If good sleep has felt like a distant dream lately, it could be time to upgrade your bedroom setup. Whether you’re tossing and turning at night or waking up with aches and pains, the best mattress can make all the difference – and I’m here to help you find it.
I’ve been testing mattresses for nearly a decade, from budget roll-ups to high-end hybrids, and through countless nights of trial and error, I’ve learned what really matters when it comes to finding the right one. The best mattress strikes the right balance between comfort and support, and offers pressure relief for your joints. I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of edge support and motion isolation (especially if you share your bed), as well as temperature regulation and durability. Once you’ve considered all these key factors and found a mattress that ticks the right boxes for you, all that’s left is to focus on the finishing touches, like finding the best pillows and best duvets.
After months of rigorous testing (yes, all those naps were hard work), my top pick for the best overall mattress is the Simba hybrid luxe – it offers exceptional support, breathability and plush comfort that suits a wide range of sleepers. In fact, this list features three other Simba mattresses, which speaks to just how consistently strong the brand’s range is. That said, there are plenty of excellent alternatives here as well – from firm to soft, memory foam and pocket sprung – to suit all sleep styles, body types and budgets.
If you're torn between upgrading your mattress or simply adding one of the best mattress toppers, consider the advice of Tristine Hargreaves, executive director at Bed Advice UK and The National Bed Federation, who tells me: “If your mattress shows visible signs of wear and tear, such as lumps, bumps, or sagging - causing you to roll into the middle unintentionally - it may be time for an upgrade. Ultimately, if your mattress is no longer providing the comfort and support you need for a good night's sleep, it’s time to replace it.”
If you’re finding the search overwhelming, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent years trying and testing the best mattresses to find out exactly what truly performs (and what doesn’t) – keep reading for my honest reviews.
How I tested
I have put dozens of models from big names and smaller brands to the test in my own home, and I’ve even called on the trusted expertise of the wider IndyBest team to try them out too, making sure every sleep style, body type, and age group is represented. While testing, each mattress gets slept on for at least two months, but several in this guide have been tested for a number of years. To determine the best mattresses, I evaluated each one based on key criteria, including:
- Comfort: This has such a big impact on sleep quality and how rested you feel in the morning, so I paid close attention to how each mattress felt in different sleep positions, looking at things like cushioning, pressure relief, and overall support. Since comfort can be subjective, I also got feedback from a co-sleeper and other IndyBest testers with different preferences to make sure the picks work well for a variety of sleep styles.
- Support: This was just as important, especially when it came to maintaining proper spinal alignment. I looked for mattresses that offered enough firmness to keep the body well-supported without feeling too rigid. I also asked my partner to take photos of me lying on each of the mattresses to assess how my spine looked.
- Motion transfer: I tested how well each mattress isolated movement to see if I could sleep undisturbed, even with someone tossing and turning beside me. I also got my fidgety co-sleeper's feedback to understand how noticeable my movements were from their side, making sure the mattress performed well for both of us.
- Edge support: This can affect how usable the full surface of the mattress is, which is important if you tend to sit or sleep near the edge. One way I checked this was by doing the glass test: placing a glass of water near the edge and sitting close by to see if the glass wobbled or stayed steady. A mattress with good edge support felt stable and secure both when I sat on the edge and when I rolled near it during sleep.
- Temperature regulation: To get a full picture, I tested each mattress at different times of the year and in various weather conditions, so I could see how they performed year-round. I noted how warm or cool they felt after lying on them for a while and considered materials like breathable foams or cooling fabrics that help wick away heat. Since my co-sleeper tends to get warmer than I do, I also asked for their feedback to ensure the mattress kept both of us comfortable no matter the season.
- Delivery and set-up: I paid close attention to how simple it was to unpack each mattress, especially those that came boxed and needed time to expand. I timed how long it took for them to fully inflate and checked for any off-gassing smells that might be unpleasant.
