Mattress Buying Guide
So right from the outset it’s important that you get the correct advice. In store, our sleep experts will determine your best solution, whereas online we can do the same over the phone or Livechat. Whichever is your preferred option, please read our buying guide to set you off in the right direction.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about mattresses, from understanding different types and materials to helping you identify the perfect mattress for your sleep preferences and requirements.
At Cousins Furniture, we're passionate about providing you with the best quality sleep solutions. Our mission is to help you make an informed decision when it comes to investing in a mattress that will transform the way you sleep. With our expert guidance and an extensive selection of top-notch mattresses, you'll be on your way to enjoying the restful, rejuvenating sleep you deserve.
A mattress is made up of 3 key components:
- Mattress Surface
- Comfort Layers
- Support System
The mattress surface is the top layer of any mattress, it greatly influences its comfort and durability.
The main types of mattress surfaces are:
- Tufted –
This is a traditional method of ensuring that the comfort layers of fillings remain in place. A tuft goes right from the outer surface on top of the mattress through to the bottom, through the spring unit, pulling the upholstery layers together, and is commonly secured on the outside with a woollen pom-pom. It’s a process normally done by hand and is seen as a sign of quality, helping to reduce the tendency for fillings to settle or flatten. In turn it creates a symmetrical undulating surface. - Quilted –
This is the most frequently used finish on memory foam and mass-produced beds. It’s where the mattress cover is stitched, in various design patterns, to the upper layer of fillings, which is normally polyester. The deeper the layer, the more luxurious and cushioned the mattress surface appears.This is the quickest method of finishing a mattress and subsequently the most cost-effective. It doesn’t necessarily mean that all higher quality mattresses are hand tufted though, as this is very much dependent on what’s inside the mattress. - Pillow top
As its name suggests, this is a separate upholstered layer or pad on top of the mattress to provide extra comfort. Pillow tops can be found on sprung and foam mattresses but only on single sided, non-turn ones. They give the appearance of a super soft fixed topper and provide an extra layer of sumptuous comfort. A pillow top can contain natural fillings, foam and even an extra layer of springs. They’ll also require additional plumping and maintenance to reduce settlement. - Box top
This is a squared-off additional upholstered comfort section layer at the top of a mattress. It's similar to a pillow-top and provides an extra depth of comfort along with increasing the sleeping surface area and subsequently reducing the risk of roll off.
The mattress fillings or comfort layers determine the “feel” and comfort of the mattress. They tend to be totally comfort-focussed at the top, near the mattress surface, becoming more supportive as you go down closer to the springs (support system)
Comfort layers enable the bed to be tailored to your own personal sleeping habits and needs. They also greatly help to determine your sleeping environment, regulating body temperature and helping to keep you cool and/or warm, plus in many cases wicking away moisture for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Wool - is a natural, sustainable fibre that provides a plush, springy and supportive comfort layer. It’s breathable, keeping you warmer during winter and cooler during summer. It has moisture wicking properties, helping to keep your mattress dry and is naturally fire retardant, reducing the use and smell of chemicals. Wool also acts as an air purifier and is anti-allergy.
- Cashmere – this is finer in structure and naturally softer than lambswool. Cashmere subsequently gives a more luxurious and indulgent comfort layer, only being used in the very highest quality beds. It naturally absorbs moisture to keep you cool and dry. Cashmere is hypo-allergenic.
- Alpaca – this has the same properties as wool. It’s a springy, supportive filling with very good temperature regulating and moisture absorption properties for a comfortable night’s sleep. It’s also hypo-allergenic and naturally fire retardant.
- Kapok – this is a cotton-like, organic alternative to foam, made from the fibres of the kapok tree. It’s a very breathable filling that helps to regulate body temperature and to wick moisture away. Kapok is also naturally hypo-allergenic.
- Cotton – is a natural, sustainable filling that’s soft and highly breathable, offering good air circulation, so as well as enhancing comfort will help keep you cool and also wick away moisture while you sleep. It’s also hypo-allergenic. Egyptian Cotton is the softest and most luxurious type of cotton used in mattress fillings.
- Flax – the flax plant is used to make linen. Its fibres are naturally cooling and have anti-bacterial properties to help create a hygienic sleeping environment.
- Hemp – is a sustainable, natural fibre with similar moisture wicking and cooling properties to cotton, giving a comfortable night’s sleep. It’s very resilient and is hypoallergenic.
- Silk – is one of the best temperature-regulating natural fibres, keeping you cool during the summer and warm in winter. It’s also moisture absorbing and hypo-allergenic.
- Mohair – is a springy, soft and extremely comfortable natural fibre that is extremely resilient and durable. It’s often blended with wool and has temperature regulating properties, as well as being hypo allergenic.
