Mattress Types Explained: How to Choose the Right Mattress Type

Updated 2026: When it comes to buying a mattress, there seems to be a limitless choice of models, materials, spring counts, mattress covers, fibres, gels, foams and the like.

We often hear from people that the more they try to research in showrooms and online, the more confused they get when buying a new bed.

Most mattress retailers will hide away key information. Details that, if available, may make you think twice about buying their mattresses. We’re going to share all these hidden mattress details to help you choose the absolute best mattress for your budget and sleep needs.

In this guide, we’ll compare the main types of mattresses available, explain how their construction differs and highlight the advantages and drawbacks you should consider. If you’re looking for broader advice on the entire mattress-buying process, our How to Choose a Mattress guide takes you through the other factors you need to consider.

This article will help explain the basics, so you know exactly which type of mattress may suit your sleeping requirements, cutting down on showroom visits and helping you avoid a potentially expensive mattress mistake. All price guides are based on a king-size mattress model.

Mattress types at a glance

There are several main mattress types you will encounter when shopping for a new bed in the UK. The table below gives you the short version. Each type is covered in full detail further down the page.

Mattress type	Construction	Best suited to	Approx. king size price	Typical lifespan
Open coil	Single wire coil unit, interconnected springs	Spare rooms, very tight budgets	£99 to £300	2 to 3 years
Continuous coil / Miracoil	Single wire looped in rows across the mattress	Budget buyers who want more stability than open coil	£200 to £500	3 to 5 years
Memory foam / mattress in a box	Layered synthetic foam, often rolled for delivery	Buyers who prefer a slow-sink foam feel and want a long trial period	£300 to £600	5 to 7 years
Hybrid foam	Foam comfort layers over a pocket or coil spring base	Buyers who want more support than pure foam but prefer a foam feel	£400 to £900	5 to 7 years
Gel foam	Memory or hybrid foam with gel infusion or PCM layer	Warm sleepers who still want a foam feel	£400 to £1,200	5 to 7 years
Latex	Natural or synthetic rubber, solid core or comfort layer	Buyers wanting pressure relief without heat retention; allergy sufferers	£1,000 to £2,500	8 to 12 years (100% natural)
Pocket sprung with natural fibre	Individual calico-encased springs, natural Wool, Cotton, Horsehair upholstery, two-sided	Most sleepers who want longevity, breathability, and a tailored spring tension by body weight	From £890 (Origins Comfort) to £5,550 (Legacy Two)	10 to 15 years with regular turning
Zip and link	Two separate mattresses joined by a zip, each independently sprung	Couples with different body weights, access-restricted bedrooms	From £1,210 king size zip and link (Origins 1500)	Same as the mattress type chosen

These figures are intended as a broad guide rather than a guarantee. Mattress lifespan and pricing can vary considerably depending on the quality of the construction, upholstery, sleeper weight and how the mattress is maintained.

The single most important thing to understand before buying any mattress is that the support a mattress provides should be matched to your body weight, not chosen by feel in a showroom. The spring tension is what supports you; the upholstery layers are what you feel.

Understanding this distinction between support and comfort can make comparing different mattress types considerably easier.

Read on for the full breakdown of each type, what is actually inside them, what the common complaints are, and which type is most likely to suit your specific situation.

Different Mattress Types Explained

There are several types of mattresses you will encounter when buying a new bed. These range from lower-cost interconnected spring systems through to foam, latex and independently sprung mattresses, each with different characteristics, benefits and drawbacks.

Some terms you’ll encounter, such as “orthopaedic”, “natural fibre” and “zip and link”, describe a characteristic, material or mattress configuration rather than an entirely different support construction. We’ve included these too, as they are frequently presented to customers as different mattress options.

1. Open Coil / Traditional Bonnell Spring Mattresses
2. Continuous Coil / Miracoil Mattresses
3. Memory Foam / Mattress in a Box
4. Hybrid Foam Mattresses
5. Gel Foam Mattresses
6. Latex Mattresses
7. Pocket Sprung Mattresses
8. Orthopaedic Mattresses: What the Label Actually Means
9. Zip and Link Mattresses
10. Sustainable and Natural Fibre Mattresses
11. Which Mattress Type is Best for Your Sleeping Position?
12. Mattress Types at a Glance: Comparison Table
13. Which Type of Mattress Should I Buy?
14. Mattress Types to Avoid
15. Bed and Mattress Types Explained for Bases
16. Summary
17. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Open Coil or Traditional Spring Mattresses

We’re going to start with the very cheapest mattress construction method, the open coil.