- Value for money: Price and value for money were key factors I considered because a great mattress should feel worth the investment without breaking the bank. I looked at how each mattress balanced cost with quality, comfort, and durability to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Mattresses that offered generous sleep trials earned bonus points.
- Quality: Overall quality and build were crucial aspects because a mattress needs to stand up to regular use and last for years. I examined the materials, construction, and craftsmanship to get a sense of how durable each mattress would be over time. Feeling confident that a mattress won’t sag or break down quickly adds a lot to its long-term value.
If a mattress is listed here, you can rest assured that it’s high-quality, but be sure to read the full reviews to help you choose the right one for your needs. For more insight into our review methodology, you can read my in-depth guide to how we test mattresses here at IndyBest, which covers each criterion from delivery to comfort. For reference, each price listed below is for a standard UK double mattress, but I’ve also detailed all the sizes available for each of them.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s dedicated shopping section, IndyBest, is committed to providing unbiased reviews and expert advice. Sarah Jones has years of experience in testing mattresses and sleep products within her home – the same environment that you will be using them – and consulting experts on what exactly you should look for. As The Independent’s resident sleep expert, Sarah knows the best, most comfortable fabrics and materials to look for in mattresses and bedding. She had a strict criterion by which she judged each one, having slept on them for a minimum of two months at home, and in several cases, for many years. Beyond this, Sarah is a busy parent who values a great night’s sleep, so if any mattress prevented her from snoozing comfortably, it did not make the cut.
The best mattresses for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Simba hybrid luxe mattress: £1,342.21, Simbasleep.com
- Best budget buy – Dusk memory foam 2000 pocket sprung hybrid mattress: £249, Dusk.com
- Best for medium firmness – Nectar premier hybrid mattress: £599, Nectarsleep.co.uk
- Best for back pain – Simba earth apex mattress: £1,599.20, Simbasleep.com
- Best firm mattress – Hypnos ortho support 7: £1,078.65, Mattressman.co.uk
Simba hybrid luxe mattress
Best: Mattress overall
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, small double, king, super king and EU queen
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: 10 years
Brand's sleep trial: 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: One year
Why we love it
- Robust
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Helps with temperature regulation
Take note
- It’s heavy
After six months of testing, I found Simba’s hybrid luxe mattress to be the best. It hugely improved my sleep and offered the ideal balance between a firm and medium sleeping base. Better still, it’s breathable, keeping me cool during warmer months, yet cosy in the autumn and winter. I also found it offered good support for achy joints and helped me lie straight. While some may consider it a small point, I loved that the top anti-allergy cover layer can be removed and machine-washed.
The mattress has 11 layers. According to the brand, there’s a foam base with recycled fibres; a bamboo and wool layer, which promotes temperature regulation; and an open-cell foam section for airflow. There are also springs nestled into two sections, including a foam element to prevent any digging in. It’s a lot of technical information, but what I can say is this mattress lives up to the claims. The only drawback is that all the layers mean this mattress is both heavy and high (31cm). The good news is that you rarely need to move a mattress, so the weight shouldn’t be a huge issue. The height can be trickier; it’s rare, but the thickness means you may need to buy new fitted sheets.
To really put this mattress through its paces, I called upon IndyBest writer Helen Wilson-Beevers to try it out too. After a full year of testing, she agreed it’s worthy of the top spot. “I’ve found the mattress to be supremely comfy and sumptuously supportive,” she wrote in her review. “In fact, I would go as far as to say the Simba hybrid luxe mattress has transformed my sleep, leading to an increased feeling of restfulness at bedtime.”
Read the full Simba hybrid luxe mattress review
Buy now £1342.21, Simbasleep.com
Dusk memory foam 2000 pocket sprung hybrid mattress
Best: Budget mattress
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, double, king size, super king
Mattress type: Memory foam and pocket sprung
Guarantee: One year
Brand's sleep trial: 100 nights
Rotate or turn: Turn
I tested it for: One year
Why we love it
- Supportive
- Soft knitted outer layer
Mattresses are incredibly expensive, but Dusk’s hybrid brings a premium feel at an almost painless price point. I’ve tested this bed for a year, and I’m still surprised at how comfortable it is. It has excellent motion isolation, so you won’t notice if your partner turns over in the night, and the pocket springs under the memory foam are quiet, so there’s no annoying squeaking.
