Vispring mattress review, comparison & alternatives 2026

Artisan Naturals comparison

The Artisan Naturals is our most popular mattress choice. It contains a hefty 85% natural fillings and a calico pocket spring unit, making it a really high-end mattress. This closely resembles the Vi-spring Regal Superb, with a similar medium feel in the upholstery layers. We match this mattress with a sprung-edge divan, giving it a similar feel to the Vi-spring Regal. However, if you just buy the mattress and place it on a platform top or slatted base, it will firm up the overall feel slightly. It is priced at £2,180 for a king-size, 2026.

If placed on a platform top divan, the Artisan Naturals can feel similar to the Vi-spring Bedstead Imperial, £5085 for a king-size from ‘And so to Bed’ February 2023, which is firmer than the Regal Superb. It also has a similar feel to the John Lewis Heligan Superb model, retailing at £2250 in February 2016, which was discontinued in 2022.

Artisan Bespoke 004 comparison

The Artisan Bespoke 004 is our first 100% natural, calico-pocket-spring, handmade mattress. A truly top-end mattress crafted here in the UK with a medium feel in both support and upholstery. It feels very similar to both the Artisan Naturals and Vi-spring Regal Superb mattresses, but is 100% natural in its internal upholstery components. It’s priced at £2,860 for a king-size 2026.

In the John Lewis Vi-spring range, made exclusively for them, the Melford, £2600 for a king size, John Lewis February 2016, is the closest, but not exact, comparison to the Artisan Bespoke 004. It is available in three spring tensions, as a split tension or a zip-and-link model.

Vi-spring Devonshire Alternatives

The Vi-Spring Devonshire weighs 2600 GSM and is one of their soft-feel mattresses. By utilising really generous wool layers on top of their calico spring unit,, they can create asuper-deep,p, soft sink with this mattress. Our nearest comparator is our Artisan Luxury in terms of a soft feel.

However, our Artisan Luxury offers 2000 GSM more in the upholstery layers, including horsehair, which we use in our softer mattresses to help combat potential dipping and settlement that can sometimes happen when super soft fillings such as wool are used on their own. The Devonshire retails at £3,715 at Furniture Village 2026.

Artisan Luxury comparison

Our Artisan Luxury is our softest deep sink mattress. Handmade in the UK, it features 1200 GSM British fleece wool and cotton in the top comfort layer, providing a soft, top-layer feel. It also uses horsehair and horsetail to give some support and stop the mattress from becoming overly soft in the support layers. It’s priced at £2,955 for a king-size, 2026.

It has a very similar feel to the Devonshire but adds additional horsehair and horsetail layers, which are essential to prevent undue settlement when using soft fillings such as wool. Without these layers, the wool tends to compresspotentially leading toal settlement issu for some customerses. These can be reduced by regular mattress maintenance and the inclusion of a horsetail/hair layer.

Vi-Spring Fursdon Alternatives

The Vi-spring Fursdon is one of Vispring’s softest mattresses from John Lewis, and you can read more about it here. It’s primarily made of New Zealand Wool, cotton, and alpaca with a horsehair layer. Giving a very soft feel in the top layers. It too is similar in feel to our Artisan Luxury above. This retails for £2375 in a King-size in John Lewis 2023.

Vi-Spring Bedstead Realm Mattress

The Vi-Spring Bedstead Realm mattress is usually paired with the Vi-Spring Bedstead range. However, you can also buy this mattress separately, and it is suitable for all other divan bases.

This mattress is made up of the following upholstery from the spring unit upwards. 1350GSM bonded British fleece wool and cotton (as the spring insulator), then with 300GSM British fleece wool, 200GSM of Bamboo, and the final top comfort layer is 900GSM of Blended British Fleece Wool and Cotton. The total GSM is 2750GSM. All of these Natural Fibres are considered very soft, which is what gives the Realm a soft sink feeling. It retails at £2,300 for a king-size in Dec 2019 ‘And so to Bed’.

Our nearest comparison is the Artisan Luxur,y, which has the added benefit of horsehair to help reduce settlement, which can often be found in very soft wool-filled mattresses.

Vi-Spring Herald Superb Alternatives

The Vi-spring Herald Superb has a much firmer feel in the top layers than other Vi-spring models. It contains 3400 GSM, of which 1200 GSM is horsehair, above the 1000 GSM of British fleece wool, which acts as an insulator above the pocket spring unit. The horsehair provides support to the upper upholstery layers. The Herald Superb retails at £ 3,099 at Furniture Village, February 2023.

Artisan Bespoke comparison

Our Bespoke model offers 1700 GSM more than the Vi-spring model, as we have included an additional horsehair pad and use a final 500 GSM layer of wool on the very top comfort layer. We believe this gives the mattress a tad more support and longevity overall, but when you’re talking about such high GSMs, we really are splitting hairs!