If you’re paying less than £300 for a mattress, the spring unit will likely be the cheapest possible. The Open Coil or Cage Sprung mattress is made for the very specific, cheap entry-level mattress market. They may also go by names such as Bonnell coils, Traditional Coil and similar names.

They feature an open-coil spring unit, which uses interconnected springs. They are quick and cheap to make, but offer less independent support than a pocket-sprung construction.

If you remember those bouncy beds as a child, the type that shook and wobbled whenever you moved, then this is essentially how a cage-sprung mattress works. We have written extensively about avoiding these spring units, with much more detail in our Open Coil vs Pocket Sprung Mattress guide.

Open Coil Price Point: Most open-coil, cage-sprung or Bonnell-spring mattresses are between £99 and £300. If you’re paying more than this, it is worth comparing the specification with other mattress constructions available within your budget.

Benefits of an Open Coil Bed:

• Very cheap to make and buy
• Lightweight, so they can be easier to move
• Widely available

Drawbacks of an Open Coil Bed:

• Less independent support than pocket springs
• Bouncy with high transference throughout the bed as you move
• Budget models often contain relatively shallow upholstery
• No tailoring for your bodyweight or sleeping preference

Open Coil Lifespan: 2 to 3 years is typical of lower-cost models, although actual lifespan will depend on construction, use and maintenance.

2. Continuous Coil and Miracoil Mattresses

Continuous coil mattresses are among the common spring systems found in high-street retail and are often sold under brand names such as Silentnight’s Miracoil, as well as similar systems at Bensons and Dreams.

It is worth covering these separately because many shoppers encounter them on the high street and mistake them for something more sophisticated than they are.

A continuous coil system consists of a single strand of wire looped back and forth across the entire mattress to form rows of springs. Unlike open coil, which uses individual hourglass-shaped coils connected by helical wires, continuous coil forms a network of interconnected rows.

The result is a spring unit that is slightly more stable than a traditional open coil but still moves as a connected unit rather than independently. When one spring reacts, the surrounding springs react with it.

This is fundamentally different from a pocket-sprung mattress, where the springs are individually housed and can respond more independently to the pressure placed upon them.

In practice, this means continuous coil mattresses can still suffer from roll-together and provide less individually responsive support than pocket springs.

The Miracoil system is engineered to be one-sided, meaning it cannot be turned, only rotated end to end.

Continuous Coil Price Point: Typically £200–£500 for king size on the high street. As with any mattress, compare the actual construction and upholstery rather than relying on the branded name of the spring system.

Continuous Coil Lifespan: 3–5 years can be expected from many lower- to mid-priced examples, although construction and maintenance will affect this.

3. Memory Foam Mattresses / Mattresses in a Box

Memory foam and mattress-in-a-box types are entry- to mid-price-point mattresses, typically priced around £300 to £600, designed to use layers of synthetic foam to create a one-sided mattress.

Memory foam has been around for over 25 years and is a material that you either love or hate. It works by slowly moulding to your body in response to pressure and body heat. As its temperature increases, the foam becomes softer and more pliable. Tempur is probably the most famous of all the memory foam-style mattresses.

Memory foam comes in several densities and firmness and hardness ratings, which allow you to determine whether it is on the firmer or softer end of the feel. Sadly, most retailers won’t give you this information anymore, so you’re left guessing.

When comparing memory foam mattresses, foam density, depth and hardness are therefore far more useful than simply seeing “memory foam” within a product description.

Foam Grade	Density Min KG/M3	Density Max KG/M3	Hardness Min (n)	Hardness Max (n)
Vasco 40kg	38	42	40	60
Vasco 60kg	58	62	70	100
Laygel 60kg	57	63	100	150
Coolblue 70kg	65	70	70	100
Reflex 300	30	32	100	130
Reflex 300F	30	32	130	160

Memory foam can suit sleepers who enjoy a deep, slow-sinking and pressure-relieving feel. It also provides low transference and good isolation between sleepers.

The mattress-in-a-box companies like Eve, Simba, Casper and Emma have capitalised on the ease of delivery, as these mattresses can be boxed and rolled, unlike many traditionally constructed pocket spring models.

The bed-in-a-box category grew rapidly through the 2010s and early 2020s on the strength of disruptive pricing and generous trial periods. In reality, these are almost always memory foam or hybrid foam mattresses that have been vacuum-compressed and rolled to fit inside a cardboard box.

