Mattress Buying Guide
With so much time spent in bed, it’s important your mattress is up to the job. Choosing the right mattress will help you avoid neck and back pain, reduce stress, and get a better night’s sleep.
Of course, with thousands of different makes, sizes, and materials available, it can be hard to narrow down your options. So, how do you know which mattress is right for you?
Carpet Barn & The Bed Store are the South’s bed and mattress specialists. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about buying the perfect mattress, from the varieties of mattresses available, to the type best for your sleeping position.
Mattress Types
Mattresses come with a wide range of fillings and structures. Although alternatives exist, here are the most common:
Innerspring
Popular since the 19th century, spring mattresses embody the classic mattress. As the name suggests, they are packed with tight coils that provide a comfortable bounce when you put weight on them. Spring tends to be the most affordable mattress type, although this depends on coil count and fabric.
Foam
Memory foam mattresses are made of a soft, spongy material that naturally contours around your body shape, offering unparalleled support and pain relief.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine the stability of springs with the gentle support of foam. They typically contain a base of springs with a layer of foam laid on top.
Gel
Gel mattresses feature a breathable layer of gel on top of springs or other fillings. The gel cushions the body while regulating temperature, making it the perfect choice if you find yourself overheating at night.
Adjustable
The top and bottom of adjustable mattresses can be raised individually with the flick of a switch. They’re best for people who like sitting up in bed, who struggle with mobility, or who suffer from back pain and snoring.
Best Mattresses for Each Sleeping Position
Most people tend to stick to one position while they sleep: on their back, their front, or their side. The firmness and filling of the mattress you choose should align with your preferred sleeping position.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers have pressure points on their hips and shoulders. A soft-to-medium level of firmness is best for keeping good alignment with the spine, as it will cushion pressure points while keeping your body properly supported.
Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are recommended for side sleepers, as they gently cup pressure points and allow all parts of the body to stay in line. Our Denali Mattress, for example, combines pocket springs with luxurious deep memory foam for outstanding comfort and support.
Back Sleepers
Because back sleepers put the greatest pressure on their lower back, an overly soft mattress can cause the torso to sink in more deeply than the legs and upper back. This can create strain and back pain. A firm mattress is recommended to ensure proper support for the whole body.
High-quality traditional or pocket spring mattresses are ideal for back sleepers, as they provide a firm base that will support you all night long. Our Admiral 2,000 Mattress contains 2,000 pocket springs with firm fillings on each side, allowing for an incredible level of back support. Its springs also work independently, so you won’t be disturbed by the mattress moving if a partner turns over in the night.
Front Sleepers
When sleeping on your front, keeping your spine supported is key to a comfortable night’s sleep. A medium-to-firm mattress will help keep your body aligned and prevent your spine from arching as it would with a soft mattress; a too-soft mattress can also cause you to sink in and feel smothered. Make sure not to go for one that’s too firm, however, as it will stop your spine from maintaining its natural curve and can lead to back pain.
Both spring and memory foam mattresses can be good for front sleepers, but make sure they are the right level of firmness. Our Kew Memory Mattress has 4,000 pocket springs and a deep box border, providing exceptional support and a luxurious feel
We have a broad range of styles and brands, from open coil to orthopaedic. We also have catalogues in store for you to browse, so we're sure to have a mattress perfect, no matter what kind you need - pop in store today or view our range online!
Shop Our Premium Range of Mattresses
Now that you have a better idea of what kind of mattress is right for you, it’s time to buy your dream model!
At Carpet Barn & The Bed Store, we have a huge variety of high-quality mattresses available for you to browse. We offer free delivery within 20 miles and will beat any like-for-like written price, so you can be sure you’re getting the most value out of your purchase.
From affordable innersprings to sumptuous memory foam, we’re sure to have the perfect mattress for you.
Shop our mattress range online or in store today!
Mattress FAQS
We offer a great range of open coil, pocket spring, firm, medium and soft mattresses from a variety of brands to suit any sleeper. Browse our full range of mattresses or contact our team today for more information.
Mattresses are heavily linked to our health. As well as being key in supporting your back and posture, a good mattress can help to alleviate stress and allow you to get a better night sleep. Many people also don't realise they're allergic to their existing mattress: picking the right one is a long-term investment.
Yes, our mattresses are available for secure purchase online. You can also purchase a mattress for delivery to one of our stores ready for you to collect.