---
title: "UK Mattress Types: Compare Springs, Foam & Hybrid"
description: "Compare UK mattress types, from pocket springs and memory foam to latex and hybrids. Understand construction, sizes, base fit and what to check before buying."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/mattresses/mattress-types-overview/"
category: "mattresses"
primary_entity: "mattress types overview"
date_published: 2026-08-03
date_modified: 2026-09-08
---

# UK Mattress Types: Compare Springs, Foam & Hybrid

> UK mattress types include open coil, pocket sprung, all-foam, latex and hybrid builds. The core supports the mattress, while its upper layers shape the surface feel. Start with the construction, then compare the exact size, firmness, base rules and care needs. Labels such as cooling, orthopaedic or rolled do not describe the complete build.

## Key facts

- Materials: steel springs, polyurethane foams, latex, natural fibre fillings
- Typical lifespan: 5–12 years

Sources:

- [National Bed Federation: mattress construction](https://bedadvice.co.uk/bed-buyers-guide/how-to-choose-a-mattress/) — National Bed Federation: mattress construction. Supports the linked construction or practical fit example; other comparison questions are BedGuide editorial guidance. Checked 2026-09-08.
- [Simba: model-specific base requirements](https://help.simbasleep.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005169689-What-base-should-I-put-my-Simba-on) — Simba: model-specific base requirements. Supports the linked construction or practical fit example; other comparison questions are BedGuide editorial guidance. Checked 2026-09-08.

## Which UK mattress types should I compare?

Start with the support core, then read the layers above it. A pocket sprung mattress can also contain memory foam. A latex layer can sit above springs. These terms overlap, so a shop’s filters are not always separate construction groups.

| Construction | What is inside | First question to ask |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Open coil](/mattresses/open-coil-bonnell/) | Springs linked into a unit | Which spring system and fillings does this model use? |
| [Pocket sprung](/mattresses/pocket-sprung/) | Springs held in individual fabric pockets | Which springs are full-height support springs and which are small comfort springs? |
| [Memory foam](/mattresses/memory-foam/) | A moulding comfort foam, often above a firmer foam core | Is the core foam or springs, and how thick is the memory foam layer? |
| [Latex](/mattresses/latex-talalay-vs-dunlop/) | Rubber-based foam used as a core or comfort layer | Is this a latex core, a latex layer or a blend of materials? |
| [Hybrid](/mattresses/hybrid-construction/) | A combination of springs and foam or latex layers | What supports the mattress below the top layers? |
| [Natural fillings](/mattresses/natural-fillings-wool-cotton-horsehair/) | Fibres such as wool or cotton, often above springs | Which fibres are present, in what layers, and how should they be cared for? |

The National Bed Federation’s [mattress guide](https://bedadvice.co.uk/bed-buyers-guide/how-to-choose-a-mattress/) explains sprung and non-sprung construction. Use the maker’s model specification for the actual layer arrangement.

## Which mattress type is best for me?

There is no single build that suits every person. BedGuide’s practical approach is to write a short list of needs before choosing a label. This gives you a fair way to compare very different products.

- **You share the bed:** both people should try their usual sleeping positions. Include turning over and getting out. Record what each person notices.
- **You want to move easily:** compare how quickly the surface follows a change of position. Do not decide from the word “foam” alone.
- **You use the bed edge:** try the edge as well as the middle, within the product’s intended use. Ask how its edge is built.
- **You have a low headboard:** add mattress depth to base height. Check how much headboard will remain visible.
- **You need to move the mattress yourself:** find its weight and handling instructions. Check the lift route and who can help.

Use [how to choose a mattress](/mattresses/how-to-choose-a-mattress/) to turn those needs into a shortlist. A material description helps explain a product; it does not prove how comfortable you will find it.

## Is a hybrid better than pocket sprung or memory foam?

Compare specific models. “Hybrid” usually points to a mix of materials. It does not tell you whether the springs are large, small, pocketed or linked. “Pocket sprung” identifies a spring format but leaves the fillings open. “Memory foam” can describe one layer rather than the whole core.

Ask each seller for the same information: layer order, layer thickness where published, core type, total depth and base requirements. If one model lists much less detail, ask for the missing specification. Do not treat missing information as evidence of either good or poor performance.

Our [hybrid construction guide](/mattresses/hybrid-construction/) explains how to read a layer diagram. The [spring count guide](/mattresses/spring-count-explained/) helps you compare counts without assuming that more springs always make a better bed.

## What do cooling, orthopaedic and bed-in-a-box mean?

These words need a second question. Ask what physical feature the label refers to and what evidence supports the claim for that exact model.

| Label on the page | What to check |
| --- | --- |
| [Orthopaedic](/mattresses/orthopaedic-mattress-explained/) | Construction and actual firmness; the label is not a personal comfort test |
| [Cooling or gel](/mattresses/gel-foam-and-cooling-claims/) | The material, its location and the conditions used for any claimed test result |
| [Pillow-top](/mattresses/pillow-top-and-surface-types/) | The attached surface layer, finished depth and whether the mattress can be turned |
| [Rolled or boxed](/care/rolled-mattress-expansion/) | Unpacking instructions, expansion time and access; packaging is not a core type |
| Eco or natural | Which materials, which proportion and which part of the product the claim covers |

## Which UK size should I choose?

A standard UK single mattress is **90 × 190 cm**. A small double is **120 × 190 cm**, a double **135 × 190 cm**, a king **150 × 200 cm**, and a super king **180 × 200 cm**. These are mattress dimensions. A frame, headboard or footboard can extend beyond them.

Use our [UK bed size table](/sizing/uk-standard-bed-sizes/) and the retailer’s selected variant. Imported, European and specialist sizes can differ. Do not order by “double” alone when replacing a mattress in an existing frame.

## What should I check before placing an order?

Keep a comparison note for each shortlisted model. Copy the product name and selected size first, so specifications from two variants do not get mixed together.

1. Record the finished dimensions, depth and weight.
2. Check your base against the maker’s support instructions, including slat gaps and centre support.
3. Read whether the mattress is single-sided or designed to turn over.
4. Check delivery access and what the delivery service actually includes.
5. Read the seller’s current trial and return conditions, including collection arrangements.
6. Save the specification and care instructions supplied with your order.

For an ottoman, compare mattress weight with the bed’s stated lift range as well as its sleeping load. For an adjustable bed, obtain explicit model approval. See [bed base selection](/beds/how-to-choose-a-bed-base/) before assuming that an existing base is suitable.

## Where can I find UK mattress companies?

The [Bed & Mattress Directory](/companies/?type=mattresses) links independent profiles to company websites and educational range guides. Browse by mattress type or region, then confirm the exact model with the seller. Listings are alphabetical; they are not a sales league table or a product endorsement.

## Frequently asked questions

### What are the main UK mattress types?

The main construction groups are open coil, pocket sprung, all-foam, latex and hybrid. Natural fillings and memory foam can also be layers above another core, so read the full build rather than treating every shop label as a separate type.

### Is a thicker mattress always better?

No. Depth tells you how tall a mattress is, not how suitable it is for you. Compare its core, comfort layers, support requirements and practical fit. Check the weight too, especially on an ottoman base.

### Can any mattress go on any bed base?

No. Follow the requirements for the exact mattress and base. Check support surface, slat gaps, centre support and load limits. Adjustable beds and ottoman lifts need model-specific compatibility checks.

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Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/mattresses/mattress-types-overview/ · BedGuide — educational encyclopedia, no affiliate commission. Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.