The convenience is genuine. However, “mattress in a box” describes how a mattress is packaged and delivered rather than a completely separate mattress construction, so it is still important to investigate the foam and spring specification inside.

Memory Foam Price Point: You should aim to spend between £300 and £600 on a memory foam mattress. At higher price points, it becomes increasingly worthwhile comparing memory foam with natural latex and pocket-sprung alternatives.

Benefits of a Memory Foam Bed:

• Pressure relief as they absorb joints easily, like elbows and hips
• Low transference and isolation between sleepers
• Can be boxed and rolled for convenient delivery
• Distinctive contouring feel that some sleepers prefer

Drawbacks of a Memory Foam Bed:

• May provide insufficient support for some heavier sleepers depending on the specification
• Heat-retentive, so warmer sleepers need to take care when choosing
• Less breathable than many natural upholstery types
• Chemically made synthetic foams can have issues with off-gassing
• Usually one-sided, meaning wear cannot be distributed across two sleeping surfaces

Memory Foam Mattress Lifespan: The lifespan varies significantly according to foam quality, density, sleeper weight and construction. Lower-quality foams may begin to show permanent indentation or deterioration considerably sooner than higher-density alternatives.

For a deeper look at these issues, see our dedicated guide to Memory Foam Mattresses: Why They Get Hot, Sag and What to Buy Instead.

4. Hybrid Foam Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine newer upholstery styles and were developed in response to issues and complaints about memory foam. They retail from around £400 to £700.

A hybrid mattress may feature a cooler foam, such as Coolblue, Laygel or iGel, to help address the heat issue associated with other memory foams. They may also include pocket spring systems such as FEPS (Foam Encapsulated Spring Units) or castellated foams cut into ridges, shapes or matrix patterns.

They aim to bring you the best of both pocket springs and the more contemporary foam pressure-relief beds.

However, “hybrid” is a very broad term. Two mattresses described as hybrids can contain very different amounts and qualities of foam and springs, so the label itself tells you relatively little about the overall specification.

Again, we would recommend that you consider how you’re going to address the one-sided nature of these models, as they usually cannot be turned. Adding a separate topper can help provide an additional replaceable comfort layer, although it cannot correct an unsuitable or failing mattress underneath.

Hybrid Foam Price Point: Similarly to memory foam, the price point for these mattresses is around £400 to £700. If you’re paying more than this, you should also consider pocket spring and natural latex models for your comparison beds.

Benefits of a Hybrid Foam Bed:

• Highly progressive in terms of a soft sink, but quick to return to their original shape
• Pressure relief for hips, shoulders and backs
• Benefits of combining foam and spring units
• Can create deep-sink mattresses

Drawbacks of a Hybrid Foam Bed:

• Still heat-retentive compared with many natural fibres
• Nearly always one-sided, meaning wear cannot be distributed across two surfaces
• The mix of different materials can create uneven settlement over time
• Chemically made synthetic foams can have issues with off-gassing

Hybrid Foam Mattress Lifespan: Typically around 5 to 7 years, although this will depend on the quality of the foam, spring unit, construction, sleeper weight and maintenance.

Download our Free Mattress Buying Guide

5. Gel Foam Mattresses

Gel mattresses represent a direct attempt by foam manufacturers to address the most common complaint about memory foam: that it sleeps too hot. They sit in roughly the same price bracket as hybrid and mid-range memory foam, typically between £400 and £800, and are marketed prominently in high-street chains as a cooler, more responsive alternative.

The gel is introduced into the foam in one of two ways. The first is gel infusion, where liquid gel is mixed into the foam during production, creating tiny gel beads throughout the material. The second is a separate gel layer, where a distinct panel of gel material is placed above or below the main foam layer.

Both approaches initially absorb heat, which is why they can feel noticeably cool to the touch in a showroom.

However, gel does not automatically make a foam mattress breathable. The wider construction still matters, particularly for sleepers who regularly struggle with overheating.

Gel foams that incorporate phase-change materials (PCM) are a more advanced development. PCM materials are designed to absorb and release heat as temperatures change, although their effectiveness will vary according to the material and overall mattress construction.

Gel mattresses do earn their place for a household that wants the pressure-relief profile of memory foam but finds standard foam genuinely too warm. If you’re considering one, compare it with hybrid, latex and natural-fibre alternatives rather than relying on the “cooling” label alone.

