Mattress Buying Guide
Looking to buy the right mattress for your bedroom? Ask these five questions before buying. Choosing a mattress can be a challenging, confusing and time-consuming process. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so it's very important to choose a mattress that offers great comfort and support at a competitive price.
There's a lot to consider before you start shopping. To make it simple, we at eFoam have put together this in-depth mattress buying guide, built around five key questions.
What mattress size do I need?
It's very important to pick the right mattress for the bed size in your bedroom. The table below covers all the standard mattress sizes available to buy online or in store in the UK.
| Bed / mattress size | Dimensions (imperial) | Dimensions (metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Small single mattress | 2'6" x 6'3" | 75cm x 190cm |
| Single mattress | 3' x 6'3" | 90cm x 190cm |
| Euro single mattress | 3' x 6'6" | 90cm x 200cm |
| Small double mattress | 4' x 6'3" | 120cm x 190cm |
| Double mattress | 4'6" x 6'3" | 135cm x 190cm |
| Euro double mattress | 4'9" x 6'6" | 140cm x 200cm |
| King size mattress | 5' x 6'6" | 150cm x 200cm |
| Euro king mattress | 5'3" x 6'6" | 160cm x 200cm |
| Super king mattress | 6' x 6'6" | 180cm x 200cm |
| Emperor mattress | 6'6" x 6'6" | 200cm x 200cm |
What type of mattress do I need?
The most common types of mattress are polyurethane foam, memory foam, innerspring, latex foam and hybrid. Depending on your budget, comfort, body type, sleeping position and the lifespan you want, you can pick the right one.
| Type | Firmness | Best for | Lifespan | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane foam | Medium – very firm | General use, people with allergies, all body types | 8–10 years depending on quality and grade | Budget – luxury (depending on quality) |
| Innerspring | Medium – firm | Average to heavy body builds; back sleepers; people with back pain | 5–8 years | Budget |
| Memory foam | Soft – medium | Light to average body builds; side, back & front sleepers; people who suffer from back pain | 8–10 years | Midrange |
| Latex foam | Medium | All body types; side & back sleepers; people who suffer from allergies | 10–12 years | Luxury |
| Hybrid | Medium | All body types; side & front sleepers; people with allergies or who overheat at night | 8–10 years | Luxury |
At eFoam, we supply premium memory foam mattresses that offer superb comfort and durability, backed with a 5-year warranty. They're made in the UK and supplied with a soft-touch Coolmax® quilted, dry-cleanable, zip-off cover.
What other features should I consider?
Beyond size and type, here are other features you may like to consider, depending on your needs and comfort:
- Mattress thickness: the thicker the mattress, the more expensive it tends to be. Thicker mattresses are best for heavier body builds, as they're more comfortable and help prevent "bottoming out".
- Mattress filling type: broadly, there are two types of filling – natural (such as cotton, wool and coir) and synthetic (such as latex, memory foam, polyurethane and polyester). Natural fillings are premium, more comfortable, excellent at moisture absorption, highly breathable and offer a dry sleeping surface.
- Other factors: mattresses with strong edge support and low motion transfer that give off less smell and retain less heat are the most comfortable. People who suffer from allergies or asthma can consider hypoallergenic, anti-allergy mattresses.
Which mattress brand should I go for?
There are so many mattress brands available today that it can be confusing to pick the right one. Most brands have at least a few high-selling, quality products across one or more mattress types. Some of the popular mattress brands in the UK are IKEA, Dunlopillo, Emma, Simba, Casper and Vispring.
It's best to check unbiased customer reviews online to learn about comfort, durability, warranty or guarantee, return policy, customer service, value for money, and photos or videos. Do your own homework by checking several review websites, spotting fake reviews, compiling a list of good ones, and gathering more detail from the brand's own website.
Should I buy online or in store?
The mattress industry is currently very competitive, and many low-cost brands have intensified that, so everyone is focusing on value over price. By visiting a store, you can physically check and lie on a mattress to get a feel for which is best for you. On the other hand, buying online often gives you trial offers, so you can try the mattress at home before you commit.
For more, see our mattress buying tips, our comparison of sprung vs foam mattresses, and the complete guide to foam mattresses cut to size.
