Black Friday Mattresses and bedding in the UK: The Department Guide

Sleep products come down to size, support and a fair chance to return them. Confirm the UK bed size, pick a firmness that suits how you sleep, and read the trial and returns terms before you pay. A mattress or duvet you cannot try at home is a gamble unless the seller offers a way out.

This department covers mattresses, beds and frames, and bedding such as duvets, pillows, sheets and mattress toppers. Each has its own details, but a few checks apply to everything.

Begin with the size. UK beds come in single, small double, double, king and super king, and the dimensions are not the same as US or European sizes. A frame, mattress and set of sheets all need to match. If you are replacing a mattress, measure the frame rather than assuming the old size.

Firmness comes next. Side sleepers usually prefer a softer surface that lets the shoulder and hip sink in, while back and front sleepers tend to want more support. Couples with different needs should think about a medium feel or a zip-and-link construction. Read how the maker describes the feel and what the mattress is made of, whether pocket springs, foam, latex or a hybrid.

For bedding, check the fabric and the care label. Cotton, linen, microfibre and brushed cotton feel and wash differently, and duvets have different warmth ratings, so match them to the room and the season. Fillings such as feather, down and synthetic suit different people, particularly anyone with allergies.

Finally, be careful when buying anything second-hand that touches your body for hours. Mattresses and pillows are best bought new, with a clear description and returns policy. The mattress guide goes deeper on types, firmness and trial periods. The wider UK picture is on the UK home page.