Marks & Spencers Mattresses; Are they any good 2026?

6. Harrison Spinks Heritage Collection (King: £1,199-£1,599)

This represents M&S’s genuine premium offering, manufactured by Harrison Spinks in Leeds using their Cortec™ glue-free spring system. The Heritage range is the only M&S collection that deserves serious consideration if you’re spending over £1,000, but even here, specification transparency remains poor, and the pricing includes substantial retail markup. All pricing below is for King-size (150×200cm) mattresses.

7000 Heritage Firm Mattress (King: £1,399-£1,599)

The 7000 Heritage Firm Mattress sits at the top of M&S’s range: Specifications disclosed:

• King size: £1,399-£1,599 (frequently on sale)
• 7000 Revolution HD springs (micro springs)
• Cortec™ edge support system
• Natural fibres,s including Yorkshire wool
• Two-sided construction (finally!)
• 10-year guarantee
• Harrison Spinks manufacturing pedigree

Specifications still hidden:

• GSM weight of natural fibre layers
• Percentage breakdown of natural vs synthetic content
• Spring gauge/tension options
• Exact depths of upholstery layers
• Total mattress weight

The 7000 Revolution HD springs are Harrison Spinks’ micro spring technology. Whilst innovative, we’ve written extensively about why micro springs aren’t necessarily superior to traditional calico pocket springs. The high spring count sounds impressive, but smaller diameter springs provide different support characteristics—not inherently better, just different.

4000 Pillowtop Heritage Medium Mattress (King: £1,199-£1,399)

The 4000 Pillowtop Heritage Medium Mattress represents a puzzling choice: Specifications:

• King size: £1,199-£1,399
• 4000 pocket springs
• Harrison Spinks quality construction
• Pillowtop construction (yes, even at this price)
• 10-year guarantee

Even at nearly £1,400 for a king-size, M&S persists with pillowtop construction. As we’ve explained extensively in our pillowtop mattresses guide, this construction method fundamentally limits the lifespan of the mattress. Once the permanently attached pillowtop layer compresses (which all comfort layers naturally do), you cannot remove it, flip the mattress, or redistribute wear. The mattress becomes unusable, forcing complete replacement. At this price point, pillowtop construction represents poor value regardless of the Harrison Spinks name attached.

The Heritage collection represents genuine Yorkshire quality from Harrison Spinks—a respected manufacturer with legitimate craftsmanship credentials. The two-sided construction (in the 7000 Firm model) and natural fibre content represent a significant step up from M&S’s standard offerings. However, at £1,399-£1,599 for King size, you’re paying Harrison Spinks premium prices through M&S retail markup without full specification transparency. You could buy directly from Harrison Spinks at similar King-size pricing, with access to their complete range and full specifications, or explore transparent alternatives that offer comparable quality, disclosed GSM weights, and superior guarantees.

John Ryan’s alternatives to M&S Heritage

At the £1,200-£1,800 King size price point M&S’s Heritage collection occupies, our Artisan range sits at a higher price tier (£2,180-£2,955 for King size). Still, it offers complete specification transparency and verified natural fibre content, which justifies the premium. All comparisons below are King size (150×200cm). Here’s the honest comparison:

Artisan Naturals (King: £2,180) vs M&S Heritage 7000 (King: £1,599)

Our Artisan Naturals at £2,180 King size still represents exceptional value when compared to the M&S Heritage 7000 at £1,599 King size. What you get with Artisan Naturals:

• 1,600 calico pocket springs (1.28mm gauge for medium tension)
• 3,950 GSM total upholstery—fully disclosed
• 1,200 GSM British fleece wool/Cotton blend
• 1,250 GSM rebound poly Cotton
• 1,500 GSM 100% pure mohair
• 85% natural fibre content (3,357 GSM natural out of 3,950 total)
• Two-sided construction with monthly turning recommended
• Hand side-stitching for edge support
• 10-year guarantee
• Spring gauge options: 1.28mm (medium), 1.4mm (firm), 1.6mm (extra firm)

