Born from NASA technology and perfected for sleep.
Memory foam technology adapts to your body, relieving pressure points and accommodating various sleeping positions. Originally developed by NASA for spaceship seats to absorb shock, this material has become popular in mattresses due to its exceptional comfort.
The main material in memory foam is polyurethane, a polymer made up of large molecules formed from numerous smaller, similar units linked together. Polyurethane is a versatile plastic polymer commonly used in various products, including sofas and mattresses.
A memory foam mattress responds to pressure uniquely; when force is applied quickly, it moves more slowly, creating an enveloping sensation that cradles your body. Typically, it returns to its original shape within 5 to 10 seconds, creating comfort and support throughout the night. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam minimises motion transfer, ensuring undisturbed sleep even if your partner moves throughout the night.
This pressure-relieving capability is especially beneficial for side sleepers, who may experience discomfort in their shoulders and hips, and for back sleepers, who need proper spinal alignment. To learn more about finding the right support for your sleeping position, take a look at our guides for sleeping on your side and mattresses for sleeping on your back.
For those who tend to feel hot at night, a mattress with cooling technology can help regulate body temperature by promoting airflow. Cooling mattresses are designed to help you look forward to bedtime, even during the warmer months. A gel foam mattress features gel-infused foam in a sprung or foam base. This viscoelastic foam is designed to offer comfort while effectively minimising heat retention.
For more advanced cooling options, consider these technologies:
As you explore these cooling mattresses, it's essential to consider the bedding you'll pair with them. Opt for lightweight duvets and cool-touch pillows for the best results. Don't forget to check out our summer bedding range. For additional tips on lowering your body temperature while you sleep, explore our 26 ways to stay cool at night.
Pocket spring technology is a key advancement in mattress design that minimises motion transfer. Each spring is individually wrapped, allowing it to respond independently to your movements. This feature makes pocket sprung mattresses ideal for couples, preventing them from “roll-together” moments when one partner shifts during the night. The springs absorb and isolate your partner’s movements, enhancing comfort and improving sleep quality by promoting undisturbed rest.
In contrast, traditional open spring mattresses offer their own unique advantages. The main benefit is their all-over support, thanks to their sturdy interlinked spring unit structure. This design offers pressure relief from edge to edge, making it a comfortable choice for various sleeping positions. Additionally, open spring mattresses come in a variety of comfort grades, allowing you to select the level of firmness that best suits your needs.
Additionally, the advantages of pocket spring technology can be further enhanced by incorporating advanced features such as zoned support systems. A zoned support system lets you pick various firmness levels for your mattress. Again, ideal for couples as you can make one side of the mattress firmer than the other. To find your ideal firmness level, check out which mattress is best for you.
Hybrid mattresses seamlessly blend pocket springs' support with memory foam's luxurious comfort, creating a balanced sleep experience. Equipped with a Mirapocket® support system, these mattresses feature individually responsive pocket springs that adapt to your body's unique shape and weight. This technology ensures even weight distribution and reacts to your movements, providing optimal support throughout the night.
Adding a memory foam layer enhances the comfort of hybrid mattresses, allowing them to conform to your body's contours gently. This combination offers exceptional pressure relief, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote restful sleep. To improve the quality of your slumber, discover our comprehensive guide on how to sleep better at night.
Choosing a natural mattress provides an eco-friendly solution for those who avoid man-made materials. Using locally sourced, sustainable materials like certified British wool, cotton, and bamboo, these mattresses provide a more breathable and cooler sleeping surface than synthetic fabrics. The natural fillings work together with pocket spring systems, which offer tailored support by evenly distributing your body weight across the mattress.
These mattresses also often feature Eco Comfort Fibres™, made from recycled plastics. These fibres are environmentally conscious and highly breathable, making them ideal for hot sleepers. Many natural mattresses are designed with hypoallergenic covers, ensuring a healthier sleeping environment, while the traditional tufting process enhances durability and support.
Natural mattress technology is focused on sustainability, with many products being fully recyclable, helping to reduce waste. For another eco-conscious alternative to traditional foam, mattresses featuring Platinum 3D™ technology are crafted from recycled and recyclable materials. They offer a lightweight, breathable, and highly supportive feel. Their advanced design enhances airflow, helping to regulate temperature for a cooler, more comfortable sleep.
Latex technology is eco-friendly and highly beneficial for those seeking allergy relief. Natural latex is inherently anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, creating a cleaner sleep environment. It resists dust mites, mould, and mildew, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Latex mattresses, such as those with Sealy’s ProShield® technology, offer certified protection against allergens. Allergy UK has endorsed this technology, ensuring it keeps common triggers at bay while maintaining the mattress’s freshness over time. The added SilverFresh™ technology enhances this further by preventing the build-up of bacteria on the sleep surface, promoting a more hygienic environment.
If you’re looking for a mattress that effectively combats germs, consider those featuring ProShield® technology, SmartSilver™, or SilverFresh™ technology. SmartSilver™ is a cutting-edge innovation designed to enhance your mattress's freshness and hygiene. Infused with antimicrobial properties, it actively inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other unwanted microorganisms, helping to prevent unpleasant odours and maintain a healthy sleep environment.
Sealy's ProShield® technology complements this by providing certified protection against allergens, as endorsed by Allergy UK. This technology keeps common triggers at bay and maintains the mattress’s freshness over time. Additionally, SilverFresh™ technology actively works to prevent the accumulation of bacteria on the sleep surface, promoting a healthier and more hygienic sleeping environment.
Modern mattresses cater to every need, from pressure-relieving materials to innovative cooling technologies and allergy-friendly options. Explore our guide on mattress types to find the right one for you and take the first step towards a more restful night.