Mattresses

Measure your bed base and match it to a standard size: single 92 x 188 cm, king single 107 x 203 cm, double 137 x 188 cm, queen 153 x 203 cm or king 183 x 203 cm. Couples usually go queen or bigger. Taller people should pick a 203 cm long size.

Neither is better for everyone. Memory foam hugs the body and reduces partner movement, which suits light sleepers and side sleepers. Pocket springs feel bouncier and sleep cooler. A hybrid gives you springs for support with foam on top. Think about how hot you sleep and whether you share the bed.

Most foam and hybrid mattresses that arrive vacuum packed take shape within a few hours, but allow 24 to 48 hours to reach full height and firmness. Unroll it on the bed base in a well aired room. A light smell when first opened is normal and fades quickly.

Side sleepers usually do best on medium to soft, so the shoulders and hips sink in a little. Back sleepers often like medium to firm. Stomach sleepers generally need firm to keep the spine straight. Check the firmness listed on each product page and use a mattress topper to fine tune.

Slim mattresses around 18 cm suit kids beds, bunks, trundles and guest rooms. For an adult main bed, 25 cm and over gives room for proper comfort layers. Thicker pillow top and euro top mattresses, up to around 36 cm, feel plusher but may need deeper fitted sheets.

Single and king single mattresses are popular for kids rooms, and medium firm is a sensible choice for growing bodies. Check the product page for materials and any age guidance, and for bunk beds, follow the bunk maker's maximum mattress thickness so the guard rail stays high enough.

Some mattresses have a removable, washable cover and others do not, so check the care instructions on the product page. For any mattress, a washable protector is the easiest way to keep it clean, and it is far simpler to throw in the machine than the mattress cover itself.