Mattresses

Top Quality Mattresses at Bargain Prices

Are you in the market for a new mattress? If so, you have made a good decision. A new mattress will aid restful sleep, reduce aches and pains, decrease tension, and improve your ability to focus. Additionally, a new mattress can support your overall well being and enhance sleep quality.

Most experts, including those at the UK Sleep Foundation, recommend replacing a mattress every 6 to 8 years. How long a bed lasts can vary depending on the mattress’s type and quality, as well as usage and environment. If your room is very dusty and prone to mites, or if it gets lots of use, you might need to change the mattress more frequently.

There are several signs that it is time to replace a mattress. These include:

• You have used your current mattress for eight years or more.
• You wake with a backache or other soreness and pains.
• You don’t sleep well and wake up during the night.
• The mattress sags in the middle or feels lumpy.
• You can feel the springs, or they squeak when you move.
• You have suffered an injury and might need more specialist mattress.

One mistake mattress buyers often make is they assume a higher price tag means higher quality. With mattresses, this is not necessarily the case. When choosing a new mattress, the important factors are whether it supports your back, disperses your weight evenly, and has adequate ventilation. While expendsive mattresses might have these qualities, you will oten find cheaper models also do, so going by the price tag is not always the best system. Instead, selecting the right mattress for your comfort, proper sleep posture, and long-term sleep quality is a better way.

UK Bed Sizes

In the UK, we have seven standard bed sizes. Before choosing a mattress, it is advised you measure the length and width of your sleeping area. Once you have the dimensions, you’ll know the best size available to you.

A large mattress might seem the obvious choice, but you need to consider that a big bed will leave less space available for other furniture. Having said that, a small bed can look odd and out of place in a large bedroom. For space-limited bedrooms, a 4ft small double mattress can be the perfect fit, especially in a guest room or secondary bedroom where maximising space is important. When it comes to individual sleepers or a small spare room, a standard 3ft single mattress will usually be large enough and is a practical and popular choice.

Mattress Dimensions

Super King: (W x L) 6ft x 6ft 6", or 180cm x 200cm
King: (W x L) 6ft x 6ft 6", or 150cm x 200cm
Double: (W x L) 4ft 6" x 6ft 3", or 135cm x 190cm
Small Double: (W x L) 4" x 6ft 3", or 120cm x 190cm
Large Single: (W x L) 3ft 6" x 6ft 3", or 105cm x 190cm
Single: (W x L) 3ft x 6ft 3", or 90cm x 190cm
Small Single: (W x L) 2ft 6" x 6ft 3", or 75cm x 190cm

Small Single/Single: If you're buying a mattress for an adult or teen who sleeps alone, a standard single will usually be large enough. Small singles are common in hostel or student accommodation. This size is also ideal for a child or a small guest bedroom.

Small Double/Double: If you sleep by yourself but like a roomy bed to sleep well, a 4ft 6" double or 4ft small double mattress is ideal. This size allows you to stretch out without legs or arms dangling off the side of the bed. Double-size is the most sold UK size mattress and is wide enough to sleep two sleepers.

King size: King size beds easily fit two sleepers. This mattress size is popular among couples.

Super King: A luxury super king mattress has enough space to fit two large adults and plenty of room for young children to visit in the morning. With a bed of this size, the most frequent issue is your bedroom may not be large enough to accommodate it.

Which Mattress Is the Best One for Me?

The list below provides a brief description of different mattress types.

Pocket Sprung & Open Coil

Spring mattresses are a traditional and popular choice, available in several types including pocket spring mattresses and traditional spring mattresses. Pocket sprung, and open coil mattresses contain steel coils. The coil gauge and count characterize a coil mattress. The gauge refers to the coil thickness; coils with high gauges have thin coils, while low gauges represent thick coils. The lower the coil gauge, the firmer the mattress.

Coil count relates to how many coils the mattress contains. A mattress with a high coil count will offer more support than a model with a low number.

Pocket sprung mattresses typically have between 400 and 4000 coils, with 800 - 1200 being average. Pocket springs give you tailored support and pressure relief by adapting to the contours of different body types, making them ideal for personalized comfort.

The difference between open coil and pocket sprung mattresses

Open coil mattresses, also known as traditional spring mattresses, have an interlocking coil system which gives bounciness and rigid support. On the upside, it is easy to turn over on an open coil bed. On the downside, there will be movement transfer when sleeping with a partner. Pocket sprung mattresses have individual pockets that reduce motion transfer, as each spring moves independently, which works especially well if you have significantly different body weights.

