Mattress Buying Guide - How To Choose A Mattress 

Choosing the right mattress is a vital decision because it directly affects your health and sleep quality. A good mattress supports your body, aligns your spine, and relieves pressure points. This boosts your overall well-being and ensures a restful night's sleep. 

However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find a perfect mattress. But don't worry; we're here to help you understand what suits your needs best. 

In this guide, we will guide you about each and everything you need to consider when purchasing a mattress, including the types of materials, firmness levels, and special features so that you can understand your needs and find the perfect fit for you.

So, let’s start!

Signs You Need a New Mattress

Recognising when to replace your mattress is the first step for your health and sleep quality. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Sagging or indentations

• Lumps or uneven surfaces

• Creaking or noise when moving

• Worsening allergies or asthma

• Increased tossing and turning

Well, to be honest, a worn-out mattress can ruin your sleep. It could lead to discomfort and restless nights, which could affect your overall health. According to Web MD, an old mattress is often linked to back pain, as the materials lose their ability to support the spine correctly.  You might wake up with back pain or joint aches. 

Moreover, in a poll conducted by Sleep Foundation,  92% of people say a good mattress is key to a good night's sleep. Plus, old mattresses can aggravate allergies by harbouring dust mites over time. That’s just not healthy.

Remember, keeping your mattress in great condition isn’t just about comfort; it’s about your health, too. Sleepy Piglet knows this, and we’re here to ensure you get the restful nights you deserve. That's why, we offer only the best mattress that supports your overall well-being, helping you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Understanding Mattress Types

Choosing the right mattress is essential for a restful night. And we believe in simplicity and transparency. That's why our small range of mattresses focuses on quality and genuine comfort without any gimmicks. Please review the different types of mattresses so that you can find the perfect fit:

Pocket Spring Mattresses

Pocket spring mattresses feature individually encased springs that provide excellent support and minimise motion transfer, making them ideal for couples. They adjust to the body's contours, relieving pressure points while ensuring breathability for a cooler sleep.

What Sleepy Piglet Offers?
We pride ourselves on offering pocket spring mattresses with support and durability. Each spring is individually encased, reducing motion transfer and making them ideal for couples. Moreover, with multiple springs counts ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 springs, we ensure genuine support without any gimmicks.  Remember, we don't offer anything over 3,000 often because it involves mini springs, which add no real value to your mattress—just add cost. So, by choosing our pocket spring mattress, you will get targeted support, which will conform to your body and give you a restful sleep.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses adapt to your body shape, offering personalised support. They reduce pressure on joints and provide a weightless sensation. Although they can retain heat sometimes. Therefore, nowadays some manufacturers are making hybrid models of memory foam mattresses that counter the body with the cooling technologies.

What Sleepy Piglet Offers?

Our memory foam selection includes hybrid models with pocket springs. This design avoids the heat retention of pure memory foam. It also offers the weightless comfort of memory foam with the stability of springs. This hybrid approach suits all sleep positions and ensures you stay cool and supported.

Natural Mattresses

Natural mattresses stand out for their commitment to sustainability and health and are crafted with organic materials such as wool and cotton. These mattresses offer hypoallergenic properties that create a healthier sleep environment. The use of natural materials not only provides a plush and comfortable sleeping surface but also ensures robust support that is essential for a restful night.

What Sleepy Piglet Offers?

Our natural mattresses are eco-friendly and hypoallergenic because they are made from organic materials like wool and cotton. They offer a soft, plush feel while ensuring durability. Hand-side stitching also adds to their strength and longevity. However, remember, rotating them regularly helps maintain their supportive qualities.

Pillow Top Mattresses

Pillow top mattresses add an extra layer of plush comfort to standard mattresses, offering a luxurious, cloud-like sleeping experience. They are perfect for those who prefer a softer surface with underlying support.

What Sleepy Piglet Offers?

