--- title: "Compare Beds & Mattresses | BedGuide" description: "Side-by-side educational comparisons of 28 bed and mattress types — pocket sprung vs memory foam, divan vs ottoman, UK King vs Super King and more." url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/compare/" --- Construction, size and everyday use # Compare bed & mattress types Compare bed and mattress types side by side. These 28 guides explain construction, size, storage, care and the questions to ask before buying. Start with a pair you are considering, then follow the practical checks for your room and mattress. Firmness labels and product details still need checking on the exact model. Information only — constructions and use cases. BedGuide does not sell products or rank brands. For searched topics in one place, see [type comparisons people look up](/browse/compare-types/). ## Mattress types Understand the springs, foam and latex inside the mattress. - [Comparison Bed-in-a-box (rolled) vs Traditional (flat) mattress A bed-in-a-box mattress is vacuum-compressed and shipped in a carton, then expands at home. A traditional mattress usually arrives flat at full loft. Compression is a delivery method — both still need UK size, a suitable base, support matched to body weight and clear trial or warranty rules. Read the comparison →](/compare/bed-in-a-box-vs-traditional-mattress/) - [Comparison Hybrid vs Pocket sprung A pocket sprung mattress is defined by its in fabric pockets coil core; a hybrid adds substantial foam or latex comfort layers above that (or a similar) spring core. Every hybrid with pockets is pocket-based, but not every pocket mattress is a hybrid — the label hinges on how thick and intentional the comfort stack is. Read the comparison →](/compare/hybrid-vs-pocket-sprung/) - [Comparison Latex vs Pocket sprung Latex mattresses use natural or synthetic latex foam for buoyant contouring. Pocket sprung mattresses use individual coils in fabric pockets for zoned spring support. Latex often feels springy without metal coils; pocket units tune tension with wire and coil design. Compare feel and care needs, not slogans. Read the comparison →](/compare/latex-vs-pocket-sprung/) - [Comparison Memory foam vs Hybrid A memory foam mattress supports mainly with foam layers that contour under heat and pressure. A hybrid combines coils with foam or fibre comfort layers for more bounce and airflow paths. Choose by how you want the bed to move and vent — not by carton marketing. Both still need a suitable base and correct UK size. Read the comparison →](/compare/memory-foam-vs-hybrid/) - [Comparison Memory foam vs Latex Memory foam is memory foam with slow recovery and heat-sensitive softness. Latex foam (Dunlop or Talalay) typically rebounds faster and feels more buoyant. Memory foam contours deeply; latex often sleeps cooler relative to classic memory foam formulations and commonly lasts longer in durability bands. Read the comparison →](/compare/memory-foam-vs-latex/) - [Comparison Pocket sprung vs Memory foam A pocket sprung mattress supports with individual in fabric pockets steel coils; a memory foam mattress contours with memory foam that softens with heat. Pocket units usually feel bounceier with more airflow paths; memory foam contours more slowly and can sleep warmer unless open-cell. Choose by support mechanism, not brand slogans. Read the comparison →](/compare/pocket-sprung-vs-memory-foam/) - [Comparison Pocket sprung vs Open coil (Bonnell) Pocket sprung mattresses encase each coil in fabric so springs act more independently. Open-coil Bonnell units lace hourglass springs into one wire grid, so load shares across the lattice. Expect lower movement felt from a partner and finer moulding to shape from pockets; open coil remains common where cost-efficient interconnected support is the design goal. Read the comparison →](/compare/pocket-sprung-vs-open-coil/) - [Comparison Split tension (one mattress) vs Zip-and-link (two mattresses) A split tension mattress is one unit with two firmness or spring-tension bands. A zip-and-link bed is two mattresses joined with a zip. Split tension looks like one bed. Zip-and-link can mix types and go up stairs in two pieces. Ask which build you are buying before you compare shop labels. Read the comparison →](/compare/split-tension-vs-zip-and-link/) - [Comparison Spring tension vs Surface comfort feel Spring tension is how hard the support unit resists compression and should suit body mass. Surface firmness is the softness of fillings and foams above the springs. Soft/medium/firm retail labels often blur these two specs. A mattress can have firm springs with a soft quilt — or the reverse. Read the comparison →](/compare/spring-tension-vs-surface-firmness/) - [Comparison Talalay latex vs Dunlop latex Dunlop and Talalay are latex manufacturing processes, not botanical labels. Dunlop is poured and heat-set into typically denser foam; Talalay is vacuum-expanded and frozen before vulcanising for a more uniform cell structure. Either process can use natural, synthetic or blended latex raw material. Read the comparison →](/compare/talalay-latex-vs-dunlop-latex/) ## Bed bases & frames Divan, ottoman, slats, sleigh and adjustable — what moves and what stores. - [Comparison Adjustable base vs UK divan An adjustable base bends the mattress at the head and often the foot. A UK divan is a box base, often with drawers, that stays flat. Adjustable needs a mattress the maker says can flex. A divan is the common UK storage and height setup. This page compares mechanisms, not brands or medical claims. Read the comparison →](/compare/adjustable-base-vs-divan/) - [Comparison Box spring vs Solid foundation A true box spring contains coils in a timber frame and adds bounce under the mattress. A solid foundation is a rigid deck without coils. Many modern foam and hybrid mattresses need a firm foundation rather than a flexing traditional box spring — always follow the mattress warranty base rules. Read the comparison →](/compare/box-spring-vs-foundation/) - [Comparison Bunk bed vs High sleeper A bunk bed stacks two sleep surfaces. A high sleeper lifts one mattress to free floor space for a desk, sofa or storage underneath. Both need guardrails, ladder clearance and strict age/weight