This is a matter of personal preference. There are no rules. The majority prefer a medium, rather than firm mattress. For guest rooms and lettings the medium 'Ortho' is a safer bet. For a softer feel, the 'Centre Tied' is usually the first choice.

Many people are referred to us by specialists, but we avoid advising on their therapeutic value or perceived comfort. However, choosing one that feels too firm in the expectation that it will be better for you is not a good idea.

One that is initially comfortable is more likely to be a better choice.

A good mattress should last about 10 years with reasonable care. The higher the quality; the more generously they are filled and the lighter the occupants, the longer they will stay in good condition. It is worth remembering that regardless of the age and condition of your mattress, one's needs may change.

To prolong its life, a mattress should be well ventilated and never folded.

“You know a place must be good when several unconnected people sing its praises. So it is with Litvinoff & Fawcett, which has been quietly producing beds since 1979. All the fillings are natural and every bed comes with a lifetime structure guarantee. So, bypass the bouncing bed salesmen and go for a civilised chat with the experts."

Alison Cork   

The Really Useful Column

Whatever your budget, all are carefully made and of high quality. You are buying direct from a reputable maker and our mattresses are far better value than those similarly priced on the High Street.

• YORKTON: Singles start at £155 and doubles at £230. A medium or firm wool filled orthopaedic mattress.
• CLASSIC: Singles from £200 and doubles from £280. Similar to the Yorktons, but with deeper fillings.
• LUXURY: Singles from £255 and doubles from £340. The deepest and most luxurious of the three orthopaedic mattresses.
• POCKET: Singles are from £410 and doubles from £530. They have similar fillings to the Luxury, but the springs can cost up five times as much.

Each mattress is individually constructed to exacting standards by an experienced craftsman, from the laying out of the springs to the final hand tufting.

Other manufacturers use gimmicks that add greatly to the cost of their mattresses but which do not improve the quality, and some which actually reduce quality and durability. These include single sided ‘no turn’, or ‘summer and winter’ sided mattresses; minuscule quantities of cashmere, silk and mohair; elaborate covers; puffy foam and synthetic fillings, double layers of springs etc...

... and yes, we're old fashioned!

Skilled workmanship  

Feather proof tickings

Choice and availability

Eight sizes and nine types are usually in stock, and we make for all sizes and all types of bed.

Good value

Our prices are always good - there is no middleman. We don’t have ‘sales’ and are usually busy when the High Street sales are on, because when customers have a chance to compare they find that ours are even better value than the reduced items in other shops.

Straightforward and gimmick free

Natural fillings

Quality springs

Handmade mattresses

It is unusual to deal directly with a bespoke mattress maker as there are very few of us around. We started making them in the early 1990s to compliment our bed bases and achieve control over production and cost. This resulted in a more efficient service and significant savings. In an industry with a reputation for taking advantage of the public's lack of knowledge, we aim to clarify what is in reality quite straightforward.

Very young children are unlikely to feel the difference between the mattresses because they are too light. The 'Super Ortho' has thicker springs, and will take more rough and tumble, and many parents choose these firmer mattresses. 'Yorktons' are the most popular choice for young children. Each generation is growing ever taller and many now require longer than standard beds and mattresses. We provide this service for a moderate extra charge.

Come prepared wearing loose clothing. Vary your position, take your time paying special attention to the support given to the lower back, shoulders and hips. Decide upon the firmness that you prefer, allowing the body guide you rather than your head.   

This is the most important part of a bed. Its outward appearance and initial 'feel' may be deceptive because it is difficult to know what you are buying. The maxim 'you can't judge a book by its cover' applies.