How to Choose a Mattress During Black Friday

Black Friday can offer a great opportunity to shop for a new mattress, with offers across different mattress types, sizes and price points. But with so many deals available, it can be tempting to focus on the saving rather than whether the mattress is actually right for you.

A good mattress should suit your sleeping position, preferred comfort level and bed size, while providing the support you need for a comfortable night's sleep.

So, whether you're replacing an old mattress or looking to upgrade your bed this Black Friday, here's what to consider before you buy.

1. Choose the Right Mattress Firmness

Mattress firmness is largely a matter of personal preference, but your sleeping position and body shape can help you decide which feel may suit you.

A mattress that's too soft may not provide the supportive feel you prefer, while a mattress that's too firm may not offer the cushioning you want.

What's the best firmness for side sleepers?

Side sleepers often prefer a mattress with enough cushioning around the shoulders and hips. This can help create a more comfortable feel when sleeping on your side.

A softer or medium-feel mattress may be worth considering, although personal preference is important. If you prefer a firmer feel or regularly change sleeping position, you may find another firmness more comfortable.

What's the best firmness for back sleepers?

Back sleepers might prefer a mattress that combines comfort with a supportive feel. A medium or firmer mattress can be a good starting point, but there's no one firmness that's right for every back sleeper.

Think about how your current mattress feels and whether you prefer a softer, more cushioned sleep surface or a firmer feel.

What's the best firmness for front sleepers?

Front sleepers often prefer a mattress that doesn't allow them to sink too deeply into the mattress. A medium-firm or firmer feel may be more suitable for some front sleepers.

If you're unsure which firmness to choose, our mattress firmness guide can help you understand the different options.

Remember: mattress firmness isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Your preferred sleeping position, body shape and personal comfort preferences all play a part.

2. Understand the Different Mattress Types

The materials and construction of a mattress can have a significant impact on how it feels.

When shopping during Black Friday, you'll typically come across several different mattress types, including pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid mattresses.

Pocket sprung mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses contain individual springs housed within fabric pockets. Because the springs can respond independently, pocket sprung mattresses can offer a responsive feel and help reduce the amount of movement transferred across the mattress.

They can be a good option if you prefer a more traditional spring feel.

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses use layers of foam designed to mould around your body. They can offer a more contouring feel and may be a good choice if you like the sensation of being cushioned by your mattress.

Memory foam can also respond differently to movement compared with traditional spring mattresses, so consider how you like your mattress to feel when changing position during the night.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, often bringing together springs and foam in the same mattress.

This can give you a combination of the responsive feel associated with springs and the cushioning characteristics of foam.

Which Mattress Type is Right for You?

There's no single mattress type that's best for everyone. Think about how you want your mattress to feel, whether you prefer springs or foam, and which features are most important to you.

Our mattress types guide can help you compare the different options in more detail.

3. Think about your Sleeping Position

Your usual sleeping position can help narrow down your mattress choices.

Side sleepers

If you predominantly sleep on your side, you may want to prioritise a mattress that provides a comfortable, cushioned feel around the shoulders and hips.

Back sleepers

If you sleep on your back, look for a mattress that combines comfort with the level of support you prefer. A balanced feel may suit you if you want neither an especially soft nor particularly firm mattress.

Front sleepers

If you sleep on your front, you may prefer a mattress with a firmer feel that doesn't allow you to sink too deeply into the mattress.

Combination sleepers

If you regularly switch position during the night, a mattress that offers a balance between cushioning and responsiveness could be a great fit.

Ultimately, your sleeping position is a useful starting point rather than a strict rule. The mattress you find most comfortable is likely to depend on your individual preferences too.

4. Choose the Right Mattress Size

Before you get carried away by a Black Friday saving, make sure the mattress you're considering is the right size for your bed.

UK mattress sizes commonly include:

• Single
• Small double
• Double
• King size
• Super king

However, dimensions can vary between products and manufacturers, so always check the individual product dimensions before ordering.

If you're replacing an existing mattress, check the size of your current bed or bed frame rather than relying solely on the name of the mattress size.

If you're buying a new bed and mattress together, make sure the mattress and bed are designed to work together.

