How to choose a mattress
We spend over a third of our lives in bed. So, make sure you choose a mattress that’s perfect for you. Lots of different things go into finding the perfect mattress, like materials, firmness and size. With over 200 years’ experience crafting mattresses, we have some insider tips to help you pick the right mattress.
The different types of mattress support to choose from
Do you find yourself overheating at night? Or perhaps you find yourself rolling into your partner in the middle of bed? Or maybe your current mattress is lacking a bit of support? Luckily, the right mattress offers a solution to all these problems.
Perfect for: Support for two people
Pocket Springs
Pocket springs are a more supportive alternative to coil springs. Each spring is housed individually, so they move independently. This makes them perfect for a supportive yet comfortable sleep, even as you move around. All Heal's mattresses contain pocket springs to provide this support
Perfect for: Allergy sufferers and support
Foam
The go-to foam in mattresses is memory foam, which works by harnessing your body's heat and moulding to its shape. Whilst this might feel comfortable, it can lead to overheating and a restless sleep. Latex is a great alternative, as it is breathable and made without harsh chemicals.
Perfect for: Breathable, supportive sleep
Hybrid
After the flexibility of pocket springs and the comfort of foam? Look no further. Hybrid mattresses combine them both, with a layer of pocket springs underneath and a hypoallergenic latex foam layer on top.
How firm should my mattress be?
It’s a common misunderstanding that firmness is a personal preference. Sure, that may factor into your choice, but your mattress’ firmness should be decided by other things. The goal is to make sure you’re sleeping with your spine and neck in a neutral position. So, the most important things to take into account are body weight and the position you sleep in.
Generally speaking, if you weigh between 70-100kg then go for a medium firmness. If you weigh under 70kg you may be happier with a softer mattress and if you weigh over 100kg then a firm mattress should offer you enough support. However, sleeping position will also impact your choice. Here are the best mattresses for side, stomach and back sleepers.
Back sleepers
Best choice: Medium-Firm mattress
The best mattress for back sleepers will offer plenty of support to keep your spine nicely aligned. That why we suggest a firm or medium-firm mattress. To check it’s the right firmness, lie on the mattress and slide your hand between your lower back and the mattress. If there’s loads of space it may be too firm, and if there’s no room at all it’s probably a little soft.
Stomach sleepers
Best choice: Medium-Firm mattress
Support is key for front sleepers. That’s because sleeping on your front on a poorly supportive mattress can lead to overarching the spine. The goal is to have as few gaps as possible between your body and the mattress. A firm mattress may restrict the spine’s movement and a soft one may not offer enough support. We suggest splitting it down the middle and choosing a medium-firm mattress.
Side sleepers
Best choice: Soft-Medium mattress
The best mattress for side sleepers is a soft mattress. That’s because your shoulders and hips can sink into the mattress. That helps to keep your spine in a nice straight line and makes sure there’s no pressure on your joints.
Restless sleepers
Best choice: Soft, medium or firm mattress
Restless sleepers can find it hard to find the perfect mattress because there isn’t a cut and dry solution. We suggest taking some time to figure out what positions you sleep in the most. Then, use this to help guide your decision.
Different mattress sizes
Choosing the right sized mattress is a big consideration and it’s important to choose one that’s the right size for you. Investing in a new mattress presents the perfect opportunity to make sure your toes aren’t dangling over the end. Or that the width isn’t too snug for you and your partner. Check out the below measurements to make sure your mattress is the perfect fit for you.
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Single
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Double
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King
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Continental King
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Super King
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Emperor
What's the best mattress material?
A mattress is the foundation of a peaceful night’s sleep. Choose the right materials and you’ll be sleeping on cloud nine. All our mattresses are handcrafted using the finest natural materials for the perfect balance of comfort and support night after night. Read on to discover the best materials for a mattress.
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Perfect for: Temperature regulation
Cotton is one of nature’s softest natural fibres and a great material for your mattress. It’s highly breathable, absorbing moisture and drawing away high humidity while you sleep. Humans sweat as much as one pint every night, making breathability important for a comfortable night’s sleep.
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Perfect for: Extra insulation
Cashmere
Cashmere is added to mattresses for an extra level of comfort and luxury. It offers lightweight insulation, and its fine, soft fibres add sumptuous levels of comfort. Did you know, cashmere is six times finer than human hair and comes from the soft fleece of the Kashmir goat? That makes it one of the most delicate fibres on earth.
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Perfect for: Extra spring
Coir
Coir comes from coconuts and is a natural way to add more spring to a mattress. It’s a tough and elastic fibre that naturally adapts to the weight and temperature of the body. This makes it a great addition to a mattress.
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Perfect for: Support
Wool
Horsehair is often described as ‘nature's spring’ thanks to its strength and natural flexibility. When added to a mattress, horsehair creates a supportive platform that allows air and moisture to move through the hollow strands. That helps to keep your mattress cool in summer and warm in winter.
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Perfect for: Allergy sufferers
Wool
Wool is a naturally strong fibre that keeps its bounce and softness for many years. Its natural properties also make it perfect for allergy sufferers. Plus, wool’s ability to draw away moisture means it helps keep your bed the right temperature. Did you know that wool is stronger than steel? This will make sure your mattress stays supportive.
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Perfect for: Allergy sufferers
This hypoallergenic fibre is created to provide softness and resilience. It’s also sterilised and dust free, making it the perfect mattress material for allergy sufferers.
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Perfect for: Luxurious sleepers
Dating all the way back to 3000 BC, silk has been used for centuries in clothing and soft furnishings. It’s naturally moisture-absorbing and insulating, making it one of the most premium fibres in the world. Silk and cashmere pair perfectly in mattresses to constantly control the temperature.
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Perfect for: Absorbing humidity
Flax is one of the oldest crops in the world and comes from the stem of the flax plant. In a mattress, it absorbs humidity quickly and adds a soft and flexible element to a mattress.
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Perfect for: Breathability
Hessian comes from the skin of the jute plant and is perfect for insulating mattresses. It offers plenty of breathability without affecting the free movement of the spring.
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Perfect for: Luxurious durability
Mohair is a premium mattress material that comes from the hair of the Angora goat. Soft and luxurious feel, this fine wool-like fibre offers insulation and durability. Mohair is known as the diamond fibre thanks to its elegant sheen.
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Perfect for: Natural memory foam
Latex is often used as a natural alternative to memory foam in mattresses. Coming from the rubber tree, latex offers plenty of support and allows sleepers to roll easily from side to side. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic and temperature regulating.
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Perfect for: Breathability
The fibres of a merino wool are lighter, finer and softer than any other sheep's wool. As such, it’s known as the highest quality wool in the world, adding a luxurious feel to a mattress. Like wool, it’s naturally breathable and temperature regulating.
