Mattress Deals & Offers

The hotukdeals Guide to Finding the Best Mattress Deals and Discounts

When you think about it, few things in life are as important as a good mattress. Although they can often be underestimated, these essential household accessories are what lies between a sound night of rejuvenating sleep, and hours of tossing and turning which leaves us more tired than we were when we first turned in. So choosing the right mattress is incredibly important, and that's where hotukdeals can help.

Buyers will find plenty of mattress offers in our bedroom accessory listings, with mattresses of all shapes, brands, and materials. The world of mattresses is more complex (and modern) than many people think, so we've put together a guide to how to find the perfect companion for your hours of sleep.

A Quick History of the Mattress

Mattresses are a fairly recent invention. For a long time, only the very rich could afford a cushioned layer between their bodies and the frame of their beds (if they were lucky enough to have one). The story of the “Princess and the Pea” relied upon the fact that hardly anyone aside from Princesses could have the problem of feeling a peek through layers of cushioning. For most people, life was all about blankets, wooden surfaces, and discomfort.

That all changed in the 19th century, when the Industrial Revolution made mass-produced mattresses much cheaper. Now, industrially produced metal springs could be combined with soft wool or down, and stuffed into durable cotton containers. The result was a product that offered springiness, but with enough firmness to keep its shape – and the modern mattress was born.

The materials used to build mattresses changed in the 20th century, with synthetic fabrics coming to the fore. Extra padding was added over the springs as well, helping to retain the firmness of mattresses, while preventing the sagging sensation that still plagues inferior designs. But the actual construction of mattresses remained familiar until quite recently.

In the 1990s, the memory foam mattress era began, and changed the way mattresses were built. This innovative material was first developed by the US space program, and has the ability to assume the shape of individual bodies, before easing back into its original form. As such, it's ideally suited to mattress production, and many brands made the switch.

However, while foam-based and hybrid mattresses are commonly available, so-called “innerspring” versions with old-style designs are still the cheapest (and least comfortable) versions. So what should you look for to avoid buying a low-quality mattress? Let's explore the differences before discussing the types of mattress you'll find at hotukdeals.

What Makes a Good Mattress? Things For Buyers to Look For

Not many people think about what makes a mattress comfortable, while other designs are virtually unusable, so it's worth running through a few guidelines to find out why this could happen.

• Durability – Firstly, good mattresses aren't a disposable product that works well for a year or two, before becoming degraded and useless. The types of mattress available from budget furniture stores will usually fall apart within a couple of years with normal usage. Good versions are engineered to last for a decade or more.

• Hardness – The best mattresses are ones which balance firmness and give. Cheap mattresses feel incredibly soft when you first buy them, and they might work brilliantly until their form starts to fail. But it inevitably will. The poor-quality springs used in these products tend to lose their support after a few months. In the process, the softness you loved so much at first becomes a curse, as you wake up feeling your sore back and leg muscles. Good mattresses are soft enough to feel comfortable and luxurious, but firm enough to support your body. This support is crucial to protecting your joints and muscles as you sleep. However, there is such a thing as “too firm”. While very hard mattresses may be excellent for those suffering from orthopaedic ailments, they won't be ideal for most people. Choosing something “in between” is a better option.

• Personalisation – Having said that a balance between firmness and softness is optimal, that's not always easy to strike for one straightforward reason: we are all different. Our weights vary dramatically, and this makes differing demands on our sleeping accessories. As a rule, heavier individuals will appreciate firmer mattresses (and the value of advanced layered foam versions), while children and slimmer adults will benefit from extra softness. Trying mattresses before you buy is even better, but better still could be hybrid mattresses featuring separate constructions. These premium products are weighted differently across their surface, so half could suit a 15 stone man, while half is optimised for a 10 stone woman. They cost more, but could be a life-saver for couples blighted by sleeplessness.

Those are pretty general themes to think about when purchasing a mattress. But there are also technical considerations that will crop up again and again as you browse mattress listings. Here's a brief guide to some key terms and how they could influence your buying decision:

• Spring numbers – If you choose an innerspring mattress, the number of springs is very important. Basically, the more springs a mattress has, the firmer it will be, because springs deliver support.

