Finding the right mattress can transform your sleep quality, improve posture, and support long-term health. That’s why understanding mattress construction matters. Today’s mattresses use three main support systems: open coil springs, individual pocket springs, and foam. Each system offers unique benefits, from enhanced pressure relief to superior motion isolation. In addition, the comfort layer may include polyester fibres, natural fillings, memory foam, or latex foam. As a result, every mattress delivers a different level of comfort, firmness, and breathability.
This in-depth mattress buying guide helps you compare the most popular mattress types available in the UK. More importantly, it explains how materials, support systems, and build quality affect comfort, durability, and spinal alignment. Whether you are searching for a firm mattress for back support, a medium mattress for balanced comfort, or a soft mattress for extra cushioning, this guide makes your decision easier. Furthermore, you’ll discover what to look for when choosing a mattress, including temperature regulation, edge support, motion control, and long-term performance.
Types of Mattress Support
Inside a mattress, the support system acts like the skeleton of the bed, quietly doing the heavy lifting while the comfort layers provide the cushioning.
One of the most common types is the open coil spring unit, where a network of hourglass shaped springs connects together to create a stable and affordable support core.
Moving up in sophistication, pocket springs place each spring inside its own fabric pocket so they can respond independently, which helps reduce movement transfer and gives more tailored support across the body.
Some mattresses use high density foam cores instead of springs, providing consistent, even support with no metal components and often a slightly firmer, more stable feel.
There are also hybrid constructions, which combine pocket springs with foam layers to balance responsiveness and pressure relief.
In addition, some designs may include foam encapsulation around the edges, or hand side stitching strengthening the perimeter so the mattress keeps its shape and provides usable support right to the edge. Together, these internal structures determine how supportive, durable, and comfortable a mattress feels night after night.
Open coil mattresses, also known as innerspring, box spring, mira-coil, or bonnell spring mattresses, use a network of interconnected metal springs to create reliable, full-surface support. Because these springs move together, open coil mattresses feel more responsive and bouncier than pocket spring alternatives. As a result, they offer a classic mattress feel that many sleepers still prefer today.
In addition, open coil mattresses often cost less than other mattress types, which makes them an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers. However, affordability does not mean sacrificing comfort. These mattresses provide consistent support across the sleeping surface and work well for guest rooms, children’s bedrooms, and everyday use. Furthermore, their open structure allows air to circulate more freely, helping to improve breathability and temperature regulation.
Hybrid memory foam topped open coil sprung mattress – great value comfort ideal for sidesleepers
At Sleep United, our open coil mattress collection includes multiple tension options, allowing you to choose the firmness level that best suits your sleeping position and comfort preferences. You can also select from a variety of comfort fillings, including polyester and cotton blends for lightweight cushioning or memory foam layers for enhanced pressure relief and body contouring. Therefore, you can enjoy traditional spring support with modern comfort upgrades.
Medium support open coil sprung mattress – popular for childrens beds and ideal for spare rooms
If you’re looking for a durable, affordable, and supportive mattress, an open coil mattress could be the perfect solution. Visit our showroom to try different firmness levels in person or speak with our expert team for personalised recommendations. We’re here to help you find the right mattress and enjoy better sleep every night.
Pocket spring mattresses use individually wrapped springs, each encased in its own fabric pouch. Because every spring moves independently, this design significantly reduces motion transfer. As a result, pocket sprung mattresses are an excellent choice for anyone who shares a bed. You can move freely during the night without disturbing your partner, which helps promote deeper, more restful sleep.
In addition, pocket springs offer one of the most versatile support systems available. Manufacturers can adjust support levels by increasing or decreasing the number of springs inside the mattress. This flexibility allows you to choose a mattress that matches your body weight, sleeping position, and comfort preferences. Therefore, pocket spring mattresses suit a wide range of sleepers, from those who prefer gentle cushioning to those who need firmer spinal support.
Classic double sided, hand tufted medium support 1000 pocket sprung mattress with poly-cotton fillings.
At Sleep United, our pocket spring mattresses are available in multiple spring counts, measured using a king size mattress as the standard reference:
- 1000 Pocket Springs – Medium support for balanced comfort and everyday use
- 1500 Pocket Springs – Firm support for enhanced stability and posture support
- 2000 Pocket Springs – Extra firm support for maximum durability and pressure control. This is the maximum number of springs available in one layer.
Non-tufted, single sided 1500 pocket sprung mattress with foam encapsulated sides for edge to edge support with a comfort layer of wool, silk and cashmere.
However, it’s important to note that spring count refers only to the underlying support system. The overall comfort level of your mattress also depends on the type and quantity of comfort fillings used in the top layers. Materials such as memory foam, natural fibres, and advanced comfort foams play a key role in creating the final feel of the mattress.
For complete transparency, the spring count of each of our pocket sprung mattresses is clearly displayed in the product name. This makes it easier for you to compare models and choose the right level of support with confidence.
If you’re searching for a supportive, long-lasting, and partner-friendly mattress, pocket springs could be the perfect solution for you.
Another important factor to consider when choosing your new mattress is edge support. Strong edge support improves stability, increases usable sleeping space, and makes it easier to sit or get in and out of bed. Without proper reinforcement, the sides of a mattress can weaken over time and reduce overall comfort.
Some mattresses use a basic steel rod edge system. While this option is usually available at a lower price point, it can lose shape if you regularly sit on the edge of the bed. As a result, you may experience sagging, reduced support, or the uncomfortable feeling of rolling towards the edge while sleeping.