Gel Foam Price Point: £400 to £800 for a king size, depending on whether the gel is infused or a separate PCM layer. Premium gel hybrids can reach £900 to £1,200.

Gel Foam Mattress Lifespan: Typically around 5 to 7 years, although foam quality and overall construction will determine how quickly permanent compression develops.

6. Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are where you start to move away from traditional synthetic memory foams and into a more sophisticated choice at a price of £1,000 or more. That is, if you manage to choose a 100% natural latex mattress.

The industry around latex mattresses is rather elusive in using synthetic, chemically created latex foam without always making it clear. When choosing a latex mattress, you really do need to do your homework to find as close to 100% natural as you can.

The key is to establish whether the latex is natural, synthetic or a blend rather than relying on the word “latex” alone.

Natural latex is a fantastically progressive material that offers a slow sink without some of the slow-to-respond issues associated with memory foam. It is also more breathable and requires pressure, rather than heat, to mould.

Solid-core latex mattresses can be particularly useful for people wanting responsive pressure relief. As they are so responsive, turning during the night is easy, and they have very low transference of movement between sleepers.

They can have an excellent lifespan if turned and looked after carefully. They are incredibly heavy, though, so a top tip is to choose one that has been tape-edged and has side handles.

John Ryan Natural Latex Options: Our Artisan Latex is priced from £2,250 in a king size and uses a 100% natural latex comfort layer over calico-encased pocket springs. The Origins Latex range starts at £1,520 for a king-size mattress, offering the benefits of natural latex at a more accessible price point.

Price Point of Latex Mattresses: For a 100% natural latex mattress, you’re looking at £1,000–£1,500 for entry-level solid-core models. If a latex mattress is substantially cheaper, investigate the specification carefully to establish the proportion and type of latex being used.

Benefits of a Latex Mattress:

• Highly responsive and progressive
• Provides pressure relief while allowing ease of movement
• Long-lasting when high-quality latex is used
• Isolates movement very effectively
• Can accommodate a large weight range for sleepers

Drawbacks of a Latex Mattress:

• Relatively expensive compared to other foams
• Heavy to lift, turn and rotate
• Natural, blended and synthetic latex products can be difficult to distinguish without a detailed specification
• Can still feel warmer than a breathable natural-fibre mattress

Natural Latex Mattress Lifespan: High-quality natural latex can be exceptionally durable, although the actual lifespan will depend on the construction, sleeper weight and maintenance.

For a detailed comparison of natural, synthetic and blended latex, see our Latex Mattresses Explained guide.

7. Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket spring mattresses are probably the most widely suited of all mattress types, retailing from £500 to £1,000 plus. This is because they offer significant flexibility in support, comfort layers and durability.

A pocket-sprung mattress consists of a spring support system topped with different layers of upholstery. Pocket springs are individually housed and then wrapped in either natural calico or polyester.

Each pocket spring can react independently of the next spring, unlike the Bonnell coil, meaning far more selective support where you need it. Pocket springs also significantly reduce transference and movement between sleepers, helping to reduce roll-together.

As they are independent, you can also choose a variety of spring tensions based on the spring wire’s thickness, known as the spring gauge. It means you can have a spring tension specifically designed to work with your bodyweight.

In fact, one of the biggest issues sleepers have is choosing a spring tension based on how they want the mattress to feel, which is the wrong approach. The spring tension should be chosen based primarily on your weight. It is the top upholstery layers that will provide much of the overall mattress feel.

If you and your partner have different weights, you can choose a split-tension or a zip-and-link pocket spring mattress, where each half can have a different tension. This allows each sleeper to receive more appropriate underlying support rather than compromising on one tension.

Types of Mattress Springs

There are three main types of mattress springs you are likely to encounter when comparing sprung mattresses:

• Open coil
• Micro or HD springs
• Pocket springs

Your budget will usually determine which type of mattress spring you choose. Care must always be taken with the number of springs and not to confuse that number with a metric for mattress quality.

For example, a 5,000-spring mattress can only contain just over 2,000 normal-sized pocket springs, so the additional springs may be smaller HD or micro springs used in additional layers.

This is why spring count should never be assessed in isolation. The spring type, gauge, upholstery and overall construction are all important when determining mattress quality.

