The Ultimate Bed Buying Guide: Find The Perfect Mattress For How You Sleep

 

Struggling to get comfortable at night? The secret isn't just buying a good mattress — it's buying the right mattress for your sleep position.

At St James Bed Centre, 119 Norfolk Street, King's Lynn, we've helped thousands of customers across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire & Lincolnshire find their perfect night's sleep. This guide breaks it down simply.

Free delivery & old bed disposal within 25 miles of PE30 1AP | Family-run bed shop | Try before you buy in-store | Tel: (01553) 775313

Quick Answer: What Firmness Do I Need?

•  Side Sleepers: Medium to Medium-Soft - You need pressure relief for shoulders and hips.

•  Back Sleepers: Medium to Medium-Firm - You need support to keep your spine aligned.

•  Front Sleepers: Medium-Firm to Firm - You need to stop your hips sinking.

Browse all options here: Shop All Mattresses in King's Lynn

1. Best Beds & Mattresses for Side Sleepers

You make up 70% of sleepers. When you lie on your side, your shoulders and hips take all the pressure. Too firm and you get numb arms and hip pain. Too soft and your spine curves.

What to look for:

•  Firmness: Medium (4-6/10) or Medium-Soft

•  Type: Memory foam, gel memory foam, pillow-top or 2000+ pocket springs with soft natural fillings

•  Depth: 12 inch+ mattress for deep cushioning

St James Bed Centre Recommendations for Side Sleepers:

1. - Our #1 pick. Prime 3000 The box-top layer gives instant pressure relief while 3000 pocket springs support your spine. Perfect for side sleepers with shoulder pain.

2.   Balmoral Box Top Mattress | Medium Feel - That hotel-bed feeling. The extra pillow layer cushions hips and shoulders without losing support.

3.   Violet 4000 Pocket Sprung Mattress - Luxury natural fillings (including Alpaca) that mould to your curves.

Best Bed Base for Side Sleepers: A sprung slatted base or a Pocket Sprung Divan Set adds extra give. Pair with a Storage Ottoman Bed if you need space without compromising comfort.

2. Best Beds & Mattresses for Back Sleepers

You need balance. Your lower back needs to be supported so it doesn't dip, but the mattress still needs to contour to your spine's natural S-shape.

What to look for:

•  Firmness: Medium to Medium-Firm (6-7/10)

•  Type: Pocket sprung 1000 - 3500, hybrid, or latex. Look for zoned support.

•  Avoid: Very soft memory foam that lets you sink.

St James Bed Centre Recommendations for Back Sleepers:

1.   Platinum 3500 Pocket Spring Gel Mattress – Medium/Firm - 3500 individual springs react to your back independently, keeping your spine perfectly aligned.

2.   Shetland 2000 Pocket Spring Mattress - Medium Firm - British made, 12-inch depth, ideal weight distribution for back pain sufferers.

3.   Harrison Spinks Collection - Silver, Gold & Bronze - If you want the best for your back, Harrison's Cortec™ Quad spring system is unmatched for postural support. View in-store.

Best Bed Base for Back Sleepers: A firm platform top divan or solid slatted base gives the most consistent support. See our All Beds, Mattresses & Divan Sets.

3. Best Beds & Mattresses for Front Sleepers

Front sleeping is the hardest position for your spine. If you sleep on your stomach, you need a firmer surface to prevent your hips sinking and arching your lower back.

What to look for:

•  Firmness: Medium-Firm to Firm (7-8/10)

•  Type: Firm pocket sprung, orthopaedic open coil, or firm memory foam

•  Tip: Use a thin pillow or no pillow to keep your neck neutral.

St James Bed Centre Recommendations for Front Sleepers:

1.   Prime 3000 Pocket Spring Gel Mattress – Firm Feel - Firm but not hard. Stops sinkage while the gel layer keeps you cool.

2.   Silver Memory Foam Mattress – Medium/Firm - A firmer memory foam that supports front sleepers brilliantly.

3.   Pocket Master 1000 Pocket Spring Mattress - Medium Feel - Ortho Option - Great budget-friendly firm support.

Best Bed Base for Front Sleepers: A solid, non-sprung base is best. Our Divan Bases with Storage Drawers offer a firm, supportive top.

