Mattress Guide: how to choose the right mattress?
Why is it important to choose your mattress carefully?
We spend around a third of our lives sleeping, so a mattress is one of the most important purchases for the home. A good mattress supports the spine, reduces pressure points and promotes restorative sleep. An unsuitable model, on the other hand, can cause night-time awakenings, back pain and tiredness upon waking.
There is no such thing as the “best mattress” in absolute terms, but rather a mattress suited to each sleeper. This guide presents the different technologies offered by Vente-unique, along with their strengths and limitations, to help you find the one that’s right for you.
The criteria for making the right choice
The technology. Foam, memory foam, latex, pocket springs or hybrid: each filling has its own characteristics. Foam is lightweight and affordable, memory foam moulds to the body, latex is highly elastic and breathable, while pocket springs provide point-by-point support and excellent ventilation.
Firmness. It depends mainly on sleeping position and body shape. A side sleeper will generally look for balanced or softer comfort, allowing the shoulder and hip to sink in. A back or front sleeper will need a firmer feel to keep the spine aligned. The greater the weight, the higher the density and firmness should be.
Thickness. Allow at least 18 to 20 cm for everyday use. Beyond 25 cm, you gain in comfort, cushioning and durability.
Sleep independence. If you sleep as a couple, choose a technology that limits the transfer of movement: pocket springs, memory foam or latex.
Temperature. If you get hot at night, opt for pocket springs, latex or ventilated memory foam.
Ysmée Mattresses Under the Microscope
All the models presented here are by Ysmée, Vente-unique’s bedding brand, and are sold directly by Vente-unique. They come with a 5-year guarantee and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Foam mattresses: ZEUS and PELOPS
ZEUS is a 15 cm foam mattress, designed to offer the best value for money. PELOPS, also 15 cm thick, adds a memory foam comfort layer for enhanced softness.
- Advantages: very affordable, lightweight and easy to handle, available in a wide range of sizes. Perfect for a guest room, student studio flat or spare bed.
- Disadvantages: their 15 cm thickness makes them suitable for occasional use or lighter sleepers. For everyday sleeping for two, it is better to opt for something thicker.
Memory Foam Mattress: RYZE
RYZE is 18 cm thick and combines a foam core (24 kg/m³) with a contouring memory foam comfort layer. It is part of the Good for Planet range.
- Advantages: removable cover and washable ticking, CertiPUR®-certified foam, non-slip fabric under the mattress, fully recyclable product. More than 780 customer reviews, with a rating of 4/5.
- Disadvantages: soft support and a thin memory foam layer (1 cm). It is better suited to lighter people, teenagers or side sleepers than to those looking for firm support.
High-density foam: HEAVEN
HEAVEN combines high-density foam, a memory foam layer and breathable 3D fabric, across 18 cm.
- Advantages: the HD foam provides more long-lasting support than standard foam, and the 3D fabric improves airflow. Customers describe it as firm without being excessive.
- Drawbacks: some sleepers find it a little hard. Those looking for a pronounced cocooning feel may prefer a model with a mattress topper.
Pocket springs: PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE features 630 pocket springs (in 140 x 190 cm) and a responsive foam comfort layer, with a thickness of 22 cm.
- Advantages: firm, even support, good motion isolation and excellent ventilation. Summer/winter sides, antibacterial treatment and 4 handles. Rated 4.5/5 from over 430 reviews.
- Disadvantages: a more responsive than plush feel. It is also heavy: one customer recommends having two people to turn it over.
Hybrid springs + memory foam: ILLUSION
ILLUSION combines 850 pocket springs (in 140 x 190 cm) with 4 cm of 50 kg/m³ density memory foam, over 24 cm.
- Advantages: the best of both worlds, with point-by-point support from the springs and the enveloping comfort of memory foam, which relieves pressure points. Excellent motion isolation, reversible for summer / winter. Rating: 4.5/5.
- Disadvantages: very firm support. Several customers find it hard during the first few nights, while the mattress settles in. It will be less suitable for those who prefer a softer sleeping surface.
Springs + integrated mattress topper: AMERICAN DREAM
AMERICAN DREAM is the best-selling model in the range. Its pocket springs (800 in 160 x 200 cm) are topped with an integrated honeycomb foam mattress topper, giving it a total thickness of 28 cm. It is also available in the BLACK DREAM version, with black velvet-touch upholstery.
- Advantages: XXL comfort and a soft, welcoming feel worthy of a hotel bed, with balanced support. CertiPUR®-certified foam.
- Disadvantages: its thickness requires deep-fitted sheets and makes the mattress heavier to handle. Front sleepers, who need a very firm surface, may find it too enveloping.
Latex: VICTORY II
VICTOIRE II features a 100% latex core with 3 comfort zones, measuring 18 cm. It is designed for adjustable bed bases.
- Advantages: latex is elastic, breathable and highly durable. It follows the movements of an electric bed base without deforming. Summer side / winter side and breathable 3D border.
- Disadvantages: available only in adjustable bed dimensions (80 x 200 and 90 x 200 cm). It is also a higher investment than a foam mattress of the same size.
Which mattress is right for which sleeper?
Each model meets a specific need: identify your profile in the last column.
Model | Technology | Thickness | Support | Feel | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Foam | 15 cm | Firm | Responsive | Guest beds, tight budgets | |
Foam + memory foam | 15 cm | Balanced | Cradling | Guest rooms, studios | |
Foam + memory foam | 18 cm | Soft | Cradling | Teenagers, lighter builds, eco-conscious sleepers | |
High-density foam + memory foam | 18 cm | Firm | Cradling | Back sleepers, hot sleepers | |
Pocket springs | 22 cm | Firm | Responsive | Couples, hot sleepers | |
Pocket springs + memory foam | 24 cm | Very firm | Cradling | Back or front sleepers, heavier builds | |
Pocket springs + mattress topper | 28 cm | Balanced | Plush | Side sleepers, hotel-style comfort enthusiasts | |
100% latex, 3 comfort zones | 18 cm | Balanced | Responsive | Adjustable beds, durability |
Specifications are taken from the Vente-unique product sheets; support and reception for ZEUS, PELOPS and VICTOIRE II are to be confirmed on their product sheets.
Our tips for using it properly
The right mattress is the one that suits the way you sleep, not necessarily the most expensive. Tight budget or occasional bed: ZEUS, PELOPS or RYZE. Firm support for two: PRESTIGE or ILLUSION. Cocooning comfort: AMERICAN DREAM. Adjustable bed: VICTOIRE II.
A few simple actions can extend its lifespan:
- Allow the mattress 48 to 72 hours to regain its shape after unpacking, as most models are delivered compressed.
- Turn it over or rotate it every 3 months, and change sides with the seasons on reversible models.
- Protect it with a mattress protector or cover, and air the bedroom every day.
- Pair it with a suitable bed base: a good mattress on a worn-out bed base loses much of its performance.
- Replace it approximately every 8 to 10 years.
