Mattress Buying Guide | Button & Sprung

How to find the right mattress for you

How should my mattress feel?

There is a common misunderstanding that firm mattresses are better for your back. However, a mattress is like a piece of clothing; it should fit your own personal shape, size and weight. A mattress should fit to the contours of your body, but each mattress responds differently, depending on your weight.

How firm should my mattress be?

Your mattress should be just firm enough to ensure that when lying in bed your spine is level or in a 'neutral' position. Whether you are a side, back or front sleeper, your mattress should support or cradle you in this level position. The heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be, or if you are a side sleeper your mattress should be soft or forgiving enough to contour to your side profile. To get the correct support at the main contact or pressure points - your neck, shoulders, lower back, bottom and hips - your body weight needs to engage the springs. A light person on a firm mattress is not heavy enough to engage the springs, so the spine will be raised at the hips and shoulders. A heavier person will not get sufficient support on a soft mattress, dipping into it too far.

Why more springs are better:
More springs = more support : more support = more comfort

The more springs in a mattress the more defined the support. Think of it as springs per square inch of your body. Lying on 5,000 springs is more comfortable than lying on 1,000. The comfort is more refined to every part of your body.

Mattress fillings

Mattress fillings make a big difference to the way a mattress feels and behaves. The more fillings a mattress contains, the more sumptuous the feel of the mattress. The type of fillings are important. We only use natural materials because they create a better sleeping environment and they are also much better for the environment. Natural materials keep air circulating in the mattress, and they take moisture and perspiration away from your body. The wool we use is naturally elastic; it keeps its structure so your mattress keeps its comfort. Many man made fibres do not have this natural resilience to pressure.

Size is important

The most comfortable mattress means nothing if your bed is too small. You may have the most loving relationship, but having enough space to sleep is one of the most important factors. Also if you are starting a family, no matter how strong your resolve or firm your intentions - you often find more bodies in the bed come morning than were there when the night began. So when buying your mattress, we highly recommend you consider getting the biggest mattress you can comfortably fit into your bedroom.

How much should I spend?

Our advice is to buy the most comfortable mattress you can afford, and the bed frame or divan you like. Our mattresses will last longer than 10 years. That’s a minimum of 3,650 nights sleep, or if you spend £1500 on a mattress, less than £0.50 per night. We think a goods night’s sleep is worth every penny. When you are younger (20’s) you can sleep on a park bench (literally)…but as you get older (late 30’s / 40’s) sleep becomes more elusive, and you then have to buy a better mattress with deeper fillings.

What should I expect when I am buying a mattress?

It’s important to take your time, spend at least 15 minutes on the mattress you decide on. Don’t wear tight clothing, take your coat off - even your shoes. Wear something comfortable, you don’t need to be in your pyjamas. Have a cup of tea or coffee and relax… never rush your decision.

Peace of mind

Can’t decide between two or three equally suitable products? Think about the retailer’s service – e.g. quick delivery, guarantee or warranty offered, free disposal of your old bed, or even just the chemistry between yourself and the salesman.