Our mattress size guide can help you compare the different UK mattress sizes and dimensions.

5. Consider your Bed Base

Your mattress and bed base or frame work together, so it's important to check whether your new mattress is suitable for your existing base.

Before buying, check:

• The dimensions of your existing bed
• The type of base you have
• The manufacturer's recommendations
• Whether the mattress requires a particular type of support
• The condition of your existing base

If your bed base is old or damaged, replacing the mattress alone may not be the best option. In some cases, buying a new bed and mattress together can provide a more suitable combination.

6. Think about the Materials and Features

Once you've narrowed down the mattress type and firmness, look at the features that could make a difference to your sleeping experience.

Depending on the mattress, you might see features such as:

• Pocket springs
• Memory foam
• Hybrid construction
• Comfort layers
• Cooling or temperature regulating materials or fabrics
• Different spring counts
• Edge support
• Removable or washable covers

Don't feel that you need to choose a mattress based on the longest list of features. Instead, think about which features are relevant to how you sleep and what you want from your mattress.

7. How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress?

There's no single price that's right for everyone.

Mattress prices can vary considerably depending on factors including size, materials, construction, brand and additional features.

When shopping during Black Friday, it's easy to be drawn towards the biggest percentage saving. However, a 50% discount on a mattress that isn't right for you isn't necessarily a better choice than a smaller saving on a mattress that better suits your needs.

Instead, decide what you need from your mattress first and then compare suitable options within your budget.

Black Friday may give you the opportunity to buy a higher-specification mattress for less than you would normally pay, but always check the individual product details and terms of the offer before purchasing.

8. Don't Choose a Mattress Based on the Discount Alone

A Black Friday deal can be a useful opportunity to save money, but the discount shouldn't be the deciding factor.

Before you buy, ask yourself:

1. Is this the right size? Make sure it fits your bed or bed frame and is suitable for your bedroom.
2. Do I like the feel? Consider whether the firmness and construction match your preferences.
3. Is it suitable for how I sleep? Think about your usual sleeping position and whether you move around during the night.
4. Does it have the features I need? Look beyond the headline saving and check the materials, construction and other product features.
5. Does it fit my budget? Consider the total cost rather than simply the percentage discount.

9. What Should you Check Before Buying a Black Friday Mattress?

Once you've found a mattress you're interested in, take a few minutes to check the details before ordering:

• Mattress size and dimensions: Check that the mattress will fit your bed or base correctly.
• Mattress type and materials: Make sure you understand what the mattress is made from and how it's constructed.
• Firmness and comfort: Check the mattress firmness and consider whether it matches your preferences and sleeping position.
• Price and saving: Check the current price and saving, as well as any terms or exclusions that apply to the Black Friday offer. At Bensons, we’re making things simple by continuing with our Price Match promise throughout the sale.
• Availability and delivery: Check whether the mattress is currently available and look at the estimated delivery time before ordering.
• Trial, guarantee or warranty: Check what trial, guarantee or warranty applies to the specific mattress you're considering, as these can vary between products. At Bensons for Beds, we offer a 40-night comfort guarantee, a minimum 5-year guarantee (unless otherwise stated), and a more reassuring lifetime guarantee on applicable products.
• Offer terms and conditions: Make sure you understand the terms of the Black Friday offer before completing your purchase.

10. How to Stay Cyber Safe When Shopping Online During Black Friday

Black Friday is a popular time to shop online, but busy sales periods can also create opportunities for cybercriminals to take advantage of shoppers looking for a bargain. From fake discount websites to suspicious emails and text messages, it's important to know what to look out for when searching for your next mattress.

Whether you're browsing Black Friday mattress deals or getting ready to place an order, following a few simple steps can help you shop online with greater confidence.

Check the Website Before You Buy

Before purchasing a mattress, make sure you're shopping on a legitimate website. Fraudulent websites can sometimes look very similar to genuine retailers, using familiar branding, product images and tempting discounts to encourage you to buy.

Always check the website address carefully before entering any personal or payment details. Be cautious of unfamiliar web addresses, unusual spellings or links that take you to a different website than expected.

