Mattress types explained: a guide to help you choose the right one

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Are you looking to buy a new mattress, but feeling overwhelmed by all the different options?

There’s a huge range of mattresses out there, and finding the right one for your own unique set of requirements can feel like an impossible task. However, once you understand the different types of mattresses and their key features, the whole process starts to get a lot easier.

This article has an overview of each type of mattress, and explains their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Open coil mattresses are usually the cheapest option. These mattresses are made from multiple coiled springs with padding on the top and bottom.

Advantages: low cost, lightweight, two-sided, provides that traditional ‘bouncy bed’ feel

Disadvantages: poor support, can be uncomfortable (you may feel the springs), limited options to suit body weight and sleeping position, likely to need replacing often.

A pocket sprung mattress is probably the most well-known type of mattress. They’ve been around for a long time, and are still very popular.

As the name suggests, the springs are housed in individual pockets and surrounded by fabric. A top and bottom layer of padding is then added to the whole network of pockets.

Advantages: good support, wide range of price points, range of firmness options, low movement transfer between sleepers, stays cooler, breathable, two-sided, long lifespan.

Disadvantages: can be bulky and heavy, natural fibre products are expensive, some products on the market bulk up spring count with ineffective springs so it can be confusing when choosing a product.

A pillow top mattress has a padded topper attached to the main mattress. The mattress itself can be sprung or foam, while the toppers can be filled with