Choosing the best mattress for your home is one of the most important - and expensive - purchases you’ll make, so knowing that you're investing in a product that will help you get the best night's sleep possible is crucial.
A good mattress will ensure you sleep better by supporting your body in a number of different sleep positions, keeping you cool so your shut-eye isn't disturbed and, of course, be sleep-inducingly comfortable for years to come.
There are currently more options for different mattresses than ever before - especially if you're looking for one that's non-toxic, organic or a hybrid. Living sustainably is important to an increasingly large portion of our population, and brands are sitting up and taking note.
Aside from being better for the environment, the best mattresses should also be good for you and your body too. It's important to choose a mattress that will help relieve pressure across your hips and neck, and keep your spine aligned, so you feel less stiff upon waking.
Most of the best mattresses (like the best pillows) are designed to support any sleeping style, but some are better for back or side sleepers than others—so we've highlighted where this is the case in our curated listed of mattresses below.
A good mattress is vital for the best sleep hygiene, and as such, it's incredibly important to choose the right type for you. Your mattress should last at least eight to ten years, though some claim to be good for up to 15 years or more (these are usually luxury mattresses that are often very expensive).
Handily, most modern mattresses—especially the ones you buy online rather than in-store—come with a risk-free trial basis. That means you can sleep on them for a set number of nights to ensure they really are the best option for you, before completely committing to them. And if they aren’t, you can send them back (just read the small print before buying though, as not every retailer out there offers free collection).
Overall best mattress to buy in 2024
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Hands-down, the Emma Original is the best mattress you can buy in the UK. This competitively priced bed-in-a-box uses three layers of responsive memory foam to prevent pressure from building up on your hips, shoulders, and back. It's medium-firm (closer to medium, than firm) with plenty of cushioning, and it's great at absorbing motion, which means you shouldn’t be too disturbed by a partner or other bed buddy moving around, either. We also found the all-foam Emma Original to be spot-on for healthy spinal alignment.
Memory foam tends to get a reputation as a warmer fabric to sleep on. But hot sleepers, don’t run for the hills just yet—the Emma mattress foam is open-pored, so it’s more breathable than basic foams. The mattress has a temperature-regulating top cover, too, which aims to keep you cool throughout the night. That said, some people do still find this mattress warm. If you seriously overheat at night, we'd recommend the Eve Premium Hybrid (number two in our guide) instead. It's slightly firmer though, so if you prefer the feel of soft, snug cushioning while you sleep, the Emma Original wins hands down.
Where the Emma Original mattress really stands out is its price. It's bagged a huge swathe of best performance awards, yet it's still £300 cheaper than its closest competitor (the Eve Premium Hybrid). It's fantastic value for money, and that balance of performance and price is why it takes the number one spot in our best mattress guide. And there are even Emma mattress sales throughout the year too, which are great opportunities to save money on the top mattress.
If you want to give it a try, the Emma Original comes with a 200-night trial, so you’ll have plenty of time to see if it suits you. Overall, if you want a great-value mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, and packed with handy features like handles and a removable, machine washable cover, it's our top choice.
What shoppers thought of this mattress...
It's got 4.6 stars out of 5 on TrustPilot, with a whopping 21,864 reviews (and counting). Plenty exclaim that it's given them the 'best night's sleep ever', with others touting it as 'so comfortable'.
The best mattresses across categories
The luxury five-layer Eve Premium Hybrid isn't marketed as a cooling mattress, but it's one of the best options for hot sleepers. How come? Firstly, the top layers of cushioning foam are infused with graphite to draw away excess heat; secondly, toward the bottom of the mattress, over 1,500 pocket springs keep the air flowing freely. Those springs also aid pressure relief and ensure your spine is in alignment as you snooze, making this an extremely supportive mattress.
Another reason why the Eve Premium Hybrid is a good option for hot sleepers is it's firmer than the Emma Original (number one in our guide). You sleep on the surface, rather than sinking into it, which helps to prevent heat from building up. This makes for an almost weightless sleep experience, too, which is very pleasant. The Eve still falls within the medium-firm bracket, but it's definitely at the firmer end. That makes it a great option for heavier bodies (you're less likely to sink through the comfort layers to the lower support layers) or anyone who just prefers a firmer mattress. But you might find it a little hard if you’re at the lighter end of the scales. And, if you want a softer mattress, this isn't the mattress for you.
Motion transfer is excellent—you won't notice a restless partner tossing and turning—and edge support is very good too. You can sleep right up to the sides without them sinking. And cleaning fans, Eve’s top-line hybrid mattress also has an antibacterial top panel that can be zipped off for a machine wash. With all the dead skin and dust mites that collect on mattresses over time, this feature really is a must.
