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Relyon vs Igel Mattresses

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Relyon

Relyon is the other Royal Warrant holder in the British mattress market, alongside Sleepeezee, and has been making beds in Wellington, Somerset since 1858. That gives it the longest continuous trading history of any mattress brand in the UK, and the company still operates from the same Somerset site today.

Relyon specialises in traditional pocket sprung mattresses with natural fillings, and the range is built around wool, cashmere, silk and horsehair used in different combinations depending on the model. The brand is sold through bed specialists and department stores rather than online direct, which puts it in a different category to the bed in a box brands but also means the quality control is tied to a factory that has been doing this for over a century and a half.

Read our full Relyon review

Igel

iGel mattresses are exclusive to Bensons for Beds and generally sit in the more executive and luxury lineup. Pricing may be higher than other products but the materials utilised within the mattresses more than makes up for this. Featuring support layers of pocket springs and comfort layers of gel, you get a cooling experience with full body contouring and fantastic longevity. iGel and Bensons for Beds have a history of providing good quality mattresses that last and have some of the best reviews in the industry.

Read our full Igel review

Mattress Score

Overall Score:
Relyon: 4.51/5.00
Igel: 4.25/5.00

Price:
Relyon: £119.95 - £1299.00
Igel: £949.99 - £1849.99


Based on aggregated reviews and performance scoring, we would recommend Relyon in this face off!


Becky
Compares

Relyon Owner Satisfaction

Relyon scores strongly in owner reviews, averaging around 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5 depending on the model, with the Heritage and Aurora ranges leading the pack. The buyers who rate Relyon highest are the ones who know what they want from a traditional mattress: firm support, natural breathable fillings and the kind of long term value that only comes from a properly built bed.

The most common positive comment is about how the mattress feels the same in year three as it did in month one, which is the best possible advertisement for a mattress brand. On the flip side, Relyon is not the brand to pick if you want that slow sinking memory foam feel, because the range is almost entirely pocket sprung.

Relyon Supportiveness

Relyon's support comes from its pocket spring units, and spring counts in the main ranges start around 1,000 and go up to 2,200 in the higher end models. Above the springs, the natural fillings are layered by hand, tufted into place and finished with a damask cover that lets air move through the mattress rather than trapping body heat.

For back and stomach sleepers, the firmer models give the solid support that helps the lower back stay in line with the shoulders. Side sleepers will want to look at the softer and medium options, which use more generous layers of wool and cashmere on top to cushion the hip and shoulder. Because the mattresses are hand finished, the support is noticeably consistent across the whole surface, with no weak edges or sagging middle.

Relyon Durability

A Relyon mattress is built to last, and the brand has the Royal Warrant and a hundred and sixty year trading history to back that claim up. Hand tufting keeps the natural fillings in place instead of letting them shift over time, which is the single biggest factor in how long a traditional mattress stays comfortable.

Owners regularly report getting a decade or more out of a Relyon before they start thinking about replacement, and the underlying spring units are built to outlast the fillings above them. If you are looking for a mattress that works out cheaper per year than a budget model that needs replacing every four or five, Relyon is one of the few brands in the market that can genuinely deliver on that promise.

Relyon Best Offers

We've managed to find the following top deals from across the web on Relyon mattresses.

Igel Owner Satisfaction

Satisfaction is important to both Bensons for Beds and their iGel lineup. Being at the top of brands through the site, the manufacturer is held in high regard and is well reviewed by thousands of happy customers. Customers particularly enjoy the comfort layer which they say offers a cooling experience over equivalent memory foam alternatives. This is because gel breathes better and doesn’t cause heat buildup giving a better all-season mattress that performs well regardless of the weather.

I’ve personally trialled some of the iGel range in store and found some of the tensions to be on the firmer side, in-line with the designation the mattresses have been given. Regardless of which you choose, customers should be satisfied with the tension of the product.

Igel Supportiveness

The support on iGel mattresses is not derived from the gel layer as this is the comfort layer at the top, instead the support is offered from the pocket springs beneath. Pocket springs are universally fantastic and are my personal favourite when it comes to support systems. The result of this layer is an extremely supportive mattress regardless of which tension you choose, offering full body contouring with an impressive lifespan and increased breathability.

Igel Durability

Most mattresses have a traditional 1 year warranty and that is normally a fairly reasonable indicator as to how much trust the manufacturer has in their product. Naturally the better the components, the more durable they are and as such, manufacturers have more confidence in their lifespan and will guarantee them for longer. With iGel, not only are you getting high quality pocket springs combined with luxurious gel layers, but you are also getting a 10 year guarantee on all new mattresses coming out of the lineup. This goes a long way towards highlighting the durability of these mattresses and the lengths the manufacturer is going to in order to ensure long-standing satisfaction.

With a 10 year guarantee you will exceed the average lifecycle of 7 years, giving you better value and reducing the cost per night of sleep throughout its lifespan. As a result, while an iGel mattress may cost more initially, the need to replace later decreases real world costs.