How to Choose Your New Bed Frame

Your frame matters as much as your mattress.

•  Divan Sets: Most supportive, best for storage, clean look. Shop Divan Sets

•  Ottoman Beds: Huge hidden storage, gas-lift easy access. Perfect for smaller homes in King's Lynn. Shop Ottoman & Storage Beds

•  Bedsteads: Traditional or modern metal/wooden frames with sprung slats for extra comfort.

All our beds are available in Single 3ft to Super King 6ft.

Why Buy From St James Bed Centre?

•  Independent, family-run bed shop in King's Lynn since 1982

•  Try 30+ mattresses in-store at 119 Norfolk Street, King's Lynn PE30 1AP

•  Free delivery, assembly & old mattress removal within 25 miles

•  0% finance options available

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best mattress firmness for side sleepers?

Medium to medium-soft is best for side sleepers. It allows your shoulder and hip to sink in slightly, keeping your spine straight and relieving pressure points that cause morning pain.

2. What mattress is best for back pain if I'm a back sleeper?

Back sleepers with back pain need a medium-firm mattress with pocket springs. Models like the Platinum 3500 or Shetland 2000 from St James Bed Centre offer zoned support to maintain natural spine alignment.

3. Can front sleepers sleep on a memory foam mattress?

Yes, but it must be a firm memory foam. A soft memory foam will cause your hips to sink. Choose a firm or medium-firm gel memory foam like our Prime 3000 or Silver Memory Foam mattress.

4. Do I need a new bed base when I buy a mattress?

If your base is over 8 years old, sagging, or has broken slats, yes. An old base will make even a new mattress feel unsupportive. A new divan base ensures you get the full benefit and warranty.

5. What's the difference between open coil and pocket sprung?

Open coil mattresses have one connected spring system (budget-friendly, firmer). Pocket sprung mattresses have individual springs in fabric pockets (like our 1000 - 4000 spring models) that move independently, offering better support and no roll-together.

6. Can I try mattresses in your King's Lynn shop?

Absolutely. We encourage it! Visit us at 119 Norfolk Street, King's Lynn PE30 1AP. Our team will measure your sleep position and guide you to the right firmness.

Want personal advice? Contact Us or call us (01553) 775313

UK Bed Size Guide - Dimensions & Measurements

Not sure what size bed you need? UK bed sizes explained by St James Bed Centre.

Choosing the right bed size is more important than the mattress. Here is the exact size guide we use for deliveries across King's Lynn, Swaffham, Downham Market, Wisbech, Hunstanton and Fakenham.

 UK Bed & Mattress Sizes - Full Chart

All our beds are standard UK sizes. Mattresses are interchangeable.

Q: Which Bed Size Should I Choose?

Single 3ft: For children, teenagers, or single adults in a box room.

Small Double 4ft: Perfect compromise - fits where a double won't, but much more space than a single. Very popular in King's Lynn terraces.

Double 4ft6: The UK's best-seller for couples. Check your room is at least 10ft x 10ft.

King 5ft: Our recommendation for couples. Gives you 15cm extra width each and 10cm extra length. If your room is 11ft x 11ft or bigger, go King.

Super King 6ft: Hotel luxury at home. Needs a room at least 12ft x 12ft. Amazing with an ottoman storage base.

Q: How Much Space Do I Need Around My Bed?

Leave at least 60cm (2ft) around the sides for drawers, wardrobes and walking.

If you are buying a Camden wardrobe set with your bed, measure your wall first - our 3-door is 150cm wide, our 4-door is 200cm wide.

Q: Ottoman & Divan Bed Dimensions

Ottoman and divan beds are the same width and length as above, but add 5-10cm to the overall width for fabric and headboard.

Our ottoman gas-lift beds are best for storage - the entire base lifts for 4x more storage than drawers.

All beds include FREE delivery and FREE installation across Norfolk by our own team - we build it in your room and take all packaging away.

Visit us at

119 Norfolk Street, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1AP

Tel (01553) 775313

Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	Closed