As we head into autumn, it's a really good time to upgrade your bedroom to get quality sleep, and more of it, every night. And with the Bank Holiday sales happening now, I recommend taking advantage of the up to 50% off deals to shop a brand new mattress.
So many of us have trouble getting a good night's rest– and while there are some factors we can't control, thankfully there are some steps we can take! One very important option is selecting the best mattress possible according to what you personally need. It's the ultimate in self care.
Whether you choose a mattress from the likes of Emma and Simba, or opt for a budget-friendly choice from Ikea or Amazon, a good mattress is crucial not only for getting a night of uninterrupted sleep, but achieving good back health. So if you're waking up feeling unrested and sore in the morning, it could be time to ditch your old mattress and get shopping for one that provides the right support for your body, whether a memory foam, spring mattress or hybrid.
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“Poor sleep can affect every aspect of your physical, mental and emotional well-being so getting a good night's sleep is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle," says Dr Ranj, Sleep and Wellness Ambassador for Furniture Village.
The sleep expert recommends sticking to a sleep schedule, avoid use of electronic devices for at least one hour before bed and ensuring that your bedroom is well ventilated and not too hot or stuffy. However, if you still aren’t able to get enough rest, you may need to change your mattress to help solve the root of the issue.
“If you’re uncomfortable, or your pillow and mattress aren’t providing the right support,” says Dr Ranj, “then you’re very unlikely to get a good night’s sleep.”
The average person spends an estimated 33 years of their life in bed - so when you think about it, it's crucial you get the right mattress to suit your needs. Factors which you may need to consider: are you a front or back sleeper, do you have allergies, do you struggle with back pain, do you have a different stature to your bed partner?
How do I know when I need a new mattress?
Even if your mattress was perfect when you bought it, remember that over a span of eight to ten years it will decline in its support, so you should definitely consider replacing it after this time. Tell tale signs that you need a new mattress include squeaky springs, dipping in the middle and worn fabric.
If you're waking up with aches or pains - or if you feel unrested and as if you haven't slept well - this could also be an indicator that your mattress is no longer meeting your needs. Remember that if you've put on or lost weight or have encountered health problems, you may need a different mattress that offers a different kind of support.
Which type of mattress is best for sleeping?
There are so many different options – including memory foam, spring systems, hybrids, quilted gel and pressure relief foam, to name a few. This bedroom essential is a big investment, but your health is at stake so don't cut corners – plus if you think about it logically, a £600 mattress works out at £1.64 per night over the span of ten years – you can't argue with that price!
Which level of mattress firmness is best?
A good mattress needs to support your body in a neutral position - in which your spine has a good curvature and your body is in proper alignment. If a mattress is too firm it can push on the main pressure points - namely the buttocks, heels, shoulders, and head - and put your body out of alignment. The same, but in reverse can be said of a mattress that is too soft, and lets them flop back. Both scenarios can lead to waking up with aches and pains. Generally, a medium firmness suits most people best, and remember a mattress can be softened with a foam topper if you find it too firm.
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
If you suffer from back pain, you may want to look into buying a memory foam or latex mattress. These are often thought to be the best options for back pain, since they cushion pressure points and conform to your body, while supporting your spine and keeping it aligned. Most back pain from sleeping comes from your mattress not providing adequate support to your body through the night and causing your spine to become misaligned.
What If I don’t like the mattress after I've tried it?
Shopping online is hard, but don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the mattress when it arrives, despite the great reviews. A lot of the top UK mattress manufacturers now offer free trials so you can see if the particular mattress is the right one for you. So for example, an 100-night trial means that if you decide you don't like the mattress once the 100 days are up you can send it back and get a refund.
Which size mattress do I need?
The size of mattress you need will depend on the size of your bed frame. Make sure you measure your bed frame before you order your mattress. You want to have a little space between the mattress and the bed frame so you can tuck in blankets when you make the bed, but not too much, or your mattress will move around during the night and disturb your sleep.
What is a pocket sprung mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress features hundreds - or thousands - or individual pocket springs. This type of mattress provides good individual support and is a good option when two sleeping partners have different statures or body types. There are several different spring counts available, ranging from 600 to as high as 2500 or more.
What is memory foam?
Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam is one of the most common materials used in mattresses. It recovers its shape - softening when you lie on it but will return to its original shape when you get up. It's been used for the last 50 years and get this for an interesting piece of trivia - it was originally invented by NASA for use during space launches to ensure the comfort of their astronauts.
What is a hybrid mattress?
A hybrid mattress is a multi-layer mattress that combines more traditional inter spring layers with layers of memory foam, latex or gel. If you choose a hybrid mattress you'll experience multiple benefits - both the pressure relief of the foam layers and the sturdy feel of a classic spring mattress.
