How to Choose the Right Mattress | National Bed Month Guide

How To Choose The Right Mattress For You

Choosing the right mattress can make a huge difference to your comfort and sleep quality. In this guide, we explain how to choose a mattress that suits your sleeping position, comfort preferences and bedroom space.

Comfortable bedroom with a supportive mattress for better sleep

A good night’s sleep starts with the right mattress. The mattress you choose plays a huge role in how comfortable and supported you feel each night, and the right choice can make a real difference to your overall sleep quality.

March is National Bed Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sleep. It also includes World Sleep Day on Friday 13th March 2026, which highlights just how vital good sleep is for our health, wellbeing and daily energy levels.

One of the most important factors in achieving better sleep is choosing the right mattress. With so many options available, it can sometimes feel difficult to know where to start.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to consider so you can feel confident about finding the mattress that’s right for you.

At Downtown Stores, we offer a carefully selected range of quality mattresses from trusted brands including Tempur, Silentnight, Sealy, Relyon, Kaymed, Hypnos, Highgrove, Harrison Spinks and Enchanted House, helping you find the comfort and support you need for a better night’s sleep.

Why the right mattress matters for sleep quality

Your mattress plays a crucial role in how well you sleep each night. A supportive and comfortable mattress helps keep your spine properly aligned and reduces pressure on key areas such as your shoulders, hips and back.

If a mattress is too soft, too firm or simply worn out, it can lead to restless nights, aches in the morning and disrupted sleep. Choosing a mattress that suits your body and sleeping position can help improve overall sleep quality and leave you feeling more refreshed when you wake up.

This is one of the reasons events such as World Sleep Day encourage people to think about the quality of their sleep environment, including the mattress they rely on every night.

Sleeping comfortably on a supportive mattress for better sleep quality

Start by choosing the right mattress size

Before thinking about comfort or materials, it’s important to choose the correct mattress size for your room and sleeping needs.

Common UK mattress sizes include:

Single mattresses – measuring 90cm x 190cm – ideal for children, teenagers or smaller guest rooms
Small Double mattresses – measuring 120cm x 190cm – a great choice where space is limited
Double mattresses – measuring 135cm x 190cm – one of the most popular options for couples
King Size mattresses – measuring 150cm x 200cm – offers more space for couples to stretch out
Super King mattresses – measuring 180cm x 200cm – perfect if you want maximum sleeping space

If you share a bed or tend to move during the night, choosing a larger mattress can make a noticeable difference to comfort.

You can explore our full range of mattresses, bed frames and divan beds to find the right size for your bedroom.

Choosing the right mattress size for your bedroom

Consider your ideal mattress firmness

Mattress firmness is one of the most important factors in achieving comfortable and supportive sleep.

While comfort is personal, here are some general guidelines:

Soft mattresses
Best for lighter sleepers and those who prefer a plush feel. They allow the body to sink slightly into the surface.

Medium mattresses
A popular choice for many sleepers. They offer a balance of comfort and support.

Firm mattresses
Provide more support and are often preferred by back sleepers or those who want a sturdier feel.

If you share a bed, choosing a medium or medium-firm mattress can often suit both sleepers.

Our experienced in-store teams in Grantham and Boston are always happy to help you try different firmness levels so you can find what feels right for you.

How the right mattress can help you sleep better

A mattress that provides the right balance of comfort and support can make a noticeable difference to how easily you fall asleep and how well you stay asleep.

Features that can contribute to better sleep include:

Pressure-relieving comfort layers
Responsive pocket springs that support the body
Reduced movement transfer for couples
Breathable materials that help regulate temperature

Many modern mattresses from brands such as Tempur, Sealy, Silentnight and Harrison Spinks are designed with sleep comfort in mind, helping create a more restful sleeping environment.

Understand the different types of mattresses

Modern mattresses are designed using a range of materials and technologies. Understanding the differences can help you decide what will suit your sleep style best.

Pocket sprung mattress cutaway showing springs and layers

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses contain individual springs that move independently, helping to support different parts of the body.

Benefits include:

Good support across the body
Reduced motion transfer for couples
A traditional mattress feel

Many respected brands such as Hypnos, Relyon, Harrison Spinks and Highgrove specialise in high-quality pocket sprung mattresses.

You can browse our range of pocket sprung mattresses to see the options available.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses mould gently to the shape of your body, helping to relieve pressure points and promote comfort.

Key benefits include:

Body-contouring support
Pressure relief
Reduced partner disturbance

Brands such as Tempur and Kaymed are well known for their advanced memory foam technologies.

Explore our collection of memory foam mattresses to learn more.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine pocket springs with layers of foam or other comfort materials.

This combination can offer:

Responsive support from springs
Pressure relief from foam layers
Balanced comfort for many sleepers

Brands including Sealy and Silentnight offer innovative hybrid designs that combine comfort with reliable support.

You can view our hybrid mattresses to see these options.

Think about your sleeping position

Your preferred sleeping position can influence which mattress will feel most comfortable.

Side sleepers
Often benefit from slightly softer mattresses that cushion the shoulders and hips.

Back sleepers
Usually prefer medium to firm mattresses that support the natural curve of the spine.

Front sleepers
Often need firmer support to help prevent the hips from sinking too deeply.

If you change position during the night, a medium mattress is often a good all-round choice.

Don’t forget about temperature and breathability

A comfortable mattress should also help regulate your temperature while you sleep.

Many modern mattresses include breathable materials such as:

Natural fibres
Cooling foam layers
Airflow spring systems

Brands like Harrison Spinks, Hypnos and Enchanted House often incorporate natural materials such as wool, cotton and cashmere to help create a comfortable sleeping environment.

Pairing your mattress with the right pillows, duvets and bedlinen can also help improve your sleep comfort.

Creating the ideal sleep environment

While your mattress is the foundation of a comfortable bed, your overall sleep environment also plays an important role in how well you rest.

To support better sleep, consider:

Choosing a supportive mattress that suits your sleeping style
Using comfortable pillows that support your neck
Selecting breathable duvets and bedlinen for the right temperature
Keeping your bedroom calm, dark and comfortable

Making small improvements to your sleep environment can help you enjoy more restful nights and wake up feeling ready for the day ahead.

When should you replace your mattress?

Even the best mattress will eventually need replacing. Over time, materials can lose their support and comfort.

Most experts recommend replacing your mattress every 7–8 years, although this can vary depending on quality and usage.

Signs it may be time for a new mattress include:

You wake up with aches or stiffness
The mattress feels uneven or sagging
You sleep better in other beds than your own
Your mattress is more than 7–8 years old

If you notice these signs, it may be worth exploring our range of mattresses to find a new model that better supports your sleep.

Explore our mattress collection

At Downtown Stores, we’re proud to offer a wide range of quality mattresses from trusted brands including:

Tempur
Silentnight
Sealy
Relyon
Kaymed
Hypnos
Highgrove
Harrison Spinks
Enchanted House

Whether you prefer traditional pocket springs, advanced memory foam or a modern hybrid design, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your comfort and budget.

Browse our full collection of mattresses, or visit our Grantham or Boston store to experience the range for yourself. Our friendly team will be happy to help you find the perfect mattress for a better night’s sleep.

Posted by Ellie Allen
11th March 2026

Back to news