The Eve Premium Hybrid comes with a premium price tag to match, but you get what you pay for here. The mattress gets top marks for support, breathability, and durability, and if you're a hot sleeper it's especially worth considering.
What shoppers thought of this mattress...
Similar to the Emma, the Eve mattress boasts an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Many reviewers have called it supremely comfortable and luxurious, as well as great quality.
This popular memory foam 'bed-in-a-box' comes with a whopping 365-night trial—you can sleep on it for a whole year before returning it if it isn't right—leaving most other UK sleep brands in the dust. The Nectar Mattress is well-rated among customers for motion isolation (e.g reducing motion transfer, so you won't feel when someone else in the bed moves), so it's worth considering if you're regularly woken up by your partner. Throw in multiple support and pressure relief layers, and it's a recipe for a comfortable night's sleep, leaving your body well-supported too.
But the Nectar Mattress isn’t without its niggles. If you have a lighter body, for example, you may find it too firm. The polymer cover isn’t the most luxe either, but despite its appearance, it will help regulate in-bed temperature, so you don’t feel like you’re sleeping in a sauna.
You can also sleep peacefully knowing that you are doing your bit for the planet with Nectar’s carbon-neutral mattress. All Nectar emissions are offset by global schemes, including an Amazon forest protection program. It also has a wonderful 'forever warranty', which means for the first 10 years of ownership, Nectar will replace your mattress if it is defective, with no charge. After 10 years, they'll also repair and re-cover your Nectar, or replace it, if a manufacturing defect is confirmed. There's no doubt that having that kind of guarantee for such an investment purchase is reassuring.
The Nectar is also one of the more affordable mid-range mattresses out there, matching the Emma Original on price. There are regular discounts throughout the year too (take a look at our best Nectar mattress deals to stay in the know), and with the 365-night risk-free trial and forever warranty, this one offers very good value for money indeed.
What shoppers thought of this mattress...
Over 10,000 TrustPilot shoppers have landed the Nectar a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars—a fantastic score for so many reviews.
The Sealy Teramo 1400, also known as the Nostromo 1400, is a high-performance pocket-sprung mattress that's been around for years. It's one of the best mattresses for anyone with allergies, while its layer of anti-bacterial latex also means it’s a good shout for those generally searching for a comfy and hygienic natural option.
This mattress uses 1,400 pocket springs to bring bounce and support to your night's sleep. It's bouncier than the all-foam and hybrid options above in, making it particularly easy to turn over on, which is a brilliant option if you struggle with movement in any way.
It's important to note that the Teramo 1400 is quite a soft mattress. So if you’re of a heavier weight (or you need a firm bed for health reasons), you may sink in too much. In that case, check out the Emma or Nectar Mattress above. Saying that, we would give this mattress a gold star for comfort and general snuggliness. On the same coin, however, points have been deducted for how warm it sleeps—while latex is technically cooler than memory foam, we wouldn't classify this as a cooling mattress per se. Ultimately, it's a good choice if you prefer a bit of bounce and craves the contouring, supportive hug of memory foam, but from a natural material that won’t leave you overheating too much. The warranty is short though, which is a point to be aware of.
What shoppers thought of this mattress...
Mattress Online shoppers deemed this mattress worthy of a very respectable 8.9 out of 10.
The Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress is one of the firmest mattresses in our guide, and this firmness has split the internet. When analyzing user reviews, we found that half of its customers loved it, half loathed it. Folks, welcome to the Marmite of mattresses.
This pressure-relieving latex mattress is naturally cooling to a degree, though sometimes the heat can build up during the night, so you are best off with another option if overheating is a serious problem for you. The Dunlopillo is designed for your comfort however—there are soft comfort zones where your shoulders and hips rest, with firmer zones in the middle to keep your spine aligned. Great for avoiding aches and pains, and something that guarantees good motion isolation.
One of the biggest draws of natural latex is that it's extremely durable, so while the Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress isn't cheap, it'll last longer than other types of mattresses, and is unlikely to sag or become softer over time. The cover is also anti-allergen, anti-dust mite, and anti-odor. We’d have liked to see a longer warranty here, but nevertheless, if you can justify the fairly high price you'll have this mattress for the long haul. Plus, it's been officially approved by the National Bed Federation.
What shoppers thought of this mattress...
At John Lewis, the Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex Mattress scores an average of 3.75 out of 5, with some complaints of its being “simply too firm”. At Mattress Online, meanwhile, it scores 9.3 out of 10, with customers praising the exemplary build quality, comfort, and support.
Brook + Wilde focuses on making luxury sleep products a teensy bit cheaper. Its cooling hybrid Lux Mattress is a prime example, offering a high build quality and a good choice of firmness options, plus memory foam and 3,000 mini pocket springs—all for less than £999 for a super king.
