Which Mattress is Right for Me?
Buying a new mattress can feel overwhelming. With pocket sprung, memory foam, hybrids, gel, latex, soft, medium and firm mattresses to choose from — no wonder many people don't know where to start. The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated. In this guide we'll explain everything in plain English so you can choose with confidence.
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- How much should I spend?
- What firmness should I choose?
- Memory foam vs pocket springs
- Which mattress is best for back pain?
- Which size do I need?
- When should I replace my mattress?
- Top 10 mistakes people make
- Choose with confidence
Our Honest Answer
There isn't a "best" mattress. There isn't a magic machine that tells you which one to buy. Our job isn't to sell you the most expensive mattress — it's to help you find the right one.
We've been helping people choose mattresses for over 30 years. Vicki and Kelly — the owners — have both had back operations and have slept on memory foam and natural mattresses. We know what it's like to lie awake in pain, and we know how much the right mattress can change your life. That's why we'll always give you an honest answer, even if it means recommending something less expensive.
How Much Should I Spend?
You don't need to spend a fortune, but a mattress is one of the few things you use every single night for 8–10 years. Think of it as pennies per night rather than hundreds of pounds upfront. A good quality mattress starts from around £400–£600 for a double. Beyond that, you're paying for better materials, more layers, and longer durability — not just a brand name.
Our honest advice: set a realistic budget, then let us help you find the best mattress within it. Don't be upsold on features you don't need.
What Firmness Should I Choose?
Firmness is personal — but your sleep position is the best starting point.
Soft to Medium. You need a mattress that cushions your hips and shoulders and keeps your spine aligned.
Medium to Firm. You need support in the lumbar region without the mattress being so hard it creates pressure points.
Firm. A softer mattress will cause your hips to sink, putting strain on your lower back.
Medium. A responsive mattress (like pocket springs) that moves with you is usually the best choice.
Body weight matters too. If you're lighter, you may find a "medium" feels firmer than expected. If you're heavier, a soft mattress may not give you enough support. When in doubt, come and try them in our showroom — no pressure, just honest advice.
Remember: this is just a guide. Ultimately, you buy what's comfortable to you. Everyone is different, and the best mattress is the one you actually sleep well on.
Read our full guide: What Firmness Mattress Do I Need? →
Memory Foam vs Pocket Springs
This is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer: both are excellent — they just feel very different.
- Memory foam moulds to your body, reduces pressure points, and is great for overall body support. It can sleep warmer and has less bounce.
- Pocket springs are more responsive, sleep cooler, and suit people who move around in the night. Natural fillings add breathability and luxury.
Read our full honest comparison: Memory Foam vs Pocket Springs →
Which Mattress is Best for Back Pain?
Both Vicki and Kelly have had back operations — so this one is genuinely close to our hearts.
Years ago, the medical world used to recommend a firm or "orthopaedic" mattress for back pain. ("Orthopaedic", by the way, is just a word that gets put on mattresses — cheap ones and expensive ones alike. It doesn't actually mean anything specific.) The thinking was: firm = supportive. But we now know that's not the whole story.
It's not about firmness — it's about support and how the mattress works with your body. And every body is different.
Kelly, for example, needs to sleep on a soft but supportive mattress. Anything too firm leaves her feeling worse in the morning. Vicki, on the other hand, prefers something a little firmer. Same back problems, different needs — that's exactly why there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
What you're looking for is a mattress that keeps your spine in a natural, neutral position without creating pressure points. That might be a soft memory foam for one person, or a medium pocket sprung for another.
If you're struggling with back pain, please come and see us. We'll take the time to understand your situation, ask the right questions, and help you find something that genuinely helps. No charge, no obligation — just honest advice from people who've been there. Find your nearest showroom →
Which Size Do I Need?
As a rule of thumb: go as big as your room (and budget) allows. A double is the minimum for two people, but a king makes a real difference to sleep quality. Super king is the ultimate — if you have the space, you won't regret it.
Don't forget to measure your room and leave space for bedside tables and wardrobe doors. We can also advise on divan bases and bed frames if you're starting from scratch.
Read our full guide: Mattress Sizes Explained →
When Should I Replace My Mattress?
The general guidance is every 8–10 years, but the real answer is: when it stops supporting you properly. Signs it's time to replace include waking up stiff or achy, visible sagging or lumps, or simply not sleeping as well as you used to. A good mattress is an investment in your health — don't put it off.
Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Buying a Mattress
- Buying online without trying it — a mattress is too personal to buy blind. Come and lie on it first.
- Choosing firmness by name alone — "medium" means different things to different manufacturers.
- Ignoring their sleep position — this is the single biggest factor in choosing the right firmness.
- Choosing what someone else recommends — your friend's favourite mattress might be completely wrong for you. Everyone's body is different.
- Just sitting on the edge and not lying down — you can't tell how a mattress feels from sitting on it. Lie down, in your usual sleep position, for at least a few minutes.
- Buying on pocket count alone — more pockets doesn't automatically mean a better mattress. The quality of the springs, the fillings, and how it feels to you matters far more than a number.
- Forgetting about temperature — if you sleep hot, memory foam may not be your friend.
- Replacing the mattress but not the base — a worn base can ruin a new mattress.
- Not asking questions — there are no silly questions. We've heard them all and we love helping.
- Waiting too long to replace — if you're waking up tired or in pain, don't wait another year.
Choose With Confidence
Vicki & Kelly
Owners
Bedtime Bed Centre has been helping people sleep better for over 30 years — started by our dad, and now run by Vicki, Kelly, and the team. Between us, we've got around 20 years of hands-on experience helping customers find the right mattress, and we genuinely love what we do.
We're not here to sell you the most expensive mattress. We're here to help you find the right one — the one that means you wake up feeling better than when you went to bed.
Come and see us in the showroom, give us a call, or drop us a message. No hard sell. No pressure. Just honest advice from people who genuinely care about your sleep.