Spring tensions based on your bodyweight:

Spring Tension	Wire diameter (Gauge)	Weight Range
Soft	1.2mm	Bespoke Tension (Please Call)
Medium	1.4mm	Upto 16 stone
Firm	1.6mm	16 stone plus
Extra Firm / Orthopaedic	1.9mm	20 stone plus

Pocket springs come in two main types:

1. Spunbond Pocket Springs (£500 to £1,000 price point)
2. Calico Encased Pocket Springs (£1,300 plus)

For mid-level mattresses priced from £500 to £1,000, spunbond pocket springs are the most likely option to keep the mattress within this price range. Calico-encased springs are found on mattresses priced at £1,300 and above, usually reserved for 100% natural-fibre handmade mattresses.

Calico springs are far more breathable and respond more quickly than synthetic stitch-bond springs, as the fabric is far softer. Cheaper mattress models will glue their pocket springs together, whereas the highest-quality mattress makers will tie the springs together by hand with a needle and then side-stitch them to the edges of the mattress.

Upholstery also comes in two forms:

1. Synthetic upholstery such as polyester, white fibre and foam
2. Natural fibre upholstery such as wool, alpaca, horsetail, bamboo and coir

The most important thing to know when buying a mattress is the upholstery inside. The only way you can do this is by knowing the GSM (grams per square metre). This shows the amount of each filling the mattress contains.

Without knowing this, some retailers may only be using a fraction of the upholstery and blending it with cheap synthetic polyester. You can read more about how to calculate the GSM of mattress upholstery here.

Two pocket-sprung mattresses can therefore have completely different quality levels despite using the same basic spring construction. This is why the complete specification matters far more than the words “pocket sprung” alone.

Pocket spring mattresses can be constructed as either one-sided or two-sided models. At higher price points, we recommend looking carefully at whether the mattress provides two usable sleeping surfaces, as this allows wear to be distributed through regular turning.

Price point of Pocket Spring mattresses: For a synthetic spun-bond spring and polyester-based fibre, you’re looking at £500 to £1,000. For a calico pocket spring and natural fibre model, these start at around £1,300.

John Ryan Pocket Spring Recommendations: The Origins 1500 is an excellent entry point at £1,050 in a king size, offering 1,500 calico-encased pocket springs with natural upholstery layers. For a full natural fibre handmade mattress, the Artisan Naturals starts at £2,180 in a king size and the Artisan Bespoke 004 at £2,860 in a king size for those wanting deep natural fibre GSM counts and the finest calico springs available.

Benefits of a Pocket Sprung Mattress:

• Offers independent spring support
• Reduces roll-together and movement transfer
• Natural fibres can provide a highly breathable sleep surface
• Tailored spring tension based on bodyweight
• Highly customisable
• High-quality constructions can be long-lasting

Drawbacks of a Pocket Sprung Mattress:

• Can be expensive when moving to the high end
• High-GSM models can be heavy to lift, turn and rotate
• Quality varies considerably, so spring count alone should not be used as the deciding factor

Pocket Spring Mattress Lifespan: This varies considerably according to the quality of the springs, upholstery and construction. Regular maintenance, turning and rotating where appropriate can help maximise the lifespan of the mattress.

For more detailed information about spring counts, gauges, calico versus spunbond springs and how to assess pocket spring quality, read our complete Pocket Spring Mattress Guide.

Explore John Ryan’s Pocket Sprung Mattresses.

8. Orthopaedic Mattresses: What the Label Actually Means

Orthopaedic is one of the most misused words in the mattress industry. You will see it applied to everything from low-cost open-coil mattresses to premium pocket-sprung models, with no consistent definition.

Importantly, “orthopaedic” is not a separate mattress construction in the same way as pocket sprung, foam or latex. It is primarily a marketing term used to describe a mattress positioned as supportive or firm.

The word is generally intended to convey that the mattress is firmer than average, offering stronger support for the back and joints. The problem is that the label tells you nothing about how the mattress achieves this, what materials are used, or how long those materials will continue to provide the claimed support.

What actually matters is the underlying specification and whether the mattress provides appropriate support for the individual sleeper.

Rather than duplicating our full guidance here, read Orthopaedic Mattresses: Myths & Scams Debunked for a detailed explanation of the terminology and what customers should actually look for.

If you’re choosing a mattress because you experience back discomfort, our Mattress for a Bad Back guide covers that subject separately.

9. Zip and Link Mattresses

Zip and link mattresses deserve a mention in any mattress types guide because they address a problem that affects many couples: the need for different spring tensions in the same bed.

Technically, zip and link describes a mattress configuration rather than a separate mattress construction.

Where one partner is considerably heavier or lighter than the other, a single uniform spring tension can represent a compromise for at least one sleeper.