For those seeking luxury, our pillow top mattresses offer a plush layer atop supportive springs. With up to 3,000 springs, they deliver a cloud-like experience without any unnecessary fillers.  Similar to pocket springs, we avoid the use of mini springs here, so that you can get the genuine comfort without any gimmicks.

Rolled Mattresses – Mattress In A Box

Rolled mattresses offer convenience in transport but often lack edge support, which reduces its durability. They are commonly shipped compressed, which can affect their structural integrity.

Why Does Sleepy Piglet Not Offer These Mattresses?

Well, while popular, we don’t offer rolled mattresses due to their limitations because we don't want to compromise on quality. Due to rolled-off reasons, they lack edge support, which impacts durability. Our mattresses are crafted in the UK and shipped without rolling, preserving their integrity and providing better value.

Important Note: To keep things simple and straightforward, we offer a small, carefully curated selection of mattresses that offer 5  to 10-year guarantees.  We also value your satisfaction. Therefore, we offer a 100-night trial on our all-mattress range, which allows you to experience our quality mattresses so that you find the comfort you deserve.

How to Determine the Right Mattress for You

Choosing the right mattress is key to a restful night's sleep. Here’s how to find the perfect fit for your sleeping style:

Back Sleepers

If you sleep on your back, you need great support. A medium-firm to firm mattress is best. It helps keep your spine aligned, preventing lower back pain. Look for one with strong lumbar support. This ensures your spine’s natural curve stays healthy.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need cushioning for hips and shoulders. A softer to medium mattress is ideal. It lets pressure points sink slightly, offering relief and comfort. Memory foam or pillow tops are excellent choices here. They contour to your body, keeping your spine straight and reducing pressure sores.

Stomach Sleepers

For stomach sleepers, a firm mattress is crucial. It prevents your midsection from sinking. This helps avoid neck and back strain. A firm mattress keeps your body level and supports spine alignment. This way, you wake up refreshed, without aches.

Combination Sleepers

If you change positions often, versatility is key. A medium-firm mattress usually works well. It balances support and comfort for all positions. Consider responsive materials like latex or hybrids. They adjust quickly to movements and provide consistent support.

By considering your primary sleeping position, you can select a mattress that enhances your comfort, supports your health, and improves your overall sleep quality. So, no matter if you sleep on your back, side, stomach, or switch positions, we have a perfect mattress for you because you deserve better sleep every night.

 Body Type and Mattress Firmness 

Understanding how your body type affects mattress firmness is crucial for a comfortable sleep experience. Your body weight and shape play a significant role in determining the ideal mattress firmness. 

Heavier individuals often benefit from firmer mattresses, which provide ample support without excessive sinking by ensuring spinal alignment. On the other hand, lighter individuals might prefer softer mattresses that contour more closely to their bodies, offering necessary cushioning and preventing discomfort.

Here's an overview of different  firmness scales that can  help you choose the best mattress fitness according to your choice:

• Firmness (Levels 1 to 3)

• Firmness (Levels 4 to 7)

• Firmness (Levels 8 to 10)

Understanding this firmness scale ensures you achieve optimal comfort and promote better sleep quality.

Mattress Sizes

Choosing the right mattress size is also crucial for your comfort and the functionality of your space. So, let's simplify the process for you.

Understanding Room Dimensions

Before selecting a mattress, consider the size of your room. A larger room can accommodate a king-size bed and offers more space to relax. However, smaller rooms might benefit from a double or single mattress to maintain functionality.

Considering Sleep Habits

Who will be using the bed? This is an important question. Because, singles, couples, and families all have different needs. For example, if you often share your bed with kids or pets, a super king might be the ideal choice. Therefore, understanding your sleep habits ensures you select the best option for restful nights.

Mattress Size Overview

Here's a quick look at standard UK mattress sizes:

Now let's see, what size is best for your needs?

Single (3ft, 90cm x 190cm)

The Single mattress is perfect for those who value efficient use of space without compromising on comfort. It is ideal for teenagers or single adults because this size fits seamlessly into smaller rooms, and offers enough space for a restful sleep.