A mattress with an exceptionally high coil count is not always better than a model with an average coil count. If a coil mattress has a count of at least 800, you should find it comfortable and supportive.

Memory Foam

Memory foam and latex mattresses adjust to the body and keep movement transfer to a minimum, so they are often the top choice for couples. The layers of foam evenly spread body weight over the bed’s surface, helping to prevent aches and pains. Memory foam mattresses conform to your body shape and relieve pressure points, making them excellent for side sleepers because they shape moulds around the hips and shoulders, reducing pressure.

Latex Mattresses

Latex is a natural substance derived from rubber trees. Like memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses conform to the body’s shape. Latex mattresses are lighter and bouncier than memory foam but do not adjust as well to the body. Latex is a hypoallergenic material. Natural mattresses, especially natural latex mattresses, are known for their breathability, durability, and comfort, making them a popular choice for shoppers wanting a natural mattress.

Hybrid mattresses and combination mattresses combine the support of spring systems with comfort layers such as memory foam, latex, or Geltex. A hybrid mattress gives support and sumptuous comfort, making it suitable for all body types and most sleep preferences. Hybrid mattresses and combination mattresses are best sellers due to their versatility, advanced features, and ability to provide pressure relief and custom support.

Orthopaedic Mattresses

Orthopaedic beds offer superior support for the joints, back, and overall body. Many back pain sufferers find an orthopaedic mattress reduces their symptoms. The mattress surface and air circulation play arole in maintaining spinal alignment and overall comfort.

An orthopaedic mattress is usually soft at the bed’s head and foot but firm in the middle. This structure helps support the natural curve of the spine. Without proper spine alignment, the muscles, and tendons experience stress, which can cause damage. 

What Is the Difference in Mattress Firmness?

Firmness is an important feature of a mattress. Depending on your weight and preferred comfort level, you can go for an exceptionally soft to a very firm mattress. Mattress firmness should be chosen depending on your preferred sleeping position, as each requires specific support for optimal comfort. For a great night’s sleep, find a mattress that moulds to your curves and gives enough support to sustain the spine’s natural alignment. We suggest choosing a firmness based on your comfort preference, but the following information can be helpful.

Side Sleepers

If you like to sleep mostly on your side, soft to medium firmness is a good option. This firmness level lets the body to sink into the bed and aligns the shoulders and hips. A mattress with the right firmness helps relieve pressure points, especially around the shoulders and hips.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers often find a medium-firm level is best. The mattress will conform to the lower back’s curvature while giving enough support to keep your spine aligned. Medium-firm mattresses help to maintain healthy posture throughout the night.

Stomach Sleepers

A mattress with a firm or extra-firmness level fits stomach sleepers, as it will stop the body from sinking into the bed.

Where possible, an effective way to check if a mattress’s firmness is to check if your spine is aligned when laying on your side. You should be able to easily turn over.

If a mattress is too soft, you will sink into it, and your spine will be misaligned. If a mattress is too hard, it won’t feel comfortable. In either scenarion turning over will require some effort.

Mattress Firmness Guide

Extra Soft: Ideal for side sleepers up to 130 pounds

Soft: Good for side sleepers over 130 pounds

Medium Soft: Recommended for all sleepers weighing under 130 pounds or side sleepers weighing under 230 pounds

Medium: Good for back and side sleepers of between 130 and 230 pounds

Medium-Firm: Suitable for all persons weighing between 130 and 230 pounds; or side sleepers over 230 pounds

Firm: Good for side sleepers over 230 pounds; and back and stomach users over 130 pounds

Extra Firm: Good for stomach and back sleepers of 230 pounds and over

While this guide lists which firmness is likely to suit each type of sleeper, comfort preference is personal. Some people simply prefer a firm or a soft bed. Choosing the right firmness for your preferred sleeping position and body weight is vital for a great night's slee

Mattress FAQS

Which mattress is best for back pain?

If you experience back pain, choosing the best mattress means recognising the type of pain. Some back pain is temporary and starts after lifting something heavy or another similar mishap. Doctors refer to this as acute back pain.

Other times, the pain is felt over a longer period, known as chronic back pain. Backache can start as acute after an injury and ultimately become chronic.

Someone with acute back pain might only have to use extra pillows or change their sleeping posture until the pain subsides. Further measures may be required for chronic back pain, such as changing to a firmer or softer mattress.

The optimal mattress will also depend on if you have pain in the lower back or middle and upper back.