Unlike other memory foam beds, this is medium-firm, so there’s none of that awkward sinking feeling. The edge support is fantastic, and it has great support on pressure points, so it’s a good choice for side sleepers, too. It looks and feels much more expensive than it is, and it’s held up well; there have been no dips or bumps during the year I’ve put it to the test.
My only minor issue is that, though I love that you can wash it, the premium soft knitted outer layer on top isn’t particularly cool. You probably won’t overheat, but anyone who sleeps warm might want a slightly cooling mattress topper. You should also note that it takes a few days for the mattress to fully flatten out, so it may not feel fully comfortable at first. However, if you persevere, you’ll find a remarkably good bed for less than £300.
Buy now £249.00, Dusk.com
Nectar premier hybrid mattress
Best: Mattress for medium firmness
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, double, king, super king
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: Forever
Brand's sleep trial: 365 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: Eight months
Why we love it
- Impressive free trial period and warranty
- Supportive
Take note
- Level of firmness won’t be for everyone
Nectar’s premier hybrid mattress is made from eight layers of foam, micro-springs, memory foam and a supportive base. While everyone’s perception of firmness will differ, in my experience, this is the best mattress for medium firmness, so it’s certainly not for you if you need a soft mattress – try the Simba earth apex for that.
My pressure points felt supported and my spine aligned, and it scored extra points for its ability to reduce motion transfer – I could not feel my partner turning over in the night. What’s more, when guests stayed in the bed, they commented on how comfortable it was. Unlike many memory foam mattresses, this is breathable.
One feature that sets Nectar apart from other brands is the 365-night free trial and forever warranty. By comparison, Simba offers 200-night trials, which is a fairly good trial period, but doesn’t let you try the bed through every season. Another great feature of this Nectar bed is that if you don’t get on with it, you can return it free of charge.
Buy now £749.00, Nectarsleep.co.uk
Hypnos ortho support 7
Best: Firm mattress
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, small double, double, king and super skin
Mattress type: Pocket spring
Guarantee: 10 years
Brand's sleep trial: 60 nights
Rotate or turn: Both
I tested it for: Three months
Why we love it
- Ideal for anyone with ongoing aches and pains
- Superb temperature regulation
- Moulds to your body
Take note
- Heavy
There’s a reason that British family-run mattress brand Hypnos has a royal warrant. You only have to look at a Hypnos mattress to understand the luxury, and the orthos support 7 is no exception. The layers of organic wool and cotton not only provide support, but they also ensure it’s breathable. I remained at the perfect temperature throughout my 90 nights of testing.
If you need extra support from a mattress for any ongoing aches and pains, then there is a high chance this mattress could be what you’ve been looking for. It offers a supportive amount of firmness without feeling hard. It moulds to your body without feeling like you’re sinking, which means it’s also perfect for motion isolation. You won’t feel anyone sharing the bed.
However, the layers of comfort mean this mattress is very heavy – you may need more than one of you when tussling with an awkward sheet. As the best firm mattress, most people will find this too hard, but it’s perfect if you need some support.
Buy now £1027.65, Mattressman.co.uk
Simba earth apex mattress
Best: For back pain
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, double, king size, super king
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: 10 years
Brand's sleep trial: 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: Four months
Why we love it
- Breathable
- Temperature regulating
- Incredible comfort
Take note
- It is thick and heavy
Simba’s earth apex mattress is an incredibly comfortable mattress with an impressive multilayer system. Unlike other mattresses I’ve tested, which use synthetic materials (polyurethane and polyester), this is made of cashgora goat wool, silk and Hampshire wool, which are layered and surround 5,700 titanium alloy micro springs (based on a king-size). While this might sound technical, the result is simply one of the most comfortable mattresses I have ever tested.