Why Artisan Naturals justifies the £581 premium

At £581 more than the Heritage 7000, you’re paying for complete transparency into the specification. You know exactly what 3,950 GSM means—you can verify every layer, compare it to competitors, and make an informed decision. M&S won’t tell you the GSM weight of their Heritage 7000, making proper comparison impossible. Our 1,600 calico pocket springs with specified gauge options (1.28/1.4/1.6mm) provide proper support that matches your body weight. Harrison Spinks’ 7000 micro springs sound impressive, but without gauge specifications, you cannot verify they’ll provide adequate support for your weight. The spring count alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable. The Artisan Naturals’ 85% natural fibre content is verified and disclosed. M&S describes “natural fibres including Yorkshire wool” without specifying percentages or weights. You’re trusting marketing language rather than hard specifications. Both offer two-sided construction and 10-year guarantees. The fundamental difference is transparency: we show you exactly what you’re buying; M&S expects you to trust the Harrison Spinks name without verification.

Artisan Bespoke 004 (King: £2,860) vs M&S Heritage range

Our Artisan Bespoke 004 at £2,860 King size represents a premium alternative to the M&S Heritage 7000 at £1,599 King size: Artisan Bespoke 004 specifications:

• 1,600 calico pocket springs (1.28mm medium gauge)
• 3,600 GSM total upholstery—100% natural fibres
• 1,200 GSM British fleece wool/Cotton blend
• 200 GSM soft Bamboo
• 1,200 GSM pure Horsetail
• 1,000 GSM bonded British fleece wool and Cotton
• Two-sided, fully turnable construction
• Hand side-stitching (three rows)
• 10-year guarantee
• Chemical-free cover with plant-based fire retardancy

The critical differences: At £2,860, the Artisan Bespoke 004 costs £1,261 more than the Heritage 7000 (£1,599), but you’re getting 100% natural fibre content versus M&S’s undisclosed natural percentage. Every one of the 3,600 GSM is verified natural material, including Horsetail (1,200 GSM)—a premium natural fibre that provides excellent resilience and longevity. More importantly, you’re getting the transparency that £2,860 should command. At this price point, specification hiding is unacceptable. The Artisan Bespoke 004 competes directly with Vispring’s Regal Superb (King: £4,675), offering comparable specifications at 39% lower pricing. M&S’s Heritage range, whilst Harrison Spinks quality, sits between budget transparency (none) and premium pricing.

The specification transparency means you can compare this mattress to any competitor. Try asking M&S for the GSM breakdown of their Heritage 7000—you won’t get it. We publish everything because we’re confident in what we’re selling. The Horsetail content (1,200 GSM) provides superior long-term resilience compared to standard polyester padding. Horsetail fibres are naturally springy and durable, maintaining loft for 10-15 years, whereas synthetic alternatives compress within 5-7 years. This isn’t marketing fluff—it’s verifiable material science.

Artisan Luxury (King: £2,955): Premium natural alternative

For those considering spending up to £3,000 on a King size, our Artisan Luxury at £2,955 represents our softest natural fibre mattress: Specifications:

• 1,476 calico pocket springs (hand-nested)
• 4,600 GSM total upholstery—100% natural fibres
• 1,200 GSM British fleece wool/Cotton
• 1,200 GSM horsehair
• 500 GSM wool
• 1,200 GSM Horsetail
• Two-sided construction
• Hand side-stitching
• 10-year guarantee
• Expected lifespan: 12-15 years with proper care

This mattress significantly exceeds the M&S Heritage 7000’s specification at £1,356 more than the Heritage’s typical sale price. The 4,600 GSM of disclosed natural fibres, including both horsehair (1,200 GSM) and Horsetail (1,200 GSM), provides a level of specification transparency and material quality that M&S cannot match even in their premium Heritage range. The Artisan Luxury compares directly to Vispring’s Devonshire model (King: £3,160)—we actually exceed Vispring’s specification at 6% lower pricing whilst providing complete transparency. M&S’s Heritage range, whilst Harrison Spinks quality, cannot claim this level of material transparency or value proposition at any price point.

7. Who makes Marks & Spencer’s mattresses?

Relyon used to make ‘white label’ mattress goods for Marks & Spencer, though it is hard to find out if tthat’sstill the case. We would guess that they have several manufacturers supplying their products, based on the product range. It covers everything from pillowtop one-sided mattresses to firm orthopaedic models and then memory Foam quilted mattresses.

