Why our sleep experts loved it
Jumping onto this mattress in-store felt like settling on a gently hyped-up cloud - there’s a definite plushness from the pillow-top, but it’s not the squishy flop-fest you get from ultra-soft foam beds. The top layer (a quilted pillowtop with extra mini springs) gives a soft initial hug, and that lambs wool lining adds a cosy, natural warmth. Despite the cushioning, the overall firmness is firmly in the medium range (M&S calls it “medium-tension”) . In practice that means you sink in just enough at pressure points - shoulders and hips especially - without bottoming out. The memory foam layer inside moulds slightly to your body, which helps smooth out curves and prevent painful pressure spots, but it doesn’t swallow you whole. In our testing, the mattress gave a pleasant bounce-back as you shifted around - more responsive than a pure memory-foam bed, thanks to all those pocket springs, yet not so springy that you feel unstable. The knitted cover feels smooth to the touch (with a slightly cool, anti-allergy “ActiPro” fabric ), so even on a quick in-store lie-down you notice it doesn’t grab at your skin. Overall, the balance of plush pillowtop and firm coil support makes for a very approachable comfort level: definitely cosy, without feeling like you’re sinking into a marshmallow.
Support and Spinal Alignment
Good spinal support is the other half of comfort, and this mattress is no slouch in the support department. The core is built around individually pocketed springs (1700 of them in a king-size), each moving independently. This means your heavier parts (say, hips or lumbar area) get firmer pushback, while lighter parts (like shoulders) sink a bit more - keeping your spine fairly neutral. In fact, mattress testers often note that a coil system with a cushioned top “promotes even spinal alignment” , and our experience aligns with that. Lying on our back and side (and even semi on the stomach), our spine stayed in a straight line - hips were well-supported, thanks to the sturdy innerspring core, and the pillowtop took the edge off any shoulder soreness. Notably, the mattress boasts edge-to-edge support, so even sitting or lying at the very edge feels solid (no rolling off the bed when you sit up for that late-night read!). In practical terms, this means you can sleep anywhere on the surface without losing support - you’re not limited to a tiny “sweet spot.” All in all, the combination of a firm coil base with a lightly cushioned top seems to handle alignment well for a medium-firm mattress (especially for back- and combo sleepers). Heavy stomach sleepers or those who demand ultra-firm support might wish for something stiffer, but for most people this strikes a nice balance.
Suitability for Different Sleep Positions
Different sleeping positions have different support needs, so we put the mattress through the paces: on our side, on our back, and (briefly, lest we spend the night at the store!) on our stomach. Side sleepers will appreciate that the soft top helps cushion the shoulder and hip. It doesn't sink like a pure memory-foam bed, but it does relieve pressure fairly well (wool + foam + springs distribute body weight evenly). In our test, lying on our side, the shoulder sank just enough into the pillowtop layer to feel cushioned, and our hips didn’t hit any hard coil - a very comfortable feeling. Back sleepers should find good lumbar support: the mattress kept our low back gently lifted, maintaining a neutral spine. The fact that pocket coils can evenly distribute weight no-matter what position you sleep in shows in practice here - our midsections didn’t dip far below the rest of the body, and firmness felt consistent. For stomach sleepers, the medium feel is a bit softer than ideal (some sink was noticeable at the pelvis), but not worryingly so. Stomach sleepers who flip onto their back (or who aren’t heavy) should still be okay. Overall, the mattress caters best to side and back sleepers - it contours and cushions moderately, without being super-soft. If you strictly sleep on your stomach every night and like a firm, flat surface, this might be just on the plush side of your liking. But for combination sleepers or couples (who naturally shift positions), it’s very accommodating.
Motion Isolation
One of the perks of pocket springs is motion control, and this mattress lives up to that reputation. With each coil encased separately, movements stay local. In our testing, when one of us shifted position or sat up on one side, the other barely felt it. The manufacturer explicitly touts “springs that reduce motion transfer so you’re not disturbed by your partner’s movements” , and in practice we found that to be true: tossing and turning on one half produced almost no ripple on the other. This aligns with industry notes that pocket springs give “superior motion isolation” . In plain terms, the bounce from a foot-flip or shift stays in the immediate area. For couples or anyone easily awakened by a jostle, this is a definite plus. We did notice only the slightest micro-vibration across the surface when our partner made a big move, which is about as good as it gets for spring-based beds. So yes, you can happily coexist with a restless sleeper without too much sleep loss.
Temperature Regulation and Breathability
The lambs wool and airflow features really shine in this medium-thick design. Wool is famous for keeping sleepers at a comfortable temperature - warm when it’s chilly, cool when it’s hot - and our brief nap on the mattress felt pleasantly neutral. It never felt sweaty-hot, even though there’s a memory foam layer (and we all know memory foam can trap heat). The mattress has eight strategic ventilation vents (two on each side) which create nice airflow through the core. We could feel a gentle breeze through these when the mattress was unwrapped - they really do help prevent heat build-up. The cover fabric is also marketed as having a cooling technology for a “fresh feel” , and it did indeed seem to dissipate warmth faster than some thick covers do (maybe a bit of marketing, but it worked). In terms of humidity, wool naturally wicks moisture away, so we suspect a damp night would be less clammy on this wool-lined top than on pure foam. Of course, very hot sleepers might still want a fan or lighter bedding, but compared to many foam beds, the combination of breathable pocket springs, wool fibre, and vents means it should stay relatively cool. In short: temperature control is above average for a mattress with foam layers, thanks to the wool and design.
