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Best mattresses for a good night's sleep

A solid night’s sleep is the Holy Grail for parents, so finding a good mattress is key. Whether you prefer a mattress with extra softness or enjoy a firm night’s sleep, we reveal the 10 best mattresses to buy this year.

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Feb 28, 2024

Given that we spend a third of our lives asleep, purchasing the best mattress is one of the most important decisions you can make. The right one can mean the difference between feeling well-rested and feeling groggy or in pain, and we all know the sheer joy of getting into a truly comfortable bed. A good mattress could set you back thousands, so it’s worth taking some time to carefully consider what you want and pinpoint the best mattress that works for you.

Nowadays, you can buy mattresses online and many come in a box or shrink-wrapped, which brings ease when it comes to delivery and putting on your bed ready for that well-deserved rest. Most mattresses that are bought online come with a trial period, where you can test it at home (usually for at least 100 nights) to see if it suits you, and if it isn’t the right fit you can return it for a refund.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your mattress, find a new one to fit a new bed or shopping for kids, we've got you covered. After gathering authentic recommendations from Mumsnet users, we've written in-depth guides to choosing the best mattress for kids, the best cot mattress and the best Moses basket mattress.

But if you don’t want the hassle of testing and returning mattresses, then we’ve rounded up the best options for you. Here are Mumsnet's pick of the best mattresses 2024.

1
Overall best mattress
What we like
  • Multiple layers of foam to keep you supported and cool

  • Durable and comfortable

  • Machine-washable cover

  • Comes with a 200-night trial

What we don't like
  • Can feel some motion transfer on this mattress

Key specs

Price on writing: from £314 | Type: Hybrid | Sizes available: Single, EU single, small double, EU double, EU queen, king, superking | Warranty: 10 years

What Mumsnet users say
Hopeishere52 · Recommended
We bought the Emma hybrid mattress, so sprung with a memory foam layer, which provided the right level of support but not too firm.
See Post
samsmum2 · Tried & Tested
We got one (on a similar offer) and it's wonderful. Worried it was a bit firm but took a few days to get used to it. Love it and love the zip off top cover. Highly recommend.
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Our verdict

For side-sleepers who need a bit of support to keep their spine aligned at bedtime, the Emma NextGen Premium is an excellent choice. Like other hybrid mattresses, it’s made up of premium steel springs as well as high-quality memory foam that won’t sag or soften over the years. In fact, in testing, Which? said it was one of the most durable mattresses they had tried.

The five layers of different memory foam allows this mattress to contour beautifully to your body, which is what makes it so good for side-sleepers.

It’s easy to turn over on, without disturbing your partner, so it's also good for active sleepers who often shift from side to side. A layer of Airgocell foam on the top and an UltraDry cover with layers add breathability and wick away moisture to help keep those who toss and turn in their sleep nice and cool. However, fidgety sleepers may cause disturbances to their partner due to feeling the motion transfer.

The cover is machine-washable too, meaning the mattress stays looking good for longer. If you sleep on your side or back, the Emma Original Mattress might be a better buy. But, for side-sleepers, the Emma Next Gen Premium is a really comfy snooze that will last for years.

Related: The best baby sleeping bags, tried and tested by Mumsnetters

2
Best mattress on a budget
What we like
  • Affordable

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Not too soft, not too firm

What we don't like
  • May smell a bit at first

  • Not full memory foam, just the top layer

Key specs

Price: From £108 (for single) | Type: Memory foam (just top layer) | Sizes available: Single, double, small double, king; Euro single, double, kind | Warranty: 5 years

What Mumsnet users say
Poppybetty · Recommended
I've got a Silentnight 1200 Eco Comfort double mattress. It's incredibly comfortable medium firm. Absolutely no dip. I bought it after a friend recommended it.
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Our verdict

Silentnight is a well-established mattress brand which has earned a solid reputation amongst Mumsnetters. This Comfort Rolled mattress with memory foam top layer may not be the fanciest mattress money can buy, but it's certainly budget friendly at just over £100 for a single and around £150 for a double.

It comes rolled up and will need a good 24 hours to settle and, like many mattresses, may have a slight odour at first, but according to Silentnight this should quickly vanish.

Reviewers praise its comfort, support and ease with which you can move it around.

