I kept seeing John Lewis mattress reviews pop up whenever I looked at UK pocket-spring beds. Curiosity kicked in hard because this retailer positions its own range as the sensible middle ground between budget foam slabs and ultra-luxury hand-tufted monsters. I wanted to know how those claims actually felt under my lower back after a long workday.
Our core test crew came together for this project the same way we handle any major brand series. I handled coordination and data logging, while Marcus Reed brought his heavier frame and heat sensitivity, and Jenna Brooks arrived with her motion-transfer radar fully activated. Ethan Cole, Jenna’s partner, joined as the moving body in our couple trials, rolling around at night the way he always does at home.
For these John Lewis Mattress tests we focused on four mainstream pocket-spring models with real availability, clear specs, and user star ratings that matter: the Classic Collection 1400, the Ortho Pocket Collection 1400, the Ultra Comfort 4500 Pillowtop, and the Waitrose Wool 1800 Pillowtop. We rotated them through our bedrooms for several weeks, swapped sleepers across beds, and tracked how each mattress handled different bodies, sleep positions, and nightly habits.
- 1. Product Overview
- 2. Testing Team Takeaways
- 3. John Lewis Mattress Comparison Chart
- 4. What We Tested and How We Tested It
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5. John Lewis Mattress: Our Testing Experience
- 5.1 John Lewis Classic Collection 1400 Pocket Spring Mattress – Everyday Backbone Of John Lewis Mattress Reviews
- 5.2 John Lewis Ortho Pocket Collection 1400 Pocket Spring Mattress – Extra-Firm Alignment Anchor In John Lewis Mattress Reviews
- 5.3 John Lewis Ultra Comfort Collection 4500 Pillowtop Mattress – Luxury Pillowtop Star In John Lewis Mattress Reviews
- 5.4 John Lewis Waitrose Wool 1800 Pocket Spring Pillowtop Mattress – Natural Cooling Hero In John Lewis Mattress Reviews
- 6. Compare Performance Scores Of These Mattresses
- 7. Best Picks
- 8. How To Choose The John Lewis Mattress?
- 9. Limitations
- 10. Policies At A Glance
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11. FAQs
- 11.1 1. Are John Lewis mattresses good quality compared with specialist brands?
- 11.2 2. Which John Lewis mattress is best for lower-back pain?
- 11.3 3. Do these mattresses sleep hot?
- 11.4 4. How firm is the Classic Collection 1400 in real life?
- 11.5 5. Is the Ortho Pocket 1400 too firm for side sleepers?
- 11.6 6. How do the John Lewis pillowtop mattresses hold up over time?
- 11.7 7. Are these mattresses suitable for heavier couples?
- 11.8 8. How noisy are these John Lewis mattresses?
- 11.9 9. What base or frame works best with these mattresses?
- 11.10 10. How does the 60-night Comfort Trial really work?
- 12. Related Post
Product Overview
| Mattress | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price* | Overall Score |
| John Lewis Classic Collection 1400 Pocket Spring Mattress | Balanced support, strong value, breathable polyester comfort layers | Needs regular turning, medium-firm feel may feel too firm for very light side sleepers | Average-weight back and combo sleepers wanting a straightforward pocket-spring bed | Around £579 double | 4.3 |
| John Lewis Ortho Pocket Collection 1400 Pocket Spring Mattress | Extra-firm, zoned support, very strong alignment for heavier sleepers | Too rigid for many side sleepers, comfort layer feels quite taut | Heavier back or stomach sleepers wanting a very firm, traditional feel | Around £799 king | 4.4 |
| John Lewis Ultra Comfort Collection 4500 Pillowtop Mattress | Deep pillowtop, high spring count, British wool comfort with strong pressure relief | Pillowtop adds height but may compress faster, heavier price tag | Side sleepers and comfort seekers wanting a plush top with structured support | About £1,099–£1,199 for double/king | 4.4 |
| John Lewis Waitrose Wool 1800 Pocket Spring Pillowtop Mattress | British wool focus, cooler feel, strong pressure relief, eco-leaning story | Medium feel may lack rigid support for some very heavy users | Hot sleepers and natural-material fans who still want pocket-spring structure | Around £729 single, higher for larger sizes | 4.3 |
Testing Team Takeaways
From my perspective, the four mattresses formed a neat little ladder of feel. I used each bed for at least a full workweek, dropping into them after desk-heavy days with my lower back already tight. On the Classic 1400, my spine settled into a very clean line when I lay on my back. On the Ortho 1400, my hips felt locked in place, which sometimes helped my back but pushed my shoulders during side shifts. With the Ultra Comfort 4500 and Waitrose Wool 1800, I kept thinking about surface feel before anything else, because that top cushioning changed the early impressions.
