Millbrook vs Herdy and John Lewis Mattresses. How to compare?

Hi Sonia.

Thanks for getting in touch for mattress comparisons. You've come to the right place as we've helped answer over 7000 questions on all things mattresses to date on this site!

The first thing we would need to know to help identify a mattresses suitability is your bodyweight (to choose the correct spring tension), comfort preferences and sleeping position. The mattresses you are looking at are in the entry to mid level when it comes to price and components. When it comes to the price differences you need to be aware of mattress sales tactics which we exposed here. The only true way to know if you're grabbing a bargain is to know exactly whats inside each mattress you're comparing.

It is only with these three key details that you can fully advise which mattress is the very best for your needs. However, we can certainly help compare how each of these mattresses would compare to each other, then provide some of our hand made models to help you compare further.

Choosing the right Pocket Spring tension:

When choosing any new mattress you need to make sure you pick the correct pocket spring for your body weight and not the comfort feel of the mattress. This is where 99% of people go wrong in buying a new mattress. They pick the spring tension believing it relates to comfort which it doesn’t. It is based on your bodyweight. The comfort of any mattress comes primarily from the fibre layers on top of the support unit. This is why you really need to find out as much detail as possible as to whats exactly contained within any mattress.

It's important to know exactly what you can expect too at your price point. With natural fibres being banded about in nearly all mattresses its important to have a guide as to what is realistic as well so you don't get snagged on loose marketing terms.

John Lewis Natural Collection Egyptian Cotton:

We've already comprehensively reviewed this John Lewis mattress here which has all the detail. It is true to the soft to medium feel in the upholstery comfort layers of the mattress. We are not a fan of the use of Micro springs which we find pretty much useless in all mattresses. You can read why we refuse to use micro or HD springs in more detail here.

It's primarily a mix of synthetic and natural 'blended fibres' which is how it manages to use natural fibres at this entry price point.

Millbrook Luxury Wool 4000:

Again the description of this Millbrook mattress is very scarce making any discernable comparison nearly impossible. At the price point, there is no way that it can be 100% natural fibre. Look at the fibre cost comparison chart at the bottom of this answer for more on why not.

It's a very firm mattress, probably achieved by foam or firm polyester in the upholstery later to help bulk up the wool layer.

It contains 4000 springs which means it's either a dual-layer or a single layer with more micro springs. The firm tension suggests its a 1.6 firm spring, only suitable for those over 16 stone or people under that weight that like a real rock-solid firm mattress. Again Millbrook don't disclose this which means you're unfortunately buying blind without this information.

Herdy Sleep Mattress:

The Herdy mattress is based on the Herdy Sheep Brand that can be found on all sorts of products from mugs to tea towels. They partnered up to create the Herdy mattress with Harrisons. It's a one sided mattress featuring synthetic spun-bond springs and a wool layer, then a polyester layer. It too uses micro springs and is a firmer feel in the comfort layer given the wool is blended with other fibres to help firm it up. The spring unit is also a medium tension, great for anyone between 9 and 15 stone.

We've also got a more detailed review on the Herdy mattress here for even greater depth.

Alternative Mattress Choices:

If we take the Millbrook Luxury Wool 4000 and Herdy mattress which are both firmer feel in the mattress comfort layer then we would recommend you look at our Origins Reflex mattress for a comparison on the entry-level mattresses.

However, the Origins Reflex is a two sided mattress which means it won't suffer from potential early settlement like many one sided mattresses do. An excellent ‘all-rounder’ with layers of soft foam and polyester over 1.4 medium gauge pocket springs, this hand made mattress will provide comfort, durability and a supportive firmer feel.

Origins Reflex Mattress

1: 750GSM VERY SOFT POLYESTER

2: ONE INCH REFLEX FOAM LAYER

3: 270GSM POLYESTER

4: ONE INCH REFLEX FOAM LAYER

5: 1000 SPUN BOND POCKET SPRINGS (MED OR FIRM TENSION)

TOTAL: 1020GSM

DEPTH: 33-35CM

If however, you're wanting a more medium feel in the upholstery layers then please take a look at our Best Selling Origins Pocket 1500 mattress. It also has 300GSM of wool in the very top layer for better breathability. It too is 2 sided and fully turnable.


Origins Pocket 1500 Mattress

1: 300GSM WOOL

2: 750GSM VERY SOFT POLYESTER

3: 500GSM POLYESTER PAD

4: ONE INCH FOAM INSULATOR LAYER

5: 1500 SPUN BOND POCKET SPRINGS

TOTAL: 1550GSM

DEPTH 30-33CM

Back to that upholstery comparison table to help you work out exactly what you can get for your money.

We hope that helps and gives you further mattress buying guidance. If you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on info@localhost or 0161 437 4419.

Sleep well
John & Ryan