When it arrived, I was concerned that it would be soft and offer poor support for my spine. I have intermittent back issues, and I’ve found that soft mattresses can trigger bouts of sciatica. However, there were no issues after four months on this mattress. It made me realise my previous mattress was too firm.
This is also a great choice for keeping cool. The wool and silk, combined with the breathable springs, mean it’s well-ventilated and keeps you cool in summer.
As with other Simba mattresses I’ve tested, this bed is both high (32cm) and heavy to lift. The solid construction makes for a premium feel, but you might need a lower, understated bed frame to offset the height. Equally, if you want under-bed storage, you might find drawers more suitable than an ottoman, as this bed might be too high and heavy for the hydraulics.
Buy now £1599.20, Simbasleep.com
Emma hybrid premium mattress
Best: Pocket-sprung mattress
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU queen
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: 10 years
Brand's sleep trial: 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: Three months
Why we love it
- Machine washable cover
- Very comfortable
Take note
- Minimum of five hours to inflate
The Emma hybrid premium is perfect for anyone who needs a firm pocket-sprung mattress. Not only is the bed-in-a-box brand’s offering incredibly easy to install – with the mattress arriving rolled up in an easy-to-manoeuvre box – it’s also one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve ever snoozed on. What makes this so impressive is the five layers of comfort, four of which are made from foam, and one 12.5cm tall layer of pocket springs, making the whole thing soft and spongy.
But what sets this mattress apart from many other memory foam options is the premium honeycomb cover, which creates even more comfort and breathability.
To truly put this mattress to the test, I enlisted IndyBest writer Lauren Cunningham for a hands-on trial so we could compare notes. With her expert insight, Lauren evaluated every aspect of the mattress, highlighting the impressive blend of mouldable foam and pocket springs. The mattress is separated into five sections to provide “different levels of support for each area of the body: head, shoulders, lower back, thighs and feet,” she wrote in her review. “So, as long as you don’t sleep in any strange positions (i.e. your head where your feet should be), you’re sure to have just the right amount of support needed to sleep soundly. And none of the usual nagging neck or back pains were felt throughout the night.”
Read the full Emma hybrid premium review
Buy now £528.02, Emma-sleep.co.uk
Origin hybrid pro
Best: Mattress for pressure relief
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, small double, double, king and super king
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: 15-year warranty
Brand's sleep trial: 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: Two months
Why we love it
- Zoned support provides excellent pressure relief
- Great for temperature regulation
- Absorbs movement effectively
Take note
- It's thick and on the larger side, so may be tricky to move
Arriving in a modestly sized box, I was struck by the sheer scale of the Origin hybrid pro once it unfurled, delivering generous height (30cm). While the top layer is soft yet breathable, the others (including bamboo-infused wool and gel-infused foam layers) did a brilliant job keeping things cool. During a stifling summer heatwave, while the rest of the house felt like a slowcooker, the mattress remained remarkably cool to the touch, almost working like an internal air-con system. I actually woke up feeling refreshed rather than sticky and irritable, which is a rare feat when the thermostat refuses to drop below 28C.
Support-wise, the hybrid pro provided firm zoned support that, believe it or not, actually improved my partner’s snoring, and he also woke up significantly free of his usual shoulder aches. The motion isolation was also impressive – I didn’t notice my partner as he shuffled around.
Pressure relief felt exactly on point. Whether sleeping on my back or side, the mattress supported me in all the right places and helped gently ease tension at my hips and shoulders over several nights. It’s ideal for those seeking real relief from pressure points and a great option for optimal support without compromising on cosiness. The price is attractive, too, but if it still feels a tad out of reach, we’d recommend checking out the previous generation, the Origin hybrid (£338, Originmattress.co.uk).
