If you’re shopping for a firmer, cooler-feeling mattress that still aims to take the edge off pressure points, the Sleepeezee Cool Refresh 1600 Pocket Mattress is one of those models that makes a very clear promise: supportive, no-nonsense comfort with temperature regulation built in, all finished with the kind of neat, traditional build quality you tend to associate with a long-standing British manufacturer. It’s a straightforward proposition, but it’s also one that can make a real difference if you regularly wake up too warm or you’ve learned, through trial and error, that you simply sleep better on a firmer base.
At its core, this mattress is about balance; you’re getting a firm tension supported by a substantial pocket spring system, paired with comfort layers designed to feel stable rather than sink-in, and then topped off with cooling components intended to keep the sleep surface feeling fresher through the night. It’s also single-sided, which keeps maintenance simple, and it comes with a 10 Year Guarantee, which matters when you’re investing in something you’ll be sleeping on every night.
How it performed in our review
Temperature regulation
This is the headline feature, and it’s where the Cool Refresh 1600 will likely win over the right kind of sleeper. There’s a 2cm layer of Staycool™ Gel foam that’s designed to draw heat away from the body, plus a cool-touch sleeping surface that’s intended to deliver that immediately refreshing feel when you first lie down, and then help you maintain a more comfortable temperature as the night goes on. In practice, this kind of set-up tends to suit people who don’t necessarily want an ultra-soft, enveloping mattress (which can trap warmth), but still want a noticeable step up from the “standard” sleep temperature you often get with denser, more insulating materials.
The addition of border air vents is a sensible, practical detail too: it encourages airflow through the mattress, which can help the internal layers feel less stuffy over time, and it also supports a generally fresher sleep environment, particularly helpful if you’re sensitive to that slightly warm, enclosed feel some beds can develop.
Support and spinal alignment
This is a firm mattress, and it behaves like one: the aim is to keep you lifted and stable, rather than letting your heavier areas sink down. The 1600 pocket springs respond independently, so you still get contouring that follows your shape, but the overall sensation is more “supported on top” than “hugged in”. Underneath, a high-density support layer is there to reinforce structure and help the mattress hold its shape, which is particularly relevant if you’ve had firmer mattresses in the past that have gradually softened or dipped where you sleep most.
For back sleepers, that firm, steady feel can be exactly what you want, because it can help maintain a more neutral posture overnight, especially around the hips and lower back. For anyone specifically seeking orthopaedic-style firmness, or following advice to sleep on a firmer surface, the construction here is clearly geared towards that brief.
Pressure relief and cushioning
Although the tension is firm, the build isn’t harsh; the comfort comes from layering rather than softness. A soft polyester comfort layer sits beneath the cover and is chosen for recovery and rebound, so you get a little cushioning without losing the supportive character. The gel foam layer also plays a role here, not just in temperature control but in taking some pressure off where you carry weight, helping the mattress feel more forgiving than a very traditional, ultra-firm spring-only design.
That said, firm mattresses always have a “type” of sleeper they suit best; if you’re a side sleeper who needs deeper cushioning at the shoulder and hip, this will likely feel too uncompromising, because it prioritises alignment and stability over deep pressure-point sink.
Motion isolation
With individually pocketed springs, you can reasonably expect less motion transfer than you’d get from an open-coil mattress, because each spring moves on its own rather than rippling movement across the surface. That doesn’t mean you’ll get the near-dead stillness of a thick, all-foam bed, but for a firm, spring-led design it should do a solid job of reducing disturbances, particularly for couples where one person turns in or gets up during the night.
Surface feel and finish
The microquilted finish gives the sleeping surface a smooth, plush look and feel, because the fabric is stitched into the fillings rather than sitting loosely on top. It’s the kind of detail that tends to make a mattress feel more “complete” from day one, and it pairs well with the cool-touch fabric, which is intended to feel refreshing on contact, so you notice it immediately rather than having to wait for airflow to do the work.
