Comprehensive Online Mattress Buying Guide

The world of luxury mattresses

Navigating the vast world of mattresses can be overwhelming, especially with countless brands touting their products as the best. At Winston’s, we recognise the importance of choosing the right mattress for comfort and health. Allow us to guide you through this mattress maze.

A restful sleep is indispensable for maintaining good health. However, diving into a purchase without due research can lead to discomfort and sleepless nights. Ensuring your mattress aligns with your sleeping habits and supports you correctly is vital.

Prices for mattresses can range from a mere £70 to a staggering £40,000. So, ensuring that your investment guarantees value for money and meets your needs is essential.

Dive into our comprehensive luxury mattress buying guide to find your perfect fit. Whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or someone dealing with persistent back issues, our guide is tailored to help you make an informed decision.

If you’re keen on delving deeper into the world of luxury mattresses, click here to explore our detailed guide. We’re committed to helping you sleep luxuriously and comfortably at Winston’s.

Choosing the right mattress

Shopping for a mattress? It’s essential to understand the various types available to ensure you select the one that best suits your needs. Let’s delve deeper into each mattress type to help you make an informed decision.

Calico Pocket Spring Mattresses

What is it?

Calico Pocket Spring mattresses are intricately designed with numerous individual springs. Each spring is encased in its fabric pocket, allowing them to move separately from one another. This design ensures that the mattress responds uniquely to different parts of the body, providing targeted support where needed.

Pros

• Tailored Comfort: The independent movement of each spring caters to different body weights and sleeping positions.
• Airflow: The spaces between the springs promote breathability, preventing overheating.
• Reduced Motion Transfer: Ideal for couples as movements on one side don’t disturb the other side.

Cons

• Can be costlier due to intricate design.

Natural Mattresses

What is it?

Natural mattresses are an epitome of luxury, crafted using organically sourced materials. These mattresses are filled with natural fibres such as wool, which regulates temperature, alpaca, known for its softness, bamboo, a hypoallergenic material and mohair, prized for its resilience and lustre.

Pros

• Eco-friendly: Made from sustainable resources.
• Temperature Regulation: Natural fibres ensure a comfortable sleeping temperature.
• Hypoallergenic: Suitable for people with allergies.

Cons

• Premium materials lead to higher prices.

Double-sided Pillow Top Mattresses

What is it?

Double-sided pillow-top mattresses have the cushioning layer on both sides of the mattress. This design allows users to flip and rotate the mattress, extending its life and ensuring consistent comfort on both sides. Notably, Winstons specialises in these double-sided pillow-top mattresses, ensuring customers receive premium quality.

Pros

• Extended Lifespan: Can be flipped and rotated, distributing wear evenly.
• Consistent Comfort: Both sides offer the luxurious pillow-top feel.
• Versatility: Suitable for people with changing comfort needs or preferences.
• Even Wear: The ability to flip ensures the mattress wears down evenly, extending its life.

Cons

• Can be on the pricier side due to the added materials and craftsmanship.

Single-sided Pillow Top Mattresses

What is it?

Single-sided pillow-top mattresses have an additional cushioning layer on just one side of the mattress. This plush layer is sewn into the top, offering a soft and luxurious feel to that side only.

Pros

• Immediate Comfort: The top layer provides a soft, cushiony feel, enhancing initial comfort.

Cons

• Durability Issues: The cushioning tends to wear out faster, leading to sagging over time.
• Non-flippable: Cannot be turned over to extend lifespan.
• Uneven Wear: The non-pillow side can’t be used, leading to quicker wear and tear.
• Potential Heat Retention: The plush layer can trap heat, making it warmer.

With this breakdown, you’re better equipped to understand the distinct advantages and considerations of both single-sided and double-sided pillow-top mattresses. Remember, your mattress is a long-term investment in your comfort and health, so choosing the right one is crucial.

Open Spring (Bonell Spring) Mattresses

What is it?

Open Spring mattresses, also known as Bonell spring mattresses, have a system of interconnected springs made from a singular wire. These mattresses often have a border wire to maintain shape and are typically machine-stitched.

Pros

• Budget-friendly: Generally more affordable.

Cons

• Limited Lifespan: Tend to sag or lose support quicker.
• Inconsistent Support: Springs move as a unit, leading to potential pressure points.

Memory Foam Mattresses

What is it?