• Filling – The materials used to fill mattresses vary, and can make a big difference. Cheaper sprung mattresses will use cotton or synthetics, with no other layers. However, more expensive varieties could employ a range of materials to supplement cotton. For instance, silk or mohair can be added to make beds as soft as possible – although this will add considerably more to the price tag. More commonly, a mix of cotton and wool will be used to enhance a mattress' softness. In non-sprung mattresses, synthetics are used in layers. We'll discuss how these materials differ when we come to talk about foam mattresses, as it's easy to be deceived here.

• Size – It's an obvious point, but mattresses have to be the same size as the bed they are intended to be used with. In the UK, mattress sizes range from small single mattress (75cm x 190cm) to double mattress (120cm x 190cm) or super king-size (180cm x 200cm). Double-check that you've found a deal for one with the correct dimensions.

• Trial periods – These days, most mattresses come with trial periods, often for 100 days or more. Not every buyer realises this is the case, or how to exercise their warranty rights if the mattress doesn't measure up. When buying, feel free to inquire about warranty terms, and check that ordering a replacement or refund is straightforward. Finding the right mattress is a personal matter so don't be stuck with a product that doesn't enhance your sleep.

What Types of Mattress Will You Find at hotukdeals?

Now that know a bit more about what constitutes a good mattress, it makes sense to introduce the most important types that buyers will encounter at hotukdeals:

• Pocket sprung – In these mattresses, most of the space is taken up by whatever filler the manufacturers choose. However, special pockets are incorporated in the design, and these pockets are fitted with springs, providing the firmness sleepers require. They won't adapt to your body shape, but can be more luxurious and soft than foam-based alternatives. However, as they can't be rolled, sprung mattresses tend to be cumbersome to install. And good versions will also carry a higher price tag than premium memory foam alternatives.

• Memory Foam – Made from polyurethane compounds, these mattresses contain no springs. Instead, they are created from layers of synthetic materials (sometimes with natural wool or cotton layers to add extra softness). The foam used adapts to the sleeper's body and generally speaking more expensive memory foam mattresses will keep their shape for longer periods. One major advantage of these designs is their portability. Unlike sprung mattresses, they can be rolled for delivery – a much more ergonomic way to get them from warehouses to bedrooms. However, there is one potential downside. Foam mattresses are known for trapping body heat, causing a “clammy” sensation. Good versions are less prone to this than cheaper options, which is an excellent reason to seek out premium brands for less at hotukdeals.

• Latex – Like memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses keep their shape well and do not require springs. They are known for their anti-microbial properties, meaning that keeping latex versions clean and safe for kids is much easier. And they also attract dust in lower quantities than other mattress styles, which can be a huge factor in homes where dust is a problem. Latex mattresses last for a long time and have similar comfort levels to memory foam, but they can share the heat issues discussed earlier, so again – paying more is advisable.

• Hybrids – The above three categories aren't exclusive. Some mattress manufacturers have opted to combine materials and construction methods to create hybrids. Most commonly, you'll find versions with foam layers on top, and springs underneath. When they are well-made, these mattresses can deliver the firmness and personalisation of memory foam, with the softness you'd hope for from the best-sprung models.

• Budget mattresses – Alongside those varieties, some low-cost retailers still market old-fashioned mattresses with very few springs or coil beds. Coiled versions feature connected springs, which reduce the need for filler (and hence reduce the softness of the mattress). They also tend to shift with sleepers, causing a more disturbed night's sleep – especially for couples. On the plus side, prices are lower, but if you can find mattress deals for premium models, it's well worth spending more.

Some Key Modern Mattress Brands That Should Guarantee a Good Night's Sleep

The contemporary mattress market is fiercely competitive, with numerous brands vying for attention via TV, billboard and online advertising. But what are the key brands for buyers to check for at hotukdeals? Here are some innovative manufacturers that are making an impression:

• OTTY – OTTY is famous for its “mattress in a box” beds, but also makes a range of hybrid mattresses that offer the best of both worlds. Affordable by premium mattress standards, OTTY hybrids have won various Which? And Good Housekeeping awards thanks to their breathable materials and low-sag performance. Their hypoallergenic covers and 2,000 pocket springs couple with multiple foam layers to produce spaces that should suit the most demanding snoozers.