Buy now £612.00, Originmattress.co.uk
Emma hybrid thermosync mattress
Best: Cooling mattress
Mattress sizes (UK): Small, small double, double, king, super king
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: 10 years
Sleep trial : 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate regularly
I tested it for: Seven months
Why we love it
- Regulated our body temperature in hot weather
- Cool to the touch
- Comfortable
Take note
- It won’t work in extreme heat during heatwaves
- Edge support could be improved
If you perspire uncontrollably throughout the night during the summer months, trying all you can to stay cool, the Emma hybrid thermosync mattress could help. Made up of six layers, which are all designed to regulate your temperature, it has a removable top cover featuring open-pore fibres that pull the heat away from your body as you sleep.
The mattress isn’t a miracle maker. You’re still going to be hot when it’s 30C outside, but when the temperatures weren’t as extreme and dropped to around 23C, I was as cool as a cucumber. It regulated the body temperature of my partner and me so effectively that there weren’t any damp bedsheets the next morning.
To get a second opinion on this mattress, I enlisted my IndyBest colleague Alex Lee. As someone who also tends to run warm, he was eager to put it to the test. In his review, he echoed the praise for its cooling properties and highlighted its soft, comfortable feel. After a couple of weeks of testing, he wrote in his review that he “couldn’t imagine sleeping on anything else”. He added that it’s “extremely comfortable” and moulded to his body regardless of his sleeping position.
Read the full Emma hybrid thermosync mattress review
Buy now £819.00, Emma-sleep.co.uk
Simba hybrid ultra mattress
Best: Mattress for all sleeping styles
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, double, king and super king
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: 10 years
Brand's sleep trial: 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: One month
Why we love it
- Cool surface
- Durable
- Comfortable
Take note
- Hefty price tag
- Mattress may be too high for some
The hybrid ultra is a medium-firm mattress with 13 layers of foam and springs, and it comes complete with a zip-off cover. Interestingly, this Simba offering has the most springs (8,500) of all the brand’s hybrid mattresses. The sections include a double foam layer to promote coolness, as well as a layer incorporating kapok, wool and bamboo for further temperature regulation potential. I welcomed the cooling focus on warm nights.
It also provides supreme comfort, a sturdy medium-firm composition with a bit of springy bounce and breathable coolness. It’s suitable for front, back and side sleepers, too. Best of all, all those springs mean that this bed has great motion isolation. If your partner fidgets in their sleep, you probably won’t notice in this bed.
However, as with all Simba beds, this is very high. In fact, at 34cm high, it’s the tallest mattress I’ve ever tested, so you may need to buy new fitted sheets. Apart from the height, the biggest drawback is the price. This is one of the most expensive beds I’ve tested. Having said that, it’s worth every penny.
Buy now £2183.22, Simbasleep.com
Premier Inn mattress
Best: Mattress for side sleepers
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, double, king, super king
Mattress type: Foam and pocket spring
Guarantee: Six years
Brand's sleep trial: N/A
Rotate or turn: Turn the removable top
I tested it for: One year
Why we love it
- Supportive
- Innovative design
- Rotating topper
Take note
- Tall
- Heavy
Bringing the comfort of a hotel room into your bedroom, you can buy the exact mattress used at Premier Inn hotels. The mattress is made up of seven layers, including an innovative gel layer for bounce and a memory foam layer for that sinking-in feeling. The design has edge-to-edge support to provide comfort, while the temperature-regulating sleep surface kept me cool in the summer and cosy on colder nights. Finished with a micro-quilted surface, the top layer can be unzipped and rotated, which is a lot easier than turning the entire thing.
When testing, I found that it offered medium to firm support and was impressed with the zoned system, which helps to evenly distribute weight across the mattress. Better still, I found that I got into a comfortable sleeping position far more quickly than with my old mattress. If you sleep on your side, this is a great option as it avoids putting too much pressure on your hips and shoulders.
