Buying a mattress

[Tooandfroo]

The time has come to replace the mattress on our bed but it seems like a minefield. We have been to Dreams where the prices are astronomical in comparison to the local bed shop in our town.
Is there likely to be a huge difference in quality?
We want to pay for good quality and we're happy to spend on it if it's worth spending the extra on one from Dreams as opposed to one from a small local, backstreet business.
But no idea if it's worth it?
I've googled some of the matresses we liked from the small, local business and I've found next to no information on them, unlike the branded mattresses from Dreams (or any equivalent well-known retailer).
Can anyone advise?

We bought our from John Ryan. They’re not the cheapest, but very good value and make their mattresses themselves. They also give detailed info on the construction of each one, and a try out period. It really depends what you’re looking for. We initially bought a Simba and had to send it back as I found it hot and swampy. Some people love that style but we hated it-but we were able to return it due to their try out period. We ended up buying a traditional calico pocket spring one which cost us £1000 but 3 years on, it still feels fantastic to get into bed.

Second John Ryan! Really good advice and a 60 day (i think) try and return for free period.

We bought a locally made mattress too. We wanted natural materials and made in UK. And firm or extra firm. It took a while to be made, but it was worth it for us.

Naturalmat have lovely mattresses (and beds) if you want all natural fibres. Not cheap though