When choosing a mattress there are many different factors to take into account, different brands, different quality mattresses but above all you need to pick a mattress which is suitable for your bed and your requirements. We will now look at a number of factors which you need to consider when choosing a new mattress and how these will affect the value for money aspect.
Bed size
It is essential that you choose the right mattress for your bed size and thankfully there are many different mattress sizes available which include small single, single, small double, double, king-size and super king. As the vast majority of beds in the UK are built around specifications for the above sizes you will certainly have a mattress bed size to suit your needs.
Comfort rating
Many people fail to consider the comfort rating of their mattress when in reality this is perhaps one of the most important factors which can affect the quality of your sleep. The comfort rating for UK mattresses ranges from soft, soft to medium, medium, medium to firm and firm. Not only do you have to consider what type of mattress you would “like” but you may also have to consider aspects such as medical conditions, perhaps backache and other similar ailments. The truth is that some people respond better to different mattress comfort ratings therefore unless you try the full range you will never know which one is the “exact fit for you”.
Mattress build
The type of mattress build you require can differ enormously although the main factors to consider our pocket sprung, latex, miracoil springs, reflex foam and open coil mattress builds. While there will be a price factor to consider when looking towards a mattress of any of the above builds they do offer very different elements to be a good night sleep. Pocket sprung mattresses are by far and away the most popular although if you move up the cost ladder you will move towards the other end of the spectrum.
Mattress fillings
Too many people a mattress is simply a mattress, but do you really know exactly what is filling the mattress in question? Some of the more popular mattress fillings available include man-made fillings, latex fillings, memory foam fillings, natural fillings and luxury fillings. As the names suggest, the cost factor associated with some of these mattress fillings may well be out of the range of some people although the truth is when taking into account the type of mattress build and mattress fillings you will still be able to find something suitable for your needs and within your budget.
Mattress height
Did you know that mattresses come in a variety of different heights giving different levels of sleep quality? The more popular heights in the UK are less than 15 cm, 15 to 17 cm, 18 to 20 cm, 21 to 25 cm, 26 to 30 cm and 31 cm and taller. When you take into account the fact that the 15 cm height mattress at the bottom of the scale is less than half of the 31 cm and above, at the top of the scale, this really can impact upon the quality of your sleep. In general terms, the higher the mattress the more expensive and the more likely it is to contain fillings towards the luxury end of the market.
Mattress finish
There are a number of different mattress finishes which include hand tufted, micro-quilted and pillow top which again often correspond with particular budget bands. The hand tufted mattress is by far and away the most popular in the UK and can take in a number of different fillings, different builds, different heights, etc. However, you still need to be aware of the various options available to you so you can ensure what you buy is what you need and the best that you can afford within your budget.
Pocket count
The pocket count is again another factor which many people are perhaps unaware of or perhaps take very little notice of. The general bands for pocket counts with regards to UK mattresses are in the range of 600 to 1000, 1001 to 1200, 1201 to 1400, 1401 to 1600, 1601 to 2000, 2001 to 2000 and 2501 and above. In simple terms, the higher the pocket count the more comfortable the mattress and in general terms the better quality sleep you can expect.
Memory foam depth range
Many years ago memory foam mattresses were out of the reach of many budgets in the UK but times have changed and memory foam mattresses are now more commonplace than ever before. The range of memory foam depth includes less than 20 mm, 20 mm to 30 mm, 31 mm to 40 mm, 41 mm to 50 mm and above 50 mm. Memory foam mattresses are particularly useful for those with back problems and neck problems because they effectively mould around your body with the mattress thereby supporting your back, legs and neck. This should ultimately lead to a better night sleep as you should be more comfortable.
Memory foam density
There really are so many different factors to consider when looking at a new mattress and memory foam mattress density is something which 99 out of 100 people would never even consider. The ranges in the UK include 40 kg per metre, 45 kg per metre, 50 kg per metre, 55 kg per metre and 60 kg per metre. The more popular ranges are 50 kg per metre, 55 kg per metre and 60 kg per metre although there are other options available.
Conclusion
Now that you have had the chance to look at the various elements and options available in the UK mattress market, hopefully you will be able to take into account the various factors when choosing your next mattress. While choosing a mattress can be very simple and very easy, getting the best out of your mattress and ensuring it is exactly what you need can be a different matter altogether.