Why our sleep experts loved it
There is a reassuring sameness about the Highbury Ortho Mattress. It is not trying to be fancy or avant-garde, it just wants to get its job done properly. I slept on it for a few nights to see how it measures up against the denser orthopaedic models and what I got is a mattress that has returned to first principles. 1000 pocket springs, a hand-tufted finish, firmer fillings, and a durable damask cover. Traditional in the very best way, built for people who want a no-nonsense firm mattress that feels supportive from day one.
Delivery
Delivery was slick and well organised. The mattress was full size and immaculately wrapped. The team carried it up the stairs, plonked it neatly in position and cleared away the packaging. It came in Bensons' I'm Green packaging which is made from part sugarcane and recycled plastics, a small but welcome detail. There was no smell beyond a slight clean textile aroma. Out of the wrapping the edges were squared, the tufts evenly spaced, and the cover looked clean and neat. The initial impression was of a simple, solid product where nothing was out of place.
Unboxing
There is no unwrapping or expanding required here. You plonk it on the bed base and it is ready to go. The fabric cover feels firm and breathable with a slightly crisp texture you get from woven damask. The tufts give it a traditional orthopaedic look, slightly raised but even across the surface. It feels like the kind of mattress you would have confidently trusted twenty years ago, which is a compliment. It feels solid and well cared for, it makes you want to climb straight on.
Construction
The Highbury Ortho is based around 1000 pocket springs. As the name suggests, this means that the springs all move separately from each other and adapt to your shape. It keeps the support consistent across the mattress, with the added advantage that the movement of one side does not affect the other. Towards the edge, there is a reinforced border which minimises roll-off and helps the mattress retain its form. Above the springs there are firmer fillings which give the mattress its orthopaedic personality. These include a hypoallergenic comfort layer made from 42 per cent recycled fibres, which adds breathability and a slight softness to the top surface. They do not change the overall feel which remains on the firm side. The surface fabric is a Belgian damask which feels strong and durable. The mattress is hand-tufted to hold everything in place and prevent the fillings from shifting over time. The end result is a clean, no-nonsense build, combining old school methods with a few modern touches.
Comfort
The Highbury Ortho is on the firm side of the comfort scale. When you lie on it, you feel the support from the very beginning. It holds your back straight, your hips lifted, and your shoulders even. On my back it felt safe and steady, with no hint of sagging or sinking. On my side it was a little tougher to get used to, as the surface has very little give at first, but after a couple of nights it settled into a more comfortable position. The shoulder and hip pressure eased off slightly as the tufts softened a little. Front sleeping was good, as the surface stops the stomach from dipping too low and holds the spine neutral.
The overall feel is as you would expect from a proper orthopaedic mattress: solid, consistent, and dependable. There is a pleasing sense of stability when moving around on it. It does not flex excessively or bounce about. You get the impression that this mattress will retain its shape for years if you keep to a rotation schedule. For anyone who likes to sleep on top of their mattress rather than sinking into it, the Highbury Ortho provides exactly that.
Temperature regulation
Because the comfort layers are made from fibres rather than foam, the airflow is good. The damask cover breathes well and feels cool to the touch, especially in a well ventilated room. Over several nights, it remained comfortably neutral, neither trapping heat nor feeling cold. If you are used to memory foam mattresses that hold in warmth, this will feel fresher by comparison. The breathability of the materials means it is suitable for year-round use, with no signs of clamminess even on warmer nights.
Motion transfer
The 1000 pocket springs deal with motion surprisingly well for a mattress in this price bracket. When my partner turned over, I felt a little movement, but nothing that actually disturbed me. The independent springs absorb most of the motion and prevent the surface from wobbling about. It does not have the complete isolation of a higher spring count model, but it performs very respectably. For single sleepers motion transfer will not be an issue at all, and for couples it is minor.
Edge support
The reinforced border does its job properly. Sitting on the side feels secure, and lying near the edge feels no different from the centre. There is a slight firmness to the perimeter which helps the mattress hold its shape when rotating. The border stitching is neat and even, which will help maintain tension over time. For a double sided mattress, this level of edge support gives it a well-balanced feel from corner to corner.
Everyday use
This mattress benefits from regular rotation and turning. It is double sided, which means flipping it every few months helps the fillings settle evenly and prolongs its life. The tufts stay intact and the surface has not shown any dips or ridges. It is light enough for two people to turn comfortably, which makes upkeep more manageable. After a few weeks, the comfort level settled and the surface became slightly more forgiving while retaining its core firmness. It feels durable and trustworthy, the kind of mattress you could easily rely on for many years with proper care.
Who this mattress suits
The Highbury Ortho is a good match for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firm supportive feel without foam. It also suits anyone looking for a traditional construction with a breathable fabric and natural airflow. If you appreciate simple materials that work well together rather than layers of technology, this mattress makes sense. It will also suit couples who want a firm surface but not a heavy mattress. It is a practical, affordable choice for people who like the feel of old fashioned support combined with modern pocket spring performance.
Who it doesn't suit
It will not suit side sleepers who need deep cushioning for the shoulder or hip. The firmness can feel a little unforgiving if you are light or sensitive to pressure. If you prefer a plush padded feel or the contouring of memory foam, this will feel too traditional. And if you hate the process of flipping a mattress, the double sided design may test your patience, though it's worth doing for the longevity it gives you.
Care and maintenance
Turn and rotate the mattress regularly to ensure even wear. Do this once a month at first, then move to every few months. Use both hands and avoid dragging it, as the damask fabric is strong but not designed to take friction. Always use a breathable protector to keep the fabric clean and extend its life. Allow the mattress to air out for an hour in the morning to release moisture. With this kind of traditional build, small routines like these make a big difference over time.
Verdict
The Highbury Ortho Mattress is a simple, dependable orthopaedic design that focuses on doing the basics properly. It is firm, supportive, breathable and well built. The pocket springs deliver stable support, the damask cover stays cool, and the tufting holds everything in place. It feels like a mattress designed by people who know what makes a good night's sleep, not just what looks impressive on paper. It lacks the complexity of the pricier models, but that is part of its charm. It is comfortable in its own way, honest and unfussy, and that will appeal to anyone who values reliability over luxury.
If you want a firm, traditional mattress that keeps you aligned and cool, the Highbury Ortho is a strong choice. It will not dazzle you with innovation, but it will give you solid, consistent comfort night after night. In a world of overcomplicated mattresses, that feels refreshing.
Why you can trust WantMattress
We spend hours testing (and/or researching) every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about
how we test .