8. What’s inside Marks & Spencer’s mattresses

We must admit we were thrilled when we saw the tag ‘See what I’m hiding. Open me’ written on the M&S mattress range in store. However, sadly, the detail provided is brief at best and won’t actually allow you to accurately compare Marks & Spencer’s models with other branded mattresses.

The biggest issue with M&S mattresses is the lack of detail as to what’s inside them. Unless you’re a mattress expert like us, you’re going to really struggle to understand which mattress is suitable for you. On the surface, the mattresses look similar, and without the additional details, your chances of choosing the right one are slim. This is why we’ve taken the time to help you understand how each of these M&S mattresses compares to the others and to alternative models.

The specification disclosure problem: Still Missing

This was our biggest criticism in 2022, and absolutely nothing has changed. M&S continues to provide the bare minimum information required whilst hiding the details that actually matter.

What M&S tells you:

• Spring count (1050, 1500, 2500, etc.)
• General spring type (“pocket spring”)
• Vague material categories (“wool and Cotton comfort layers”, “luxury fillings”)
• Mattress depth (24-31cm)
• Comfort rating (firm, medium, soft)
• 10-year guarantee

What M&S doesn’t tell you:

• GSM of each upholstery layer – This is the industry standard measurement that allows proper comparison
• Spring gauge/tension – Determines whether the support actually matches your body weight
• Precise fibre content percentages: is it 80% wool or 20% wool with 80% polyester?
• Spring construction details – Calico encased or spun-bond synthetic?
• Whether “natural” materials are blended with synthetics

Without this information, you’re buying blind. It’s like purchasing a car and being told it has “an engine” and “wheels” but not the engine size, fuel type, or performance specifications.

It is such a shame that M&S does not provide GSM or spring gauge details. This makes the information they provide about their mattresses too scarce to use effectively when buying a new one.

To recap: to be able to compare mattresses properly, you need to know the following:

1. Spring count, type and gauge
2. Grams per square meter of each upholstery layer
3. Mattress detailing specifics

Once you have this detail, buying a new mattress is far less risky, as you can see exactly which mattresses are suitable and, just as importantly, avoid ones that are going to be really uncomfortable for you!

9. Models discontinued since 2022

If you’re researching M&S mattresses and finding references to these models, they’re no longer available:

• Ortho Firm Support 1500 (£899 in 2022) – Replaced by cheaper firm options
• Natural 1250 Medium (£599 in 2022) – Evolved into 1050 Natural variants
• Luxury 5800 Mattress (£1,299 in 2022) – Discontinued entirely
• Cashmere Comfort 2000 Pillowtop (£1,299 in 2022) – Replaced by other pillowtop models

The £1,299 twin-spring models we reviewed in 2022 appear to have been discontinued, possibly due to poor customer feedback or margin pressure. The Harrison Spinks Heritage collection now occupies the premium price tier.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Are M&S mattresses made in the UK?

Most M&S own-brand mattresses are manufactured in the UK, likely by Relyon in Somerset and possibly other suppliers. The Harrison Spinks Heritage collection is made in Leeds. However, M&S doesn’t disclose manufacturing locations on product pages, so verification is difficult.

Do M&S mattresses contain chemical fire retardants?

M&S does not disclose its fire-retardant method. UK mattresses must meet BS7177 standards, which can be achieved through chemical treatment or natural wool barriers. Given the lack of transparency and use of synthetic materials, chemical fire retardants are likely used in most non-Harrison Spinks models.

Can you flip M&S mattresses?

No. The vast majority of M&S mattresses are one-sided (no-turn) construction. You can rotate them head-to-toe, but cannot flip them. Only the Harrison Spinks Heritage models appear to offer two-sided construction.

How long do M&S mattresses last?

Based on customer reviews and one-sided construction, expect 5-7 years from most M&S mattresses. Some customers report good performance at 8-10 years, whilst others experience sagging within 6-12 months. Without proper specifications (GSM, spring gauge matched to body weight), the lifespan varies significantly.

Does M&S offer a mattress trial period?

No. M&S offers a 35-day return window requiring the mattress to be “unused and in original resaleable condition”—essentially preventing any meaningful testing. This contrasts with IKEA (365 nights), Emma/Simba (200 nights), and most online brands (100-200 nights).