Materials and Construction
This is a carefully engineered hybrid. From bottom to top, you’ve got a sturdy pocket-spring core (thousands of independent springs) and a plush sewn-on pillowtop. The pillowtop itself contains mini pocket springs, adding an extra cushiony give. Above that lies a wool layer (yes, genuine lambs wool) for softness and insulation. There’s also a thin memory foam comfort layer just under the cover, moulding to your shape. The cover fabric is quilted and uses M&S’s ActiPro anti-allergy treatment, which helps keep dust mites and allergens at bay. The sides are reinforced with three rows of stitching - a sign of durability - and four sturdy handles are sewn in for turning the mattress. Don’t overlook the eight metal grommet vents (silver-capped holes) around the sides; they’re specifically included to keep the airflow moving through the spring core. Weight-wise, it’s hefty (a 5ft model weighs about 46 kg), reflecting its solid innerspring build. Altogether, the materials suggest a mix of comfort (wool, foam, plush top) and old-school innerspring support - essentially a classic pocket-sprung mattress with a luxury topper. M&S even guarantees it against defects for 10 years, implying confidence in construction quality.
Durability and Long-Term Use
With those three rows of side-stitching and a 10-year warranty, this mattress is built for the long haul. Wool is an exceptionally durable natural fibre (it can flex thousands of times without breaking), so the lambs wool layer shouldn’t compact or degrade quickly. The springs, made in the UK, are probably high-gauge steel and should maintain their support for many years. (Industry sources note poor quality memory foam might sag in 6-8 years, but this mattress is mostly spring with only a thin foam layer, so it should avoid the worst of foam creep.) Weighing a ton - well, not literally, but nearly 55 kg for a 6ft - means it feels solid, not cheap. Of course, like any mattress, it will soften slightly with use: every first night will feel firmer than the tenth. But with regular rotation (recommended weekly at first, then every few months) and no need to flip, it should age gracefully. The warranty is industry-leading, hinting that M&S expects it to stay supportive well beyond the basic trial. In everyday terms, I’d predict this bed will last a good decade with normal care. Its construction (pocket springs + wool) is about as durable as you get without moving up to ultra-expensive handcrafted beds.
Ease of Setup and Use
This mattress is dead simple to get going - a real unbox-and-sleep piece. There’s no assembly required at all. When you buy it (online or in-store), the M&S build team will deliver it straight to your room and even unwrap it. After that, just lay it on the bed frame. It’s non-flip - so you never have to turn it over - but it does come with four loop handles (one on each side) to rotate it once in a while. We found those handles beefy and well-anchored: even lifting a queen-size (which weighs ~46 kg) was easier with them. As a simple rule, M&S says to rotate it end-to-end weekly for the first few months, then every 3-4 months after (so it wears evenly). The cover is quilted and not removable, which means you can’t wash it, but the anti-allergy fabric and wool should stay fresher than plain foam. In short: ease of use is high. Unbox the heavy mattress, grab the handles, flip it when needed, and sleep. No complex setup, no weird break-in. Even the weight isn’t a headache thanks to the handles (though I’d still recommend two people for a 6ft model!)
Value for Money
At £599 for a small double up to £799 for a super-king, this mattress isn’t bargain-basement cheap. However, given what’s inside, the price feels justified. You’re getting a fully sprung innerspring mattress (1700 springs in a king) plus natural lambs wool and a quilted foam layer - features usually found on more expensive “premium” beds. The M&S name carries a perception of quality, and the 10-year guarantee adds peace of mind. For comparison, many basic pocket-spring mattresses cost similar or more, especially with wool toppers. So this is mid-to-upper tier pricing. Considering the build quality (UK-made springs, genuine wool, delivery service, etc.), it’s a fair deal if you value those extras. You’re paying for materials like lambs wool (a luxury fibre) and the professional delivery/setup. If you were on a tight budget, you might find cheaper foam or open-coil beds, but they wouldn’t have the same longevity or motion control. Ultimately you get good bang for your buck if you prioritise comfort, support, and natural materials. For a moderately-priced mattress with a lifetime-worthy warranty and high-end features, it’s a solid value proposition.
Who This Mattress Is For
This M&S 1700-pocket spring lambs wool mattress nails the sweet spot for many sleepers: it’s cushy enough to feel cosy and supportive enough to keep spines happy. Its construction and materials give it a premium feel (and warranty), while the medium firmness broadens its appeal. If you match the profile above, you’ll likely find it a very satisfying bed. If not - for instance, if you prefer something extremely soft or have very specialized support needs - you might look elsewhere.
Summary: In short, this mattress is a top choice for couples and combination sleepers who want a balance of plush comfort and firm support, along with good temperature control. It’s particularly suited to those who value natural materials and durability. It might be a stretch for heavy stomach-sleepers or bargain-hunters, but for most people it delivers excellent feel, support, and build quality at a reasonable price.
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