This mattress provides a firm feel in the upholstery layer, ideal for those sleepers who don’t want to sink too far into the mattress whilst still having some give in the top layers. It’s priced at £3,145 for a kingsize 2026. Whilst it feels similar to the Herald Supe,rb it’s a much heavier, deeper mattress, as there is more upholstery inside.

Vi-Spring Tiara Superb Alternative

The Tiara Superb uses a two-tier spring method in its support layer.  This means that there are two layers of pocket springs resting on top of each other.  This gives two-tier mattresses a slightly bouncy feel in the support and is more lively than a single row of pocket springs.

The Tiara retails at £10,795 for a king-size from And So To Bed, February 2023. The Tiara has a medium feel in the upholstery layers but more progressive support in the two-tier spring layer.

Artisan Bespoke 002 comparison

Our Bespoke 002 also utilises two tiers of calico pocket springs.  This construction method gives the bed a livelier feel, which isn’t for everyone!  It’s a slightly more advanced support style for those who like a fast sink and a quick response from their mattress.

It’s priced at £3,375 for sizes 2026. It is a personal preference, and we always advise you to try a two-tier mattress first if you’re unsure. We also include 200 GSM of Bamboo on top of the cambric cover for an added level of protection between the springs and the insulator and comfort layers above.

Artisan Bespoke 003 Comparison to the Vispring Tiara

We’ve also recently added the Artisan Bespoke 003 to our range, which has a similar, albeit slightly softer, feel to the Artisan Bespoke 002 and compares to the Vispring Tiara. It has a deeper comfort layer for that softer sink. It is priced at £4,725 for a king-size 2026.

It contains significantly more upholstery than the Vispring and Bespoke 002 at 5600GSM, which is nearly twice as much.

Artisan Sublime: Our Premium Dual-Spring Flagship

For those considering Vispring’s ultra-premium Sublime Superb (£16,020 King RRP, January 2026) or Signatory Superb (£16,500 King RRP), our Artisan Sublime offers comparable dual-spring construction with exceptional natural fibres at a fraction of the cost.

Artisan Sublime specifications

The Artisan Sublime features dual-layer calico pocket springs (2,000 + 1,000 = 3,000 total springs) with 6200 GSM total upholstery—all 100% natural fibres. It’s priced at £5,160 for a King size (January 2026).

This mattress includes premium materials typically only found in ultra-luxury brands: 1200 GSM organic flax, 400 GSM British alpaca, 1200 GSM horsehair, 1200 GSM horsetail, and 1200 GSM British fleece wool. Four rows of hand side-stitching provide exceptional edge support.

Price comparison: Artisan Sublime at £5,160 vs Vispring Sublime Superb at £16,020 = 68% saving (£10,960 less)

The Artisan Sublime delivers comparable dual-spring construction and premium natural fibres at less than a third of the price of Vispring’s equivalent tier, while maintaining full GSM transparency that Vispring no longer provides.

Legacy Two: British Heritage at Its Finest

Our flagship Legacy Two mattress represents the pinnacle of British natural fibre craftsmanship, comparable to Vispring’s Signatory Superb and Masterpiece tiers but with complete specification transparency.

Legacy Two specifications

The Legacy Two features 2,508 dual-layer calico pocket springs with 5400 GSM of 100% British natural fibres. Priced at £5,550 for a King size (January 2026), it includes rare British Alpaca (1000 GSM) and Gold-certified Yorkshire Swaledale Wool (1200 GSM).

This mattress carries our longest guarantee at 15 years, reflecting confidence in its exceptional construction. Four rows of hand side-stitching and the exclusive use of British-sourced natural fibres make this a true heritage piece.

Key features:

• 2,508 dual-layer calico pocket springs (hand-nested)
• 1000 GSM rare British Alpaca (not South American)
• 1200 GSM Gold-certified Yorkshire Swaledale Wool
• 1200 GSM British fleece wool/cotton blend
• 1000 GSM horsetail support layer
• 1000 GSM bonded British fleece wool/cotton
• 15-year guarantee (our longest)
• 100% British natural fibres throughout

Price comparison: Legacy Two at £5,440 vs Vispring Signatory Superb at £16,500 = 67% saving (£11,060 less)

The Legacy Two exceeds many Vispring Luxe Collection specifications while maintaining the transparency and value that define our approach. For customers seeking the absolute finest British craftsmanship without the premium retail markup, this represents our ultimate offering.

Vi spring Bedstead advice

Customers often ask us about matching bedsteads or divans with mattresses. Questions such as ‘Which divan do I need to buy with my new mattress?’ or ‘Why do I need to buy a matching bedstead for my new mattress?’ The quick answer is you don’t.

If your existing mattress base is in good condition, there is no need to buy a new one unless you want to.

We have been told that sales assistants are mandating that customers replace their base if they buy a new Vi-spring mattress; we always advise that if the base is sound, there’s no need to change it. You may want to change it if you want a different colour or more drawer options.

How much is a Vispring mattress?

