What's the best firmness of a mattress for a sprung slatted base?

Hi Alex,

Thanks for getting in touch and this is a great question that people often stumble with when choosing a new mattress.

Let's clear one thing up - all of our mattress range are suitable for slatted bed bases. Any retailer that tells you theirs isn't are usually trying to upsell you a different base with your new mattress.

Bed Bases Explained:
It may be helpful to understand a bit more about how bed bases are made to fully understand the differences between bed bases. The first thing to note is that all mattresses need a consistent bed base, no matter what construction method. So the only real need to replace them is if a bed base is broken, ie inconsistent or you want a different look ie material or fabric to the base. The bed base needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the mattress and you moving about on top of it.

Starting in order of quality:

Slatted Bed Bases - These are entry-level models which are used to keep costs down. They are also used in bed frames to keep the weight down when delivering and shipping fancier wooden or metal bed frames. They allow for a bed base to be packed up relatively efficiently. Sometimes if slats are too far apart they can nip and tear the mattress. They can also force the mattress to bulge between them over time. However, there's a really cheap way to fix this by adding some boarding on top. So slats really are suitable for all mattresses with a tweak or to! They are the firmest feel in terms of base support.

Sprung Slats - Same as above but the slats flex and are curved. It gives a very basic flex to the base. Nowhere near as advanced as a sprung edge base but slightly better construction that solid slats.

Bed Frames - Usually an ornate surround that's then using slats in the centre for support.

Platform Divan Bed Bases - These are the more traditional bed base with a consistent platform top. There are no gaps for slatts meaning the slats will never pinch or tear at the mattress. These have a padded top later and provide the mattress with its true feel. Ie most mattress comfort levels are based on being tested on a platform top divan.

Sprung Edge Divan - The same as above but with a layer of pocket springs nestled into the top of the divan before being upholstered. It acts as a secondary spring unit offering the finest in progressive comfort. It does make mattresses feel slightly more lively. This is a subjective preference that some people really like, others are not fussed. It's worth noting that nearly all high-end mattresses are paired with a sprung edge divan as it not only helps extend the life of the mattress but offers even more independent support when in bed. You can see one being built by our craftsmen and women below.

What mattress is best for you?

The Origins Pocket 1500 mattress is ideal for any sleeper up to 16 stone that wants a medium feel in the upholstery layer. The spring unit in this model is a 1.4 gauge medium tension spring. Spring tensions are often confused with the overall mattress feel which is incorrect. Check out our video guide on spring tensions below for more detail.

You would only need to move onto the 2000 1.6 gauge spring if you're over 16.5 stone. It would be best to know your height as well as this has an impact. Even on a firm gauge spring the upholstery still provides a medium comfort feel from the upholstery. Given you've been on an extra firm spring which sounds like a 1.9 gauge we would need to get some more details from you before providing an accurate recommendation.

It's suitable for all bases and is a two-sided mattress. We pair this model up with a platform top divan usually so the slatted base that you have will give a similar firmness feel to the support.

We've also put together some really detailed articles to help to understand what you can get for your mattress budget. Below will show you 5 different mattresses that are the best for their budget based on our reviews which may be helpful too.

1. What to expect from a £500 Mattress
2. What to expect from a £750 Mattress
3. What to expect from a £1000 Mattress
4. What to expect from a £1250 Mattress
5. What to expect from a £1500 Mattress

If we can be of any more help please get back in touch on 0161 437 4419.

All the best
John & Ryan