Igel Best Offers

We've managed to find the following top deals from across the web on Igel mattresses.

Relyon Most Useful Customer Reviews

5 John Oakley

Many, many, years ago, we purchased a Slumberland mattress and divan from Dreams in Reading and it gave us faultless service throughout. We recently decided to purchase a mattress of similar design, but how things have moved on since our last purchase. We were certainly impressed with our initial purchase from Dreams and that’s why we decided to visit Dreams in Reading again and were greeted by Jenny who was friendly and professional, but not intrusive, (as can be the case in certain sales type situations, experienced in other stores over the years). Jenny understood the situation and was spot on, professionally and friendly and I knew within a few minutes that we were probably going to purchase from her. Once she understood our needs, she explained that Dreams had this in store computer operated bed, which she encouraged us to lay on (after putting a paper sheet on top of the bed, to ensure and maintain cleanliness, (which is so important with the Covid situation) which in a few minutes, gave information as to probably the type of mattress we should be considering as a couple. After further information, we narrowed our decision down to two mattresses and then eventually the one we decided to purchase. We ended up purchasing a Somerton 1200 pocket sprung mattress featuring Dunlopillo latex, which is exclusive to Dreams and which was also an easy, no turn mattress!!! Delivery was quoted as one week and within a two hour window on the said day. It did get delivered on the agreed day i and at the steed arrival time. We were also amazed how professionally the delivery people were and also how helpful they were in keeping us informed as to what time they would arrive etc. Dreams provided a first class service from the moment we walked into the store, right through to the mattress was delivered and the old one removed. Top marks to Dreams and to their staff for a truly pleasant meeting including the delivery team. And now after 3 weeks of using our new mattress, we know we made the right choice. Thank you to Dreams for a very Special and Satisfying Experience.

5 Snoozyface

A bit extreme perhaps but I've waited a full year before posting this review. When we were looking for a mattress, I read lots of reviews from people who were reviewing something they'd only slept on for a couple of days or perhaps weeks and I didn't find these especially helpful. This mattress wasn't our first choice, we'd originally bought a different one that unfortunately turned out to be faulty. As a side note, Dreams were absolutely brilliant over this - after I reported the issues, we had an engineer visit within a couple of days and it was quickly confirmed that our original purchase had been duff. After our initial bad experience, we didn't want to have a straight replacement, so we re-visited our local store (Chester) to have another look at the potential replacements they had on offer. The sales team there were fantastic, we saw the same advisor who'd helped us on our initial visit - we explained the situation so she knew she wasn't going to earn any commission from helping us but she was wonderful, she spent ages with us and really gave us fantastic service - huge thanks to her! So, at last to the point. I wouldn't have considered a soft mattress, if we hadn't been directed to it by the sleep match machine but our initial impression was excellent, the mattress felt sturdy and well made as well as being very comfortable, although not particularly 'soft'. A year on and we are so, so happy with our choice! My husband's back pain has gone, as has my neck and hip pain - I've packed away the knee pillow that I was having to use to reduce the aches I was feeling with our old mattress. After a few weeks, the pillow top did soften up - I'd been a bit nervous about this happening as I didn't really like the idea of a soft mattress but I needn't have worried, every night is like sleeping on a huge, incredibly supportive marshmallow, it's just lovely. I've never slept better and I wholeheartedly recommend the Highbridge.

5 Busy Mum of 2

My previous mattress was well well well over the recommended used by date, I have been saving to buy a new one for a while. So getting it right was so important- this mattress is perfect, I used the in store sleepmatch or “magic bed” as my daughter called it. It matched me to this mattress and it is divine. I needed a mattress on the firmer side and I don’t like a lot of memory foam on the top as it makes me too hot and I can’t sleep. This mattress has a cooling layer and it seems to working like a dream. Best of both now. I’m a single mum and with the help of the 4 handles it’s so easy to rotate all by my myself. The Sale gods were shining on me - as I did managed to get this mattress in the Sale. Pros - Best mattress I have ever slept on. Cons - My kids now want to sleep with me as it’s “soooooo comfortable”. So I best get saving again to buy them their own.

5 Verified Buyer

Used this pillow for just over a week now, previously my neck was very painful and I would wake up through the night with what felt like cramp in neck and lower head, but since I've been using this pillow it's all easing off now, I'm sleeping much better, feel a lot more comfortable and have less pain in my neck which I think will diminish over time. Highly recommend this pillow for anyone who suffers neck and head pain, I know it's expensive but it's better than constantly buying other pillows that don't help, I have quite a collection of different pillows now and this is the one I'll be sticking with for sure!

