills, stains and dust mites or add an extra layer of cushioned comfort to your sleep.

Silentnight Airmax 1000 Mattress Topper

Unbeatably breathable and sink-in soft, this topper keeps you cool and comfy through the night. Breathe new life into your bed with 10cm of cushioned cosiness and air mesh sides, helping you wake up refreshed day after day.

Silentnight hotel collection mattress topper

Silentnight Hotel Collection Mattress Protector

Crafted for comfort with an indulgent embossed finish, this mattress protector lets luxury last longer, protecting against spills, stains and dust mites. Designed with easy straps for secure, hotel-quality sleep all night long.

Discover top mattress brands at DFS

From heritage British brands including Silentnight and Harrison Spinks, to luxurious science-backed mattresses from Sealy - and even eco-friendly, plant-based mattresses for the whole family from Jay-Be - here at DFS we stock the very best mattress brands available in the UK, with choices suitable for all budgets.

modern bedroom with a silentnight just sleep mattress in a pink bed frame

A great night’s sleep just got simpler

young women sat on top of a sealy mattress

It’s where sleep matters

What mattress do I need?

Once you’ve established the mattress size, type and firmness that’s right for you, there are still plenty of options to choose from - so how do you decide how to pick a mattress? Well, we’ve made it easy to pick the perfect product - simply take our mattress quiz, below, and we’ll recommend you a selection of mattresses to suit your needs.

What mattress is best for back or joint pain?

Generally, more firm mattresses are best for supporting sleepers with joint and back pain. Choose a medium-firm mattress to balance comfort and relief, support joints and ensure your spine is kept aligned. An orthopaedic mattress is specifically designed to provide unrivalled support for the spine and joints, but a memory foam mattress is also a great option, contouring to your body and cradling pressure points.

What mattress helps with allergies?

If you suffer from hay fever, asthma, or any other sleep-disturbing allergy, then you’ll need a hypoallergenic mattress. Great options include a natural filling mattress or a foam mattress, but many brands now offer hypoallergenic mattresses across their range.

What is the coolest mattress to stop me overheating?

For people who always get too hot at night, a new mattress could hold the answer to keeping you cool.

A pocket spring mattress offers better airflow and doesn’t trap as much heat under your body, but you can also opt for a cooling gel mattress. Many brands now offer natural mattresses made from plant-based materials specifically chosen to keep you cool, so there are plenty of different filling options to choose from.

What mattress is best for couples?

Sometimes, the biggest threat to your sleeping pattern is the partner rolling around next to you – but a new mattress can help!

A large pocket sprung mattress will both isolate movements from your partner and offer valuable extra space. When deciding on mattress firmness for a couple with different sleep needs, a middle-of-the-road medium mattress helps to support most peoples’ requirements.

What is an orthopaedic mattress?

An orthopaedic or orthopedic mattress is specifically designed to relieve pressure on the joints. These types of mattresses are also firmer, making orthopaedic mattresses the best mattress for back pain and other chronic joint pain.

How many springs are in a good mattress?

When shopping for a pocket sprung or coil sprung mattress, generally speaking, the higher the spring count, the more support it will offer.

Mattresses with more springs use more materials, and therefore generally cost more, but they will offer more targeted support and isolate movement more effectively - particularly helpful if you find your partner disturbs your sleep in the night. Many ranges include similar mattresses with different spring counts, so you can choose the sprung mattress that suits your budget.

What is the comfiest mattress?

Everyone’s comfort needs are different, which makes it a bit tricky to generalise what the comfiest mattress may be for you.

While the most popular mattresses are medium and medium firm, some people prefer the sink-in feel of a soft mattress, while others prefer the support that comes with a firm orthopaedic mattress. Some people love the way a memory foam mattress moulds to their body shape, while others prefer the cooling air circulation you experience on a pocket sprung mattress. A mattress is a very personal choice!

What does the number refer to in a mattress name?

If you see a mattress or range with a number in the title, this generally refers to the number of pocket springs within the mattress. The number of springs will vary depending on the size of the mattress - with a single mattress having the fewest, and a super king size mattress having the most. For entire ranges, manufacturers generally tend to base this number on the amount of springs in the double mattress in the range.

Explore the DFS sleep hub

Looking for a better night’s sleep? Our Sleep Hub is a one stop shop for getting top quality shut-eye!

Top tips for front sleepers

Face smushed into the pillow. Arms splayed to the sides. Knees kissing the mattress. A prone position feels perfect to you - but is it the best way to get a good night’s sleep?

Top tips for sleeping with back pain

Whether you suffer from chronic pain or have recently pulled a muscle, sleeping with back pain can often feel like a near impossible task.

Sleep Expert: Improve your quality of sleep

We have teamed up with Anne Marie Boyhan, sleep expert at The Sleep Care Co. to give us some tips on how to improve the quality of your sleep.

How much sleep do I need?

While your significant other may wake up fresh and ready after just 6 hours of shut eye, you may need a full 9 hours to function properly for the rest of the day.

What sleep position is best for you?

Have you ever woken up feeling like you’ve slept ‘funny’? Those stiff necks, sore backs, and pins-and-needles sensations in your arms might actually be caused by your preferred sleeping pose.