Read next: The best baby monitors, as recommended by Mumsnetters

3
Best mattress to help you cool down

Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress

What we like
  • Features ThermoSync Technology to help regulate body temperature

  • Absorbs motion to help ensure peaceful sleep

  • Features upgraded 7-zone full body pressure relief and support

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Medium to firm feel which may not suit all

Key specs

Price on writing: From £419 | Type: Foam/ Pocket spring mix (Contains: Halo Memory Foam™; Thermosync® foam; Elastic Airgocell ® foam; HRX foam; tall pocket springs) | Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king, superking, European single, double & queen | Warranty: 10 years | Trial period: 200 days

What Mumsnet users say
notimeforregrets · Tried & Tested
I second the Emma mattress - they're fantastic.
See Post
Our verdict

Is there anything worse than being unable to get to sleep because you're too hot or waking up soaked in sweat? Enter the Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress (also available in a slightly more pricey Luxe version).

Made with coolness in mind, it features Thermosync technology and graphite-infused foam which has been specially formulated to regulate body temperature and absorb motion as well as an upgraded 7-zone full body pressure relief and support feature.

With prices starting from £419 (25% off) and ranging up to £720 (-30%) for a super king, it doesn't break the bank either - and Emma offers customers a generous 200 day trial period.

Related: The best white noise machines for babies and kids

4
Best firm mattress
What we like
  • Flippable

  • Firm and extra-firm sides

  • Washable cover

  • Orthopaedic

What we don't like
  • Takes a while to soften up

  • Has a distict odour on arrival

Key specs

Price: from £425 | Type: Hybrid | Sizes available: Single, double, king, superking | Warranty: 10 years

What Mumsnet users say
CoffeeWithCheese · Tried & Tested
Ours took a little while to soften up a bit (it's an Otty) and lose the stink but it's bloody amazing now - my only gripe is I don't get to spend enough quality time with it.
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IllustriousToad · Recommended
We treated ourselves to an Otty 3 years ago and it's the best decision ever! We now miss our mattress when we go to hotels, and it cured my DHs back almost overnight.
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Our verdict

Made from bamboo and charcoal memory foam, the OTTY firm hybrid mattress has it all - it's mositure wicking, temperature regulating and antibacterial. What's more, it's flippable, with each side offering a different level of firmness.

OTTY rate the firm side at 8/10 and the extra firm side at 9/10 - so this is one for fans of a pretty rigid mattress. It's orthopaedic too, and boasts large, encapsulated pocket springs to align your spine into an optimal position.

Read next: The best cot beds for babies and toddlers, according to Mumsnet users

5
Best premium mattress
What we like
  • Hybrid mattress offers both firmness and comfort

  • Ideal for all types of sleepers

  • Antibacterial removable and washable top panel

  • Comes with a one-year trial and 10 years warranty

What we don't like
  • Has an unpleasant smell (which should be unnoticeable after a couple of months)

  • Heavy mattress and difficult to move

Key specs

Price: £1,249 | Type: Hybrid | Sizes available: Double, king or superking | Warranty: 10 years

What Mumsnet users say
Letsnotargue · Tried & Tested
I have an Eve Hybrid and love it. It’s supportive but not hard. Every morning before I get out of bed I think how glad I am we bought it. It’s almost 2 years old and no complaints.
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IcaMorgan · Recommended
We got the Eve premium hybrid a year ago and love it.
See Post
Our verdict

If you’re having trouble finding something to suit both you and a sleeping partner, or if you just want the best of both worlds, Eve’s The Premium Hybrid ticks all the boxes.

Firstly, it’s made of both foam and springs, so you have the firmness of its (count ‘em) 1,500 springs, and then a squishy and comfortable layer of foam on top for that ‘aaaahh’ factor. Secondly, it’s great for side-, back- and front-sleepers (many mattresses don’t work so well for all three). And finally, while it keeps you nice and cosy, unlike many memory foam mattresses, it doesn’t let you overheat.

We like the fact that the antibacterial top panel can be removed and washed at 40 degrees too, so you can take your cuppa up to bed with you with impunity.

The people at Eve are big on customer service and they do all they can to make the whole process as stress-free as a good night’s sleep. Best of all, if you find The Premium Hybrid is not for you, you have 365 nights to change your mind.

Eve is a bed-in-a-box product so it’s delivered to your door ready to be unrolled. However, bed-in-a-box products often come with an unpleasant smell as some components of the mattress start to break down - and Eve is no exception to this, so do air the bedroom well.

Related: Best mattress protectors for bedwetting, allergies and more

6
Best soft mattress

Fogarty Dreamy Comfort Pillow Top 1000 Pocket Sprung Mattress

What we like
  • Great value

  • 10 year guarantee

  • Extra-soft top layer

  • 4 handles for easy moving

What we don't like
  • Some reviewers report sinking in the middle

Key specs

Price: from £249 | Type: Pocket sprung | Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king, superking | Warranty: 10 years

What Mumsnet users say
Firstshoes · Tried & Tested
I tried three memory foam mattresses. They all felt like sleeping on concrete. All went back. I bought a Fogarty Pillow Top mattress from Dunelm. Around £450 for a King. Perfect for my back.
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Our verdict

If you’re a Princess and the Pea type of sleeper and want a really soft mattress, this Dreamy Comofrt Pillowtop Mattress from Fogarty at Dunelm might be your ideal bedfellow.