If you're shopping for a mattress at Bensons for Beds, it's best to navigate to our official website directly rather than following an unfamiliar link in an email, text message or social media post.

Be Wary of Deals That Look Too Good to Be True

Black Friday is all about finding a saving, but exceptionally large discounts or urgent messages claiming that an offer will disappear within minutes can sometimes be warning signs of a scam.

Before placing an order, take a moment to check the retailer, the product details and the terms of the offer. Don't feel pressured into making a purchase simply because a website suggests that you need to act immediately.

A genuine deal should give you enough information to understand what you're buying, how much it costs and what terms apply.

Look Out for Suspicious Emails and Text Messages

During busy shopping periods, you may receive more promotional emails, order updates and delivery notifications than usual. Cybercriminals can use this to their advantage by sending messages that appear to come from well-known retailers or delivery companies.

Be cautious of any messages that:

• Ask you to click an unfamiliar link to claim a discount or complete a purchase.
• Request payment or personal information unexpectedly.
• Claim there's a problem with your order or delivery and ask you to act urgently.
• Contain unusual spelling, unexpected attachments or an unfamiliar sender address.

If a message claims to be from a retailer or delivery company and you're unsure whether it's genuine, visit the company's official website directly to check your order or contact its customer service team.

Use Secure Payment Methods

When buying a mattress online, use a trusted payment method and check the payment page carefully before entering your details.

Avoid making payments through unusual methods requested by an unfamiliar seller, particularly if you're being asked to transfer money directly to a personal bank account or pay using gift cards.

You should also avoid completing purchases while connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi, especially if you're entering sensitive personal or payment information. Using a trusted private network or your mobile data can help reduce the risks associated with public connections.

Protect Your Accounts and Personal Information

Strong account security is important all year round, particularly when shopping online and creating new accounts with retailers.

Use strong, unique passwords for your shopping accounts and avoid reusing the same password across multiple websites. Where available, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection.

Only provide the personal information needed to complete your purchase. And never share passwords or one-time security codes with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Keep Your Devices and Software Up to Date

Before shopping online, make sure your phone, computer, browser and security software are up to date. Updates can include important security fixes that help protect your device against known threats.

It's also worth being cautious when downloading unfamiliar apps or opening unexpected attachments, particularly if they claim to offer exclusive Black Friday discounts.

What Should You Do If Something Doesn't Look Right?

If a deal, website, email or payment request seems suspicious, pause before proceeding. Don't click further links or enter your details until you've checked that the offer or message is genuine.

If you've already entered payment details on a suspicious website, contact your bank or card provider as soon as possible for advice. If you've reused a password that may have been compromised, change it on the affected account and anywhere else you've used it.

Shop Smart This Black Friday

Staying cyber safe doesn't mean missing out on great mattress deals. By checking websites carefully, recognising suspicious messages and protecting your personal information, you can shop online with greater confidence.

At Bensons for Beds, we want you to feel confident when choosing your next mattress. Take your time to compare your options, check the details of any offer and make sure you're buying from a trusted retailer before completing your order.

Black Friday Mattress Checklist

Before buying your new mattress, use this quick checklist:

• I've chosen the right mattress size
• I've considered my usual sleeping position
• I've decided which firmness I prefer
• I've compared different mattress types
• I've checked the mattress dimensions
• I've checked that it's suitable for my bed or base
• I've considered the features that matter to me
• I've checked the current price and saving
• I've checked delivery information
• I've read the relevant trial, guarantee or warranty information
• I've checked the Black Friday offer terms and conditions

Find the Right Black Friday Mattress with Bensons

Ready to start shopping? Explore our Black Friday mattress deals to compare mattresses available during our Black Friday event.

At Bensons, we know that choosing a mattress is about more than finding a good deal. Our range includes mattresses in different sizes, firmnesses, materials and price points, so you can find an option that suits the way you sleep and your budget.

If you'd prefer to try before you buy, visit your local Bensons store and speak to one of our bed and sleep experts. They’ll be on hand to offer a SleepPro assessment to get you matched up with the bet mattress firmness and type for you.