• Eve – Earning a cult following Eve made its name with mattresses incorporating three layers of memory foam, with materials that claim to be 30 times as breathable as previous foam-based mattresses. The 10-year warranty is as long as you'll find, you can try your mattress for 100 nights before claiming a refund, and all Eve mattresses are made in the UK as well. Buyers will find a mix of pure memory foam and hybrid versions. However, it's worth noting that 650 springs is far less than OTTY, so there may be a comfort trade-off with the hybrid version.

• Simba – A Simba mattress has become a byword for comfort in recent years, and with good reason. This brand's hybrid designs feature a massive 2,500 springs and attract rave reviews from sleepers for their consistency and comfort. The 100-night guarantee sweetens the deal, meaning that if the company's hype doesn't measure up in reality, you can always look elsewhere.

• Neptune – If you want a premium pocket sprung mattress, Neptune could be the perfect brand to choose. Using Yorkshire wool filling, with a little horsehair and hemp added in, these mattresses also mix up “high resolution” springs and conventional pocket springs, resulting in the kind of feel that would grace luxury hotels. But you may be able to find a deal that lets you feel that type of luxury in your own bedroom.

• Leesa – One of the finest manufacturers of multiple-layer memory foam mattresses, Leesa originated in Virginia Beach, USA, but it rooted in Manchester these days. Its signature product is probably the Sapira – a high-quality hybrid mattress, but there's also the all-foam standard Leesa mattress. This can often be a very cost-effective option to choose, offering support, comfort, and breathability.

Simba Mattress: The Story Behind The Perfect Night's Sleep

Mattress Toppers vs Standard Mattresses – Which One Should You Choose?

So far, we've talked exclusively about mattresses, but that's a little misleading. To round off the picture, we also need to take mattress toppers into consideration. Not enough buyers do this, assuming that they need a full-blown mattress to ensure a good night's sleep. But toppers can supplement existing mattresses and make a huge difference, usually at a fraction of the price of a premium mattress.

For those who don't know, a mattress topper is a thin layer which lies on top of mattresses. It can easily be rolled up and removed for cleaning, or even taken on holidays to ensure that hotel beds won't let you down. The idea behind them is simple: to add extra support where mattresses start to sag. And they can be very, very effective.

Buyers might choose a topper over a mattress for a number of reasons. There's price, obviously. But convenience matters to many people. Additionally, a good firm topper mixed with a soft sprung mattress can deliver the same performance as an elite hybrid mattress much more cheaply than buying one new. That's not always the case, and those with serious sleep disorders, a high intolerance of discomfort, or physiological complaints that demand specific solutions probably won't benefit from toppers. But for many of us, they are handy alternatives. Don't write them off.

How and When to Make a Mattress Purchase

Buying a premium mattress is rarely a waste of money. When you make the upgrade, you'll understand the difference between ageing, sagging, poorly-made budget mattresses, and the cream of the crop. But actually making the shift can be an expensive process. So how can you save cash and improve your sleep?

Aside from juggling the merits of mattresses and toppers, the best thing to do is head to the hotukdeals mattress listings. Our listings feature major brands like OTTY and Leesa, as well as boutique manufacturers that are just coming on-line. And you'll find discounts from popular furniture retailers like John Lewis, Argos, Amazon, Robert Dyas, and CostCo.

Before taking advantage of coupon deals or mattress sale promotions, it's always wise to test the mattress in question. If you have the chance, head to a nearby showroom and ask to feel the product. A few seconds of testing can be the difference between a sleep revolution, and endless night-time frustration.

Shopping at key sales periods can make a big difference, too. January is often a great time to find a premium mattress or mattress topper sale, as retailers capitalise on the New Year home improvement trend. But Black Friday in November can also be a good time to bargain hunt. In any case, and whenever you shop, hotukdeals will feature mattress deals to help you boost your nocturnal comfort.

Cut the Cost of Sleeping Comfortably with a Mattress Purchase from hotukdeals

Having the right mattress is one of life's most important considerations, but too many people suffer through the night on surfaces that are too hard, too soft, or too clammy to encourage a solid night's sleep. Don't be like that. Find a way to sleep soundly and recharge your batteries with a purchase from the hotukdeals mattress listings.