The Shire Spectrum Luminaire Pocket 3000 Mattress is one I'd recommend: a turnable, medium-firm mattress built on 3000 small-diameter pocket springs, turning handles and a viscose cover, at a price well below the big names. That's a sensible spring count, not mini-spring padding. Avoid it only if you want a soft, sink-in top or a mattress you never have to turn.
3000 small springs in one layer
The foundation is a layer of small-diameter pocket springs, each free to move on its own, with a flat rod-edge metal frame round the unit. White fibre fillings sit on both sides under a hand-tufted viscose cover. It's double-sided and 27cm deep, with turning handles on the border. Shire rates it medium to firm.
Shire lists the 3000 small springs as the foundation, with no mini-spring comfort layer, and that's how I like a spring count to work: the springs doing the support, rather than a smaller unit topped with minis to make the total look big. Small springs follow the shape of your body closely and keep a partner's movement on their own side.
Turn it and it lasts
Two sleeping faces are better than one. Flip and rotate it every few months, using the handles, to share the wear between both sides. Most modern mattresses are one-sided, which saves the maker money, not you.
What owners say
The reviews on this listing are shared with the Shire Seattle, so they cover both. They show owners arguing about the feel: one calls it very firm, another lovely and soft, which is weight talking louder than the label. One owner with back problems found good support and the best sleep in ages, while another found it slightly harder than they'd like. Would I buy it? On a budget, yes.
Firmer, or a little cheaper
If you like firm, the Highgrove Solar Pocket 1000 is firmer, though with a third of the springs. If you'd rather save a little, the Shire Seattle Pocket 1000 is the same idea with fewer springs and no handles.