My big gripe is how hefty it is to unpack and position, but once it’s on your bed frame, you’ll have no regrets. However, it’s a bit of a risk; there’s no sleep trial, so if it isn’t for you, you can’t send it back.
Given that this mattress doesn’t come with a sleep trial, I wanted to get a second opinion, enlisting senior IndyBest writer Daisy Lester. She also found it to be “noticeably higher and heftier” than mattresses. But she was impressed with its affordable price, noting that it’s “hundreds of pounds cheaper than hotel competition from the likes of Soho House and Hypnos, while also being more affordable than industry leaders Simba and Emma.” In her review, she noted it as being “great for those who want extra support” and added it’s a “stellar all-rounder”.
Read the full Premier Inn mattress review
Buy now £749.00, Premierinnbed.co.uk
Simba hybrid mattress
Best: Mattress for edge-to-edge support
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, double, king and super king
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee: 10 years
Brand's sleep trial: 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: 13 months
Why we love it
- Old mattress removal available
- Breathable
- Supportive
- Cloud-like comfort
Take note
- Chemical smell for the first few days
Simba’s hybrid is the brand’s bestselling mattress. It features six layers of pure comfort, with the most important layer being the core-zoned foam support base, which gives the mattress its thickness and stability. Better still, it’s zoned so that every area of your body is supported, while the middle layer of pocket springs provides just the right amount of bounce. The top layer is soft, breathable and hypoallergenic, so it’s a great option for allergy sufferers. The zip-off design is also washable.
The sinkage is perfect, as is the balance of support and cushioning. Its medium firmness is suited to those who sleep on their side, front or back, while its breathability makes the mattress a stellar option for those who tend to get hot during the night.
This hybrid sits right in the middle of the market, but it outperforms some beds nearly three times the price. However, it’s not perfect. There’s a strong off-gassing smell for the first few hours with this bed, and Simba says you need to rotate it 180 degrees once a month for the first three months, which is a little tedious. The motion isolation is good but not perfect, so light sleepers may want to look elsewhere.
To gather a second opinion, Kate Hilpern tested this mattress over several weeks. Much like me, she was impressed by its overall comfort and exceptional edge-to-edge support. “The Simba hybrid mattress is one that gives an instant and cloud-like balance of comfort and support right up to the edges,” she wrote in her review. “If you’re prone to waking up with aches and pains, especially in your back, you’ll really notice the spinal support in this Simba hybrid mattress – even if you’re practically hanging off the side of the bed,” she added.
Read the full Simba hybrid original mattress review
Buy now £647.20, Simbasleep.com
Emma hybrid original mattress
Best: Hybrid mattress
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU queen
Mattress type: Memory foam
Guarantee: 10 years
Brand's sleep trial: 200 nights
Rotate or turn: Rotate
I tested it for: Two years
Why we love it
- Great for all sleeping positions
- Impressive movement isolation
Take note
- Memory foam isn’t for everyone
If you can’t seem to get on with the pocket-sprung variety, consider Emma’s memory foam mattress, which is designed to support your entire body and keep your spine evenly aligned for maximum relief and rest.
Made up of three layers of memory foam, I noticed a distinct sinking feeling as I lay down. While this felt unusual at first, it became strangely comforting. The mattress helped relieve pressure on high-impact areas such as my hips and shoulders, and I also really appreciated the foam’s low transference of motion, which meant my sleep was far less disturbed by my fidgety partner.
A great option for front, back or side sleepers, the original delivered optimal cushioning and support whichever position I slept in, and the extra layers of breathable foam really do work, as I found both my body and the mattress were left dry and cool, even during a heatwave.
Read the full Emma hybrid original mattress review
Buy now £359.00, Emma-sleep.co.uk
DreamCloud luxury hybrid mattress
Best: Value mattress
Mattress sizes (UK): Single, double, king and super king
Mattress type: Hybrid
Guarantee : Forever warranty
Brand's sleep trial : 365 nights
Turn or rotate: Rotate
I tested it for : Six months
Why we love it
- Robust
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Helps with temperature regulation
The DreamCloud luxury hybrid mattress is an absolute steal. It challenges the brands at the top end of the market at a much lower price. I have a recurring bad back and have tried several memory foam mattresses and hybrids. I frequently find the market-leading memory foam ones too soft from me and find this aggravates my back. On the other hand, hybrids are heavy and expensive.