Marcus attacked the Ortho Pocket 1400 first, since extra-firm surfaces usually interest him. He stretched out on his back, exhaled once, then said “My hips feel parked; nothing is sinking here.” During a warm night, he called the Classic 1400 “noticeably cooler than cheap memory foam,” since the recycled polyester fibres and pocket springs let air move more freely. His comments matched what we already know about pocket-spring airflow, and the zoned springs under his lumbar kept him from complaining about hammock sag.
Jenna treated the John Lewis mattress reviews project like an extended couple-sleep trial. She cares intensely about what Ethan does on the other side of the bed. On the Ultra Comfort 4500, she lay near the middle while Ethan climbed in late, and she whispered “I feel him arrive, but the bounce stops under me pretty quickly.” Motion spread slightly through the pillowtop, yet the multiple spring layers tamped down bigger jolts. She felt the Classic 1400 as firmer and flatter, with easier repositioning yet slightly more detectable partner shifts.
Ethan bounced between all four beds, literally. He is a restless combination sleeper and usually judges a mattress after two things: how quickly he can turn, and how his shoulders feel during side starts. On the Waitrose Wool 1800, he rolled from side to back and mumbled “I can spin on this without fighting the surface.” The wool pillowtop never grabbed his shoulders the way slow foam sometimes does. On the Ortho 1400, he respected the support but called it “a disciplined bed that wants you to sleep like a plank.” He drifted back to the Classic 1400 whenever he wanted something predictable and controlled.
John Lewis Mattress Comparison Chart
| Mattress | Firmness | Thickness | Spring System | Comfort Materials | Mattress Type | Turn / Rotate | Available Sizes | Cooling Performance | Support Profile | Pressure Relief | Motion Isolation | Durability Expectation |
| Classic Collection 1400 Pocket Spring | Medium to Firm | About 26 cm | ~1184 pocket springs in double | Recycled polyester fibres, tufted top cover | Traditional pocket-spring | Turn and rotate regularly | Single to super king | Moderately cool thanks to pocket springs and fibre layers | Balanced, slightly firm support across full surface | Good pressure relief for most, slightly firm for very light side sleepers | Solid isolation for a pocket-spring bed | Strong, with regular turning and rotation |
| Ortho Pocket Collection 1400 | Extra Firm | About 26 cm | 1400 zoned pocket springs | Recycled polyester comfort layer, tufted sleep surface | Orthopaedic pocket-spring | Rotate only | Single to king | Cool to neutral, breathable comfort layer | Very firm, zoned support aimed at alignment | Limited relief for sensitive shoulders; better for back and stomach | Good, with some bounce noticeable | High, thanks to extra-firm build and robust stitching |
| Ultra Comfort Collection 4500 Pillowtop | Medium | About 35 cm | 4500 pocket and mini comfort springs | Deep pillowtop with British wool and polyester, stretch-knit fabric | Pocket-spring pillowtop with natural fillings | Rotate only | Single to super king | Cool to slightly cool, wool helps regulate heat | Medium, contouring support with edge-to-edge feel | Strong relief for shoulders and hips, especially for side sleepers | Above-average isolation; pillowtop mutes many movements | Good, with expected pillowtop compression over long term |
| Waitrose Wool 1800 Pillowtop | Medium | Around 30 cm | 1800 responsive pocket springs | British wool plus recycled polyester, breathable viscose surface | Pocket-spring pillowtop with natural focus | No-turn design, rotate regularly | Single to super king in range | Coolest feel of group; wool manages humidity | Medium support with gentle cradle under torso | High relief around shoulders, hips, and knees | Solid isolation with mild bounce from springs | Good, with wool fibres compressing slightly over years |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
For these John Lewis mattress reviews, we applied our usual test framework but pushed harder on support and thermal behavior, since pocket-spring builds can vary widely.
We scored support by tracking how each mattress held spinal alignment through full-night sessions and extended reading periods. I focused on lumbar comfort during back sleeping, while Marcus and Ethan stressed the edges and center zones with their larger frames and restless moves.
We rated pressure relief during long side-sleep runs and during stillness tests. Jenna lay on each bed for set intervals on shoulder and hip, then reported tingling, numbness, or lack of it. I logged my own shoulder comfort, because my side sessions often reveal hidden firmness.
We handled cooling performance through back-to-back nights without fans, using similar bedding each time. Marcus, as the hot sleeper, recorded perceived build-up of heat across his torso. I looked for clammy fabric feel on waking, which sometimes shows poor moisture management.