Because it comes in soft, medium, or firm versions, the six-layer Lux caters to all sleepers. If you’re a lighter weight or a dedicated side sleeper, choose the soft. Do you roll from your side to your back? Go medium. Front sleepers, heavy bodies, and folks with back pain try the firm.
Some other major pluses of the Lux Mattress are its ample body contouring, pressure relief clout, and ability to remain cool—making it a good option for a super cozy sleep. The only downers are the two-week wait, and how The Lux Mattress has to be spot-cleaned in situ—you can’t remove the cover for washing. However, the mattress can be unboxed for you, which is a great perk.
What shoppers think of this mattress...
Trustpilot reviews are high at 4.7 out of 5 from over 1,000 users.
If you're on the hunt for a super affordable mattress—whether you're on a tight budget, you need a new one for a child, or it's for your guest room—and one that’s backed by a 25-year guarantee, the IKEA Morgedal is well worth a second look.
Stylish it is not—the Morgedal is a big slab of memory foam covered in a dull grey and white fabric. But with a sheet and a duvet to cover it less than stylish exterior, that problem would be easily solved. There are comfort zones laced throughout, but to be totally honest, they’ll never outperform the seven-zone slumber wonder of the Nectar Mattress.
There’s also precious little sweat-wicking here, so if you experience hot flashes (such as during menopause), you'll be better off with a cooling mattress such as the Eve Premium Hybrid—but beware of the hike in price. As for the IKEA Morgedal, we’d recommend it for spare rooms and for people (e.g, kids) with that magic ability to sleep happily on any mattress, so long as it’s cheap. It's also got handles meaning it's easy to move about, which is one significant plus. It's also got a fantastically long warranty period.
Don’t buy the IKEA Morgedal thinking it’s going to revolutionize your sleep because it won’t. Precious few mattresses actually can, and it’s unfair to expect a sub-£200 bed to do so.
What shoppers think of this mattress...
The average customer rating at IKEA is a pretty flat 2.9 out of 5, with people loving the price but wrinkling their noses at the firm feel.
According to research conducted in the United States earlier this year, a typical seven-year-old mattress is likely to house over 16m bacteria, with 9m bacteria forming after only two years. So any mattress that labels itself as featuring 'technology that protects against bacteria' and can promote good sleep hygiene is always worth taking note of.
The Silentnight Sleep Healthy Eco 1400 Mattress is part of the brand's new high performance, eco-friendly range which features HeiQ Viroblock technology, helping to prevent growth of bacteria and microorganisms on the mattress surface, making it resistant to germs for an all-round better sleep.
The primary appeal of this mattress initially is that it's made from environmentally friendly materials - recycled plastic bottles to be exact - however the sustainable fibres the product is made from actually make it highly breathable too. We found sleeping on the mattress to be a much cooler and more comfortable experience compared to spending the night on a memory foam mattress.
What will divide opinion about this mattress is how firm it is. You should take this brand seriously when it cautions that the Eco 1400 Mattress is 'extra firm', because it certainly delivers on this promise. Too firm for some, we had to use a mattress topper for when guests stayed to make the bed more comfortable.
However, if an extra firm mattress is what you're after, then this is the best mattress for you. Not only is this product a good solution for those looking for a mattress to help with spinal alignment, but it also means there's virtually no movement transfer when there are two people sharing the bed at all. Your sleep partner can toss, turn, get up and get back into bed all night long and you wouldn't feel them moving about through the mattress at all.
Our main gripes with this mattress is that there's no trial period, so if you order it and realise it really is too firm, that's an issue. The other issue is the mattress doesn't come with handles and also isn't delivered in a box. So the process of getting it into the house and to the bedroom (especially is said bedroom is upstairs) is pretty cumbersome.
Mattress buying advice from our experts
What is the best mattress to buy in the UK?
As mentioned in our above review, we think the best mattress in the UK is the Emma Original mattress—no other mattress comes close to offering the same levels of comfort and support for the price. Made from soft, contouring memory foam, this mid-range, medium-firm mattress adapts well to your body, relieving tension from pressure points and providing full-body cushioning and support. It's also excellent at absorbing motion, so you won't be disturbed by a restless partner. It's often sold with a discount at Emma, putting a double mattress at around the £450 mark, rather than the full £699. That's outstanding value for money—you won't find a higher performance at this price point.
If you're after a luxury mattress and have more to spend though, we also recommend the superb Eve Premium Hybrid. It's firmer than the Emma, and a fantastic option for anyone who overheats at night, with a number of features that help prevent heat from building up. At full price, a double starts from just under £1,000 at Eve—but there's £244 off Eve mattresses at the moment, dropping the price to £734.
