Mattresses

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What types of mattress are there?

The main mattress types are memory foam, pocket sprung, hybrid, latex, gel, orthopaedic, natural and vegan, plus open coil and contract mattresses at the firmer, more budget end of the range.

• Memory foam contours to your body and eases pressure on the shoulders and hips. Side sleepers tend to get on with it best.
• Pocket sprung mattresses use individually wrapped springs that move on their own, so a restless partner is less likely to disturb your side of the bed.
• Hybrid mattresses combine springs with a foam or latex layer, giving you support underneath and cushioning on top.
• Latex feels similar to foam but sleeps cooler, while resisting dust mites naturally.
• Gel-infused foam gives you the same responsive support as memory foam, with less heat retention.
• Orthopaedic mattresses step up the support level, which is why they’re often recommended for back and joint pain.
• Natural mattresses use materials like wool or latex for a more eco-conscious choice. Vegan mattresses go further, built entirely from plant-based materials, such as organic cotton and bamboo.
• Open coil mattresses keep things simple: one connected spring system, firm support, a lower price.
• Contract mattresses are built to withstand heavy commercial use, and some come with a divan base included.

Still weighing it up? Our guide to choosing a mattress walks through it step by step. Or visit our showroom in West Yorkshire and try each type for yourself.

What size mattress do I need?

UK mattresses come in five standard sizes: single, small double, double, king size and super king.

• Single: 90cm x 190cm
• Small double: 120cm x 190cm
• Double: 135cm x 190cm
• King size: 150cm x 200cm
• Super king: 180cm x 200cm

If you’re on the taller side, continental sizes add 10cm to the length, so there’s more room to stretch out.

One thing worth checking before you order: a super king mattress won’t fit a king size base. It’s 30cm wider, and there’s no way around that. Most mattresses sit happily on a solid, slatted or divan base, but a slatted frame needs closely spaced slats to properly support the mattress, so it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s guidance for your specific frame.

For full measurements and help matching a mattress to your bed frame, see our UK bed and mattress size guide.

What is a hybrid mattress?

A hybrid mattress combines a spring base with a foam or latex comfort layer on top. You get the support and airflow of springs, along with the pressure relief of foam. That combination is why hybrids often suit couples with different comfort preferences, each side can feel noticeably different while sharing the same mattress.

Shop our hybrid mattress range to compare options.

What is a pocket sprung mattress?

A pocket sprung mattress contains hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individual springs, each stitched into its own fabric pocket. Because the springs move independently, they respond to your body shape rather than the mattress as a whole, which cuts down on motion transfer. Movement on one side of the bed is far less likely to wake someone on the other.

They’re often marketed by spring count. A "3000 pocket" mattress simply means it contains around 3,000 individual springs. As a rule, the higher the count, the more precisely the mattress can respond to your body.

Browse our pocket sprung mattresses to see the range.

How firm should my mattress be?

Most people do best on a medium-firm mattress, since it balances comfort and support. The right level for you still comes down to two things: how you sleep, and how much you weigh.

• Side sleepers usually do best on a soft to medium mattress, since it cushions the hips and shoulders.
• Back and stomach sleepers need more support underneath. A medium-firm or firm mattress keeps the spine level rather than letting it sag.
• Heavier sleepers tend to sink further into any mattress, so firmer is usually the safer choice.

Shop by firmness: soft, medium-firm or firm, or read how to choose a mattress for the full breakdown.

What's a decent price to pay for a mattress?

A decent mattress in the UK typically costs between £150 and £500. Where you land depends on the size, filling and spring count.

• Budget options from around £20 to £100 use basic foam or open coil springs. Fine for children’s rooms or occasional guest use, less so for every night.
• Mid-range mattresses from £150 to £400 cover most pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid options built for daily use.
• Above £400, you’re paying for higher spring counts, natural fillings and cooling technology.

At bedkingdom, cot mattresses start from £19.99, with adult mattress prices starting higher. If you find the same mattress cheaper elsewhere, our price match guarantee means we’ll match it, and 0% APR finance is available on approved credit so you can spread the cost.

Can I get a mattress on finance?

Yes. Every mattress at bedkingdom is available on 0% APR finance, subject to approval, so you don’t have to pay the full amount up front. See our finance options for full terms and to check your eligibility.

How do I clean a mattress?

Cleaning a mattress comes down to three steps: vacuum, spot clean, then air dry.

• Vacuum every few months to lift dust and debris from the surface.
• Spot clean marks with a small amount of upholstery cleaner, or a mix of washing up liquid and cold water. Avoid soaking the mattress, since trapped moisture can lead to mould.
• Air dry fully before putting bedding back on.

A mattress protector is the easiest way to avoid deep cleans altogether, since it catches spills before they ever reach the mattress.

How often should I replace my mattress?

Most mattresses last 6 to 8 years, though this depends on the type, quality and how much use it gets. Sagging, lumps, and waking up with aches you didn’t have before are all signs it’s time for a new one.

Our guide on how often you should change your mattress covers this in more detail. And if you’re getting rid of an old one, we’ve also put together advice on how to dispose of a mattress.

Do I need a mattress topper or protector?

Most people benefit from a mattress protector. A topper is optional, worth adding only if the mattress feels a little too firm or too soft as it