Our Guide to the best mattress for you

Do you want a good night’s sleep? 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 a needlessly expensive mattress that is uncomfortable, unsupportive and unable to stand the test of time without sagging and softening. 

Pocket-sprung, latex and memory-foam mattresses have all impressed, so the best mattress for you really comes down to personal preference and budget.

If you want a traditional mattress with natural fillings, such as wool, you will want a pocket-sprung mattress.  With these, each spring is enclosed in its own fabric 'pocket' – each 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.

When it comes to firmness, the most important thing is to buy a mattress that you find comfortable.  Do not buy a mattress that is firmer than you would like on the assumption that it will be more supportive. Equally, do not assume that a firm mattress in one store will feel the same in other shops. Firmness is subjective and manufacturers describe the firmness of their mattresses in a range of different ways.