How we chose the best mattresses
- Warranty: The vast majority of mattress we’ve chosen have solid warranties of 5 years to a lifetime, and in most cases, a good trial period too. I have included a handful of high-rated exceptions for shoppers who need a cheap but good quality mattress ASAP and are willing to take a bit more of a risk in exchange for a very low price.
- Verified reviews: Where we couldn’t personally test the products ourselves, we focused on ratings from verified shoppers, and only considered mattresses from reputable retailers and with consistent good ratings for quality and comfort.
- Price: We’ve included mattresses from various price points, including for very small budgets. If a mattress is on sale, we’ve noted that, too.
So which mattress will YOU choose? We've rounded up the best option so read on – a good night's sleep is just a click away!
Top-rated mattresses you can buy online now
1/12
Emma Original Memory Foam Mattress
The details
- Guarantee: 10 Years
- Mattress Depth: 25cm
- Support: Medium firm
A great choice for those with allergies, Emma's Original memory foam mattress is a medium-firm bed-in-a-box with a machine washable top cover.
Editor's note:
"If you’re really focused on back health, the Emma Original mattress is a great option. It's designed with a combo of adaptive foam layers that provide a pressure-relieving sleep foundation to suit all body types."
2/12
Simba Sleep Hybrid Pro Mattress
The details
- Warranty: 10 years
- Free next day delivery, 200-night trial period when purchased from Simba Sleep
- Mattress Depth: 28cm
- Support: Medium firm
- Sleeping Position: All shapes, sizes & sleep positions
Simba's best-selling model features multi-layer technology for a comfortable night's sleep, including Simbtex open-cell foam, Simba's unique patented spring-comfort system, and a breathable sleep surface for 'gravity-defying comfort'.
Editor's note:
"If you're looking for a premium mattress, I can personally say from experience that you can't go wrong with Simba. This seven-layer hybrid mattress combines multiple benefits from cooling to edge-to-edge support (it has 1,000 pocketed barrel springs). Definitely worth the splurge."
3/12
Tempur One Firm Mattress
The details
- Guarantee: 10 Years
- Mattress Depth: 20cm
- Support: Firm
- Sleeping Position: Suitable for all sleepers
Editor's note:
"Tempur is one of the most-Googled mattress brands and if you're looking to buy one, this is the mattress that has been deemed 'best value' by the popular mattress retailer."
This mattress features the trademark TEMPUR® Material that goes a step beyond standard memory foam for the ultimate in comfort and support. It’s a ‘no turn’ mattress and comes with a removable cover, washable up to 40°C.
4/12
Dormeo Memory Deluxe Memory Foam Mattress
The details
- Warranty: 15 year guarantee
- Mattress Depth: 20cm
- Support: Medium-soft
Editor's note:
"This is definitely one for those who prefer their mattresses on the medium/soft side of the scale – it has double the standard amount of memory foam, offering the most comfortable and supportive night’s sleep imaginable.
And if you’re looking to tick the anti-allergic box this one has you covered – its special anti-bacterial, anti-dust mite and anti-fungal protection create a healthy and hygienic sleep environment."
With a 20cm depth, this Dormeo mattress in a box features twice the memory foam of the Classic model, including 16cm of the brand's Ecocell foam, specially designed to not just support your body, but also keep the mattress cool and fresh.
5/12
Hypnos Luxurious Earth 01 Mattress
The details
- Guarantee: 10 year
- Mattress Depth: 28cm
- Support: Firm or Extra Firm
Editor's note:
"You may have heard of Hypnos mattresses - they provide mattresses for some of the world’s finest hotels. It’s the choice for you if you want that luxury holiday vibe in your bedroom 24-7."
Handcrafted and made in Britain, the Hypnos Luxurious Earth 01 mattress features sustainable fillings - including three whole fleeces of organic wool from British farms for layers of antibacterial and temperature regulating fibre. There’s an additional, breathable, eOlus™ sustainable comfort layer sourced from recycled polymer bottles, and ReActivePro™ 6-turn pocket spring technology. And it's all covered in luxe natural, unbleached cotton damask.
6/12
Silentnight Pocket Essentials 1000 Pocket Sprung Mattress
The details
- Warranty: 5 years
- Mattress Depth: 24cm
- Support: Medium firm
- Sleeping Position: Back sleepers, Front sleepers
Editor's note:
“Silentnight’s mattresses are hugely popular, and this one is our pick because of its all round great value for any budget. Plus, its zoned support makes it a great choice for just about any type of sleeper.”
Made in the UK, this Silentnight mattress features 1000 pocket springs for full body support, especially for your shoulders and back, as well as a firm rod edge to prevent sinking.
