Legend Beds is a UK retailer of upholstered fabric, ottoman and divan beds. This collection covers mattresses sized to standard UK beds.

UK mattress sizes

UK mattress sizes differ from European and US sizes. A UK king is not the same as a European king, and bedding bought abroad often will not fit.

King and super king are 10cm longer than the smaller sizes, which matters for anyone over about six feet tall.

Mattress types

Higher spring counts are often quoted as a quality measure. They matter, but only within the same size — a spring count is counted across the whole mattress, so a king and a double at the same stated count do not have the same spring density.

Firmness

Firmness is about spinal alignment, not hardness for its own sake. The aim is to keep the spine level, so the right firmness depends on sleeping position and body weight.

• Side sleepers generally need softer support, so hips and shoulders can sink enough to keep the spine straight.
• Back sleepers usually suit medium to medium-firm.
• Front sleepers usually suit firmer, to stop the hips dropping and arching the lower back.
• Heavier sleepers generally need a firmer mattress than a lighter sleeper wanting the same feel.

Firmness ratings are not standardised across UK retailers. One brand's medium can be another's medium-firm, so treat the rating as a guide within a single range rather than an absolute.

Matching mattress to base

The base changes how a mattress feels. A solid platform or ottoman base gives firmer, more uniform support. A sprung divan base adds a little give, which makes the same mattress feel slightly softer.

Mattress depth matters on storage beds. A deep mattress raises the finished sitting height and, on an ottoman, adds weight the gas struts must lift. Check the depth range stated for your base.

Questions before you choose

What size is a UK double mattress? A standard double is 4FT6, 135cm x 190cm.

Can any mattress go on an ottoman bed? Most can, but a very heavy mattress makes the lift harder to operate. Check the depth and weight range for the base.

How often should a mattress be replaced? Around every seven to eight years for regular use, sooner if it sags visibly or you wake with aches you do not have elsewhere.

Does a higher spring count mean a better mattress? Not on its own. Spring quality, gauge and the comfort layers above them matter as much as the number.

Legend Beds is a UK retailer and prices include VAT.