Memory foam, initially developed for NASA, is a viscoelastic material. It softens with heat, allowing it to mould to the body’s shape. Once the pressure is removed, it slowly regains its original form, giving it the ‘memory’ property.

Pros

• Pressure Point Relief: Moulds to the body, distributing weight evenly.
• Spinal Alignment: Supports the natural curve of the spine.

Cons

• Heat Retention: Can become warm due to its dense nature.
• Off-gassing: New mattresses might release a chemical smell, which dissipates over time.

Latex Mattresses

What is it?

Latex mattresses are crafted from latex foam, a natural product derived from the sap of rubber trees. They are known for their resilience, durability and elasticity.

Pros

• Natural Origin: Typically eco-friendly and biodegradable.
• Responsive: Quickly adjusts to body movements.

Cons

• Weight: Tend to be heavy, making them challenging to manoeuvre.
• Initial Firmness: Might be too firm for some sleepers.

What value does Winston’s Beds offer for your money?

Wondering what you can expect when investing in a mattress at Winston’s Beds? Let’s break down our offerings based on price ranges and compare them with what’s generally available in the market.

At Winston’s Beds, here’s our promise

£469.99 – £849.99

• You’ll receive a mattress boasting a high GSM, offering a firmer feel. It’s a balanced mix of synthetic and natural fillings, ensuring both durability and comfort.

£799.99 – £1299.99

• Experience handcrafted luxury with our 100% natural mattresses. With a high GSM and premium pocket springs, these mattresses are embedded with the finest natural fibres available.

£1249.99 – £3799.99

• These are meticulously handmade natural mattresses. They’re crafted from elite hand-teased fibres and equipped with calico pocket springs, ranging from 4000gsm to 6600gsm.

£1899.99 – £4599.99

• Step into the realm of unparalleled luxury. Handmade with the most exquisite hand-teased fibres and calico pocket springs, their GSM ranges from 6600gsm to 10600gsm.

£3099.99 – £9799.99

• The pinnacle of mattress craftsmanship. These models, with a GSM between 6750gsm to 14350gsm, are globally recognised as top-tier, even surpassing renowned brands like Hastens, Savoir and Vispring. Yet, we ensure fairness in pricing.

How does the wider market compare?

Under £500

• Expect a basic low spring count, thin polyester layers, or a foam mattress with limited durability.

£500 – £799.99

• Basic spunbond springs with synthetic upholstery, often single-sided.

£750

• Standard pocket springs with counts between 800-1000, minimal natural fillings.

£1000

• Transition from lower to mid-range pocket spring models.

£1250

• A reasonable pocket spring mattress with minimal natural fibre.

£1500

• Mid-range models featuring some natural fibres.

£1500-£2000

• Potential for a handmade, mostly natural fibre mattress.

£3000+

• Expect fully natural fibres and traditional craftsmanship with pocket springs.

£5000+

• Bespoke handmade luxury, with calico pocket springs, world’s finest hand teased natural fibres from brands such as Vispring, Savoir & Hastens

We trust it’s clear that with Winston’s Beds, you’re not just buying a mattress; you’re investing in unmatched value. We stand by the quality and luxury of our mattresses and we welcome any global challenge on their specifications.

Our belief? Sleep is vital to well-being. We’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to high-quality sleep. Hence, we’ve paired this mattress guide with our exceptional mattresses, striving to make luxury sleep accessible to all. Dive into the world of restful sleep with Winston’s. Explore our full luxury mattress range here.

Understanding spring tension in mattresses

Springs play a pivotal role in determining the comfort and durability of a mattress. However, there’s more to springs than meets the eye. To make an informed choice, it’s essential to differentiate between spring tension and mattress feel. At Winston’s, we’re here to guide you through this intricate process.

Pocket Springs at Winston’s

We champion pocket springs for their superior quality and longevity. Not only do they outlast open coil and foam beds, but they also excel in minimising motion transfer. This means if your partner moves during sleep, you won’t feel a thing.

What is Spring Tension?

Spring tension refers to the support of the springs inside the mattress. It’s determined by the thickness (or gauge) of the wire used to make the springs. The right spring tension is crucial as it provides the necessary support based on your weight and sleeping position and ensures the mattress contours to your body, offering optimal comfort.

Spring Tension, Wire Diameter (Gauge) & Suitable Weight Range

Soft
Gauge: 1.2mm
Weight Suitability: Up to 11 stone.

