Thinking carefully about why you need a new mattress can help you focus on the options that are important to you, especially if your current mattress isn’t giving what you need for a good night’s sleep.

If an uncomfortable mattress is keeping you awake at night, it may be time for a new one. Most mattresses have a lifespan of between seven and 10 years - after that, they tend to develop lumps or sag in places. Plus, our sleep needs often change as we get older and become more sensitive to pressure or develop new aches and pains.

A mattress should evenly distribute your weight, providing adequate support at the body’s pressure points. These are the parts of the body which take on more pressure when you lie down, like the shoulders, hips and knees. A mattress with the right level of support will contour to your body’s natural curves, pushing back against these pressure points to relieve pain.

Comfort is a very individual thing. The mattress that you find perfectly comfortable might be too soft or too firm for the next person. Mattress comfort is measured in terms of mattress tension on a scale that runs from soft to extra firm. It’s best to visit a store and try several different mattresses to see which comfort level is right for you.

Conventional wisdom says that people who suffer from back pain need a firm mattress. That's why some firm or very firm mattresses are also known as orthopaedic mattresses. In reality, finding the best mattress for back pain is less about choosing the firmest mattress and more about finding a mattress that offers your body optimum support.

Continue reading for more on about what type of sleeper are you?

Mattress firmness is really a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a softer mattress, others find a firm mattress more comfortable. More important is ensuring that your mattress provides enough support for you, and this depends on the type of sleeper you are – front, side or back – and your body size and weight. Visit The Furniture Home mattress page to find the right mattress for you.

At The Furniture Home we want you to be completely happy with everything you buy from us. However due to hygiene reasons, once a mattress has been opened from its original packaging, we are unable to take returns. See our returns policy for more information.

Yes, it really is. A small double mattress is only 15 cm (about 6”) narrower than a regular double mattress. It’s a little more cosy than a standard double bed but will save a useful amount of space in a smaller bedroom, especially if you choose a base of the same size – a divan base rather than a bigger sleigh-style bed frame, for example. Of course, if you and your partner are taller or heavier than average, you might be more comfortable in a larger bed.

Memory foam can be a good option for front, back and side sleepers as long as the foam provides enough support. What you’re looking for with a memory foam mattress is a cushioning feeling rather than a sinking into feeling as this may indicate insufficient pressure point support.

There’s no right answer here – they’re both great for different reasons and for different people. Pocket spring mattresses have more of a bouncy feel that some people like. If you press down on a pocket spring mattress, you’ll feel some resistance or “push back”. This translates to a springy feel when you lie down. Memory foam mattresses allow you to sink in a little more. Press down on a memory foam mattress, and you’ll see that the foam contours around your hand. This translates to a body-cushioning feel when you lie down. The best idea is to try both and decide for yourself.

You can’t put a price on a good night’s rest, and if a £2000 mattress gives you eight hours of undisturbed sleep, then it’s probably worth it. For £2000 you’re likely looking at a handcrafted luxury mattress with a high pocket spring count, perhaps natural or organic fillings, and a degree of specialist workmanship. That being said, you don’t have to spend £2000 on a mattress to sleep well. Many of our more affordable mattress brands consistently produce exceptional quality mattresses that incorporate advanced sleep-enhancing technologies.

The springs in pocket spring mattresses are designed to respond individually to your body’s weight and movement, providing support where you need it most. The more pocket springs a mattress has, the more customised the level of comfort will be. Some mattresses even have an upper layer of very small micro pockets springs for optimum responsiveness.

Seek out hypoallergenic mattresses which often have an allergen-banishing finish. Memory foam can be a good option too. Latex mattresses are resistant to dust mites, mould and mildew and are one of the best naturally hypoallergenic mattress materials around.