- Horse hair – Is a luxurious, totally sustainable, natural filling with excellent temperature regulating and moisture wicking properties. It is a naturally springy and soft filling, completely free from allergens for a hygienic sleeping environment.
- White fibre -
- Synthetic materials -
- Polyester - Renowned for its hypoallergenic properties, polyester-filled mattresses are perfect for hayfever and dust mite allergy sufferers.
- Bamboo - This natural mattress filling is renowned for its natural absorption and moisture-wicking properties, creating a breathable and fresh sleeping surface.
The support system of a mattress tends to be at its core and will ultimately determine its firmness and level of support.
- Open Coil Spring
An open coil mattress consists of an inter-connected metal spring system. They are easy to mass-produce and subsequently very cost effective, making them an ideal choice for spare bedrooms. - Pocket Spring
A pocket spring mattress consists of individually wrapped coil springs that work independently of each other. This enables them to contour to your body more effectively, giving a greater degree of tailored support and pressure relief, maintaining spinal alignment and posture. They also prevent roll together. In general, the higher the spring count the greater the level of individual support. - Memory Foam
A memory foam mattress is made from temperature-sensitive, high density visco-elastic foam that moulds to the contours of your body and weight to offer very good pressure relieving comfort and support. Memory foam mattresses have very good cushioning properties, absorbing movement with very little motion transfer if you have a restless partner. They can be selected in different tensions and with varying degrees of temperature control. - Latex
Latex is a natural material that comes from the sap of rubber trees. It is hypo-allergenic and is naturally elastic, moulding to the shape of your body with very good pressure absorbing and weight distribution properties, similar to memory foam. Latex mattresses are environmentally friendly and very durable. - Gel
Gel offers full body support, but particularly good for those suffering with back pain. It is naturally hypoallergenic and has cooling properties. - Hybrid or Combination
A hybrid mattress combines the benefits of a luxurious pocket spring support system with the cushioning and pressure relieving properties of technological comfort layers – memory foam, gel or latex. - Roll Up
These are rolled-up and distributed in a box for speed and efficiency. They can be pocket sprung, memory foam or a hybrid combination.
- Non turn - a no turn mattress only has comfort layer fillings on one side, which is the only side that you can sleep on. The majority of mattresses are very heavy and cumbersome, so this will suit individuals who may physically struggle to turn them. You do still need to occasionally rotate non-turn mattresses though.
- All pillow top mattresses and most memory foam mattresses are non-turnable. The fact that you can only sleep on one side should mean that such mattresses will settle and flatten quicker, but in most cases the quality of the comfort layer fillings normally prevent this. A single sided mattress, in most cases, will be more cost effective.
- No-roll together – this is a feature of a mattress that will benefit people who sleep with a partner, especially if one is significantly heavier than the other. As the name suggests it will help prevent you rolling together while asleep and is created by several factors - including the quality individual support offered by various spring support systems and the properties of the fillings used in the mattress’s comfort layers, such as the cushioning offered by memory foam.
- Hypo allergenic – Hypo allergenic mattresses are made from materials that are resistant to allergens, which are the causes of common allergies, such as dustmites. Most synthetic fibres are hypo-allergenic. Examples of hypoallergenic materials include polyester, cotton and memory foam. Maintaining a high level of mattress hygiene will also help minimise allergic reactions, such as regular washing of bed linen and turning of the mattress. Good ventilation will also help to this end.
- Temperature regulating – this is where the mattress helps to maintain a healthy sleeping environment by keeping you cool when it’s warm, and warm when it’s cold. It’s normally achieved by the breathable properties of the mattress surface fabric and the upper comfort layers. Most natural fillings have very good temperature regulating properties, as do some of the technologically developed surface fabrics, including Tencel.
How Do I Find My Ideal Firmness?
Your sleeping position and body weight help determine your ideal mattress firmness. Choosing the best mattress for you will determine your quality of sleep.
Our aim is to keep your spine in a neutral position, following its natural alignment, keeping your head, neck, ribs and pelvis in line, alleviating pressure and evenly distributing your weight.
How Do You Sleep?
I sleep on my side -
If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll need a softer mattress, allowing your shoulders and hips to sink in, keeping your spine straight and avoiding pressure points on your joints.
I sleep on my back –
If you sleep on your back, you’ll need a medium tension mattress that will push into the small of your back near the base of your spine, filling the gap between your back and the mattress surface to support your natural posture. A good test is that you should just be able to slide your hand behind the base of your spine, if it’s too easy and there’s a gap, the mattress is too firm, conversely if there’s no room to do this, then the mattress is too soft.
I sleep on my front –
If you like to sleep on your front, we’d recommend a firmer mattress that will prevent your hips from sinking in too deep and help minimise the gaps between your body and the mattress.