As you may have seen in the Vispring comparison models, the Vispring mattress range is certainly not cheap. Ranging from £1000 to £99,000 in some cases!

The average price of a Vispring mattress is between £3000 and £16000 for a king-size here in the UK, depending on the model you choose.

This may make you question what the differences are between them. Most of the time, it’s the quality and scarcity of natural fibres that push prices up. However, you can find suitable alternatives for anywhere between £1000 and £3000 elsewhere by using small independent bed retailers.

Below is a handy table showing exactly how much the leading Vispring beds cost and their alternatives, including potential cost savings, for comparison purposes.

How can I check whether my Vispring mattress base is working properly?

Sometimes customers ask how to check whether their existing mattress base is in good condition. One quick way to check is to look for any springs that have come through the fabric, or any dips, lumps, or bumps on the top of the base. If you run your hand across the top, you can sometimes feel springs poking through slightly or any uneven bits that may give you concern that part of the base is damaged.

We also advise that any of our mattresses can go on a bedstead, as we have had reports of some sales staff advising that certain mattresses are for the matching branded divans only, and the same with bedsteads. If it isn’t broken, then you don’t need to fix it.

*All prices and specifications correct at time of printing and subject to change.  Please call us for the latest up-to-date information.  No direct comparison is made between the models, and it is based only on ‘similar feels’ from customer and staff feedback.

Understanding Long-Term Value: Cost-Per-Night Analysis

When comparing Vispring to John Ryan alternatives, purchase price alone doesn’t tell the full story. Vispring’s 30-year guarantee suggests a significantly longer lifespan than most mattresses, which affects lifetime cost.

Example cost-per-night calculations:

Vispring Regal Superb (£7,485 King RRP)

• Expected lifespan: 25 years (based on 30-year guarantee)
• Cost per night: £7,485 ÷ 25 years ÷ 365 nights = £0.82 per night

John Ryan Artisan Bespoke 004 (£2,860 King)

• Expected lifespan: 15 years (based on 10-year guarantee + natural materials)
• Cost per night: £2,860 ÷ 15 years ÷ 365 nights = £0.52 per night

John Ryan offers better cost-per-night value, saving £0.31 per night (38% cheaper) despite the £4,625 difference in purchase price.

20-year ownership comparison:

Vispring approach: One Regal Superb = £7,485 total. John Ryan approach: Two Artisan Bespoke 004 mattresses (replaced at year 15) = £5,610 total

Over 20 years, John Ryan has saved £ 187.50, even accounting for one replacement. The Vispring would need to last the full 25+ years to justify its premium, but customer complaints about settlement within 3-8 years suggest many may not reach this lifespan.

When John Ryan offers a better lifetime value:

1. All tiers: With corrected King size RRP, John Ryan offers better value at EVERY price point:
   • Entry: Elite £2,260 vs Artisan 1500 £1,755= saves £505 + better cost-per-night
   • Mid: Regal £7,485 vs Bespoke 004 £2,860 = saves £4,625 upfront, £1,875 over 20 years
   • Premium: Tiara £11,550 vs Bespoke 003 £4,725= saves £6,825 upfront, £4,545 over 20 years
   • Ultra: Sublime £16,020 vs Artisan Sublime £5,160 = saves £10,860 upfront, £8,840 over 20 years
2. When replacement is needed early: The dramatically lower purchase price (63-68% savings) provides flexibility if settlement issues occur
3. When specifications matter: John Ryan’s full GSM disclosure allows verification vs Vispring’s reduced transparency

When Vispring might offer better lifetime value:

1. IF the 30-year guarantee proves reliable: Based on corrected pricing, Vispring would need to last 20+ years to justify the premium on Classic Collection models, 25+ years on Luxe Collection
2. For buyers prioritising brand prestige: The Vispring name carries heritage value beyond specifications
3. For customers with showroom access: Vispring’s retail partnerships offer in-store trial (though John Ryan offers a 60-day home trial)

Important note about Royal Warrants and brand claims

Vispring does hold a Royal Warrant. The brand has historical associations with royal residences and holds Queen’s Awards for Enterprise (2012, 2024), under royal warrant.

Hypnos is the current Royal Warrant holder from King Charles III for Beds, Mattresses, and Upholstery (granted 2024). Hypnos has held royal warrants continuously since 1929.

Summary

There’s a lot to consider when buying a high-end handmade mattress. Firstly, there is a significant cost involved, and plenty of research on what the various GSM layers will do to the feel of the mattress. We can’t stress enough how essential it is to know the GSM layers of the mattress you are potentially going to buy. Without this, you really are shopping in the dark.

We give ‘similar feel’ comparisons to Vi-Spring as they are a company that makes high-quality beds to the same exacting standards that we have always used. If you need more help summarising the information above to meet your personal requirements, please get in touch with us on 0161 437 4419. We have a small expert team who are happy to assist, and sometimes the differences between the mattresses can be very subtle!