Low Back Pain

Lower back pain is felt in the lumbar area. It is the most widespread type of back pain, as this section of the back bends and twists in a way that can damage the muscles or spine.

Spending too long in the same sleeping position can generate lower back pain. If a side sleeper's shoulders and hips aren't supported well, the spine will be out of alignment. Back or stomach sleepers may get back pain after sleeping on a mattress that is either too soft or too firm, which puts pressure on the spine's curve.

Middle and Upper Back Pain

Middle and upper backache are less common than lumbar pain because these back sections are more stable, lessening the chance of strains from twisting. Pain here can indicate a more severe problem and should be checked by a professional.

Poor posture generates stress in the middle or upper back. A mattress designed for spinal alignment can decrease this type of pain. A quality pillow of the correct height also helps with supporting the neck and upper spine.

Most people with back discomfort do well on medium–firm or firm support. Start by looking at pocket sprung or hybrid (with zoned springs) for stable alignment without pressure points. 

What firmness should I choose?

• Soft–Medium: lighter side sleepers who want plush cushioning.

• Medium: mixed sleepers who change position.

• Medium–Firm: suits most adults; supportive without feeling hard.

• Firm / Extra Firm: back or front sleepers who prefer a very stable feel. When unsure, medium–firm is the safest guess.

Will a Mattress Get Softer with Time?

If you buy a mattress that feels too firm, it could be because it is new, and it will become softer over time. The mattress type that most frequently feels too firm when brand new is memory foam. Some manufacturers compress their foam mattresses into airtight bags for easy delivery. If your mattress is compressed, you should find it is already soft.

However, if your foam mattress is delivered uncompressed, you'll likely need an adaptation period. It could take one month or more.

Can I help a firm mattress soften faster?

Not all mattresses suit all types of bed bases, and the base could be the cause of your too firm mattress. For example, if you buy a new memory foam mattress and put it on an old spring base designed for an open coil mattress, you might have to change the base for the memory foam to feel comfortable. A modern bed base will either be a solid platform or slatted. Platforms make a bed surface feel firmer, so go for slats if you want a soft feel.

You can soften up a new mattress by walking on it for a few minutes several times a day.

Or using a mattress topper is a low-cost way to make a hard bed softer. Adding an extra layer to the mattress you will have can improve pressure point support and contouring.  The most popular option is memory foam. The lower the density of the foam, the softer the topper. A topper will also prolong the lifespan of the mattress.

Another way to soften a too-firm memory foam mattress is to warm the room up. A warm room makes memory foam softer, and a cold room will make it firmer.

Are rolled mattresses as good as non-rolled ones?

Yes. Quality rolled and boxed mattresses recover fully once unwrapped. Unpack soon after delivery, allow it to expand (usually a few hours), and minor “new mattress” odour will air out quickly.

Will my mattress work on a slatted bed frame?

Yes, most mattresses are fine on slatted frames. Keep gaps about 7 cm or less, make sure the slats are secure, and use a centre rail on larger sizes. If gaps are wider, add slat caps or a board for even support.

How long does a mattress last?

With normal use and care, expect around 7–8 years. Rotate as advised, use a mattress protector, and make sure the base gives even support to extend lifespan.

Do I need to turn or rotate my mattress?

Check the product page: single-sided mattresses should be rotated head-to-toe regularly; double-sided models should be rotated and flipped on a schedule. Regular rotation helps the fillings settle evenly and keeps comfort consistent.

I sleep hot—what should I choose?

Look for pocket sprung, latex, or hybrid designs with breathable covers and airflow borders. Open-cell foams and natural fibres help with temperature control. Use a breathable protector and lightweight bedding.

Why Shop with Us

There are many excellent incentives to shop with Home Furnishings UK. We have been in the home furniture sector for over twenty years and supply beds for every sleeping preference without substantial price tags.

We aim to give first-class customer support and will replace an item or give you a refund if your order is not as expected.

We have thousands of products in stock, and with such a wide choice, you are sure to find exactly what you need.

If you place an order before 11:00 a.m. on a weekday, we deliver your order the next business day. Or you can choose a delivery day to fit in with your schedule. Many of our mattresses come with handles for easy transport, and we provide regular cleaning tips to help keep your mattress fresh.

Our website uses advanced technology, and you can shop with us knowing your details are safe and secure,

If you have any questions, call 0800 043 6510 or email support@hf4you.co.uk. Our helpful customer service team is always on hand to help.