Soft mattresses, it’s worth knowing, are generally intended for people who have a light body weight – about eight stone is the rule of thumb. That’s not to say they’re unsuitable for others if that’s the feel you want, but they may not last as long.

The 1,000 individually-encased pocket springs give you support just where you need it, and help to distribute your body weight over the mattress. The super-soft pillow topper give the mattress a supreme softness that you'll love to sink into after a long day.

Read next: The best bunk beds for siblings and sleepovers

7
Best hybrid mattress
What we like
  • Offers good support for a comfortable night’s sleep

  • Made from breathable, non-toxic materials

  • Prevents overheating

What we don't like
  • Motion transfer could be better

  • Not suitable for slatted bed frames

Key specs

Price: from £480 | Type: Hybrid | Sizes available: Single, small double, EU double, double, king, EU king, EU queen, superking | Warranty: 10 years

What Mumsnet users say
Glitterandunicorns · Recommended
We have the Simba and love it so much! It is like sleeping on a cloud!
See Post
Our verdict

We chose several hybrid mattresses for our top 10 for the simple reason that they suit a lot of people and offer the best of both worlds, but if we had to pick just one hybrid it would be the Simba.

All the materials used to construct this Simba mattress are non-toxic and are 100% recyclable. On the side of the springs, it has Simba’s own patented titanium Aerocoil spring-comfort layer, which acts as a bellow to push warm air away, keeping you much cooler than on traditional memory foam. The base also allows warm air to escape.

In terms of foam, open-cell Simbatex feels beautifully squishy while also combatting overheating, while the high-definition foam is used in particular zones to give your body the most support where it needs it.

The mattress construction feels really solid, thanks to edge-lift technology which prevents you from rolling towards the edge of the mattress. However, you will feel some motion transfer with this mattress, so you might want to think twice if you or your partner are sleep-wrigglers.

You should also note that the mattress is only suitable for sprung, rigid slatted, divan/box spring bed frames or slatted bed frames where the slats are more than 7.5 cm apart.

Read next: The best cribs and bedside co-sleepers Mumsnetters swear by

8
Best orthopaedic mattress

John Lewis Ortho Support Pocket Spring Mattress

What we like
  • Zoned pockets for spinal alignment

  • Available in 3 tensions (medium, medium to firm, firm)

  • 60-night trial

  • John Lewis will recycle your old mattress

What we don't like
  • No handles

Key specs

Price: From £549 | Type: Pocket sprung | Sizes available: Single, double, king, superking | Warranty: 7 years

What Mumsnet users say
Minkies13 · Recommended
[We] upgraded to John Lewis Ortho range. Our new bed is glorious! Husband sleeps so much better now.
See Post
Our verdict

For serious back support, an orthopaedic mattress makes a real difference. With its unique zoned pockets, John Lewis' Ortho Support range works with your body to keep your posture as close to neutral as possible, allowing you to really relax and rest.

The hand-tufted surface of the mattress makes for a really comfortable, supportive night's sleep, and you can opt for medium, medium-firm or firm tension for your mattress.

Related: The best maternity pyjamas, according to Mumsnetters

9
Best bed-in-a-box mattress

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

What we like
  • 365-night trial period

  • Forever warranty

  • Support where your body needs it most

  • Limited motion transfer

What we don't like
  • May be too firm for some preferences

  • Memory foam may mould to your shape

Key specs

Price: from £380 | Type: Memory foam or hybrid | Sizes available: Single, double, small double, king, super king | Warranty: Forever!

What Mumsnet users say
Whisper99 · Recommended
We have [a Nectar] one and it's amazing! Incredibly comfortable.
See Post
Our verdict

Once upon a time, you wouldn’t even consider buying a mattress without spending several Saturdays lying down in a bed shop, wondering if you could get away with a quick nap on one of the many mattresses you’d try out. These days, there’s a positive plethora of mattresses that you can order to turn up to your bedroom and simply send back if you’re not keen.

The Nectar makes all this very easy with a seamless delivery and returns procedure, a year’s trial period during which you can get a refund if you decide against it, and even a special little tool to help you get it out of its packaging without accidentally snagging the mattress.

