Learning path · 9 steps · about 52 min
Buy your first mattress
Type, support, feel, size, base and warranty — in a clear order.
For: First-time buyers and replacers
- 01 Before you buy — checklist Size, base, access, trial and disposal first About 6 min · Open guide →
- 02 See the main mattress types Pocket sprung, foam, latex, hybrid, open coil About 5 min · Open guide →
- 03 What’s inside a mattress Cover, comfort layers and support core About 5 min · Open guide →
- 04 Spring tension vs soft/medium/firm Stop mixing up support and top feel About 7 min · Open guide →
- 05 Follow the five-step choose guide Type → support → feel → size → base About 10 min · Open guide →
- 06 Check UK sizes in centimetres Single to Super King About 4 min · Open guide →
- 07 Match the base to the mattress Slats, divans and warranty gaps About 4 min · Open guide →
- 08 Understand the warranty Trials vs cover, exclusions and proof About 7 min · Open guide →
- 09 Questions for the shop (or product page) Construction facts and small print About 4 min · Open guide →
You’re ready when…
- You can name the mattress type you want and why
- You know UK size in centimetres, not only a shop name
- You know what base and slat gap your warranty needs
- You know what a warranty will not cover (comfort dislike)
- You have a plan for delivery access and the old mattress
Common mistakes
- Choosing only by soft/medium/firm without checking support
- Ignoring slat gaps that can void cover
- Treating a sleep trial as if it were a long warranty
- Trusting a matching quiz without checking construction facts