Small Double (4ft, 120cm x 190cm)

A Small Double, sometimes known as a "three-quarter" bed, is an excellent choice for those who need a bit more room to stretch out. So, if you're single and like to sprawl, or a couple in a snug bedroom, this size offers a great balance. This size is perfect for those tight spaces where you refuse to compromise on comfort and style.

Double (4ft6, 135cm x 190cm)

The double mattress is a popular choice, as it provides extra room for two adults or a single sleeper who loves extra space. This mattress offers the perfect blend of practicality and luxury. It fits well in most bedrooms and adds comfort without overwhelming the space.

King Size (5ft, 150cm x 200cm)

For those who enjoy extra room, the king size mattress is ideal. It's perfect for couples who appreciate additional sleeping space or taller individuals needing more length.

Super King (6ft, 180cm x 200cm)

The Super King mattress is the epitome of luxury and space. It offers unmatched comfort and room and is ideal for couples, families, or anyone who loves to spread out.

Remember, choosing the right mattress size is not only about comfort but also about ensuring your bedroom remains a functional and pleasant space. The right choice enhances your sleep quality and complements your living space.

Additional Features to Consider

Exploring the right features can maximise your sleep experience. So, for better rest, here's what additional factors you look for in a mattress:

Pillow Tops and Hand Tufting

Pillow tops add plushness, making your bed feel like a cloud. They provide extra cushioning without compromising support. It's perfect for those who enjoy a softer sleeping surface. Hand tufting, on the other hand,  strengthens your mattress by securing its layers tightly. This process stops them from shifting, preventing sagging over time. So, it gives you peace of mind that your mattress stays durable and supportive for years. 

Hypoallergenic and Natural Materials

For allergy sufferers, hypoallergenic options are a game-changer. So, you should choose mattresses that have been made from natural materials like organic cotton or wool to resist allergens. They're breathable and keep you cool and healthy throughout the night.  Moreover, choosing the natural material also contributes to a cleaner and eco-friendly sleep environment, which benefits both your well-being and the overall environment. 

Edge Support

Strong edge support keeps your mattress firm around the sides. It prevents sagging and offers more sleep space.  It's especially important for couples and those who frequently sit on the bed's edge, as it ensures stability and prevents that unsettling "rolling off" sensation. Strong edge support also enhances the mattress's longevity by providing consistent support to your mattress.

Temperature Regulation Technologies

Overheating at night? Then, you should choose mattresses with cooling technology, such as you can choose Gel-infused foam mattresses or simply breathable fabrics, as they help you to adjust to your body heat and keep you cool. It gives you uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.

By choosing these features, you can gain comfort, support, and health benefits. Therefore, Sleepy Piglet is here to help you make an informed choice for a truly restful sleep. We prioritise your comfort, and therefore, have crafted out mattresses with these added features meticulously so that we can give you both elegance and functionality.

How To Choose The Right Mattress - Special Considerations

Choosing the right mattress is vital, and we know your needs are unique. Here’s how to choose the right mattress based on unique requirements:

Back Pain Sufferers

A mattress that alleviates back pain should offer good support and promote spinal alignment. We recommend you choose a medium-firm to firm mattress in this case, as they provide you optimal support and prevent the spine from sagging.  Hybrid memory foam or natural mattresses are ideal in that case because they can contour your body by offering pressure relief and reducing pain. It can significantly improve comfort and reduce pain over time.

Hot Sleepers

For hot sleepers, choosing a mattress with cooling materials is key. So, look for options with gel-infused memory foam or natural wool, which dissipate heat effectively. Breathable covers which are made from natural fibres also enhance the airflow. Hybrid mattresses are ideal in this case. Because they feature coil systems which promote ventilation and help you to keep cool throughout the night.

Couples

Couples should focus on mattresses that offer motion isolation to reduce disturbances.  Memory foam and hybrid mattresses excel in this area because they minimise the motion transfer, which allows one partner to move without waking the other. 