A zip-and-link mattress resolves this by using two separate mattresses that are made to link together along their length using a zip or clip system. In everyday use, they function as a single mattress.

Depending on the mattress specification, each side can have a different spring tension, helping couples with substantially different body weights receive more appropriate support.

They can also be separated when moving the mattress through tight spaces such as narrow staircases, making them particularly useful for king and super king beds.

We manufacture our zip and link mattresses to the same pocket spring and upholstery specifications as our standard ranges. King-size zip-and-link configurations start at £1,210 in the Origins 1500 and £2,360 in the Artisan 1500.

You can read our complete Zip and Link Mattress Guide for more detailed advice.

10. Sustainable and Natural Fibre Mattresses

Sustainability has become a significant consideration for mattress buyers, and it is an area where marketing terms such as “eco-friendly”, “green” and “natural” can sometimes be used loosely.

As with “orthopaedic”, a natural-fibre mattress is not necessarily a completely separate support construction. Many natural-fibre mattresses combine layers of natural upholstery with a pocket-sprung support unit.

Understanding what constitutes a more sustainable mattress requires looking beyond the label to the materials and specifications behind it.

Synthetic foam mattresses, whether memory foam, hybrid or gel, are predominantly derived from petrochemical-based materials.

Natural fibre pocket-sprung mattresses take a different approach. The upholstery layers in a quality natural fibre mattress can include materials such as wool, cotton, horsetail, horsehair, silk, cashmere and natural latex.

Wool, in particular, is a highly useful mattress fibre. It is moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating and biodegradable, while other natural fibres provide different levels of resilience, breathability and comfort.

However, simply seeing the word “natural” does not tell you how much natural material is actually inside a mattress. This is why we recommend looking for detailed upholstery specifications and GSM figures rather than relying solely on marketing terminology.

However, simply seeing the word “natural” does not tell you how much natural material is actually inside a mattress. This is why we recommend looking for detailed upholstery specifications and GSM figures rather than relying solely on marketing terminology.

Longevity is itself a sustainability consideration. A well-made mattress that can be maintained and used for many years may reduce the need for repeated replacement compared with a lower-quality mattress with a much shorter usable life.

For a complete breakdown of natural mattress materials and what to look for when buying, read Things to Think About When Choosing a Natural Fibre Mattress.

Explore John Ryan’s mattress range.

11. Which Mattress Type is Best for Your Sleeping Position?

Your sleeping position is an important factor in choosing the right mattress, particularly when considering the amount and feel of the upholstery above the support unit.

Side sleepers need a mattress that allows the hips and shoulders, the two widest points on the body, to sink into the comfort layers so the spine can remain comfortably aligned.

The key is sufficient upholstery and pressure relief rather than simply choosing a soft spring tension because you sleep on your side.

Back sleepers need a mattress that provides suitable underlying support while allowing the upholstery to accommodate the body’s natural contours.

Stomach sleepers often prefer less surface sink around the hips and pelvis, although the appropriate underlying spring tension should still be selected primarily according to body weight.

Combination sleepers, those who move between positions during the night, can benefit from responsive upholstery. Natural latex and high-quality natural fibre pocket-sprung mattresses can work well here because their materials adapt quickly to positional changes.

Because sleeping position is a substantial topic in its own right, see our Side Sleeper Mattress Advice & Guidance for more detailed advice.

Sleeping Position	Recommended Tension	Best Mattress Type	Key Consideration
Side sleeper	Soft to medium	Natural fibre pocket sprung	The hip and shoulder must sink freely
Back sleeper	Medium to firm	Natural fibre pocket sprung	Lumbar support is critical
Stomach sleeper	Firm to extra firm	Pocket sprung or natural Latex	Prevents pelvic sink and lumbar extension
Combination sleeper	Medium	Natural Latex or pocket sprung	Responsiveness matters more than firmness
Heavier build (over 16 stone)	Firm to extra firm	Calico pocket sprung, high GSM	Deeper springs and denser upholstery are required

12. Mattress Types at a Glance: Comparison Table

Mattress Type	Support Quality	Heat Retention	Durability	Turnable	King Size Price Range
Open coil	Basic	Low	2 to 3 years	Sometimes	£99 to £300
Continuous coil	Basic to moderate	Low	3 to 5 years	No (rotate only)	£200 to £500
Memory Foam	Moderate	High	3 to 5 years	No	£300 to £600
Gel Foam	Moderate	Medium to high	5 to 7 years	No	£400 to £800
Hybrid Foam	Moderate to good	Medium	5 to 7 years	No	£400 to £700
Natural Latex	Excellent	Low to medium	10 to 25 years	Yes	£1,000 to £2,500
Pocket sprung (synthetic upholstery)	Excellent	Low to medium	5 to 10 years	Yes	£500 to £1,000
Pocket sprung (natural fibre)	Outstanding	Very low	10 to 25 years	Yes	£1,300 to £5,000+

These comparisons are general rather than absolute. The specification of the individual mattress can be more important than the category it belongs to.

