Mattresses Buying Guide

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.

Watch a video showing how pocket spring mattresses are made.

Try before you buy

If you are buying a bedstead or 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.

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.

Visco-elastic mattress (Memory Foam)

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 sized as shown, and our bed linen is
made to fit those 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).

All the mattresses we sell online are medium tension. Some
of our more expensive mattresses can also be made to order,
in other tensions, to suit the user. Please contact your
nearest shop for further details.

"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