5 Nigel Shirley

From our first visit to Dreams in Aylesbury the entire process could not have been handled any better by Dreams staff, Sean was excellent, listened to our requirements and steered us in right direction and we are delighted with ourRelyon Mattress, very comfortable, we should have made the purchase earlier for did not realise how our old mattress needed replacing, will not make the same error again. Delivered exactly when promised by caring, careful delivery staff and taken direct to our bedroom and placed in position with old mattress removed, first class service throughout the process. Thank you Dreams

Igel Most Useful Customer Reviews

5 Howard G

What can I say? I've had it for 5 weeks now and it's probably the most comfortable mattress I've slept on in my 80 years. My wife and I loved it from day 1. The heat dissipation tech seems to work well and it moulds to your body and just feels like floating on air. I can honestly say that we've had some of the best night's sleep in ages. It is a 'high tech' item and as such there are a few conditions that have to be adhered to in order to keep it in good condition AND to comply with the guarantee. Here are a few of the dos and don'ts: The mattress must be turned head to toe ( NOT flipped over ) every week for the first six months to condition the gel and foam layers. It's recommended monthly after that. It must not be bent or folded as this can damage the gel layer. NO electric blankets or hot water bottles, again to protect the gel layer, and avoid standing on the mattress or sitting on the edge for prolonged periods. A mattress protector is also recommended but essential if you want to take advantage of the 40 day return option. If you are all right with these conditions ( and we haven't found them to be a problem ) then I would thoroughly recommend the iGel 3000i mattress ( medium ). It really is comfortable and just like floating on air. Finally, the smell. When first delivered, the mattress has a slight chemically smell, for want of a better description. Some reviewers have found this to be a problem but honestly, for the first few days, just keep the covers pulled back during the day and the smell quickly dissipates. This is common to all gel/foam mattresses from any company and is just a result of the manufacturing process.

5 Amardeep S

I recently purchased the Gel Nanotechnology 4000i Plush Top Mattress from Bensons for Beds, and I am absolutely thrilled with my choice. From the moment I tested it in-store, I knew this mattress was something special. The plush top is luxuriously soft, while the gel nanotechnology adapts to my body's contours, providing both comfort and optimal support. The cooling technology is a major highlight - it keeps me cool and comfortable throughout the night, which is perfect for warmer evenings. Despite the softness, the mattress still offers incredible support, allowing me to wake up without any back pain. I'm sleeping more soundly than ever before! The quality and craftsmanship of this mattress are undeniable, and I can already tell it's built to last. I've been getting better, more restorative sleep since making the switch, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase from Bensons for Beds. If you're in the market for a luxurious mattress that provides both comfort and support, I highly recommend the Gel Nanotechnology 4000i Plush Top from Bensons for Beds. It's truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a perfect night's sleep!

4 Paul W

This is the second time I've used Bensons for Beds and I wasn't disappointed. I went to the Leicester Branch at Fosse Park, and I didn't feel pressurised by the staff who helped, and guided me through the range of mattresses that met my needs. In the end I opted for the iGel 3000 mattress. It arrived a week after ordering during the time slot I was informed of. Initially it was firmer than I remembered in the shop but was informed it would soften very quickly, which it did after a day or 2. The mattress is now very comfortable, supportive and I'm getting a good night sleep. As claimed it also regulates my body heat during the night. The guarantee recommends buying the iGel Mattress protector, which I did to keep it in good condition. The protector is good and grips around the mattress very well and is fit for purpose, however, my problem with it is it seems to make you warmer during the night (I've tried the mattress with and without it) because of the PU coating on the reverse side o

5 Leighton L

We recently purchased the iGel NanoTech 4000i Plushtop Mattress, and after spending some nights on it, I can confidently say it has transformed my sleep quality. The Plushtop design offers a luxurious, cloud-like feel while still providing excellent support. It's soft enough to relieve pressure points but firm enough to keep my spine aligned properly. Whether sleeping on my back, side, or stomach, it adapts well without sinking too much. I tend to overheat at night, but this mattress does a great job of regulating temperature, preventing me from waking up sweaty. The cooling gel infusion helps dissipate body heat, making it perfect for warm rooms. If you share your bed, this mattress minimises movement exceptionally well. Even when my partner moves or gets in and out of bed, I barely feel any disturbance. This is a huge plus for light sleepers! The materials feel high-quality, and the overall construction appears very durable. A great mattress that we are both very pleased with!

4 Russell S

It's always difficult choosing a new mattress. We had a Tempur for over a decade and loved it, but it got to the stage where we just didn't move in the night, and woke up a little achy. So we decided to try something else. This mattress is very comfortable, has some bounce, but not too much, very deep and heavy but comfortable. I don't know why but my body just doesn't like it. For the first time ever I am waking up with quite bad lower back pain, so much so that often I just have to get out of bed (I do like my lie ins but with this mattress it's not possible). My wife finds it very comfy but also has a few pains in the morning. It's a real shame, we have tried it and didn't give it back after the trial period, we now wish we had as it simply doesn't suit our bodies. I think maybe it's a little too firm even though it feels soft. Not sure, but for us - so comfortable, just a shame I wake up in pain every morning and am going to have to change it after spending so much.

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