To improve durability and performance, higher-quality mattresses use reinforced sidewall construction. Luxury models often feature hand side stitching, which strengthens the mattress border and helps maintain shape over time. In addition, many modern mattresses use foam encapsulated edges, where high-density foam surrounds the spring unit to create strong, consistent support from edge to edge.
Both reinforcement methods offer excellent stability, improve mattress lifespan, and maximise the sleeping surface. Therefore, choosing a mattress with enhanced edge support is especially beneficial for couples, taller sleepers, and anyone who likes to use the full width of the bed.
Foam Encapsulated Edge to Edge Hybrid Mattress From £899
Hand side-stitched double sided mattress with lambswool fillings From £699
Comfort Layers
Above the support core of a mattress sit the comfort layers, and these are the materials that shape how the bed initially feels when you lie down. One of the most common comfort materials is memory foam, which slowly moulds to the body using heat and pressure, helping to relieve pressure points around the shoulders and hips. In contrast, reflex foam offers a slightly firmer and more responsive feel, springing back quickly while still providing cushioning. Latex is another popular option, valued for its breathable structure and gentle elasticity that supports the body without the sinking sensation some foams create.
Many modern mattresses also incorporate gel-infused foams, designed to disperse heat and help maintain a cooler sleeping surface. In more traditional designs, layers of natural fillings such as wool, cotton, or silk may be used to create a breathable and comfortable surface with a more luxurious feel. By combining different comfort layers, manufacturers can fine-tune the softness, temperature regulation, and pressure relief of a mattress to suit a wide range of sleeping preferences.
Latex foam is produced from the sap of the rubber tree. This natural liquid is processed and transformed into a resilient, flexible foam that is commonly used in mattresses and pillows.
Unlike standard synthetic foams, latex has a naturally elastic structure. This means it can compress under pressure and then quickly return to its original shape. As a result, mattresses containing latex foam tend to feel responsive and supportive rather than soft and “sinking”.
Natural latex comfort layer combined with wool, silk & cashmere with a firm 2000 pocket spring core support. From £749
Excellent Pressure Relief
One of the main benefits of latex foam is its ability to relieve pressure across the body.
Because latex compresses only where weight is applied, it distributes body weight evenly across the mattress surface. This helps reduce pressure points around the shoulders, hips and lower back.
As a result, many sleepers find latex mattresses particularly comfortable when lying in the same position for long periods. The material supports the body without allowing it to sink too deeply, which helps maintain a healthy sleeping posture throughout the night.
Natural latex comfort layer combined with wool, silk & cashmere with a medium/firm 1500 pocket spring core support.
Responsive and Supportive Feel
Latex foam has a very distinctive feel compared with memory foam.
While memory foam slowly moulds around the body, latex responds immediately to movement. This gives the mattress a slightly springy and buoyant sensation, making it easier to change position during the night.
This responsiveness is especially beneficial for combination sleepers who move frequently, as the mattress quickly adapts to each new sleeping position.
Memory foam mattresses remain one of the most popular options because they contour closely to the body and relieve pressure points. That said, traditional memory foam can retain heat, which may cause some sleepers to feel too warm during the night. If temperature regulation is important to you, it’s worth considering modern alternatives. Gel foam mattresses provide a similar body-hugging feel while improving airflow and cooling performance. In addition, latex mattresses and natural fillings offer breathable comfort with a more responsive, supportive surface.
However, not all foam mattresses feel the same. There are many types of foam available on the market, and each comes with different density levels that directly affect firmness, durability, and overall comfort. Higher-density foams tend to offer better support and longer lifespan, while lower-density foams provide a softer, more cushioned feel. Therefore, choosing the right foam mattress depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and comfort preferences.
Advanced gel foam comfort layer with a 1000 pocket sprung core support.
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds by pairing a spring support system with a foam comfort layer on top. This design delivers strong underlying support alongside enhanced pressure relief. However, most hybrid mattresses feature foam on one side only, which means they cannot be flipped. Instead, they are designed to be rotated regularly to maintain long-term performance.
If you’re looking for a pressure-relieving, convenient, and modern sleep solution, foam or hybrid mattresses could be the perfect fit.
Cool gel foam ultra soft comfort layer with a 2000 micro spring core support.
Natural materials such as wool, cotton, silk, cashmere, horsehair, and alpaca have been used in traditional mattress making for generations because of their breathability and resilience. Wool, for example, acts like a natural climate regulator, helping to keep you warm in winter while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape during warmer nights.
Cotton provides soft cushioning and excellent airflow, which helps the mattress feel fresh and comfortable. More luxurious fibres like silk and cashmere add a smooth, gentle feel
Meanwhile, horsehair is valued for its springy structure and durability, creating tiny air pockets that improve ventilation and help the mattress recover its shape over time. Because these fibres are naturally breathable and moisture wicking, mattresses made with natural fillings tend to feel fresher, more temperature balanced, and often longer lasting than those relying solely on synthetic materials.
At Sleep United, we believe that everyone deserves better sleep. That’s why our experienced and friendly team provides honest, personalised advice to help you find the perfect mattress for your needs. If you prefer to shop locally, visit our showroom and try different mattress styles in person. We’re open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm and always happy to help you compare options, test comfort levels, and make a confident choice.
Ready to upgrade your sleep? Visit our store today, speak to our expert team, or explore our full mattress range online. Take the first step towards deeper sleep, better support, and brighter mornings.
The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) has published a bed buying guide online with useful hints and tips to get you started you can view this online by clicking here