How To Buy The Best Budget Mattress?

Choosing a mattress is one of the most personal decisions. One person’s experience with a mattress can seem like a cloud, but another person may feel the same way. The sheer number of mattresses on offer makes it difficult to make a decision. There are options for every type of budget.

From new-age bed-in-a-box mattresses to the more traditional, feels-like-it-weighs-a-tonne pocket-sprung alternatives only found in specialist bed shops, you’ve got a lot of choice. We’ve made it easy for you to make the right decision. For our guide on choosing a mattress, read on.

After you’re done, check out our guide to the best mattress types. Here we weigh the pros and cons for both sprung and foam mattresses.

How to Choose a Mattress

What are the differences between different types of mattress?

There are five types of mattresses:

Memory foam

They don’t have much spring and instead mold to your body. This means you are less likely to wake your partner up at night. Many of the new generation models are vacuum-packed and rolled to keep their shape. They can retain body heat and make you feel hot and clammy, especially if they’re very soft.

Best memory-foam mattress: Emma Original

The Emma Original mattress for Crushed velvet bed from Hugo & Sons is a compromise between too firm and too light. It provides plenty of support, but also contours to your body.

The Original is a versatile all-foam mattress that can be used in a number of positions. It’s well-suited for couples looking to make a compromise. After a few price hikes, the king-size Original will run you PS799. You can save as much as 40% when you take advantage of the promotional discount. However, the Emma Original, just like other foam mattresses, is not recommended for those who are very warm.

Pocket sprung

This mattress is the oldest type. It has a soft, springy feel due to the springs that are sewn into individual fabric pockets. The mattress is also durable and supportive thanks to the variety of tension levels available. You can fill pocket-sprung mattresses with a variety of materials, including wool, to meet your comfort and breathability needs. They don’t mold to your body and won’t warm you at night like memory foam or latex.

Best pocket-sprung mattress Harrison Spinks Velocity 4250

Harrison Spinks is known for its luxurious pocket-sprung mattresses. The Velocity 4250 is no exception. This entire range of mattresses is made entirely of natural, recyclable materials and arrives vacuum packed at your doorstep within 24 hours. The Velocity 4250’s upholstery, unlike many of its contemporary rivals, is made of a mixture of wool, cotton and viscose. This makes it more effective at controlling temperature. This model is an eco-friendly alternative to the bed-in-a box.

Latex

These are similar to memory-foam, but have a little more spring. Natural latex is better than synthetic latex. It’s antimicrobial, resistant to mould and dust mites, and also has a higher quality. There are two types: the heavier and more dense Dunlop latex and the lighter, softer Talalay latex. They are also available in the “new-generation” style. However, they can hold body heat similarly to the Dunlop latex. Latex mattresses can last up to 20 years, according to some.

Best latex mattress: Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign

Latex’s buoyancy is a notable feature when it is used in mattresses. Latex mattresses are more buoyant than memory foam and can recover their shape faster when you move or get up from a different area of the mattress.

The Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign mattress is supportive and comfortable. It will fit all sleep types, but we recommend it to back sleepers because of its postural support. It’s expensive at PS2,319 for doubles, but you might find it on sale. It is worth noting that the device is very heavy and rotating it requires two people.

Hybrids

These combinations are mix-and match versions of certain mattress types. You can have a pocket-sprung core to get buoyancy and a foam top layer to get the moulding effect.

Best hybrid mattress: Simba Hybrid Pro

Hybrids that combine springs and synthetic comfort layers tend to be warmer than traditional pocket-sprung counterparts like the Harrison Spinks Velocity 42250 (see above). However, Simba’s Hybrid Pro attempts a way to combat this problem by adding a wool top layer. During our testing, we found the mattress to be supportive and comfortable. We also found that the wool layer was effective in maintaining temperature regulation. The Hybrid Pro was a great mattress, with the exception of its non-removable top cover.

It’s expensive at PS1,419 for the king-size mattress. It is however, one of our favourite hybrid mattresses. It is also available at a discount, just like other bed-in-a box mattresses.

Continuous coil or open coil

The first one is made of a single looped cable, the second from single springs that are connected with one wire. These mattresses are the most affordable, but they can also be very uncomfortable. In the worst cases, you will feel the coils. The whole thing will move if you move it, which could cause you to disturb your partner. You might find yourself and your partner in the middle of a coil mattress that is wearing out quickly.