Medium
Gauge: 1.4mm
Weight Suitability: Suitable for individuals weighing up to 16 stone.

Firm
Gauge: 1.6mm
Weight Suitability: Designed for those weighing between 16 to 20 stone.

Extra Firm / Orthopaedic
Gauge: 1.8mm
Weight Suitability: Perfect for those weighing 20 stone and above.

In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of springs can significantly influence your mattress buying decision. By selecting the right spring tension, you ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

What is mattress feel

When diving into the world of mattresses, it’s essential to grasp the concept of ‘mattress feel’. But what exactly does that mean?

Defining Mattress Feel

The ‘feel’ of a mattress is determined by the fibres used within it and their arrangement. It’s about how the mattress responds to your body when you lie down, whether it feels plush, firm, or somewhere in between. The layering of fibres, their density and their quality play a crucial role in dictating this feel.

It’s vital to note that ‘mattress feel‘ and ‘spring tension‘ are two distinct aspects. While spring tension refers to the support level of the mattress based on the springs’ firmness, the ‘feel’ is more about the comfort and sensation you experience on the surface. At Winston’s, we clarify the feel of each mattress on every category and product page for your ease.

For instance, a mattress labelled as ‘soft feel’ will remain soft regardless of the spring tension you opt for. Choosing a firmer spring tension won’t transform a soft mattress into a firm one.

Exploring mattress feels and their benefits

Soft Feel

• A soft mattress envelops your body, providing a cushioned embrace. This gentle contouring is especially beneficial for individuals with hip pain. The softness allows the mattress to mould around the hip area, relieving pressure points and distributing weight evenly, which can alleviate discomfort.

Medium Soft Feel

• This is a slightly firmer feel than soft but still offers significant cushioning. It’s ideal for those with conditions like fibromyalgia, bursitis and joint pain. The balanced support and softness can diminish pressure on sensitive areas, reducing pain and providing comfort.

Medium Feel

• Striking a perfect balance between firmness and cushioning, a medium feel mattress is especially suitable for back pain sufferers. It supports the spine’s natural curve while also offering enough give to reduce pressure points, helping maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night.

Medium Firm Feel

• This feel offers more robust support with a touch of softness. It’s beneficial for those with back pain and sciatica. The firmer support ensures the spine remains aligned, reducing the strain on the sciatic nerve, while the slight cushioning offers comfort.

Firm Feel

• The firmest of the lot, this mattress provides a solid surface feel. It’s ideal for individuals who prefer a sturdier sleeping surface and those with back pain. The consistent support ensures the spine remains straight, which can help alleviate discomfort in the back area.

Do you know the significance of hand side stitching in a mattress?

Hand side stitching plays a pivotal role in the construction of a premium mattress. But what is it and why does it matter?

What is hand side stitching?

• Hand side stitching refers to the method of manually sewing the mattress edges, connecting the side panels to the pocket springs inside. This technique enhances the mattress’s edge-to-edge support, ensuring it doesn’t sag over time.

How is it done?

• Skilled artisans use a long needle to stitch the mattress from the outside to the inner springs. While many companies typically stitch up to two springs deep, at Winston’s, we pride ourselves on going five springs deep. This provides a firmer edge and a more consistent sleeping surface.

Why is deeper stitching better?

• Stitching five springs deep requires more skill and precision. That’s why many companies limit themselves to just two springs. At Winston’s, we believe in offering the best and our deeper stitching is a testament to that commitment.

Understanding the Rows of Stitching

• Mattresses with 2-4 rows of stitching offer commendable support and are quite similar in their benefits.
• Those with 5-6 rows are a notch above, providing enhanced support and durability.
• For the ultimate luxury experience, 7-row stitched mattresses are unparalleled.Winston’s Beds takes pride in being the first and only retailer to offer a 7-row hand side stitched mattress, ensuring the utmost luxury and support.

What about butterfly clipping?

• In addition to our meticulous stitching, we further bolster our mattress’s edge support with butterfly clips. These clips are strategically placed between the springs, providing additional stability and ensuring the mattress maintains its shape for longer.

Why choose Winston’s Beds?

• While all hand side stitched mattresses offer fantastic edge-to-edge support, Winston’s Beds goes the extra mile with deeper stitching and exclusive butterfly clipping. Our dedication to excellence ensures you receive a mattress that’s not only comfortable but also built to last.

