Interview with a Bed Consultant - how to choose the right mattress

We spend up to a third of our lives asleep, so getting a good night’s sleep is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing. One of the most important factors in sleep quality is choosing the right mattress, one that offers the correct support while still feeling comfortable.

Seath Haskins from the bed & furniture department at Gardiner Haskins Interiors, has answered some of the most common and important questions customers ask when choosing a new mattress.

What are the signs that you need a new mattress?

“If you wake up with aches and pains, your body may be sinking into the mattress too much, which means poor support for your spine, hips and shoulders. This often results in stiffness or discomfort when you wake up.

You may also notice visible sagging in the mattress. If your mattress is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time for a change — that’s the average lifespan of a mattress, although this can vary depending on the type.”

What’s the first thing to consider when buying a new mattress?

“Firstly, think about size. Are you looking to replace like-for-like, or could you go larger? The more space you have, the better your sleep quality is likely to be.

You should also consider the type of springs and fillings. Options include memory foam, gel and natural fibres, all of which have different benefits. This is why it’s important to talk these through when buying, a bed consultant can help advise what will suit you best.”

How do you decide between the different mattress materials?

“We often recommend pocket sprung mattresses as they offer excellent independent support, generally, the more springs you have, the better the support.

More traditional mattresses use natural fillings such as silk, cotton and wool, which provide a cool and comfortable night’s sleep. Memory foam is great for pressure relief, while gel offers similar benefits but with a cooler sleep experience.”

Soft, medium or firm - how do you know which is right?

“As a general guide, back sleepers often benefit from a medium to firm mattress to support the lower back. Side sleepers may prefer medium support, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink in slightly to keep the spine aligned.

Most of our mattresses are available in soft, medium or firm. Comfort is the most important factor, and this is always down to personal preference. We encourage customers to take their time, lie on the mattress in their usual sleeping positions and see what feels right.”

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right mattress is a personal decision, but expert guidance can make all the difference. Taking time to understand your sleeping position, comfort preferences and support needs will help ensure better sleep for years to come.

Find out more here about our Bed Showroom