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The right mattress comes down to three decisions: your sleeping position determines firmness, your temperature and partner situation determine the type, and your room size determines the UK size. Get the firmness wrong and no amount of quality in the materials will fix it.
Firmness by sleeping position
| You sleep… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| On your side | Medium to medium-soft | Lets hips and shoulders sink so the spine stays straight |
| On your back | Medium-firm | Supports the lower back without letting hips drop |
| On your front | Firm | Stops hips sinking, which would arch the lower back |
| Mixed position | Medium-firm | The best compromise across positions |
Body weight adjusts this. Above roughly 16 stone, go one step firmer than the table suggests; below roughly 9 stone, go one step softer.
Mattress types compared
- Pocket sprung — springs in individual fabric pockets move independently, so you feel less of a partner's movement. Sleeps cooler than foam. Best for couples and hot sleepers.
- Memory foam — moulds to your shape and relieves pressure at hips and shoulders. Retains more heat. Best for side sleepers and joint pain.
- Memory orthopaedic — a firm support core topped with memory foam. Best for back sleepers and heavier body weights.
- Pillow top — an extra padded layer stitched to the surface. Gives a softer feel without losing the support underneath.
Which size?
UK mattress sizes are Single (90 x 190cm), Small Double (120 x 190cm), Double (135 x 190cm), King (150 x 200cm) and Super King (180 x 200cm). Note that king and super king are 10cm longer than the smaller sizes — worth knowing if anyone sleeping in the bed is over about 6ft.
For couples, a double gives each person 67.5cm of width, which is narrower than a single bed each. If the room allows, a king is a noticeable improvement.
If the mattress is going on a storage bed, depth and weight matter as well as size; matching a mattress to your bed explains what to check. The Legend Beds mattress range covers all four types above in every UK size.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace my mattress?
Around seven to eight years for most types. Replace sooner if you wake with aches you do not have during the day, or if you can see or feel dips.
Is a firmer mattress better for back pain?
Not necessarily. Very firm mattresses can worsen back pain by leaving gaps under the lumbar curve. Medium-firm is what most research points to for general lower back pain.
Do I need to turn my mattress?
Rotate head-to-foot every three months in the first year, then twice a year. Only flip it if it is double-sided — many modern mattresses are single-sided and should not be flipped.
Can I put a new mattress on an old base?
You can, but a worn base shortens the life of a new mattress and may void the guarantee. If the base sags anywhere, replace both.
How long does a new mattress take to settle?
Allow up to four weeks. Foam and fillings compress slightly and your body adjusts, so early impressions are often misleading.
