Mattresses

It is only by understanding materials and what constitutes quality materials that we have been able to determine quality of a mattress, mattress labels are of no use to you or us in this aim. Just 1 example to make the point almost all foam and memory foam has aggregate/ballast added to increase it's density and make it go further but it lowers performance and durability. Excluding the likes of Tempur we found only 1 of the 14 shortlisted mattress manufacturers that only use aggregate free foams!

If we manage to show you how to evaluate quality and remove mattress spec myths and decieving 'spin' then you are on your way to making a clear educated independant choice.

Word of warning!

Do not buy using mattress label specifications and price as a buying guide playing 'top trumps'. How many think you have a superior quality mattress because it has more springs??

If thats you, you are making your first mistake.

Manufacturers know the label spec is the silent salesman so when you see 2 mattresses both with lambswool wool same spring count and 1 is 10% cheaper or more than the next what do you do ?

You ask - How much wool, what weight is it? Does it cover the entire sleep surface? (it can be 2 x 1 ft bands over the width and that is enough to state lambswool), is it hypoallergenic?

And what about the springs? Are they steel alloy Ionic English springs or a Chinese import?

Memory foam - Are you going to look for the greatest depth and the highest density in the belief more is better? (not always true!)

Have you asked how much aggregate is in it (chalk or melamine powder) ask for the quality to be explained if the seller has insufficient knowledge and you should walk away.

You are making a comparison between what could be 2 very different mattresses despite the similarity of specification and that is why we have explained in our guide and on the mattress pages how to assess this. If you have any questions do please call us and ask for Dave our resident mattress geek.