Choosing a mattress comes down to a handful of key factors. Here’s what to think about before you buy.

Key factors to consider

Sleeping position — side sleepers generally want a softer, more contouring mattress; back and front sleepers usually need firmer support.

Firmness — we grade mattresses across six levels, from Soft through Soft/Medium, Medium, Medium/Firm, Firm, to Extra Firm, so you can land between two feels rather than being forced to round up or down. Lighter or side sleepers tend to prefer Soft to Medium; back and front sleepers, or those wanting firmer support, usually suit Medium/Firm to Extra Firm. If in doubt, Medium is the safest all-round choice.

Material — memory foam contours and absorbs movement (good for couples); pocket sprung offers a more traditional, breathable feel; hybrid combines both.

Budget — set a range first, then filter by firmness and material within it rather than starting from price alone.

Trial period — check the returns window before you buy, in case it’s not right once you’ve slept on it.