When should I change my mattress?

The National Bed Federation recommends that you replace your mattress every seven year (though some mattresses can last up to eighteen years, in others, even ten). The National Bed Federation warns that a mattress can often be worn out before you realize.

The Sleep Council states that your mattress will have seen over 20,000 hours of wear over seven years. This includes half-pints of fluid per night and one pound of dead skin cells each year.

Signs that you may need a new mattress are: if you find that you sleep better on other beds than you do in your own, or if you feel that you’re not sleeping as well as you used to a year ago. It could also indicate that you should spend the money if you wake up feeling stiff or in pain.

You will be able to move around more, wake up less, and get disturbed less by your partner if you have a mattress that is right for you. Also, you’re less likely to feel groggy when you wake up.

What size should my mattress be?

The Sleep Council warns that people don’t purchase enough beds. For example, many people don’t realize that a double bed measures 135cm in width. This is not enough space for two people to comfortably sleep together. It can make all the difference to move up one size to a Kingsize mattress (150cm).

Bottom line: If you share your bed, make sure you have enough space in your bedroom to accommodate your partner. Don’t forget about matching the size of your mattress with your bed frame. For instance, European mattress sizes may differ from standard UK sizes.

Do I need to try before I buy?

Your mattress must be the right size. It should also provide the right support and comfort. It’s crucial to test before buying a mattress or getting a trial period. This means that you can either try it out in the store – taking the time to lay on it in your preferred sleeping position – or look for one that comes with an extended trial period if you order one online. Many bed-in-a box brands offer trial periods of up to 100 nights.

What should my natural sleeping position affect the mattress I choose?

Yes. You should. Different sleeping positions need different levels of support so you can choose the right mattress for you.

Side sleepers This is where you will need to have a mattress that provides a lot pressure relief, especially at those points in your body that push down the most. (You can visualize yourself lying on a ground to work out these points). A pocket spring with a soft top is the best. However, memory foam and latex mattresses are also good options. Avoid firm mattresses as they can cause pressure points pain. Check out our roundup of the top mattresses for side sleepers.

Front sleeping- Again, a pocket spring mattress can be very supportive. Memory foam mattresses may feel restricted. As latex has more bounce, it can also be a good choice.

Back sleepers Any mattress can be used for back sleepers, but you should look for one that offers good support and some flexibility so that your spine remains aligned as you sleep.

Do I need a firm, medium or soft mattress?

In general, heavier people prefer firm support while those with lighter bodies find medium or soft mattresses to be more comfortable. But, it is important to take into account your personal preferences and sleeping position. Personal preference is more important than you might think.

Firm mattresses don’t necessarily make for better backs or older people. This is a myth. You can find mattresses with different tensions for your partner, whether you prefer a zip or not.

Are there mattresses that require a particular type of bed base?

The base of your mattress can have an impact on its performance and feel. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation. A base with spring slats is recommended by many. This provides support and absorbs movement while you sleep.

A platform base is able to support any mattress and provide a firmer foundation. A slatted base can lead to a mattress bulging over time. To ensure your mattress’s longevity, make sure that the slats do not exceed 70mm apart.

Are all mattresses worth turning?

To ensure that your mattress is in good condition, it should be rotated at least once a month. This is especially important when purchasing a mattress, as many mattresses can be very heavy. Although some mattresses can only be turned, others need to be rotated. However, this can prove difficult when the mattress weighs over a tonne. There are mattresses that can be purchased that do not require turning or rotating.

What is the importance of a warranty?

You should check the warranty for details, as well as the length of the warranty. Most warranties cover manufacturing defects. These can happen quickly, such as a popped spring or foam that isn’t bouncing back. If something does happen, and you don’t use the recommended mattress base or fail to use a protector for your mattress, the warranty may be invalid.

What amount should I spend?

It was once the rule that a cheap mattress was not worth the cost. However, we discovered that there are some exceptions to this rule, like the Dormeo Memory Plus which is often discounted to around PS200 per one. It’s not that mattresses that cost thousands of pounds aren’t worth the investment. But, make sure you do your research.