Edge support is also important for couples providing a sturdy perimeter and maximising sleeping space. So, you should choose a hybrid memory foam model that offers a combination of support and motion isolation, catering to different preferences within the same bed.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women need a mattress that offers excellent support and adjustable firmness to accommodate changing body shapes. And, a medium-firm mattress with good pressure relief can alleviate joint pain and support spinal alignment. So, look for mattresses with customisable layers as it allows you to adjust firmness as needed. 

Memory foam mattresses are excellent in this case as they contour your body well, provide comfort, and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

Seniors

For seniors, a mattress that's easy to move on and offers good support is essential. Medium to medium-firm mattresses are a good choice here as they provide balance and supporting joints while allowing ease of movement. 

So, you should choose a mattress with a responsive surface, like memory foam and hybrid options, which facilitate getting in and out of bed. These features can improve your comfort and address joint pain or mobility issues.

Kids

Children love cloud-like feelings, so pillow top mattresses are ideal for those kids as they offer a soft, inviting surface that enhances comfort and supports restful sleep. These mattresses are not only plush but also durable, which makes them perfect for active kids. 

Moreover, when you choose a mattress for a kid, you should also look that the mattress is made from hypoallergenic materials so that it can prevent your kids from allergies. Durability is also a key, as kids tend to be more active on their beds.

So, choose a mattress that not only features these qualities but also promotes a safe and supportive sleep environment.

Sciatica Sufferers

For those with sciatica, mattresses that provide pressure relief and maintain spine alignment are crucial. Memory foam or natural mattresses can reduce nerve pressure by contouring the body's shape. We also recommend medium-firm mattresses in this case as they offer necessary support to your body without being too hard.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Individuals with restless leg syndrome benefit from mattresses that enhance circulation and prevent overheating. A medium-firm mattress with a responsive surface can support easy movement during the night. You should also look for cooling technologies and breathable materials to maintain a comfortable temperature. A mattress that offers slight bounce, like a hybrid, can be a perfect choice here and it helps you to reduce restlessness.

For Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, selecting a mattress made from hypoallergenic materials is important as it can reduce exposure to allergens. So, you should make sure that the mattress has a removable and washable cover to maintain cleanliness. A medium-firm natural mattress with dust mite resistance can enhance comfort and health in this regard by providing a cleaner sleep environment.

By considering these specific needs, you can choose a mattress that fits your lifestyle and supports your well-being so that you get the restful night's sleep you deserve.

In-Store vs. Online Shopping

Exploring in-store versus online shopping for mattresses can help you decide the best way to purchase. Shopping in-store allows you to physically test mattresses, which is beneficial for those unsure about their preferences. However, it may limit you to local options and involve sales pressure.

Online shopping, on the other hand, provides a range of options, and you can even shop from the comfort of your home. It often comes with detailed reviews, making it easier to compare features and make informed decisions.  Prices are often more competitive online because retailers don't have the heavy burden of in-store maintenance costs.

Also, many online stores offer flexible delivery and return policies, which also enhance convenience and satisfaction. 

In short,  buying mattresses online supports a more relaxed and comprehensive shopping experience, giving you time and space to choose the best fit.

The good news is...

Online shopping at Sleepy Piglet offers you a relaxed experience. We believe you deserve better, so we ensure convenience and satisfaction with every purchase and support your journey by offering a 100-night trial and hassle-free returns. So, choose what suits you best to get a stress-free night’s sleep.

Trial Periods and Return Policies

Understanding trial periods and return policies is also vital when buying a mattress.  Trial periods allow you to test the mattress at home, so that it can give you an idea if it meets your comfort and support needs or not. This period is so important because normally, it often takes several weeks to adjust to a new mattress. That's why a generous trial period can give you peace of mind to decide if the mattress is right for you or not.

When examining return policies, here are some key points to consider:

• Duration of the trial period: Ensure it’s long enough to test the mattress fully.

• Return process: Look for straightforward and hassle-free procedures.

• Refund terms: Check if you receive a full refund or store credit.