rules. Choose by whether you need two beds or one bed plus under-space. Read the comparison →](/compare/bunk-vs-high-sleeper/) - [Comparison Divan bed vs Ottoman bed A divan is a box base that supports a mattress, often with drawers; an ottoman uses a hinged platform lifted by gas struts to expose a large storage void. Divans trade storage volume for simpler access; ottomans maximise void space but need strut–mattress weight matching and opening clearance. Read the comparison →](/compare/divan-vs-ottoman/) - [Comparison Platform-top divan vs Sprung-edge divan Platform-top divans present a firm, non-sprung upper surface so almost all cushioning comes from the mattress. Sprung-edge divans contain a spring unit beneath the top, adding give under the mattress. The mattress still dominates firmness; the base is a secondary influence. Read the comparison →](/compare/platform-top-divan-vs-sprung-edge-divan/) - [Comparison Plush velvet vs Crushed velvet Plush velvet has a more even pile and smoother light catch. Crushed velvet is finished for mottled sheen and more visual texture. Both are cover fabrics for upholstered bases and headboards — neither changes mattress support or drawer layout. Read the comparison →](/compare/plush-velvet-vs-crushed-velvet/) - [Comparison Side-lift ottoman vs End-lift ottoman Side-lift ottomans hinge along a long edge and need flank clearance. End-lift ottomans hinge at the head and need clear space at the foot. Both expose a storage void with gas struts; choose by room layout and access, then match strut rating to mattress mass. Read the comparison →](/compare/side-lift-vs-end-lift-ottoman/) - [Comparison Sleigh bed vs Divan bed A sleigh bed is a bedstead with outward-curving headboard and often footboard that increases external footprint beyond the mattress. A divan is a box base under the mattress, often with drawers or a sprung/platform top. Sleigh emphasises furniture form; divan emphasises base support and storage. Read the comparison →](/compare/sleigh-bed-vs-divan/) - [Comparison Solid slats vs Sprung slats Solid slats are rigid strips; sprung slats are bowed and flex in their holders. Both need to meet the mattress maker’s support requirements. Measure the clear gaps, check the centre support and inspect the fittings. There is no single gap limit that approves every mattress and frame combination. Read the comparison →](/compare/solid-slats-vs-sprung-slats/) ## Sizes UK, EU and US names in centimetres. The same word can mean different plans. - [Comparison UK Double vs EU / IKEA Double A UK Double mattress is commonly 135 × 190 cm. Many EU and IKEA doubles are 140 × 200 cm — wider and longer. The shared name “Double” causes fit errors when UK frames and European mattresses are mixed without measuring. Read the comparison →](/compare/uk-double-vs-eu-double/) - [Comparison UK King vs UK Super King A UK King mattress is typically 150 × 200 cm; a UK Super King is typically 180 × 200 cm. Both share 200 cm length — longer than UK Double at 190 cm — while Super King adds 30 cm of width for couples who need more personal space. Read the comparison →](/compare/uk-king-vs-uk-super-king/) - [Comparison UK Single vs UK Double A UK Single mattress is typically 90 × 190 cm. A UK Double is typically 135 × 190 cm. Single suits one sleeper. Double is the usual smallest couple size, with limited width each. Both are 190 cm long, shorter than King and Super King at 200 cm. Always check centimetres. EU size names differ. Read the comparison →](/compare/uk-single-vs-uk-double/) - [Comparison US Queen vs UK King A US Queen is typically about 152 × 203 cm; a UK King is typically 150 × 200 cm. They are close in width but the US Queen is longer. Sheets, protectors and frames are not reliably interchangeable — measure centimetres before cross-border pairing. Read the comparison →](/compare/us-queen-vs-uk-king/) ## Care Turn versus rotate, protector versus topper — jobs that sound alike. - [Comparison Mattress protector vs Mattress topper A mattress protector is a thin barrier that shields the mattress from fluids and allergens while aiming to change feel little. A topper is a thicker comfort pad that softens or firms the surface. Protectors support hygiene and many warranty conditions; toppers modify contact feel without replacing a worn core. Use both when you need shield plus feel change. Read the comparison →](/compare/mattress-protector-vs-topper/) - [Comparison Turning (flip) vs Rotating (end-to-end) Rotating spins a mattress 180° so head and foot swap while the sleep surface stays up. Turning flips it upside down. Double-sided mattresses can use both; many modern single-sided pillow-top and foam hybrids are rotate-only. Read the comparison →](/compare/turning-vs-rotating-mattress/) ## Bedding Weaves, fills and warmth ratings. TOG is not a quality score. - [Comparison Down / feather vs Hollowfibre / microfibre Down clusters trap air efficiently and are rated by fill power; hollowfibre and microfibre use synthetic fibre geometry for loft and are often easier to wash. TOG still measures the finished duvet’s insulation. Choose by loft preference, care method and allergy considerations — not by which fill sounds more premium. Read the comparison →](/compare/down-vs-hollowfibre/) - [Comparison Percale vs Sateen Percale is a plain one-over-one weave that feels crisp and matte. Sateen uses float yarns for a smoother, more lustrous surface. Both can be cotton or blends — the names describe structure, not fibre quality. Choose by feel and thermal preference, not by thread-count marketing alone. Read the comparison →](/compare/percale-vs-sateen/) - [Comparison Wool duvet vs Synthetic duvet A wool duvet uses wool fill that can buffer moisture; a synthetic duvet uses polyester hollowfibre or similar fills that are often easier to wash at home. TOG still sets insulation. Choose by care, moisture feel and washing practicality — not by which sounds more premium. Read the comparison →](/compare/wool-vs-synthetic-duvet/) --- Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/compare/ · BedGuide — educational encyclopedia, no affiliate commission. See https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy · Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.