Buying a new mattress is probably one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your home, it needs to be comfortable and supportive and you should invest in the best one you can afford. Mattresses can be expensive so before you purchase do your research.

Buying a new mattress is probably one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your home, it needs to be comfortable and supportive and you should invest in the best one you can afford. Mattresses can be expensive so before you purchase do your research.

Deciding which type of mattress to buy is only part of the story, whether you prefer a pocket-sprung or a memory-foam mattress, there are big differences between the best and worst of each mattress type. Make the wrong choices and you risk being lumbered with an expensive mattress that is uncomfortable, unsupportive and unable to stand the test of time without sagging and softening.

How often should you change your mattress?

It is advisable to replace your mattress every 7-10 years. However, if you’re not sleeping well you may need to change before this time. The fact is that the life of a mattress varies, depending on how you take care of it, how you sleep on it and how often you rotate it.

Considerations to make:

The feel and firmness of a mattress depends on your definition of soft, medium, and firm. It will also depend on other factors including your body type, weight and size. If a mattress does not offer adequate support, you will more than likely wake up sore or in pain.

How do you sleep?

We sleep in various ways and in different sleep positions. In order to choose the right mattress, you need to know if you sleep on your side, back or stomach.

How much do you weigh?

Weight may not seem that important, but it can be crucial when making your choice. The support of each mattress is highly affected by how much you weigh, your height and your body type.

If you want a traditional mattress with natural fillings, such as wool, a pocket-sprung mattress will be a good choice. With these mattresses, each spring is enclosed in its own fabric pocket and reacts to pressure from your body independently.

Memory-foam mattresses can be more durable and mould to your body shape but, in some cases, this can increase your body temperature and restrict your movement.

A new mattress can cost anywhere between £100 and several thousand. Factors such as brand, size and the types of material used can all have a significant impact on cost.