We checked motion isolation with Jenna and Ethan running a repeatable routine. Jenna settled near the edge, eyes closed, while Ethan climbed in, rolled, and climbed out again. She rated each mattress on a simple scale from barely feel him to my body bounces with him.
We judged responsiveness by counting how many micro-adjustments we needed during changes from side to back or stomach. Ethan also called out any mattress where he felt stuck under his shoulders. Jammed shoulders usually indicate slow or overly deep top layers, even in spring beds.
Durability and materials quality scores came from construction details: spring counts, type of tufting, side stitching, and rotation instructions, plus what John Lewis claims regarding recycled content and UK manufacturing standards. Dr. Adrian Walker weighed in whenever our alignment feedback raised a red flag, especially with the extra-firm Ortho model.
We tied value directly to street pricing, guarantees, and the John Lewis 60-night Comfort Trial. That policy covers most own-brand mattresses if you buy a protector at the same time and allows an exchange within 60 nights rather than a straight refund.
John Lewis Mattress: Our Testing Experience
John Lewis Classic Collection 1400 Pocket Spring Mattress – Everyday Backbone Of John Lewis Mattress Reviews
Our Testing Experience
This mattress became the control bed in my head. Whenever I moved to another mattress, my brain quietly compared it to this Classic 1400.
I started on it after a long day hunched over spreadsheets. Dropping onto my back, I felt a firm but not brutal surface and a slight give under my hips. After a few breaths my lower back relaxed into a shallow cradle, the pocket springs lifting more under my waist than under my shoulders. The recycled polyester comfort layers never felt mushy, yet the surface avoided that board-like sensation that pure orthopaedic beds often deliver.
On my side, I noticed a modest break-in period. Night one felt a touch rigid under my outer hip. By the third night, the tufted top had softened enough that my shoulder stopped buzzing after twenty minutes. The mattress still leaned toward medium-firm, so very light side sleepers might feel more pressure. For my 185-pound frame, the combination hit a steady groove.
Marcus later took over the Classic 1400 after a week on the Ortho model. His first comment came fast: “This feels like the same family, just less strict.” He slept on his back with arms spread and noticed consistent support under hips and lower back. During a hot spell, he reported “I’m not baking here,” since the fibre layers and pocket structure allowed more airflow than denser foams he usually complains about.
Jenna and Ethan used this mattress as a couple baseline. Ethan rolled in late one night after a kitchen raid, and Jenna said “I feel a small bump, then it fades.” The motion isolation sat in that medium zone: better than an old-school open-coil mattress, not as dead as memory foam. They both appreciated the slightly springy response when repositioning during half-asleep turns.
Dr. Walker looked at our alignment notes and the medium-to-firm spec and commented that, from his sleep-medicine perspective, this kind of profile often suits people with mild back discomfort who still want some contouring without deep sink. That matched my own lower-back experience during long workweeks.
For sleepers, this Classic 1400 fits average-weight back sleepers, mixed sleepers, and many couples who want straightforward support, manageable pressure relief, and a price that still sits under premium pillowtop territory.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Balanced medium-firm feel that supports back and combo sleepers. | May feel firm for very light side sleepers. |
| Good airflow for a non-natural-fibre mattress. | Needs turning and rotation, which some owners dislike. |
| Strong everyday value within the John Lewis range. | Limited plushness compared with true pillowtop models. |
| 7-year guarantee and access to the 60-night Comfort Trial. | Polyester fillings lack the luxury feel of wool-heavy models. |
Details
- Price: around £579 for a double, more for larger sizes.
- Firmness: Medium to Firm.
- Thickness: about 26 cm.
- Spring system: pocket springs, approximately 1184 in a double.
- Comfort materials: recycled polyester fibre layers with a tufted top panel.
- Cover fabric: smooth synthetic knit cover, designed for breathability.
- Mattress type: pocket spring, no pillowtop.
- Turn / rotate: turn and rotate regularly for even wear.
- Origin: handmade in the UK.
- Guarantee: 7-year guarantee on manufacturing faults.
- Trial: eligible for John Lewis 60-night Comfort Trial with qualifying protector.
- Max user weight: typical pocket-spring rating for adults; not marketed as bariatric.
- Shipping: standard large-item delivery, fee around £19.95 in mainland UK.