7/12
Kono Hybrid double mattress
The details
- Mattress depth: 18cm
- Firmness: Medium
- Shipping: Free Amazon delivery
- Trial period: Returnable within 30-days of receipt
Editor's note:
"If you're on a very tight budget but still want a quality mattress, check out this high-rated Amazon's hybrid mattress, which earns high marks for comfort, sleep quality and softness and has hundreds of five-star reviews. A couple of caveats, though - the trial period is Amazon's standard 30-day return and verified shoppers gave this mattress lower marks on thickness (it's 18cm) - so if you're looking for a firm back pain mattress, or one that you'd like to try for a few months before keeping it, this isn't the mattress for you."
The Kono hypoallergenic double features memory foam, high-density foam and spring layers, and is delivered vacuum packed, boxed and rolled, for easy delivery and set up.
8/12
Dunelm Fogarty Just Right Memory Foam Top Open Coil Mattress
The details
- Warranty: 10 year Guarantee
- Mattress depth: 20cm
- Firmness: Medium
- Price: £129 Single - £219 Super King
- Shipping: Quick delivery (48 hours), or select a day of choice at checkout, £9.95
- Trial period: If the mattress is deemed to be faulty within 30 days of receipt, item can be repaired or replaced, or is eligible for refund. Once mattresses have been unwrapped, they cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
Editor's note:
"If you're a front or back sleeper, and you're not looking to spend a great deal - this medium-firmness hybrid mattress is ideal. While there's no trial period, it does come with a 10-year guarantee, which is great for peace of mind."
Handmade in the UK, this Dunelm medium-firm hybrid mattress features memory foam on top, which moulds to your body's shape, as well as eco-flex filling and edge-to-edge support.
9/12
SleepSoul Comfort 800 Pocket Mattress
The details
- Warranty: 10 years
- Mattress Depth: 22cm
- Support: Medium firmness
Editor's note:
"How about a Mattress you don't need to turn? The SleepSoul Comfort 800 is an affordable mattress that's single-side in its design, all you need to do is rotate it from top to bottom every three months or so. It's one of Mattress Online's top 10 picks for 2024."
The SleepSoul Comfort 800 features a 2cm layer of reflex foam and 800 individual pocket springs, meaning this mattress responds to your movements for support where your body needs it most. It's also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and comes with a 10-year warranty.
10/12
Wayfair Sleep Serenity Hybrid Coil and Memory Foam Mattress
The details
- Warranty: 10 Years
- Mattress Depth: 18cm
- Support: Medium-firm
- Shipping: Next Day Delivery available
- Trial period: 100 nights
Editor's note: "With a solid trial period and warranty - as well as next-day shipping - a Wayfair mattress is a sensible option at really good prices. Our pick is the 'Serenity Hybrid' model. It's a mattress in a box that's medium firm and optimal for guest bedrooms or if you're looking for a great mattress at an affordable price."
Wayfair Sleep's hypoallergenic hybrid offers an ergonomic design which combines spring and memory foam for medium-firm support. Ideal for all sleeping positions, it is a good choice hot sleepers, as the breathable design provides air circulation to keep you comfortable.
11/12
Happy Beds Signature Crystal 3000 Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic Natural Mattress
The details
- Warranty: 5 years
- Mattress Depth: 25cm
- Support: Medium/firm
- Shipping: Free delivery; recycling service for old mattresses for certain postcodes
- Trial period: 15-day return window
Editor's note:
"Yorkshire-based retailer Happy Beds is offering up big savings on beds and mattresses in their sale. This one is among their top-rated, with reviewers giving it the thumbs up for being great value for money and super comfortable. Note though, that there's a shorter return window and the warranty is only five years."
Hand-crafted in the UK with natural fillings like cashmere, wool and silk, this 3000 Pocket Sprung mattress is a medium-firm to firm, perfect for orthopaedic needs and with a luxury feel.
12/12
Brook + Wilde Elite mattress
The details
- Warranty: 10-year guarantee
- Mattress Depth: 28cm
- Support: Medium/Firm (Bespoke soft available)
- Shipping: Within 4 weeks
- Trial period: 200 nights
Editor's note:
"Speaking from personal experience, I can say that the Elite mattress from Brook + Wilde is a fantastic choice for those looking for a premium hybrid mattress tailored to suit your individual needs and with top-rate customer service and support. You can choose between soft, medium and firm (I went with medium, with provides the perfect balance of support and sink) – and they even offer to make a bespoke mattress with different preferences on each half if you and your partner can't agree.
"Overall, this is a great mattress which is built to last and it comes with a 10-year guarantee and a 100-night trial period – trust us, though you won’t be wanting to send it back! The whole ordering and delivery process was a great experience and the mattress is comfortable and extremely well made and delivers on its promise of being tailor-made to promote deep restful sleep."
A luxury mattress with eight layers - including memory foam layers and 3,000 pocket springs. The Elite is made to order, and you can choose soft, medium or firm comfort feel.