13. Which Type of Mattress Should I Buy?

Understanding the types of mattresses available is one thing. Applying that knowledge to your specific situation is where most people get stuck.

The examples below can help narrow the options, but remember that mattress type is only one part of the decision. Your body weight, required spring tension, comfort preference and budget all need to be considered.

If you sleep hot

Memory foam is generally one of the warmer mattress upholstery choices, so hot sleepers may want to compare foam carefully with latex and natural-fibre alternatives.

Natural fibres such as wool, cotton, horsehair and horsetail are breathable and moisture-wicking, making natural-fibre pocket-sprung mattresses a strong option for warmer sleepers.

Our Artisan Naturals, at £2,180 in a king size, is particularly well suited to warm sleepers.

https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product/artisan-naturals/

If you suffer from back pain

There is no single mattress type that can treat or cure back pain. The priority is finding appropriate support for your body weight alongside upholstery that provides the comfort and pressure relief you require.

Our detailed Mattress for a Bad Back guide covers this comprehensively.

If you and your partner are significantly different weights

Either a split-tension pocket-sprung mattress or a zip-and-link solution may allow each sleeper to receive a more appropriate spring tension.

Our zip and link configurations allow each half to be specified independently.

If you are a heavier sleeper

The spring gauge is critical. Heavier sleepers generally require a firmer underlying spring tension capable of providing appropriate support, alongside sufficiently resilient upholstery.

See our Mattresses for Heavier Sleepers range and guidance for more information.

If your budget is limited

A lower budget does not automatically mean you should choose one particular mattress type. Instead, compare how much of the budget is being spent on the support unit and upholstery rather than branding or marketing features.

At lower price points, open coil, foam and synthetic-upholstery pocket-sprung mattresses are common. Compare the specification carefully and prioritise the best support and upholstery available within your budget.

If sustainability matters to you

A two-sided, well-specified mattress made using durable and renewable materials may offer sustainability advantages through both its construction and longer usable lifespan.

See our Natural Fibre Mattress guide for more detailed advice.

If you move around a lot during the night

Highly responsive materials such as natural latex and pocket-sprung mattresses with responsive upholstery may make positional changes easier than slow-response memory foam.

14. Mattresses You Definitely Want to Avoid Buying

Alongside understanding the main mattress types, there are certain constructions and sales tactics that we regularly advise customers to approach with caution.

Pillowtop Mattresses

The pillowtop mattress craze has swept the country. These mattresses feature a permanently stitched topper, which is sometimes also glued to the top of the mattress.

They feel lovely in showrooms as this soft top layer allows you to sink into the cloud-like surface.

However, these pillow tops not only make the mattress one-sided but can also fail quickly. This is because you can’t take them off to turn them independently. The fillings are often very soft polyester, meaning they can settle quickly, and as there’s no way to even this out, you can be left with a lumpy, uncomfortable mattress.

This doesn’t mean every pillowtop mattress will fail prematurely, but we recommend checking what the pillowtop contains, whether it can be replaced and how the mattress should be maintained before buying.

Voucher Site, Shopping Channel or Online Auction Mattresses

We hear a lot from people who have used voucher sites, discount auction sites and late-night TV infomercials to buy a bargain bed.

You need to be careful with these deals as the RRP may have been heavily inflated, meaning the mattress was never worth the original amount. Most of these models give very little meaningful specification, so it can be difficult to establish exactly what you’re buying.

The important thing is not where a mattress is sold but whether the retailer provides enough information for you to assess its construction and value.

15. Bed and Mattress Types Explained for Bases

Lastly, we need to discuss what type of base your mattress is going onto.

A mattress base, also known as a foundation or bed base, is a support system designed to provide a stable, sturdy platform for a mattress.

The main purpose of a mattress base is to provide support and stability for the mattress, which can help increase its lifespan and prevent sagging. It also helps distribute weight evenly across the mattress.