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.4 | Keeps spine level in back sleeping; springs distribute weight evenly for average bodies. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.2 | Shoulders and hips feel cushioned enough after break-in, yet surface still leans firm. |
| Cooling | 4.1 | Polyester fibres and spring core stay reasonably cool across warm nights. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0 | Partner movement registers slightly, then fades, acceptable for many couples. |
| Responsiveness | 4.2 | Easy position changes; surface pushes back without sluggishness. |
| Edge Support | 4.3 | Sitting on the edge feels stable for dressing and shoe-tying. |
| Durability | 4.3 | Traditional build and tufting inspire confidence with regular turning. |
| Materials Quality | 4.1 | Solid construction, though fibres lack premium natural feel. |
| Value | 4.5 | Strong price-to-performance ratio inside this range. |
| Overall Score | 4.3 | A dependable everyday anchor in the John Lewis mattress line-up. |
John Lewis Ortho Pocket Collection 1400 Pocket Spring Mattress – Extra-Firm Alignment Anchor In John Lewis Mattress Reviews
Our Testing Experience
I approached the Ortho Pocket 1400 cautiously. Extra-firm mattresses can either stabilize my back or punish my shoulders.
On night one I lay flat on my back and instantly noticed the zoned pocket springs pushing harder under my lumbar. The surface felt almost unyielding, yet the recycled polyester comfort layer removed the worst board-like bite. My hips did not sink much at all, which kept my spine straighter than usual, especially after long desk sessions.
Rolling to my side told a different story. My outer shoulder pressed into the surface, and I felt a sharp edge of pressure along my deltoid. I could tolerate it for shorter stretches, yet longer side sessions had me flipping back sooner. Dr. Walker saw that pattern in my notes and commented that this kind of build suits back or stomach sleepers who crave rigid support, while many pure side sleepers will prefer a slightly gentler profile.
Marcus treated this mattress like home base for several weeks. On his first full night, he lay in his typical back-to-stomach drift. Next morning he simply grunted “Back feels straight.” He liked how the zoned springs aligned his heavier hips with the rest of his spine. He also mentioned “No hammock dip anywhere,” even when he shifted toward the middle where many mattresses soften first.
Because Marcus runs hot, I watched his heat reports closely. He described the surface as cool to neutral, with no sticky film or accumulated warmth. The breathable polyester layer and pocket structure seemed to move air efficiently enough for him.
Ethan climbed onto the Ortho 1400 for a few nights and immediately recognized the extra-firm stance. While rolling from side to back, he said “This bed wants me flat.” He could still turn easily, since the surface responded quickly, but he never stayed on his side long. For heavier combination sleepers who lean toward back or stomach, that disciplined feel might actually help, yet restless side sleepers with sensitive shoulders will likely push toward other models.
From couple-testing notes, Jenna rated motion isolation as “good but not squishy.” When Ethan climbed in, she felt a brief jolt and a quick rebound. The lack of thick pillowtop kept vibrations in check, yet the shared spring core still transmitted some energy.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely stable extra-firm feel for strong alignment. | Side sleepers may experience shoulder and hip pressure. |
| Zoned springs reinforce lumbar region under heavier bodies. | Extra firmness can feel unforgiving during long reading sessions. |
| Breathable comfort layer keeps hot sleepers more comfortable. | No plush pillowtop; comfort feel remains quite taut. |
| High maximum user weight and sturdy build. | Rotate-only design needs attention to keep wear even. |
Details
- Price: around £799 for king, lower for smaller sizes.
- Firmness: Extra Firm.
- Thickness: about 26 cm.
- Spring system: 1400 zoned pocket springs, designed for alignment.
- Comfort materials: recycled polyester comfort layer and tufted sleep surface.
- Mattress type: pocket spring, orthopaedic focus.
- Mattress turn: no-turn, rotate only head-to-foot.
- Range: John Lewis Ortho Support.
- Max user weight: up to 200 kg total.
- Origin: handmade in the UK with recycled polyester content.
- Guarantee: 7-year guarantee, plus access to Comfort Trial with protector.
- Shipping: large-item standard delivery from £19.95 to mainland addresses.
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.8 | Zoned extra-firm springs keep hips and spine aligned even for heavier bodies. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.6 | Limited give for side sleepers; shoulders feel pressure during long sessions. |
| Cooling | 4.2 | Breathable polyester and open spring core help maintain neutral temperature. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.1 | Some movement felt yet major jolts damp down quickly. |
| Responsiveness | 4.4 | Surface snaps back fast, making turning straightforward. |
| Edge Support | 4.7 | Very stable sitting and sleeping near the perimeter. |
| Durability | 4.5 | Extra-firm build, hand-stitched sides, and no-turn design support long service life. |
| Materials Quality | 4.3 | Strong construction with clear recycled-content story. |
| Value | 4.2 | Priced above Classic range yet offers serious support for those who need it. |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | A specialist choice for people who want uncompromising firmness. |
John Lewis Ultra Comfort Collection 4500 Pillowtop Mattress – Luxury Pillowtop Star In John Lewis Mattress Reviews
Our Testing Experience
The Ultra Comfort 4500 Pillowtop looked imposing even before anyone lay on it. That 35-centimeter profile and thick pillowtop gave the bed a hotel-suite vibe.