What does “white fibre” mean in M&S mattress descriptions?

“White fibre” or “luxury white fibre” is marketing language for blended polyester and synthetic fibres. It’s cheap to produce, which is why it appears in budget and mid-range mattresses, but calling it “luxury” is misleading. It’s not inherently bad—polyester has its place—but the lack of transparency about blend percentages and GSM weights prevents informed comparison.

Are M&S mattresses good value for money?

At entry-level prices (£399-£549), M&S offers reasonable quality for the money, though IKEA provides similar specifications with a 365-night trial. At mid-range prices (£700-£999), M&S’s one-sided construction and specification hiding represent poor value compared to transparent two-sided alternatives. At premium prices (£1,199+), the Harrison Spinks Heritage models offer genuine quality, but you’d get better value buying directly from Harrison Spinks.

What’s the difference between M&S mattresses and John Ryan mattresses?

The fundamental difference is transparency. We disclose the GSM of every upholstery layer, offer spring gauge options matched to body weight, specify exact natural fibre percentages, and use two-sided construction as standard. M&S discloses almost nothing, uses one-sided construction at prices where two-sided should be standard, and relies on vague marketing language like “luxury fillings” instead of specifications.

How do I make an M&S mattress warranty claim?

Contact M&S Furniture customer service on 0333 014 8111. They’ll arrange an inspection by an inspector, who will photograph and measure the mattress. M&S then decides whether it’s a manufacturing defect or “normal wear and tear.” Customer experiences with warranty enforcement are mixed—some report excellent service, others report legitimate claims rejected.

Are M&S pillowtop mattresses worth buying?

No. We strongly advise against pillowtop mattresses from any manufacturer. The permanently attached pillowtop layer cannot be removed, flipped, or replaced when it compresses (which all comfort layers naturally do). This makes settlement a terminal fault requiring mattress replacement. Buy a medium-firm mattress and add a separate topper instead—when the topper wears out, replace just the £100-200 topper rather than the entire £800-1,500 mattress.

Summary

M&S mattresses occupy a comfortable middle position in the UK market. Better than budget online Foam brands, more accessible than premium specialists, backed by a trusted brand heritage. They’re “reasonably well-made entry-level mattresses” as we concluded in 2022.

But “reasonably well-made” isn’t good enough at £700-£1,500 price points, and “entry-level” construction (one-sided, synthetic blends, vague specifications) shouldn’t command premium pricing just because it carries the M&S label.

The fundamental problems identified in 2022 remain unchanged in 2026:

1. Specification transparency is woeful. No GSM disclosure, no spring gauge information, no precise blend percentages. Terms like “luxury white fibre” and “natural comfort layers” obscure synthetic content.
2. One-sided construction dominates at prices where two-sided should be standard. This limits lifespan to 5-7 years versus 10-15 years for equivalent two-sided mattresses.
3. No sleep trial means you’re committed the moment you sleep on it. Compare to IKEA’s 365-night trial or Emma/Simba’s 200-night trials.
4. Warranty enforcement is inconsistent. Customers report visible sagging rejected as “normal wear and tear” with no recourse.
5. Pillowtop models persist despite fundamental design flaws that limit lifespan and prevent wear redistribution.
6. Customer complaint patterns show that sagging typically emerges 6-12 months after the super-short 35-day return window expires.

The good news:

• Prices have decreased 15-30% on some models since 2022
• The Harrison Spinks Heritage collection offers genuine quality at the top end
• Some customers achieve 8-10 years from M&S mattresses with proper care
• Initial comfort is generally good (before settlement issues emerge)

M&S will continue dominating high-street mattress sales through brand trust and store accessibility. Whether they deserve your custom depends on whether you value knowing what you’re actually buying. For us, transparency isn’t optional but a fundamental when buying a bed.

If you’d like honest, transparent advice about which mattress suits your weight, sleeping position, and budget, call our team on 0161 437 4419. We’ll give you straight answers, even if that means recommending a competitor’s product. After 25+ years making mattresses in Yorkshire, we’ve learned that honesty builds longer-term relationships than sales pressure ever could.