There are several different types of mattress bases available:

• Slatted bases
• Box springs
• Platform beds
• Adjustable bases
• Bed frames
• Ottoman bases
• Divan bases
• Sprung-edge bases

Each bed base type has unique features and benefits, and the best option will depend on your individual needs and mattress.

Adjustable bases allow the head and foot of the bed to be elevated mechanically. Not all mattress types are compatible with adjustable bases.

Memory foam and flexible latex mattresses are generally well-suited because they can bend without damage. Standard pocket-sprung mattresses with a solid border frame are not designed to flex and should not be used on an articulated adjustable base.

The key part when choosing the best mattress type for your bed base is to ensure the base is sturdy enough to support the mattress.

This is only a brief overview because we cover the subject comprehensively in our dedicated Mattress Bases Explained guide. Check this before purchasing if you’re unsure whether your existing base is suitable for a new mattress.

16. Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of mattresses available in the UK?

The main mattress constructions available in the UK include open-coil, continuous-coil, memory foam, hybrid foam, gel foam, latex and pocket-sprung mattresses. Terms such as orthopaedic, natural fibre and zip and link can also be encountered, although these describe mattress characteristics, materials or configurations rather than completely separate support constructions.

What is the difference between memory foam and pocket sprung?

Memory foam uses synthetic foam that moulds to your body, while pocket-sprung mattresses use individually housed springs that respond independently to pressure.

Pocket-sprung mattresses can then be combined with either synthetic or natural upholstery, meaning the final feel and quality varies considerably between models.

Which type of mattress is best for back pain?

There isn’t one mattress type that is universally best for back pain, and a mattress should not be considered a treatment. Appropriate support for your body weight, alongside suitable comfort and pressure relief, is more important than choosing a mattress because it carries a particular label.

Read our Mattress for a Bad Back guide for more detailed advice.

How often should you replace a mattress?

There is no single replacement interval that applies to every mattress. Construction quality, upholstery, sleeper weight, whether the mattress can be turned and how it is maintained can all affect its lifespan.

Persistent loss of support, significant permanent indentations or deterioration in comfort can be more useful indicators that a mattress needs replacing than age alone.

What type of mattress sleeps the coolest?

A pocket-sprung mattress using breathable natural-fibre upholstery such as wool and cotton can provide excellent temperature regulation. Memory foam generally retains more heat, although individual mattress constructions and cooling technologies vary.

Are expensive mattresses worth it?

Price alone does not guarantee mattress quality. However, higher-quality springs, greater quantities of upholstery, natural materials, two-sided construction and more labour-intensive manufacturing all increase production costs.

Rather than judging a mattress solely by price, compare the full specification to understand what you’re actually paying for.

What is the difference between a pocket sprung and a continuous coil mattress?

A continuous coil mattress uses wire formed into interconnected rows across the mattress. When one part of the mattress is compressed, the surrounding construction can move with it.

A pocket-sprung mattress houses each spring in its own fabric sleeve, allowing each spring to respond more independently to pressure.

What does orthopaedic mean on a mattress label?

Orthopaedic is generally used as a marketing term for a mattress positioned as providing firmer or enhanced support. It does not describe one specific mattress construction.

Always look beyond the label and assess the actual spring tension, upholstery and complete specification. Our Orthopaedic Mattresses: Myths & Scams Debunked guide explains this in greater detail.

What is a zip-and-link mattress?

A zip-and-link mattress consists of two separate mattresses joined together along their length. They function as one mattress during use but can be separated for handling and, depending on the construction, can allow different spring tensions to be selected for each sleeping partner.

Read our Zip and Link Mattress Guide for more information.

17. Summary

It can be really tricky knowing where to start when buying a new mattress. Understanding the various mattress types should better arm you with what to expect when shopping for a mattress.

If you start your mattress search knowing how much to spend and what to expect, you’re less likely to be duped by sales tactics or pushy salespeople.

One key takeaway is always to ask exactly what’s inside the mattress you’re looking at, whether that’s in a shop or online.

You should always be able to find out what’s inside any quality mattress.

That is why we disclose all of our GSMs, spring types and mattress details to help you compare mattresses on a like-for-like basis.

Once you’ve narrowed down which mattress types suit your needs, our How to Choose a Mattress guide can help you consider the wider buying factors, while you can also explore our complete mattress range to compare the available John Ryan options.

If you need further help in shortlisting suitable new mattresses, give our small expert team a call for free advice on 0161 437 4419.