Depending on how you sleep, the type of pillow you select is also important. Needing to be thicker and maybe firmer if you sleep on your side, supporting your head and neck to maintain your spine’s natural alignment. If you sleep on your back, you’ll still need a supportive pillow to slightly uplift your head and support your neck. Whereas front sleepers are better suited to a soft pillow, allowing your head to be lower, maintaining your spine neutral position.
How heavy are you?
As a general rule, the heavier a person is, the firmer and more supportive a mattress needs to be. Likewise, a lighter person will require a softer mattress. In both cases, the prescribed firmness will help to maintain a straight aligned spine, minimising any pressure points on the joints.
- Firm – Firm mattresses are recommended for people of a heavy weight and also those suffering from a bad back. Firmer mattresses are suitable for front sleepers.
- Medium firm – this comfort can be suitable for front and back sleepers. Also for people of average to heavy weight.
- Medium – this is the most popular tension for people of average weight and build. Medium mattresses are a good compromise for couples who have different firmness needs. They’re suitable for people who sleep on their backs.
- Medium soft – Softer mattresses are most suited to people of lighter build and weight (less than 11 stone). Also, to side sleepers.
- Soft – suitable for side sleepers and people of a lighter weight.
The above are our recommendations, comfort is a personal thing, sometimes heavy people will prefer and opt for a soft mattress and a lighter person for a firm mattress.
What size do I need?
The most suitable size of mattress for you will be determined by the size of your bedroom and who will be sleeping on it. The most popular UK mattress size is king size 150cm. We always recommend that you buy the largest size possible for the available space in your bedroom, as this will help guarantee you the most comfortable night’s sleep, avoiding needless sleep disturbance if you sleep with a partner. Always remain mindful of access to your bedroom though. King and super king size beds and mattresses also benefit by being 10cm longer in length at 200cm (6’6”) rather than the standard 190cm (6’3”) on smaller beds. Making them the ideal choice for taller people.
Small Single (2'6" x 6'3")
- A small single mattress or bed is 75cm wide and 190cm in length or 2’6” x 6’3” in imperial.
- It’s 15cm narrower than a standard single, making it suitable for younger children and occasional guest rooms.
- This most compact of mattresses is ideal for the smallest of bedrooms and loft spaces. They will help save space in smaller rooms and where the room’s use is multi-functional.
Single (3'0" x 6'3")
- A single mattress or bed is 90cm wide and 190cm long, which is 3’0” by 6’3” in imperial.
- They are designed for a single person and are the most popular size for children.
- A single bed or mattress is ideal for a children’s bedroom or smaller guest room. They give a more generous sleeping space than the more compact small single but also help to try to maximise available floor space, especially where a room may also be used as a study.
Small Double (4'0" x 6'3")
- A small double mattress or bed is 120cm in width and 190cm long or 4’0 by 6’3” in imperial.
- At 15cm narrower than a standard double they’re ideal as a generous single bed for older teenage children or single sleepers. A small double bed can also accommodate a couple of guests for a short stay.
- They’re suitable for larger kids rooms and compact guest rooms.
Double (4'6" x 6'3")
- A standard double size bed or mattress is 135cm wide by 190cm in length, or 4’6 by 6’3” in imperial.
- They’re designed to accommodate a couple but also provide a very generous sleeping space for a single person.
- A double mattress or bed is ideal for smaller to medium sized bedrooms, where floor space remains a premium. Also as a bed for guests.
King size
- King size mattresses and beds are 150cm in width by 200cm in length or 5’0 x 6’6” in imperial.
- They’re the most popular size in the UK, giving a more generous and comfortable sleeping space for 2 people, at 15cm wider than a standard double bed or mattress. They’re particularly suitable if your partner is a restless sleeper.
- The extra 10cm in length makes king size beds perfect for taller people with their extra leg room.
- Most suited to larger, master bedrooms.
Super king size
- Super king size mattresses and divans are a very generous 180cm wide and 200cm in length or 6’0 by 6’6” in imperial.
- They’re the largest of all standard UK bed sizes and maximise each individual person’s sleeping space and comfort, minimising any unnecessary sleep disturbance.
- The extra 10cm in length makes king size beds perfect for taller people with their extra leg room.
- They will only fit into the largest of bedrooms and require generous access.
Bespoke sizes
- We are also able to make made-to-measure beds to fit your own specific needs and the unique size of your bedroom.
What Can I Expect Upon Delivery?
Upon delivery, our team will take the mattress to your bedroom of choice. We will unwrap it and position it on your preferred sleep platform. All packaging is returned to our warehouse for recycling.
Please note that upon a delivery, a mattress may be slightly smaller than its standard dimensions but will settle and expand to its correct size once it has been slept on for a while. This is especially apparent on natural mattresses due to the way they’re constructed with tensioned hand side-stitching and tufting. All manufacturers allow a tolerance of up to 5cm for this.
