Choosing your mattress

Although a third of our lives are spent in bed, it’s easy to spend just a few minutes choosing a suitable mattress. But the correct mattress with the right base can mean the difference between sweet dreams or sleep deprivation.

Good quality mattresses help you sleep by giving you better support. This guide will help you make an informed choice and explains how the correct mattress can be beneficial to you - and your partner.

3 easy steps to choosing your mattress
Different types of mattress
Mattress toppers and protectors
Looking after your mattress
Measuring up
John Lewis Partner quotes
mattress
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3 easy steps to choosing your mattress

Don’t compromise A good mattress can last up to 10 years or more, so it’s a serious investment. But you should buy the best you can afford - when you think that every £100 you spend on a mattress represents just 2.7p a night over 10 years, it’s a small price to pay. John Lewis mattresses are made exclusively for us by leading UK manufacturers so they all offer exceptional quality and remarkable value.

Try before you buy If you are buying a bedstead and divan separately we recommend you seek advice from a selling assistant in one of our shops. It is important to test the mattress on your chosen bedstead or divan in order to ensure they achieve your desired comfort level. And it is only by sampling a few different mattresses that you can fully appreciate the difference between levels of support and different types of mattress.

Match mattress to base Our mattresses and bases are designed to complement each other. The right mattress and base combination will promote the correct posture and provide support where you need it most. If you already have a bedstead in good condition you may only need a mattress. However, if you have a divan, a new mattress alone won’t give you the full benefit. It’s advisable to replace both. Divans act as bases for mattresses and either have springs which allow the mattress to adapt to the body's contours, or a solid top which provides firmer support. A divan is useful if you are tight for space in your bedroom, or prefer a more neutral look.

Click here to see our buying guide for beds
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Different types of mattress

One of the biggest causes of sleepless nights is fluctuations in body temperature, so we offer mattresses with warm wool and a cool cotton side to keep you comfortable all year round.

Mattress design and technology has never been more innovative. We offer a wide range at prices to suit every pocket.

Open spring mattress

  • The most commonly used springing system in the world.
  • Border rod or wire gives the mattress a firm edge and helps retain its shape.
  • Sides are generally machine stitched.

Pocket spring mattress

  • More luxurious, with individual small springs housed in separate fabric pockets.
  • Springs work independently to respond to individual body weight.
  • Ideal if there’s a considerable weight or size variation between you and your partner.
  • Turn regularly to ensure even settlement.
  • Hand stitched sides for strong, stable edges.

Revolution® pocket spring mattress

  • Our most luxurious pocket spring mattress, with a highly effective ‘spring within a spring’ system.
  • Responsive outer spring works with a second inner spring to provide extra support where it is needed most.
  • Turn regularly to ensure even settlement.
  • Hand stitched sides secure the outer springs to the border.

Latex mattress

  • Talalay latex is the finest polymer available.
  • Resilient feel with excellent durability.
  • Hypo-allergenic with anti-microbial properties.
  • Conforms to your body’s contours.
  • Breathable, so you won’t overheat.
  • No turn, but occasional rotation will distribute the wear evenly.

Visco-elastic mattress

  • Body heat reacts with the foam to soften it.
  • The mattress then moulds and re-moulds to your body’s contours.
  • Provides excellent support and enables natural movement during sleep.
  • Helps to maintain correct posture and align spine horizontally when lying on your side.
  • Hypo-allergenic with anti-microbial properties.
  • Occasional rotation is necessary to distribute the wear evenly.
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Mattress toppers and protectors

To get the best out of your chosen mattress and maximise longevity, we recommend you buy one of our washable mattress protectors. These are also available in anti-allergy and waterproof styles.

Mattress toppers add a luxurious extra layer to your mattress. They provide extra support and comfort and will generally provide a cosier feel to your bed. Available in all UK standard sizes with a choice of materials; goose feather and down, siliconised polyester or quilted cotton-rich fibres.
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Looking after your mattress

Airing: After delivery the mattress should be aired for 4 hours to freshen and remove any aroma from storage. The mattress should be aired on a weekly basis by turning back the bedlinen for a few hours. A mattress protector or an under blanket below the sheet is recommended.

Circulation: Avoid using a plastic sheet on or under the mattress as this prevents air circulation and can cause condensation.

Sprung mattresses: With sprung mattresses it's important to turn your mattress regularly to maximise its life. Body weight compresses a mattress, leading to dips and ultimately an uneven sleeping surface. Consider a one-sided 'no-turn' mattress if turning a heavy mattress could be difficult.

Latex and visco-elastic mattresses: These mattresses do not need turning and in some cases only have one sleeping surface so cannot be turned, but the mattress should still be rotated lengthways occasionally (once a month) to maximise their life. Over time these mattresses may feel as if they are gradually getting softer, as cells within the foam open more fully and the surface reacts more quickly. However the important pressure relieving properties remain the same and eventually the whole mattress will react evenly.

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Measuring up

John Lewis beds are available in all UK standard sizes. The dimensions of a bedstead are greater than a divan base equivalent, but the mattress size required remains the same. The mattresses we sell are as below, and our bed linen is made to fit the same sizes.

Made to order: Bespoke options can be made to order, direct from the supplier. Where indicated these products can be delivered within 4 weeks (these products can only be delivered by this method). Refund conditions apply; please see the 'Returns' section of our website for details (this does not affect your statutory rights).

Click here to see our buying guide for beds


Mattress name Mattress size
Small single W75 x L190cm
Single W90 x L190cm
Small double W120 x L190cm
Double W135 x L190cm
Kingsize W150 x L200cm
Super kingsize W180 x L200cm
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John Lewis Partner quotes

"Before you buy, think about your existing mattress and decide if you want more of the same or if you need a change for better support and comfort. Try out about three in the shop by lying down on them in your normal sleeping position and turning. If you’re sharing the bed, it’s vital that both of you try it out this way together – don’t be shy!"
John, Furniture Partner, John Lewis Kingston
   
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