Who it’s best for
The Sleepeezee Cool Refresh 1600 Pocket Mattress is, in our view, best approached as a specialist pick rather than a universal crowd-pleaser, because its firmness is a defining feature and it won’t be the right match for every sleep style.
Back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel: If you sleep on your back and you like your mattress to hold you in a more level position, this firm tension and stable support system should suit you well.
People seeking orthopaedic-style firmness: If you’ve been advised to opt for a firmer mattress, or you’ve found that softer beds aggravate your back, the overall design here is clearly aimed at that “supported and held” sensation.
Hot sleepers who want a cooler surface feel without going fully foam: The cooling elements plus the spring-led, ventilated build can be a strong combination if you often wake up too warm.
Some stomach sleepers: Those who sleep on their front often benefit from firmer support to prevent the midsection dropping too deeply, though comfort is personal and depends on build and preference.
It’s unlikely to be a great fit for side sleepers, particularly if you’re sensitive at the shoulder or hip, because the firmness may not allow enough give to keep those areas comfortable through the night.
Materials and construction
This is a pocket-sprung mattress with comfort and support layers chosen to keep the feel firm, breathable, and resilient. While the spring count is based on a kingsize (as is standard), the overall intent remains consistent across the range: responsive support from individually moving springs, reinforced by denser layers that help keep the structure stable.
Cool-touch cover: Designed to provide a refreshing feel on contact and help you maintain a cooler sleep surface.
2cm Staycool™ Gel foam: Intended to draw heat away and add a touch of pressure relief without making the bed feel overly soft.
Polyester comfort layer: Provides gentle cushioning with good rebound, so the mattress feels comfortable but still supportive.
High-density support layer: Adds firmness and stability, helping the mattress resist sagging and maintain its shape.
1600 pocket springs: Independent spring movement for responsive contouring, full-body support, and reduced motion transfer.
Air vents: Help airflow through the mattress for breathability and a fresher internal environment.
The mattress depth is 24cm, which is a practical height for most bed frames and fitted sheets, while still feeling substantial enough to deliver that “proper mattress” support many people prefer.
Care and day-to-day practicality
This is a single-sided mattress, which means you won’t be flipping it, but you should rotate it seasonally to help it wear more evenly over time, especially if you tend to sleep in the same spot each night. Single-sided designs are often chosen for convenience, and as long as you follow rotation guidance, they can be a very sensible option for anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of turning a heavier mattress.
It’s also handmade in the UK and backed by a 10 Year Guarantee, which adds reassurance, particularly if you’re buying specifically to solve an ongoing comfort issue and you want confidence that the build is designed to last.
What customers thought
Feedback we’ve seen highlights the cooling performance as the standout benefit, with one owner of the king size describing the mattress as “very comfortable” and noting that the cooling effect “works very well”, especially in a real-world situation many people will recognise: sleeping under a warm, insulating duvet. In that case, the reviewer explained they used to feel hot under a goose down duvet, whereas now they remain at a “very comfortable temperature” and are getting a good night’s sleep, which suggests the cool-touch surface and gel layer are doing more than just providing a brief, initial cool feeling when you first get into bed.
Bottom line: Is the Sleepeezee Cool Refresh 1600 Pocket Mattress worth it?
If you’re a back sleeper who actively wants a firmer mattress, and you’re also keen to reduce overheating at night without sacrificing the buoyant support you get from a pocket-sprung core, the Sleepeezee Cool Refresh 1600 Pocket Mattress is a strong, well-targeted option. It combines a stable, orthopaedic-leaning tension with cooling features that are designed to be noticeable, plus practical breathability from side vents, and it keeps upkeep relatively simple with a single-sided, rotate-only design.
Where we’d be cautious is for side sleepers, or anyone who already knows they need deeper, more adaptive cushioning at the shoulder and hip, because the firmness here is a defining trait rather than a mild preference. But for the sleeper it’s designed for—someone who wants firm support, cleaner temperature control, and a more “on top” feel—this mattress makes a lot of sense, and it reads as a considered, purposeful build rather than a collection of trendy features.
