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1st November 2025

Buying the best mattress for bed base to ease an aching back and hips.

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We have a king size iron bedstead with a wooden base (approx 3”) upholstered in ticking fabric that folds in half (horizontally) and are looking for a new mattress as current one pretty old and too firm. We have tried various types at John Lewis but it seems the bed base we have is making for a firmer feel. The Cotswold Pillowtop 10250 was suggested and after a quick try it seemed the best of the bunch but I’m not so sure. We both  love our bed frame but I’m waking with back and hip ache and looking for something softer that will last. The Cotswold Pillowtop was also recommended on the basis that we didn’t need to turn it but could simply rotate it.  Having read your article this doesn’t seem such a good idea, and I would appreciate  your advice.
Thanks

Tricia

Julie Answered 1 month ago

Thank you for contacting us regarding a new mattress. We appreciate your interest and are here to help you find the perfect mattress that suits your needs and preferences.

When selecting a new mattress, it's important to consider both support and comfort. Support comes from the internal spring system, which is tailored to your height and weight, while comfort is determined by the upholstery layers that sit on top of the springs. These layers are designed to accommodate your preferred sleeping position—whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach.

When choosing the upholstery fibres within a mattress, knowing the GSM or Grams per square metre of those fibres will tell you the quality of the mattress.   There are only a handful of mattress companies who actually disclose exactly what is inside their mattresses, John Ryan by Design Ltd, being one of those Companies.

A side sleeper requires cushioning for shoulders hips and knees, a back sleeper needs the top upholstery layers to keep their spine aligned whereas a front sleeper requires something a tad firmer so that their tummy does not sink down into the mattress causing an unnatural arch in the back.

Diagram showing how a mattress should fit a side sleeper.

 

A pillow top mattress is a type of bed that features an extra layer of cushioning, known as a mattress topper, which is permanently stitched or glued to the top of the mattress. This design enhances the comfort level by providing an additional plush surface that contours to your body, allowing for a more restful sleep. However, it’s important to note that due to this construction, the mattress can only be rotated from head to foot to help maintain even wear, rather than being flipped over like traditional mattresses. This limitation means that you’ll want to ensure that the mattress is well maintained and rotated regularly to maximize its longevity and comfort.

 

A traditional pocket sprung mattress is often a better choice because it can be fully flipped over. This feature allows the upholstery fillings to settle evenly, which helps maintain the mattress's shape and comfort over time. Additionally, you can add a separate mattress topper for extra protection and comfort, enhancing your overall sleeping experience.

Artisan Bespoke 003

We would advise you to telephone our Office on 0161 437 4419 and speak with one of our friendly team who will be able to collate further information from you enabling them to recommend which of our mattresses which suit you needs the best.

Kind regards Julie Collier

 

 

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