• Collection fees: Be aware of any hidden costs associated with returns. Always check the transparency in terms of pricing.

• Condition requirements: Understand what state the mattress must be in for returns.

These factors can significantly influence your satisfaction with the purchase and make it easier to find the perfect mattress without any regrets.

Budgeting For A Mattress

Budgeting is crucial when buying a mattress. So, when budgeting for a mattress, understanding the different price ranges and what they offer is important. Let's break it down for you:

• Affordable Options: Starting around £100, these mattresses are perfect for temporary or guest rooms. They offer basic comfort but are great if you’re on a tight budget.

• Mid-Range Choices: These mattresses are priced between £300 and £800 and provide a good balance of comfort and durability. They often come with better materials and construction, making them a smart investment for your primary bed.

• Luxury Mattresses: These cost over £1,000 and come with premium features like advanced support systems, organic materials, and extended warranties. They’re ideal for those seeking a luxurious sleep experience.

Moreover, to get more discounted prices, here are some expert tips to find great deals:

• Shop During Sales Events: Keep an eye out for discounts during major holidays or mattress sales events.

• Sign Up for Newsletters: We often send exclusive deals to our subscribers. Join our list to stay in the loop and get a discounted price.

• Check for Bundle Offers: Sometimes, buying a mattress with other furniture like a bed can save you money, as many brands offer bundle deals on their products.

• Personal Recommendations: Ask friends or family about their mattress buying experiences. They can provide honest feedback which  can help you feel more confident in your purchase.

By following these tips, you can find a quality mattress that fits your budget, ensuring a restful and satisfying sleep.

What Is Sleepy Piglet Mattress Guarantee?

Well, we proudly guarantee our mattresses for up to 5 to 10 years and offer a 100 night free trail. This means you can feel secure that we will cover any defects in materials and workmanship raised during trial period. This guarantee includes issues such as excessive sagging and faulty springs.

However, we believe in transparency, so please review our warranty policy so that you will understand what types of mattresses will be eligible for return or replacement.

It's also important to keep your purchase receipt and related documents handy for any claims.

Remember again, we value our customers and are committed to ensuring that you receive the best. So, you can trust that your investment is protected. It will allow you to enjoy a peaceful sleep with confidence in our products.

What Makes Standout Sleepy Piglet From Others

Well, our mattresses are crafted with precision, and we offer various options to match your unique sleep preferences, style and comfort. Moreover, we prioritise eco-friendly and hypoallergenic materials so that you can get a healthier sleep environment.

To make your decision easier, Sleepy Piglet provides comprehensive assistance to help you choose the mattress that suits you best. So, our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist with any questions or concerns raised in your mind so that you can receive a seamless shopping experience.

For further assistance and to explore the best mattress for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support.

We’re here to help you achieve the restful sleep you deserve!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Buying 

How Often Should I Replace My Mattress?

According to the Sleep Foundation, you should consider replacing your mattress after 6 to 8 years. Over time, mattresses can lose support and comfort, which can affect your sleep quality.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Allergy Sufferers?

For allergy sufferers, hypoallergenic mattresses are ideal. These materials resist dust mites and other allergens, providing a healthier sleep environment. A mattress with a removable, washable cover further enhances cleanliness and prevents allergen accumulation.

Is It Important To Have A Mattress With Good Edge Support?

Yes. Having a mattress with good edge support is important, especially for those who sleep near the edge or sit on the side of the bed. It prevents the sagging of the mattress and maximises the usable sleeping surface. It overall enhances the durability and comfort of the mattress by maintaining the mattress's shape over time.

Do Memory Foam Mattresses Sleep Hot?

Yes, mattresses that are designed only with memory foam can feel hot because they retain heat due to their dense structure. However, many mattress manufacturers, like Sleepy Piglet, are now offering hybrid memory foam mattresses that also come with cooling features like gel infusions and different pocket springs. 

These enhancements help with airflow and keep the temperature down, making for a cooler, more comfortable sleep.