When is the best time to buy a new mattress?
The mattress world is competitive, which means there's often a sale to be found on even the best mattresses. Some of the biggest discounts of the year come in November when hundreds of Black Friday mattress deals are released. Not all of them are good—but many are excellent and we'll steer you to the best ones once they're released.
Black Friday isn't the only time of year to save money on a mattress though. We see equally good offers in the January sales, and there are some huge bargains to be found over Easter, too.
The summer sales are also ripe with mattress deals, as companies look to shift older stock, promote newer models, and boost their bottom line before the end of the financial year. There's currently up to 50% off Emma mattresses at the moment, for example—that's better than Black Friday last year.
You'll find decent mattress sales on any bank holiday too. Our advice is: if you're looking for the cheapest price possible, wait for one of the big sales in November, January, Easter or over the summer.
How to choose the right mattress
The best mattress for you will be very different from the next person’s, which means there isn’t one single mattress to rule them all. That said, we think the Emma Original comes pretty close in terms of cost versus build quality, features, and performance.
If you’re sleeping solo, the mattress world is your oyster as you can pick an option that’s closely tailored to your body and sleep needs. For anyone sharing a bed, approach this next step together. Prepare to make some compromises to ensure you both get as close to your best mattress as possible.
Here are the four things to consider before buying a mattress:
1. Sleeping position
The aim is to keep your spine in neutral alignment as you snooze in your preferred sleeping position, so your dominant sleep position will impact your choice of mattress.
- Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress.
- Back sleepers and anyone who switches positions in the night do best on a medium-firm mattress.
- Side sleepers who don’t switch positions should try a softer mattress to reduce pressure on their hips, knees and shoulders.
2. Body type
Bodyweight plays an important role in deciding which is the best mattress for you. If you’re on the lighter end, try a soft mattress; heavier bodies are better supported by a firmer mattress. Hot sleepers, meanwhile, fare better on breathable hybrids. It's important to consider these aspects when choosing the best mattress for you, as well as practical matters like size and price.
3. Aches and pains
If your bedtime routine involves stretching out sore, knotted muscles, you're probably looking for the best mattress for back and neck pain. Go for a medium-firm bed with pressure-relieving properties.
4. Trial period
We wouldn’t recommend buying a mattress if it doesn’t come with a trial offer because you need at least a few weeks of sleeping on your new bed to ensure it’s right. Happily, all of the best bed-in-a-box brands offer trial periods ranging from 90 to 365 nights.
Which is the best type of mattress?
1. Memory foam mattresses
Chances are, if you ask people what they consider to be the most comfortable mattress material, they’d say memory foam. These dish out a deep contouring hug and provide high levels of pressure relief. Trouble is, some types of memory foam sleep warm, making them a nightmare for hot sleepers. Modern premium foams are designed to be more breathable though, so don’t write them off immediately.
Who are they good for: Sleepers dealing with aches and pains; side sleepers; people who enjoy feeling more cushioned by their mattress, rather than like they are sleeping on top of it.
Who should avoid them: Stomach sleepers (not firm enough); anyone who hates the feeling of being hugged by a mattress; very hot sleepers.
Top options: Emma Original mattress, Nectar mattress
2. Hybrid mattresses
The newest type of mattress and our personal favorite. Hybrids sandwich together foam and coils/springs to deliver supreme pressure relief, comfort, and support. Though, that’s why they’re so expensive.
Who are they good for: Combo sleepers; hot sleepers; couples (they usually have top-notch motion isolation tech).
Who should avoid them: Hybrid mattresses work for most people if you pick one with the right foam and firmness for your body and sleep needs. However, anyone on a small budget should avoid them (they’re pricey).
Top options: Eve Premium Hybrid mattress, Brook + Wilde Lux mattress
3. Latex mattresses
This mattress type is bouncy, cool, and offers a quick response to pressure relief. Latex is a natural material too, so it’ll appeal to anyone favoring an organic mattress.
Who are they good for: Hot sleepers; people wanting a more eco-friendly mattress; those who like a little bounce in their bed.
Who should avoid them: Anyone who needs deep pressure relief for chronic neck, hip, and back pain.
Top option: Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Latex mattress
4. Innerspring mattresses
If you want extra bounce, this is the best mattress type for you. Innerspring mattresses are normally firm and very supportive, thanks to various pocketed support coils infused throughout.
Who are they good for: Back sleepers; stomach sleepers; heavier bodies; sleepers needing high levels of support and firmness.
Who should avoid them: Lightweight bodies; people needing deep pressure relief.
Top option: Sealy Teramo 1400
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