Mattress Types FAQs

Why can’t I have 2 different mattresses zipped together?

2 different mattresses can’t be zipped together because they would never be exactly the same depth or settle at a uniform rate. Each side of the mattress would behave differently. For example, a memory foam mattress is designed to be one-sided, so coupling one to a pocket sprung mattress - that needs turning - simply wouldn’t be feasible. However, zip and link mattresses are available if only one form of mattress is being considered. You can read our long guide to zip and link beds and mattresses to find out everything you need to know.

What are hybrid mattresses?

A hybrid mattress is a mattress that mixes various comfort and/or support materials together. The term could also be used to describe a combination of design styles in a mattress. All the different foams, springs, and comfort and/or support units are layered together (usually glued) to create different feels and marketing angles. The idea behind them is to try and present all the best bits of different mattresses in one product. However, the reality is that they are simply unable to serve as anything other than an entry-level product, with all of the downsides of a one-sided (or “no turn”) mattress. You can find out more in our longer Hybrid Foam article.

What are memory foam mattresses?

Memory foam mattresses are made from a man-made, chemically-produced, high-density, viscous, open-cell foam that changes shape with heat. “Heat-reactive foam” would actually be a more accurate name, as low density variants that don’t work like this are usually classed as “hybrids”. Memory foam mattresses do not remember your body shape indefinitely. The instant you get up, the absence of your body heat allows the mattress to un-mould again. There’s no uniform specification for a memory foam mattress, and they come in a variety of densities and firmness ratings, although we’d consider all memory foam to be no more than a basic/starter material. Our extensive guide covers memory foam mattresses in greater detail.

What is an open coil mattress?

An open coil mattress is built using one continuous thread of metal that’s coiled into loops. This coil is then attached to wireframe. It’s a mattress that essentially contains one enormous bouncy spring, which is the reason why both sides of the mattress will behave as one. There’s no independence or separation from the spring. Open coil mattresses are also known as continuous coil, interconnected coil/spring, cage sprung, bonnell sprung, Miracoil, true coil or orthopaedic sprung mattresses, but there’s one common point to make: the only reason for using an open coil in a mattress is to keep the price low. Unless your budget for a mattress is limited to below £300, there really is no reason to buy anything that’s open coil! You can read our dedicated article to find out how open coil mattresses compare to pocket sprung mattresses.

What is an orthopaedic mattress?

An orthopaedic mattress is an industry term that’s used to describe any mattress that has a super firm spring tension or support unit. They use 1.94mm 12 gauge wire, which is the firmest possible option for a conventional spring. They are very firm. The biggest issue with this type of mattress is that they’re widely accepted as the ideal choice for sleepers who suffer from a bad back, but in reality they suit only a tiny fraction of sleepers. This is because their springs will only compress beneath something like an 18-stone bodyweight, so lighter sleepers are effectively sleeping on something like a table! This orthopaedic mattress article debunks the myths.

What is a pocket sprung mattress?

A pocket sprung mattress uses lots of springs that are individually covered in polyester or Calico (depending on the quality of the mattress). Pocket spring mattresses give the best support on the market, because each spring works independently. You won’t get a “trampoline” effect where the entire bed shakes at once. Instead, the sections of the mattress that are exposed to pressure will properly support you without the whole thing compressing. In addition to resisting movement transference, pocket sprung mattresses have zero roll together, a consistent level of firmness, and their spring tensions can be tailored to match body weight and preferred sleeping position. Our definitive guide to pocket spring mattresses will tell you everything you need to know!

What are pillow top mattresses?

Pillow top mattresses effectively have a mattress topper permanently attached to them. If you can grasp the top layer of a mattress and separate it a little from the “core”, then it’s a pillow top. They give the illusion of a super deep, sumptuously-upholstered product, but that level of comfort is short lived. Pillow top mattresses are one sided; you can’t flip them, so once they settle or sag you are stuck with an uncomfortable mattress. They look fantastic, but have a very short shelf life. Our guide to pillow top mattresses explains their flaws in more detail.

What is a euro top mattress?

A Euro top mattress is effectively a type of pillow top mattress, albeit one that often uses firmer materials. The big difference between the two is that the extra layer of padding on a Euro top mattress is stitched beneath (or flush with the edges of) the mattress cover, rather than on top of it. Euro top mattresses look flatter and neater, feeling more cushioned towards the centre of the bed than at the edges. They tend to be more supportive than pillow tops, but are also more expensive and contour less effectively. Ultimately, we wouldn’t really recommend them any more highly than a pillow top, as you could still do much better.

What size is a single mattress?

The size of a single mattress that’s made in/for the UK is 90cm x 190cm (3” x 6’3”).

What size is a double mattress?

The size of a double mattress that’s made in/for the UK is 135cm x 190cm (4’6″ x 6’3″).

What size is a queen size mattress?

In the UK, we’d normally refer to a “queen size” as a “double size”, so it would be around 135cm x 190cm (4’6″ x 6’3″). However, in the US a mattress of around 150cm wide would be classed as queen size (although it would be called a king size mattress here in the UK).

What size is a king size mattress?

The size of a king size mattress that’s made in/for the UK is 150cm x 200cm (5′ x 6’6″).

What size is a super king mattress?

The size of a super king size mattress that’s made in/for the UK is 180cm x 200cm (6′ x 6’6″).

You can read our handy guide to find out more about UK bed base and mattress sizes, and how they differ to continental and/or European mattress sizes.

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is an extra, detachable, comfort later that’s added to a mattress to make it more comfortable, and also to help it last longer. We consider a topper to be a necessity for any mattress that’s one sided (i.e. no-turn), as they help to extend the short lifespan of this type of mattress. For a two-sided mattress, whether a mattress topper is needed or not is really down to personal preference, as well as the quality and price of the topper in question. Both of these things vary greatly, as the market has become rather flooded with mattress toppers in recent years. You can learn more in our in-depth article about mattress toppers.

What is a mattress protector?

A mattress protector is usually a quilted polycotton/cotton fitted sheet that’s designed to shield a mattress from sweat, spills and other fluids that can result in stains. It’s basically a washable cover that you use beneath your bedding. A mattress protector needs to encase whatever surface your body comes into direct contact with and, as such, a protector will need to go over the top of a mattress topper. A mattress protector is essentially a thinner, washable mattress topper that doesn’t act as a comfort layer. Whether or not a mattress topper is desirable depends on whether your mattress is one-sided and how comfortable you find it to be, but we always recommend a mattress protector (even if you have a topper). You can find out more in our dedicated exploration of mattress protectors.

What mattresses do Premier Inn use?

Premier Inn uses a 1000 pocket spring mattress made by the UK-based firm, Hypnos. For domestic use, the biggest flaw with this mattress is the attached pillowtop, as it drastically reduces the lifespan of the mattress. You can find out more details, and receive plenty of comparative information and alternative suggestions, in our Premier Inn Mattress Review.