Mattress Types UK: 8 Types of Mattress Compared

What are the main types of mattress in the UK?

Every mattress has a core and a comfort layer. The core holds you up. The comfort layer is the padding on top. Mattress types are named after the core. Many mattresses mix materials, so read the full layer list.

Type	What’s inside	Feel	Partner movement	Heat	Turning	Typical weight
Pocket sprung	Springs in separate fabric pockets	Bouncy, follows your shape	Usually low	Air moves between springs	Rotate; flip if two-sided	Medium to heavy
Open coil	Springs wired into one grid	Springy, can feel firm	Usually more	Air moves between springs	Check the label	Often lighter
Continuous coil	One long wire bent into linked springs	Even, springy	Usually more than pocket	Air moves between springs	Check the label	Medium
Memory foam	Slow foam over a firmer foam base	Slow, moulding hug	Usually low	Can feel warm	Usually rotate only	Varies with foam
Reflex foam	Firm, bouncy polyurethane foam	Firm, quick to spring back	Low to medium	Varies	Check the label	Often lighter
Latex	Rubber-based foam core or layer	Bouncy and buoyant	Low to medium	Often cooler than memory foam	Check the label	Often heavy
Hybrid	Springs under thick foam or latex	Bouncy base, softer top	Usually low	Depends on top layer	Usually rotate only	Often heavy
Natural fillings	Wool, cotton or horsehair, often over springs	Springy, lofty	Depends on core	Wool lets moisture pass	Some are two-sided	Can be heavy
Bed-in-a-box	Usually foam or hybrid, rolled for delivery	Depends on build	Depends on build	Depends on build	Usually rotate only	Varies

These are general patterns, not test results. Always check the exact model’s layer list, care label and weight in kilograms.

What makes a mattress pocket sprung?

A pocket sprung mattress has springs that each sit in their own fabric bag. The National Bed Federation (NBF) says these springs work independently. So your partner’s movement usually travels less. Counts often run from 600–800 up to 2,500 springs.

What is an open coil mattress?

An open coil mattress has springs joined by spiral wire. It is also called a Bonnell spring unit. The NBF says a 150 cm size usually has at least 325 coils. The linked grid moves together, so partner movement travels more. Compare them in pocket sprung vs open coil.

What is a continuous coil (Miracoil) mattress?

A continuous coil unit is one long wire bent into rows of springs. The NBF says this gives a higher count and a more responsive feel than open coil. Miracoil is a Silentnight brand name for a linked system. See Miracoil explained.

What is a memory foam mattress?

A memory foam mattress uses a foam that softens with body heat. It moulds slowly to your shape. It usually sits on a firmer foam base. Gel is often added with a cooling claim. See gel and cooling claims and memory foam vs latex.

What is a reflex foam mattress?

Reflex foam is a UK shop name for firm, bouncy polyurethane foam. It springs back faster than memory foam. You often find it in guest beds and sofa beds. Density and thickness decide how long it lasts.

What is a latex mattress?

A latex mattress uses foam made from rubber tree sap, man-made latex or a blend. The NBF describes latex as resilient and naturally cooler than traditional foam. It springs back quickly. There are two main ways to make it, called Dunlop and Talalay. See Talalay vs Dunlop.

What is a hybrid mattress?

A hybrid mattress puts springs under a thick layer of foam or latex. The springs are often pocket springs. The word hybrid does not tell you how thick each layer is. Ask for the layer list. See hybrid vs pocket sprung and memory foam vs hybrid.

What is a natural filling mattress?

A natural filling mattress uses wool, cotton, horsehair or similar fibres. They usually sit above a spring core. The NBF describes wool as breathable, so air and moisture pass through it. Deep natural fillings can settle, so some models are made to turn. See natural fillings.

Is bed-in-a-box a mattress type?

No. Bed-in-a-box describes delivery, not the build. The mattress is squashed, rolled and boxed. It expands after you open it. Most are foam or hybrid. See bed-in-a-box mattresses and bed-in-a-box vs traditional.

Which mattress type is best for side, back or stomach sleepers?

No type wins for one sleep position. Support comes first. The NBF says heavier people generally need a firmer tension. Top feel then depends on how you lie:

• Side sleepers often want more give at the shoulder and hip. See the side sleeper guide.
• Back sleepers often want even support without deep sinking. See the back sleeper guide.
• Stomach sleepers often want less sink so the hips do not drop. See the stomach sleeper guide.
• If you move between positions, see the combination sleeper guide.

The NBF says firm is not automatically best for back pain. If you have pain, ask a GP or physiotherapist. This page is not medical advice.

What mattress do hotels use?

There is no single hotel mattress type. What we can source is the fire grade. SATRA, a UK test house, lists hotels as typical medium or high hazard settings under BS 7177. So hotel mattresses usually pass tougher fire tests than home mattresses. If you liked a hotel bed, ask the hotel for the maker and model. See BS 7177 fire labels.

Which mattress type lasts longest?

It depends more on quality and care than on type. BedGuide’s educational ranges put latex cores at about 8–12 years. Pocket sprung and hybrid sit at about 7–10 years. Open coil sits at about 5–8 years. These are not warranty promises.

Body weight, rotation and the base change real life. A cheap latex blend can wear faster than a well-made spring unit. See mattress lifespan by material.

What do orthopaedic, cooling and eco mean?

These words are labels on top of a type. Ask what physical feature the label means.

Label	What to check
Orthopaedic	The build and the tension. It is not a medical claim.
Cooling or gel	Which material, where it sits, and how any test was run
Pillow-top	The attached top layer and whether you can turn it
Eco or natural	Which materials, how much, and which part of the mattress

Which UK size should I choose?

A UK Single is 90 × 190 cm. A Small Double is 120 × 190 cm. A Double is 135 × 190 cm. A King is 150 × 200 cm. A Super King is 180 × 200 cm. See the UK bed size table.

What should I check before placing an order?

1. Note the exact size, depth and weight.
2. Check your base against the maker’s rules, including slat gaps.
3. Read whether the mattress is one-sided or made to turn.
4. Check delivery access to your room.
5. Read the trial and return terms.

See how to choose a mattress and how to choose a bed base.

Where can I find UK mattress companies?

The Bed & Mattress Directory lists UK companies alphabetically. It is not a league table or an endorsement. Confirm the exact model with the seller.