The Toons Ultimate Guide To Buying A New Mattress

Posted on - 23rd September 2019

Buying the right mattress is crucial to a good night’s sleep. That’s why we’ve put together the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Mattress. Read on to find out more about sizing,firmness and which mattress are best for your sleeping position!

What Size Mattress To Buy?

Before we dive in to firmness ratings, fillings and surfaces, you first need to know what size mattress you will need. And it’s not just the size of your bed frame you need to consider.

Before you even hit the shops in search of the perfect mattress, grab a tape measure and work out the height of the tallest person who will be sleeping in the bed. Once you have this number add 10cms to it. This will make sure that everyone gets the best out of the mattress and fits comfortably.

It’s also important to consider the width of the mattress. That’s why we recommend what’s known as the stretch test when you’re considering a new mattress. How do you do this? Jump on the bed and have a good stretch, of course! If you find yourself clouting the person you’re sharing with upside the head or sliding off, then it may be that you need a bigger mattress!

If you’re buying the whole kit and caboodle (that is bed frame and mattress), measure the space available. There is absolutely nothing worse than buying the bed of your dreams only to find out on delivery day that there isn’t enough room for it!

Here are a list of UK Mattress sizes to help get you started:

UK Mattress Size	Dimensions
Single	3’ x 6’ 3” (90 x 190cm)
Small Double	4’ x 6’3” (120 x 190cm)
Double	4’6” x 6’3” (135 x 190cm)
King	5’ x 6’6” (150 x 200cm)
Super King	6’ x 6’ 6” (180 x 200cm)

How Firm Should Your Mattress Be?

The firmness of your mattress is a very personal choice. It depends on your favourite sleeping position, the health of your back, and your own preferences. That being said, we’ve put together a loose guide to help you narrow down your choices!

At Toons, we always recommend giving a mattress a test drive before purchasing - just to be sure. At our Showroom, we have a variety of bed frames and mattresses on display that you’re free to try to see which works for you.

Mattress Firmness Scale

There are a few firmness options to choose from when buying a new mattress. These are:

Soft
Medium/Soft
Medium
Medium/Firm
Firm
Extra Firm

A great way to gauge if a mattress is right for you is to take a lie down on it and assess how it feels. If it seems that the mattress is pushing back, or feels stiff and uncomfortable - it may not be right. Similarly, if it feels like you’re sinking into quicksand and causes you pain, it's probably too soft and you should consider a firmer version.

Which Mattress Firmness Is Best For Back Pain?

Back pain is bad enough in itself, but even worse when exacerbated by the wrong mattress. The key to choosing a mattress that works for you and helps relieve back pain is understanding the type of support you need.

In general, medium/firm mattresses provide the most support for individuals with back problems. It is also worth considering an ergonomic mattress with zoned support, as these have been scientifically proven to improve posture and give support at the hips and shoulders - the places where you need it most.

Which Mattress Works For Your Sleeping Position?

Whether you are a heavy or light sleeper (or somewhere in between), your sleeping position and mattress combined can have an impact on your sleep quality.

Side Sleepers

Medium-soft mattresses are perfect for side sleepers because they provide gentle support of your hips and shoulders throughout the night. Firmer mattresses may not be suitable as they may put too much pressure on the parts of the body in contact with it causing aches and pains.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers have quite a lot of choices when it comes to the firmness of their mattress, because their body weight is spread out over a larger surface area. In these cases, it really does come down to personal preference. That being said, softer mattresses may not be suitable for back sleepers that experience pain in that area, as they don’t provide as much support.

Stomach Sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach a firmer mattress is probably the best choice as it will provide support for your pelvis and hips. This prevents you from sleeping with your spine out of alignment, as on softer mattresses you may find that it dips and causes discomfort. A firmer mattress will ensure your back stays in a more natural position as you snooze the night away, so you wake up feeling refreshed and free from pain!

Do I Need A Memory Foam Mattress?

Many mattresses are made with what is known as a 'comfort layer', which can be memory foam. And it is definitely worth exploring your options before making a purchase.

Essentially, mattresses with a memory foam comfort layer help to distribute your body weight evenly, taking significant pressure from sensitive points. Unlike many spring mattresses, they do not bounce or jiggle when you change position (meaning a better night's sleep for everyone) and they are very soft and enjoyable to lie on.

There are also a range of other support layers to consider when choosing a new mattress. These include:

Latex
Polyurethane Foam
Natural Fibres
Gel
Microcoils/Nanocoils

Visit The Toons Showroom For High-Quality Mattresses

At the Toons Showroom, we have a wide variety of high-quality mattresses available for you to try. From Dunlopillo and Kaymed to Myers and Somnus, we supply only the very best and well-known brands available in the UK.

We understand that choosing the right mattress is a personal choice and one-size and type doesn’t always fit all. That’s why, at our showroom, we can help you find the perfect fit for your bedroom and requirements. Located in Swadlincote, we’re open 7 days a week and have on-site parking for over 100 cars.

Plan your visit today! Alternatively, you can browse a selection of our available mattresses, beds and headboards on our website and give us a call if you see something you like.