Mattress Tog Rating Explained – Which Tog Do You Need?
A mattress tog rating measures how much warmth the mattress holds. Lower tog values (around 4.5-6) suit warm summer nights in the UK while higher tog ratings (9-13.5) keep you warmer during colder months. The right tog depends on your bedroom temperature, the time of year and whether you sleep hot or cold.
What Is Tog Rating on a Mattress?
Tog is a unit of thermal resistance. On mattresses it shows how effectively the top layers trap body heat. A higher tog number means the mattress feels warmer because it reduces heat loss. UK regulations require all mattresses to meet BS 7177 fire safety standards, but tog specifically relates to comfort layers such as memory foam, latex or wool. Check the product page for the exact tog value before buying.
Typical Tog Ratings and What They Mean
Most UK mattresses fall into these ranges:
- 4.5 tog – lightweight summer cooling
- 6 tog – suitable for mild spring and autumn
- 9 tog – standard year-round warmth for average UK bedrooms
- 10.5–13.5 tog – extra warmth for cold winters or unheated rooms
Measure your bedroom temperature over a week. If it regularly drops below 16°C in winter, choose at least 10.5 tog. Above 20°C in summer, 4.5–6 tog prevents overheating.
Which Tog Rating for UK Seasons?
UK summers often reach 18–22°C at night while winters can fall to 12–15°C. Use this decision rule: add or subtract 4.5 tog when changing between seasons. A 9 tog mattress works for most of the year in a centrally heated home. For a double mattress or king size mattress in a draughty Victorian house, opt for 10.5 tog or layer with a mattress topper.
In summer, switch to a lower tog option or use a breathable mattress protector that does not add significant warmth. Families with children should check kids' mattresses separately because younger sleepers often need less insulation.
Dual-Season and All-Season Mattress Options
Dual-season mattresses have a warmer side (typically 9–10.5 tog) and a cooler side (4.5–6 tog). You simply flip them in spring and autumn. These are practical for UK homes without air conditioning. Look for models with distinct seasonal sides so you can match the tog to the calendar.
All-season mattresses use breathable fillings that adapt naturally. Natural fibres such as bamboo or nettle help regulate temperature without a fixed tog value. The natural and eco-friendly mattresses category contains several options that stay comfortable across seasons.
Tog Rating Checklist Before You Buy
- Record average overnight bedroom temperature for one month.
- Decide if you sleep hot (choose 4.5–6 tog) or cold (choose 9 tog plus).
- Match the tog to your mattress size – larger beds like super king lose heat faster at the edges.
- Check whether the mattress is intended for year-round use or has a seasonal side.
- Confirm the maximum mattress depth allowed if pairing with a bunk bed that meets BS EN 747 (top bunk guard rail must rise at least 16 cm above the mattress).
For children, cot mattresses and cot bed mattresses rarely list tog because breathability matters more. The kids' mattresses range includes models tested to the same UK fire safety rules.
Combining Mattress Tog with Bedding
A mattress tog rating works together with your duvet, sheets and room heating. A 13.5 tog mattress plus a 10.5 tog duvet can feel too warm in a modern insulated home. Test the combination for two weeks. If you wake up sweating, reduce either the mattress tog or the duvet tog. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses often feel warmer than open coil types because they hold heat closer to the body.
Consider switching to a hybrid mattress if you need both support and temperature control. Many hybrid designs incorporate pocket springs that improve airflow, effectively lowering the perceived tog.
Recommended Mattresses for Different Tog Needs
Several ranges offer clear seasonal performance. The Maxitex Diamond Dual Season 1000 Pocket Memory Mattress provides two distinct sides so you can choose the correct warmth without buying a second mattress. For natural fibre options the Noomi Bamboo Natural Latex Pocket Sprung Mattress uses breathable materials that adapt across UK seasons. Families needing a cot bed size can select the Ickle Bubba All Seasons Premium Pocket Sprung Mattress which offers practical all-year comfort for toddlers. Those wanting maximum adaptability may prefer the Jay-Be Natural All Seasons Nettle Hybrid 2000 e-Pocket Mattress because the nettle and wool layers adjust to temperature changes.
| Season | Typical UK Night Temp | Recommended Mattress Tog | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 18–22°C | 4.5–6 | Hot sleepers, well-insulated rooms |
| Spring/Autumn | 14–18°C | 6–9 | Most households |
| Winter | 12–16°C | 9–13.5 | Cold sleepers, older properties |
Always view the exact specifications on the product page because actual tog can vary by construction. If you regularly change bedrooms or move house, a dual-season model gives the most flexibility across different room temperatures.
Our picks for this guide
- Maxitex Diamond Dual Season 1000 Pocket Memory Mattress – Offers two distinct seasonal sides so you can flip between lower and higher tog without buying a second mattress.
- Noomi Bamboo Natural Latex Pocket Sprung Mattress – Breathable natural bamboo and latex layers adapt across seasons, providing suitable tog performance year-round.
- Jay-Be Natural All Seasons Nettle Hybrid 2000 e-Pocket Mattress – Nettle and wool fillings adjust naturally to UK summer and winter temperatures for balanced tog comfort.
- Ickle Bubba All Seasons Premium Pocket Sprung Mattress 140 x 70cm – Designed as an all-seasons option for cot beds, giving practical tog levels for toddlers and small children.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a mattress with a specific tog rating?
Most mattresses cannot be washed. Instead use a removable, washable mattress protector that does not significantly alter the tog value. Check the care label on any Maxitex or Noomi model; spot clean only with mild detergent. Protectors from our accessories range are machine washable at 40°C.
Does a higher tog mattress always feel warmer?
Not necessarily. A 10.5 tog memory foam mattress may trap more heat than a 9 tog open coil design because foam reduces airflow. Pocket sprung and hybrid constructions usually sleep cooler at the same tog rating. Test in your own bedroom for at least two weeks.
Are tog ratings different for EU size mattresses?
Tog values are the same regardless of size. An EU double or EU single uses identical thermal resistance ratings as UK sizes. The difference is only in physical dimensions, not insulation performance.
Is tog rating important for children's bunk beds?
Yes. Bunk beds sold in the UK must meet BS EN 747; the top bunk guard rail needs at least 16 cm clearance above the mattress. Choose the lowest practical tog so the mattress depth stays within the maker’s maximum. Avoid high-tog foam on the top bunk for children under 6.
Do memory foam mattresses need a different tog in winter?
Memory foam retains more body heat than sprung models. In winter choose a 9–10.5 tog memory foam mattress or add a thin wool underblanket rather than increasing to 13.5 tog. Many Maxitex memory foam options include cooling gel to balance warmth.