Why our sleep experts loved it
I spent two weeks sleeping on the Sleep Story Deluxe Firm to test whether this affordable pocket-sprung option is worth its place in a UK bedroom. It is a super-firm mattress with a basic spec and, at first glance, a tempting ticket price. The snag for me is spring count. With only 1000 pocket springs in a king, it feels a generation behind the 2000-plus units I would normally expect now for genuinely adaptive support at this price. Even on promotion, that lower count shapes how it performs night to night, and it is a key reason why this mattress will suit a narrower group of sleepers than the name suggests.
Construction & Materials
This is a no-frills hybrid of pocket springs and foam. You get a 1000-spring core in king size, topped with 5 cm of reflex foam and finished with a soft cashmere-blend cover. The cover feels plush to the touch, but it is not removable. At 25.5 cm deep, the profile is modest, so standard fitted sheets will sit neatly without fighting the corners. The build is turnable, not just rotatable, which is unusual at this level. I appreciated the old-school practicality, though it does mean a proper heave every few weeks if you want it to wear evenly.
Firmness & Feel
Out of the box it is properly firm, the sort of firmness you notice as soon as you drop onto it. After a few nights the top foam settles a little and the surface loses some of its initial board-like feel, but it remains an uncompromising extra firm overall. With 1000 springs, the pressure relief is concentrated in broader zones rather than the more granular contouring you get from 2000 or more. As a 13-stone back sleeper I felt well held through the lumbar area, but as a side sleeper I found pressure building at the shoulder after an hour or two. Lighter sleepers are more likely to feel perched on top than hugged.
Performance & Support
Support through the middle of the mattress is its strong suit. The coil unit keeps the spine aligned in back and stomach positions, and I did not notice any hammock effect. Edge support is decent for the spend, with only mild compression when sitting to tie laces. Motion isolation is average. The reflex foam absorbs some bounce, but the lower spring count means movement still travels more than I would like when a partner turns. If you are sensitive to disturbance, a denser spring pack or a deeper comfort layer will be quieter and calmer.
Temperature Regulation
The breathable pocket core helps, but the 5 cm reflex foam creates a slightly closed feel and can trap warmth on still nights. I was comfortable in a cool room with a cotton protector, though I did notice warmth building around the torso on milder evenings. If you are a very hot sleeper, look to thinner foam layers, natural fibre comfort stacks, or open-cell foams specifically engineered for airflow.
Practical Features
It is made in the UK, hypoallergenic, and arrives ready to sleep on after a short airing. The brand advises full rotation and turning, which will extend life and even out settlement. There are no handles on my sample, so flipping is a two-person job. The structural guarantee is reassuring for the frame and springs, but day-to-day comfort longevity still depends on that foam and the comparatively low spring count.
Who It Suits
Back and stomach sleepers who like a firm, no-nonsense feel: the core keeps you lifted and aligned without roll-together. If you have a heavier build and prefer to sleep “on” rather than “in” the mattress, it delivers that classic flat firmness.Guest rooms and occasional use: the simple spec, easy depth, and frequent promotions make sense where the brief is firmness and value, not luxury contouring.
Who It Doesn’t Suit
Side sleepers or anyone craving adaptive pressure relief: 1000 springs is light for modern expectations, and you can feel that in the shoulders and hips on your side. I would look for at least 2000 springs for better micro-adjustment and comfort over long stretches.Couples with different builds or restless partners: the combination of extra firmness and average motion isolation makes it less forgiving when someone turns or gets up early.Hot sleepers: the reflex foam comfort layer can run warm, especially in summer or in rooms above 18°C.
Final Verdict
The Sleep Story Deluxe Firm keeps things deliberately simple. It is properly firm, tidy at the edges, and often priced to tempt. But the 1000-spring core is the limiting factor. In 2025, I expect 2000 or more springs in this price bracket to deliver the kind of adaptive, all-night pressure relief that side sleepers and couples rely on. If you specifically want extra firmness for back or stomach sleeping and you are buying on a deal, this mattress will do the job. If you want nuanced comfort, quieter movement, and broader suitability across sleep positions, spend your money on a higher spring count or a model with deeper, more breathable comfort layers.
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