When buying a new mattress, how firm or soft you want it to be is one of the most important decisions. However, personal preference isn’t the only deciding factor.
Your sleeping position and body weight can have an impact on how comfortable the style of mattress feels.
Discover how to choose the right mattress for you in this quick buying guide.
How Do You Know Which Mattress is Best?
Here’s a quick guide to buying the best mattress for you.
1. Firmness
Firmness is rated on a scale between 1-10. The lower the rating, the softer the mattress. The higher the rating, the firmer the support.
Higher ratings are usually best for solid lumbar support, heavier individuals, stomach sleepers, and those looking for a cheaper mattress.
Lower ratings (indicating a soft mattress) are often thicker – which is important to consider when it comes to how much space you have.
2. Material
Mattresses can be made from different materials. These directly impact how soft, comfortable, supportive, and expensive your mattress is.
As a quick guide, you can get:
- Memory foam mattresses: Known to be soft, supportive, and warm.
- Spring mattresses: Can be cooler and slightly firmer (also good for smaller budgets).
- Hybrid mattresses: Offer a mix of memory foam and springs to create some bounce and moulding, but with good airflow to keep you cool.
3. Sleeping Position
How you sleep can influence the best mattress choice for you.
Personal preferences and individual circumstances (like back problems) play a big part in the final decision. But generally, the following mattresses are best depending on how you sleep:
- Side sleepers: Firmer mattresses can offer better cushioning and support. They also spread weight better, which can prolong the lifespan of a mattress.
- Sleeping on your back: A mid-to-firm mattress offers better support for your back if you sleep in this position for most of the night.
- Sleeping on your stomach: A firm mattress is best. It can better support your spine and prevent discomfort upon waking.
- Sleeping in different positions: If you move around in the night, a mid-to-firm mattress is best. Try to avoid anything too soft to allow for easier movement during the night.
4. Bodyweight
Generally, mattresses – regardless of their firmness/softness rating and their material – can support any individual of any bodyweight.
However, your bodyweight can influence how comfortable a mattress feels.
As a general guide:
- Under 9 stone/children: Softer mattresses can feel more supportive and comfortable.
- Adults or teens between 9-16 stone: Any mattress can offer support, depending on which type, style, and material you prefer.
- Over 16 stone: A firmer mattress can feel more comfortable and last longer.
5. Budget
How much you’re willing to spend on a mattress also plays a part in the decision. You may have different budgets depending on whether it’s your bedroom, a rental property, a kid’s room, or a guest room.
Typical price ranges of different styles include:
- Luxury, high-end ranges: Memory foam mattresses and those with added extras (e.g., gel linings).
- Mid-range: Hybrid mattresses, mid-to-firm mattresses, soft mattresses, and spring mattresses.
- Cheaper options: Firm mattresses and spring mattresses are usually the cheapest type of mattress.
FAQs
What is the Best Cheap Mattress to Buy?
Firmer mattresses are usually cheaper, like spring mattresses with higher firmness ratings. Avoid memory foam and mattresses with cooling pads/gel linings, as these are usually the most expensive.
How to Get a Good Price on a Mattress
To get a good price on a mattress in Manchester:
- Shop at local discounted mattress shops: Like Floor Express in Manchester
- Look for specific discounts: Like 5% off for local deliveries, email subscription voucher codes, or landlord discounts on mattresses.
- Explore sale items: Search for sales online, or ask about mattresses on sale in store/at showrooms.
- Shop during sale seasons: Like Black Friday, Spring sales, end-of-summer sales, Boxing Day, etc.
Shop Cheap, High-Quality Mattresses in Manchester
Looking for a high-quality mattress that doesn’t break the bank?
At Floor Express, we’re an established supplier of cheap mattresses in Manchester – offering deals for landlords, in-store customers, and collections.
Explore our range online – including memory foam mattresses and spring mattresses – or visit our showroom.