Does pocket spring count matter in a mattress?

Choosing the right mattress can be a daunting task, especially with the array of spring types and terminologies in the market. It’s essential to understand the significance of pocket spring count and how it impacts the quality and comfort of your mattress. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding the types of pocket springs

Spunbond Micro Springs

Spunbond micro springs are encased in a protective polyester cover, ensuring durability and longevity.

What are micro springs?

Micro springs are tiny, individual springs designed to provide targeted support and contouring. However, they are not known for any specific benefits but merely serve a particular purpose.

Cost of Production

• Interestingly, micro springs aren’t costly to produce. For context, we used to purchase Harrison Spinks micro springs at £23.93 for a 2000 count micro spring layer. This implies that the production cost is considerably lower. For instance, incorporating 20,000 micro springs costs us around £239.30. In contrast, natural fibres like horsehair can cost up to £278 for just one layer in the mattress.

Comfort or Support

• Micro springs primarily offer comfort. They contour to the body, alleviating pressure points.

Micro Springs vs Natural Fibres

• Contrary to common belief, micro springs don’t provide more comfort than natural fibres. This insight led us to phase out mattresses with micro springs, favouring a higher GSM of natural fibres. Micro springs can consume valuable space that could be better utilised by natural fibres.

Perception vs Reality

• Often, micro springs are introduced to portray a mattress as luxurious. However, it’s a cost-effective method to boost spring count without using pricier natural fibres.

Cost Implications

• A mattress with a higher spring count shouldn’t be pricier than one with a higher GSM of premium fillings. If you find a mattress with lower GSM but higher spring count costing more than one with calico pocket springs and high GSM, you’re likely paying a premium for a mattress that’s cheaper to produce.

Spunbond Pocket Springs

These are conventional pocket springs with certain advantages, such as durability and consistent support. However, like all products, they have their downsides, though they are minimal.

Calico Pocket Springs

What are they?

• Calico pocket springs are handcrafted springs, renowned for their exceptional quality and performance.

Benefits

• These springs are globally recognised as the best, used by leading brands like Winstons, Savoir and Vispring. Their handmade nature ensures precision and longevity.

Drawbacks

• The only downside to Calico pocket springs is their production cost, making them a premium choice.

When selecting a mattress, always prioritise comfort, support and quality over mere numbers. And if you’re unsure where to start, our team is here to help. Dive into our range of mattresses and find the perfect fit for you.

What’s the ideal spring count for a mattress?

When it comes to selecting the perfect mattress, spring count plays a crucial role in determining the comfort and support levels. However, it’s essential to note that more isn’t always better. For a super king size mattress, the ideal pocket spring count lies between 1,500 and 3,000. Here’s why.

Why Opt for a Minimum of 1,500 Springs?

Consistent Support

• A count of 1,500 ensures that the mattress offers uniform support across its surface. It’s sufficient to contour to the body’s curves, alleviating pressure points and ensuring a restful sleep.

Durability

• A mattress with at least 1,500 springs is constructed to withstand wear and tear, ensuring longevity and a good return on investment.

Balanced Comfort

• This count strikes a balance between firm support and plush comfort, making it versatile for various sleepers.

Understanding the Limitations of Exceeding 3,000 Springs in a Mattress

Venturing beyond 3,000 springs in a super king-size mattress might seem like a venture into luxury, promising unparalleled comfort and support. However, in reality, crossing this threshold often doesn’t bring the expected benefits. Let’s delve into the reasons why more than 3,000 springs might not be the optimal choice.

Density vs Comfort Trade-off

• At a certain point, adding more springs doesn’t necessarily translate to enhanced comfort or support. Once the mattress achieves a certain density level with 3,000 springs, the incremental addition might not provide noticeable improvements.

Space Constraints

• A mattress has limited space and every component requires its share. When the spring count increases disproportionately, it naturally reduces the space available for other components. High-quality natural fibres that contribute significantly to comfort, breathability and temperature regulation might be compromised.
• More springs can mean less room for these premium fibres like organic wool or loose long horsetail, which play an essential role in providing a luxurious sleep experience. While springs offer support, it’s the blend of springs and natural fibres that creates the ideal balance of comfort and support.

Increased Weight and Handling Difficulties

• A mattress packed with an excessive number of springs tends to be heavier. This can make it cumbersome to move, rotate, or maintain. Over time, this can become a practical challenge, especially when routine maintenance or bedroom rearrangements are needed.