I climbed onto my back first and felt the British wool layer hug my shoulders and hips. Under that softness, the combination of pocket springs and mini comfort springs quietly firmed up. The center of my body settled into the top, yet my lumbar never sagged downward. The effect felt like a soft landing that hides a structured platform underneath.
During side sleeping, the pillowtop really took over the experience. My shoulder dipped far enough to keep my neck neutral without needing extra pillow stacking. After three consecutive nights, my usual shoulder tingling disappeared, which rarely happens on flatter beds. When I switched to my brief stomach-sleep naps, though, I felt a hint of sway in my lower back, which told me this mattress favors side or back sleepers rather than dedicated stomach fans.
Marcus tested the Ultra Comfort during a run of hot, humid evenings. He lay down, waited, and then shrugged: “Feels plush, but I’m not overheating.” The British wool layer and breathable stretch-knit fabric helped move moisture away from his skin. He still preferred full cotton sheets, yet never reported the swampy sensation that foam-heavy designs can produce.
Jenna and Ethan claimed this bed as their “date-night” mattress during the test block. Jenna started near the center while Ethan executed his usual late-night arrival. Her feedback sounded precise: “I get this gentle ripple through the pillowtop, then the springs swallow the rest.” Small movements stayed local to his side, while bigger flops sent a wave that faded before reaching her shoulders. Ethan enjoyed how the pillowtop let him roll without hitting hard transitions between layers.
Dr. Walker commented that this kind of medium, wool-topped pillowtop fits many patients with mixed back discomfort and side-sleep habits, as long as they stay within the mattress weight limits and rotate the bed as instructed. He highlighted the spring count and distributed support as positives from an alignment standpoint.
For shoppers, this Ultra Comfort option suits side sleepers, lighter to average back sleepers, and couples wanting plush comfort over a genuine support core.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Deep pillowtop with British wool softens pressure on shoulders and hips. | Pillowtop height might overwhelm smaller bedrooms or low headboards. |
| 4500 spring count offers fine-tuned support across the surface. | Stomach sleepers may feel mid-section sway. |
| Medium feel works for many side and combo sleepers. | Higher price could stretch mid-range budgets. |
| Stretch-knit, chemically untreated FR fabric appeals to sensitive users. | Pillowtop likely compresses more over long-term heavy use. |
Details
- Price: approximately £1,099 for double, £1,199 for king, more for super king.
- Firmness: Medium tension.
- Thickness: around 35 cm.
- Spring system: 4500 springs including high-quality pocket springs plus two mini comfort spring layers.
- Comfort materials: deep pillowtop with British wool and supportive polyester layers.
- Cover: innovative stretch-knit fabric, tufted externally, fire-retardant without conventional chemical FR treatments.
- Mattress type: pocket spring, pillowtop, natural-enhanced.
- Turn / rotate: no-turn, rotate head-to-foot.
- Max user weight: about 108 kg per user on the tested size.
- Guarantee: 7-year guarantee plus 60-night Comfort Trial eligibility.
- Origin: handmade in the UK with wool from British sources.
- Shipping: premium two-person delivery with typical £19.95 mainland fee.
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.3 | Underlying springs keep alignment for back and side sleepers within typical weight ranges. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.7 | Pillowtop relieves shoulder and hip pressure impressively during long side-sleep windows. |
| Cooling | 4.4 | Wool and breathable knit reduce heat build-up for most sleepers. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.3 | Pillowtop dampens movements while springs retain subtle bounce. |
| Responsiveness | 4.1 | Surface feels buoyant rather than quick-springy, yet turning still feels easy. |
| Edge Support | 4.2 | Some compression at the perimeter, yet sitting and sleeping there stay practical. |
| Durability | 4.1 | Quality build, though deep pillowtop will soften faster than firmer designs. |
| Materials Quality | 4.6 | High spring count, British wool, and advanced fabric earn strong marks. |
| Value | 4.2 | Premium price but justified for people prioritizing comfort and materials. |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | A standout comfort-first mattress in the John Lewis range. |
John Lewis Waitrose Wool 1800 Pocket Spring Pillowtop Mattress – Natural Cooling Hero In John Lewis Mattress Reviews
Our Testing Experience
The Waitrose Wool 1800 Pillowtop felt different the moment I pressed my palm into it. That wool-rich top had a dry, breathable texture rather than a slick synthetic sheen.
