Hi Ian,

Many thanks for your question about Next mattresses.

Next have a large catalog of mattresses most of which are what's known in the industry as 'white label mattresses. This means that they choose standard mattress models from different manufacturers and then 'label' them as their own. Meaning they can pick from hundreds of different 'off the shelf' models and then have their label attached to them.

Meaning you don't need an in-house mattress expert to design your range, you just pick from a list of possible models at a certain price point.

Drawbacks of White Label Mattresses:

The problem with white label mattresses is that they are usually picked based on price and not quality. So if a store like Next needs a £600 retail priced mattress they will be looking usually around the £200 mark for a white label mattress. This means that price comes before any discussion of quality. More often than not the contents of these mattresses is completely hidden or vaguely worded at best.

White label goods also tend to be one size fits all. Meaning there is no customization or tailoring for different sleeper needs. We always advise that you should be looking for a truly tailored mattress, especially when looking at the £1000 price point and above. You shouldn't settle for white label goods at this point when there are small independent mattress models out there offering more for your money. Especially given smaller independent mattress makers don't have the huge over heads of large corporations like Next, Dreams, Bensons, and Furniture Village.

If you need help choosing a new mattress then please read this guide here which will give you everything you need to know when buying a new bed.

Who makes Next Mattresses?:

This really is the million dollar question. The answer will be many different manufacturers, some in the UK, others possibly from farther afield bringing in mass-produced imported mattresses. Again price will dictate the quality and reputability of the manufacturer that they use.

We got in touch with Next a few years ago to ask a few questions about one of their mattress models specification sheets. As a customer needed guidance, but Next couldn't or wouldn't disclose any specific information, even about the GSM of the mattress. Probably because their supply chain is so varied and the further away from the manufacturing process they get the less information their sales team has to hand.

You'll notice that we disclose every detail about our mattresses from the spring tension, GSM of the natural fibers and mattress detailing techniques.

What to expect in a mattress for your money?

The below guide will help you work out what to expect for your budget. Always ask for as much detail as possible on any mattresses you're looking to compare to.

How much to spend on a double mattress?	What can I expect for my money?
Under £500	Will not get you much at best a 13.5 gauge open coil/cage sprung with a thin polyester layer or a solid foam mattress.
£500	Entry level spunbond springs with some form of synthetic upholstery. Usually one sided mattresses.
£750	The beginnings of a basic pocket springs unit with 800 – 1000 count. No substantial amount of filling other than foams and synthetic materials. Two sided models.
£1000	Should get you away from most low ranges and into the mid-range pocket spring models.
£1250	Should get you a decent pocket sprung mattress with some Natural Fibre content.
£1500	Should get you many manufacturers mid-range models with Natural Fibres
£1500-£2000	Should get you a Hand Made primarily Natural Fibre Quality Mattress
£2000+	You should expect 100% Natural Fibres and Traditional Hand Made Construction Method.
£5000+	A Bespoke Hand Made Sleep System, High-end Spring Units & Featuring the Worlds Most Luxurious Natural Fibres.

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