This mattress arrived rolled up, like a memory foam mattress in a tidy box. It was much easier to move it into position, and when it sprang into shape, it was refreshingly light and easy to move. Some of the premium ones are so dense that I found lifting them to change the sheets a challenge, but this mattress is lightweight.
But this lightness doesn’t compromise comfort. The mattress combines memory foam and reinforced edge pocket springs to provide incredible support while feeling soft and comfy. This bed provides perfect support, but it offers enough give to make going to bed feel like a treat.
Buy now £699.00, Dreamcloudsleep.co.uk
Your questions on mattresses answered
What is the best mattress?
In this tried and tested review, the Simba hybrid luxe mattress took the top spot, thanks to its advanced design, impressively breathable materials and comfort that’s ideal for all sleeping positions. After six months of testing, I’ve been thoroughly impressed. While a small touch, the anti-allergy cover impressed me – it can be removed and machine-washed.
If you want a recommendation for the best firm mattress, the Hypnos ortho support 7 impressed with its orthopaedic-level firmness and robust construction, while side sleepers will find the Premier Inn mattress especially comfortable. I know mattresses can be pricey, so I was pleasantly surprised by Dusk’s hybrid option, which delivers impressive comfort and support at a much more affordable price – making it a smart pick for budget-conscious shoppers without compromising quality.
What are the best UK mattress brands?
I’ve put Britain’s best mattress brands to the test, including well-known names such as Simba, Panda, Nectar and Hypnos. We have also tested a range of beds from less common brands like Button & Sprung.
What are the different types of mattresses?
There are three different types of mattresses. There are spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and combinations of the two, which are known as hybrids. So, what’s the difference?
A spring mattress is typically made with several thousand springs that provide support while you sleep. However, there are subdivisions within the spring category, too. Where mattresses are advertised as having many thousands of springs, this is where layers of micro-springs are placed over the top of the main pocket spring unit, as comfort layers. Pocket-sprung is generally the best type of spring mattress, as the springs move individually, giving better support.
Alternatively, memory foam mattresses have become very popular in recent years, owing to their ability to help relieve pressure on joints. These mattresses feel very luxurious and, while this material used to have a reputation for causing overheating, most new memory foam mattresses are now designed to be more breathable and wick away moisture.
Finally, there are hybrid mattresses. As you may have worked out, a hybrid combines memory foam and springs to give you the best of both worlds. They should provide that luxurious sinking feeling alongside some solid spring support.
What are standard UK mattress sizes and how do I choose the right one?
When choosing a mattress in the UK, it’s important to get the right size to fit your bed frame. Keep in mind that some bed brands use European or US sizing, which can differ from standard UK dimensions, so it’s worth double-checking before you buy. Making sure you pick the correct size will help avoid any awkward gaps or fitting issues, ensuring your mattress fits snugly and comfortably. Here are the common UK mattress sizes and their measurements:
How to look after and clean your mattress
If you invest in a top-of-the-range mattress, it is important to take care of it. A mattress protector will help to prolong the life of your bed and, if you’re looking for recommendations, the Nectar mattress protector (from £49, Nectarsleep.co.uk) took the top spot in our review. If you find that your mattress requires cleaning, check out my detailed guide, where you’ll find expert advice on the steps you should take, from vacuuming tips and cleaning hacks to the products that will keep your bed odour-free.
What are the best mattress deals?
Mattresses can be expensive, so I regularly update the guide to cheap mattress deals with the most impressive deals.
Now you’ve got the mattress, these are the best pillows, the best linen bedding sets and the best electric blankets to buy