I lay on my back and noticed a gentle cradle rather than a deep sink. The 1800 pocket springs responded quickly under my torso, raising my lumbar without ramming my shoulders upward. The wool and recycled polyester blend in the pillowtop spread my weight across a slightly larger area, which softened the feeling on my hips.
During side sleeping, I paid close attention to temperature as much as pressure. After twenty minutes on my right side, my shoulder felt cushioned, but the bigger surprise came later. I woke around 3 a.m., checked for clammy heat, and instead noticed a dry, neutral skin feel. The wool’s moisture-wicking behavior apparently did its job, especially around my upper back.
Ethan took this mattress for a spin because he prefers starting on his side. He rolled from side to back several times and said “This top lets me turn without sticking, which I like.” The pocket springs reacted under his hips yet never shoved him out of his groove. He did not describe the feel as super plush; instead he kept calling it “calm.”
Jenna judged motion isolation during their shared nights on this model. With Ethan shifting close to the edge, she reported “a little bounce, but less than the Classic.” The pillowtop absorbed some of the initial movement, and the individual pockets kept that wave from travelling far. For couples sensitive to partner motion, this mattress sat slightly ahead of the Classic and close to the Ultra Comfort.
Marcus spent a few nights here as well, mainly for cooling feedback. He woke saying “My back feels dry, no hot patch.” For him, that qualifies as serious praise. Wool’s natural breathable structure, combined with the ventilated spring core, prevented the heat build-up that triggers his complaints on many all-foam designs.
Dr. Walker appreciated the natural-fibre focus, yet he reminded us that wool mattresses still need proper support geometry. With the Waitrose Wool 1800, he felt comfortable with our alignment notes for average-weight sleepers but suggested that significantly heavier users might prefer the firmer Ortho option for long-term back health.
For shoppers, this Waitrose Wool model targets hot sleepers, eco-leaning buyers, and mixed sleepers who want natural materials without sacrificing pocket-spring structure.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| British wool comfort layers manage temperature and humidity effectively. | Medium firmness may feel soft for very heavy back sleepers. |
| Pillowtop adds plushness without deep, sticky sink. | Some users may prefer even thicker cushioning. |
| 1800 pocket springs give precise pressure relief and support. | Uses animal fibre, unsuitable for vegan buyers. |
| Responsibly sourced wool from Waitrose farms supports a traceable supply chain. | No-turn design still needs rotation, which some owners forget. |
Details
- Price: around £729 for single, higher for double, king, and super king.
- Firmness: Medium tension.
- Thickness: roughly 30 cm.
- Spring system: 1800 responsive pocket springs in the reference size.
- Comfort materials: natural British wool plus recycled polyester fibres in a pillowtop.
- Cover: breathable viscose-blend fabric with sheep motif.
- Mattress type: pocket spring, pillowtop, natural-leaning.
- Mattress turn: no-turn; rotate head-to-foot periodically.
- Age suitability: from around 12 years upward.
- Guarantee: 7-year guarantee with Comfort Trial eligibility when protector conditions are met.
- Origin: made in the UK using wool from Waitrose partner farms.
- Sustainability claim: contains at least 40% recycled polyester in comfort layers.
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.2 | Medium support suits many sleepers; alignment stays solid for average weights. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5 | Wool pillowtop eases pressure at shoulders and hips, particularly on side. |
| Cooling | 4.6 | Wool and breathable cover handle heat and moisture impressively. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.2 | Pocket springs and pillowtop temper partner movements effectively. |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Surface allows smooth turning without the spring punch of firmer beds. |
| Edge Support | 4.1 | Some pillowtop compression at edge, though sleepable area remains wide. |
| Durability | 4.2 | Quality build, with expected wool compression over years. |
| Materials Quality | 4.4 | Natural wool focus and recycled content feel thoughtfully specified. |
| Value | 4.2 | Strong proposition for buyers prioritising cooling and natural fibres. |
| Overall Score | 4.3 | A standout pick for hot sleepers and natural-material fans. |
Compare Performance Scores Of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
| Classic Collection 1400 Pocket Spring | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Ortho Pocket Collection 1400 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Ultra Comfort Collection 4500 Pillowtop | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Waitrose Wool 1800 Pillowtop | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 |
The Ortho Pocket 1400 tops the support column, yet falls behind on pressure relief. The Ultra Comfort 4500 and Waitrose Wool 1800 shine as comfort specialists, with very strong pressure and cooling scores. The Classic 1400 sits in the middle on nearly every metric, which makes it the balanced reference point of these John Lewis mattress reviews.