Cost Implications

• Beyond a certain point, the cost of adding more springs might not align with the benefits received. You could end up paying a premium for a feature that doesn’t significantly enhance the overall quality or comfort of the mattress.

Breathability and Temperature Regulation

• Natural fibres play a pivotal role in ensuring that a mattress remains breathable and aids in temperature regulation. With an excessive spring count, the mattress might compromise on these fibres, potentially affecting the airflow and leading to a hotter sleep environment.

Durability Concerns

• While springs are designed to be durable, overcrowding them can lead to quicker wear and tear. The springs might not have the necessary room to flex and adapt, which could impact their longevity.

In essence, while a high spring count might sound impressive on paper, the real-world benefits of exceeding 3,000 springs in a mattress are limited. It’s vital to focus on the holistic composition of the mattress, ensuring a balanced integration of springs and natural fibres, to guarantee both comfort and durability.

Which fabric should you choose for your mattress cover?

From budget to luxury, there’s a variety of mattress fabrics available. Here’s a breakdown, starting from the most affordable to the premium choices.

Stitchbond

• Stitchbond is the most cost-effective fabric you can find for a mattress. Going cheaper might mean compromising with sackcloth, which certainly isn’t a top pick for comfort. Stitchbond is rugged and long-lasting but can feel slightly coarse. It isn’t particularly breathable or flexible due to its basic weaving technique. While it might not guarantee the most comfortable night’s sleep, it’s a solid choice for those on a budget.

Knits

• Falling in the mid-range category, knits are incredibly soft and are primarily used as covers for mattresses with memory foam or latex toppings. They’re made from a blend of polyester and other synthetics, giving them a stretchy feel. Knits offer better breathability than Stitchbond but don’t quite match up to some of the higher-end options.

Cheap Damask

• An affordable alternative to genuine damask, this fabric is made from polyester. It’s not as breathable, long-lasting, or comfy to rest on. Moreover, it tends to have a glossy finish.

Belgian Satin Damask

• Championed by luxury bed producers like Winston’s Beds and esteemed retailers such as Vispring, Belgian satin damask stands out for its softness, breathability and flexibility. This ensures that the upholstery fibres underneath can function optimally, providing you with unmatched comfort. Made entirely from plant-based viscose, our Belgian satin damask is then given a plant-based fire retardant treatment, ensuring it remains free from synthetic chemicals.

Why is this important?

The fabric of your mattress plays a significant role in the comfort, breathability and overall feel of your bed. Your choice can influence the quality of your sleep, so choose wisely.
Ready to make a decision? Dive into our collection and find the best mattress fabric tailored to your needs and budget. Remember, it’s not just about the price; it’s about the quality of your sleep. Choose wisely and sleep soundly.

Summary

Embarking on the journey to find the ideal mattress? We’ve got you covered! Dive into the essentials, from GSM to the art of hand stitching, empowering you to choose with clarity and confidence.

Key Mattress Online Buying Components

GSM

• Measures the density of the fillings.

Spring Types & Counts

• The core that defines the mattress.

Spring Tension

• Ensures the right support.

Feel

• Determines the firmness level.

Filling Types

• Crucial for both comfort and longevity.

Fabric Types

• Dictates breathability and overall texture.

Hand Teasing

• Provides a customised touch.

Hand Stitching

• Bolsters the edge support.

Before You Seal the Deal, Take Note:

Assess the Springs

• A mattress priced over £600 but with fewer than 1500 springs? Reconsider.

Feel Factor

• Select a mattress that aligns with your desired feel. Remember, it’s not spring tension that dictates the feel.

Unravel the Filling

• Aim for 100% natural fillings for a premium experience.

GSM Matters

• Beware of mattresses with high GSM but containing polyester and priced above £900. Likewise, a mattress priced over £1000 but offering less than 3500gsm, even if 100% natural, might not be the best value.

Fabric First

• Understand the material as it influences both comfort and longevity.

Stitching Standards

• If you’re splurging over £1000, it’s worth ensuring the mattress boasts hand stitching.

Wrapping Up

Armed with this insight, you’re all set to navigate the digital mattress marketplace with ease. Remember, the right mattress is an investment in quality sleep, so choose judiciously.

Ready to embark on your mattress quest? Dive in, informed and assured and pave the way for restful nights ahead. Happy hunting!