Best Picks
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Best John Lewis Mattress For Everyday Use – Classic Collection 1400 Pocket Spring
This mattress hits a steady balance between firmness, support, and price. Our team kept returning to it whenever we wanted a predictable, no-drama sleep surface with consistent alignment and adequate pressure relief. -
Best John Lewis Mattress For Firm Support – Ortho Pocket Collection 1400
From the perspective of heavier back or stomach sleepers, this extra-firm model delivers standout spinal control. Marcus experienced remarkably stable hips and lower back, and Dr. Walker favored its zoning for people who genuinely need a rigid platform. -
Best John Lewis Mattress For Cooling Comfort – Waitrose Wool 1800 Pillowtop
This kind of wool-focused build impressed both hot-sleeping Marcus and restless Ethan. Temperature stayed in check through humid nights, and side-sleep pressure relief remained strong, which created a rare pairing of cool feel and deep comfort.
How To Choose The John Lewis Mattress?
Choosing among these John Lewis Mattress models means matching firmness, materials, and budget to your body and your sleep habits.
From the perspective of sleep position, strict back or stomach sleepers often prefer more structure, while side sleepers need deeper cushioning under joints. Body weight shapes that equation, since heavier bodies compress springs and fibres more deeply and often require firmer cores.
Temperature sensitivity matters as well. If heat build-up ruins your sleep, then the presence of natural fibres such as wool or advanced breathable fabrics can change your night. Budget still sets the outer limits, yet within those limits, turning and rotation instructions, guarantee terms, and expected durability should influence the final choice.
Here are practical matches based on our John Lewis mattress reviews:
-
Light-weight side sleeper
The Waitrose Wool 1800 Pillowtop suits this group best. The wool pillowtop cradles lighter shoulders without making them fight the surface, and the medium support keeps spines reasonably straight. -
Average-weight back sleeper
The Classic Collection 1400 fits these sleepers well. It feels firm enough to hold a neutral spine yet soft enough on top for relaxed muscles after long workdays. -
Hot sleeper who hates sticky foam
The Waitrose Wool 1800 again stands out, with its moisture-managing wool and breathable cover. The Ultra Comfort 4500 comes next, where British wool layers and ventilated springs still regulate temperature better than dense foam builds. -
Heavier back or stomach sleeper
Under these circumstances, the Ortho Pocket Collection 1400 becomes the serious candidate. Its extra-firm zoning gave Marcus clear lumbar support without sagging, which many heavier sleepers struggle to find. -
Couple with restless partner
Jenna found the Ultra Comfort 4500 and Waitrose Wool 1800 most forgiving for partner motion. If one partner values luxurious feel, then the Ultra Comfort wins. If cooling and natural fibres matter more, the Waitrose Wool option edges ahead.
Limitations
Taken as a group, these John Lewis Mattress options leave some gaps.
Very heavy sleepers who prefer extremely firm surfaces and spend time near the edge might still want even stiffer specialist mattresses than those here, especially if body weight significantly exceeds typical ranges. Ultra-budget shoppers who need the lowest possible price point may also look outside these models, since each mattress here carries mid-range or premium pricing.
People who adore the fast, springy feel of traditional open-coil innerspring beds may find these pocket-spring designs slightly muted, especially in the pillowtop variants. Vegan shoppers also face a limitation with the wool-based models, since the Classic and Ortho ranges use synthetic fillings, while the Waitrose Wool and Ultra Comfort beds include animal fibre.
Policies At A Glance
| Mattress | Shipping (Cost and Region) | Trial Period | Return Policy / Fees | Warranty Length | Notable Conditions |
| Classic Collection 1400 Pocket Spring | Standard large-item delivery from about £19.95 to UK mainland; surcharges for some regions | Eligible for 60-night Comfort Trial | Exchange only during trial, requires protector bought in same order; standard 30-day returns only if unopened | 7-year guarantee from purchase date | Mattress must be protected; some staining or misuse can void warranty; turn and rotate as directed |
| Ortho Pocket Collection 1400 | Similar large-item delivery fee structure, around £19.95 for mainland | Eligible for 60-night Comfort Trial | Exchange policy mirrors Classic; opened mattresses otherwise returnable only under fault conditions | 7-year guarantee | Must use approved protector during trial; rotate only design expected; excessive wear or damage may affect claims |
| Ultra Comfort Collection 4500 Pillowtop | Two-person delivery from about £19.95 with chosen day slots in many postcodes | Eligible for 60-night Comfort Trial | Comfort Trial allows exchange to another model; direct returns only if unused or faulty; collection fees may apply | 7-year guarantee | Pillowtop compression considered normal; mattress must be rotated; protector purchase required for trial participation |
| Waitrose Wool 1800 Pillowtop | Standard mattress delivery from about £19.95 within UK mainland, no Click & Collect | Eligible for 60-night Comfort Trial | Returns restricted once opened except via trial exchange or fault investigation | 7-year guarantee | Wool mattress needs appropriate support base; rotation schedule recommended; protector specified for Comfort Trial |
As far as policy friendliness goes, these mattresses share the same backbone: a 7-year guarantee and a 60-night Comfort Trial that works through exchanges rather than cash refunds. Buyers need to remember the mattress-protector requirement and the focus on exchange instead of open-box refunds.
FAQs
1. Are John Lewis mattresses good quality compared with specialist brands?
From the perspective of construction, these four models hold up well. Spring counts, tufting, and side stitching sit in a range that feels comparable to many mid-range specialist beds. The Ultra Comfort 4500 and Waitrose Wool 1800 especially impressed us with their materials and finish, while the Classic 1400 delivered clean execution at a more accessible price.
2. Which John Lewis mattress is best for lower-back pain?
If a sleeper likes a firm feel and carries more weight through the hips, then the Ortho Pocket 1400 offers the strongest alignment. Marcus’s back felt particularly stable there. For people who want some softness with structured support, the Classic 1400 or Ultra Comfort 4500 often hit a sweet spot that Dr. Walker considers suitable for many mild back-pain profiles.
3. Do these mattresses sleep hot?
These John Lewis mattress reviews showed solid cooling across all four models, with clear standouts. The Waitrose Wool 1800 felt coolest due to its wool pillowtop and breathable cover. The Ultra Comfort 4500 also handled heat well thanks to British wool and a ventilated spring core. Even the polyester-heavy Classic and Ortho models stayed cooler than dense memory-foam designs Marcus usually dislikes.
4. How firm is the Classic Collection 1400 in real life?
On our testing nights, the Classic 1400 landed as a true medium-firm. My back felt held in a neutral line, while my shoulders needed a couple of nights to settle in during side sleeping. Lighter side sleepers may perceive it as firm, yet average-weight back and combo sleepers should find a solid balance between give and structure.
5. Is the Ortho Pocket 1400 too firm for side sleepers?
For many side sleepers, yes. My own shoulders complained during long side sessions, and Ethan quickly migrated to his back on this mattress. The bed targets people who prefer extra-firm surfaces and who mostly sleep on their back or stomach. Side-sleepers who tried it here gravitated toward the Waitrose Wool 1800 or Ultra Comfort 4500 after a short time.
6. How do the John Lewis pillowtop mattresses hold up over time?
Our test window focused on early and mid-term behavior rather than decade-long wear, yet some patterns emerged. The Ultra Comfort 4500 and Waitrose Wool 1800 both showed slight settling in the pillowtop areas where we slept most, which matches what natural fibres and deep cushioning usually do. Edge structure stayed intact, but people expecting perfectly flat tops for many years should plan on regular rotation and realistic expectations about gentle body impressions.
7. Are these mattresses suitable for heavier couples?
Heavier couples face more complex needs. The Ortho Pocket 1400 supports higher combined weights and keeps hips lifted effectively, which makes it a strong candidate for couples who prioritize alignment over plushness. The Classic 1400 works for many average-to-slightly-heavy pairs. The two pillowtop models still handle combined weight decently, yet very heavy couples might prefer one partner on the Ortho or another firmer model with higher weight ratings.
8. How noisy are these John Lewis mattresses?
Noise stayed minimal across all four beds. During our couple tests, Jenna never reported creaking when Ethan moved, which sometimes happens on cheaper coil systems. The pocket-spring designs isolate movement more quietly, and the thicker pillowtops damp sound even more. Any small rustle usually came from bedding rather than from the mattress cores.
9. What base or frame works best with these mattresses?
These mattresses feel happiest on supportive, non-flexing bases. Slatted frames need slats spaced relatively tightly, around the spacing John Lewis suggests in its mattress guidance. Sprung divan bases also pair well, especially under the Waitrose Wool 1800 and Ultra Comfort 4500, where the extra give under the spring unit adds a little more plushness without wrecking alignment.
10. How does the 60-night Comfort Trial really work?
The John Lewis 60-night Comfort Trial runs as an exchange scheme rather than a cash-back policy. Buyers must purchase an approved mattress protector in the same transaction and use it, then sleep on the mattress for up to 60 nights. If comfort issues appear, they can visit a John Lewis shop or contact support to arrange an exchange to a different model. The original mattress needs to be in good condition, since heavy staining or damage risks refusal under the trial rules.