Best of all, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, which means that you can replace it at any point should it break or wear out, which makes us think Nectar are pretty confident in their mattress’ credentials.

This is a proper memory foam mattress with several layers of foam rather than springs, and it takes a couple of hours to fully inflate once out of the box.

It’s made up of five layers: a positioning base at the bottom to keep everything in place, a supportive base with seven different support zones to offer more support in places where you need it most, a layer of pressure-relieving memory foam for comfort, a layer of smart memory foam to dissipate heat and moisture, and, finally, an adaptive cooling cover to draw heat away from your body and help air circulate every time you make the smallest movement.

The Nectar is a medium-to-firm feel. Reviews suggest it’s best for back- and front-sleepers and for smaller or lighter people, but some Mumsnetters who don’t fall into any of those categories say they love it. However, some reviews said that the mattress was too firm for their preferences.

Read next: The best Moses baskets for newborns

What to consider when buying a mattress

There are many practical considerations to buying a mattress. Have a look at this list before you open your wallet.

Size

Most mattresses come in standard single, double and king sizes, but you may also find small or large doubles depending on the brand. Get out the tape measure and triple check all the measurements of your bed frame before you buy – and don’t forget to think about the depth and how it will sit on your bed base too.

Materials

The main choice is between a pocket sprung and foam mattress (see which type of mattress is best below), but you might also want one with wool filling for temperature regulation, or hypoallergenic fabrics if you suffer from allergies.

Also think about whether you get hot in bed and would like a mattress that uses materials that will wick away moisture and keep you cool. Or perhaps you tend to feel cold in bed and need a mattress that feels extra cosy.

Tension

Mattresses are usually available as soft, medium or firm, but you can get medium-firm or extra-firm too. Generally, the guide to which one to go for should be your body weight. Soft is recommended for up to eight stone, medium from eight stone to 16 stone, and firm if you’re over 16 stone.

Some people have a personal preference for a certain feel though, and you can always add a foam mattress topper to a firm mattress if you like.

You can also get split-tension mattresses, or two that zip together so that you and your sleeping partner can each have exactly what you need.

What sort of sleeper you are

Do you sleep mostly on your side? You might want a soft-spring or memory foam mattress. Front-sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their spine aligned. Back-sleepers, on the other hand, need to ensure the mattress supports their lower back well with just enough room to get a hand between their lower back and the mattress.

Budget

The price range for mattresses is huge so have an idea of what you’re prepared to spend and then look around to see how you can make that go furthest. Timing can also play an important role when it comes to your budget, as many mattresses tend to be discounted at certain times throughout the year - so keep your eyes peeled for those deals.

Delivery and guarantees

Because a mattress is such a big purchase, many companies offer long guarantees of up to 10 years. We even found one with a lifetime guarantee - the Nector Memory Foam Mattress.

Also look out for trial-period deals where you can return the mattress within a certain timeframe if you find it doesn’t suit you. The bed-in-a-box mattresses that you don’t try before buying often offer long trial periods, many up to a year.

Check whether there’s a delivery charge too and whether they will remove your old mattress or be prepared to take it up to your bedroom for you. Mattresses can be really heavy so, if you live alone, a service like this might be worth its weight in gold.

Which type of mattress is best?

The main types of mattresses are sprung or foam, but within these two categories are a range of options:

Open sprung

Also known as open spring or open coil, open sprung mattresses have springs attached to one single coil of metal. Sometimes the springs are all made of one continuous piece of wire. This is called a continuous coil.

Pros: Lightweight; easy to turn; budget-friendly

Cons: Not so long-lasting as the springs wear eventually; less responsive to your body and movements than a pocket sprung mattress; can eventually dip in the middle as the springs wear

Best for: Budget buys; guest rooms; children’s bedrooms

Pocket sprung

Like open sprung, pocket sprung mattresses also have metal springs. The crucial difference here is that each spring is individually encased in fabric, so they are more responsive to your body and movements, offer better support and last longer. Pocket sprung mattresses tend to feel cooler than memory foam because air circulates well in this type of mattress.

Pros: Easier to manoeuvre than memory foam; cool and breathable; less risk of rolling into the middle than with an open sprung mattress

Cons: More expensive than open sprung; can be heavy to turn

Best for: Bed sharers; those who like a firm feel

Latex

Squishy rather than springy, latex is made by tapping rubber trees. A latex mattress has a solid feel, which some people love and others hate, but it’s breathable so doesn’t make you as hot as some memory foam mattresses.

Pros: Breathable; hypoallergenic; long-lasting

Cons: Heavy; cheaper versions sometimes end up with a dip where you sleep

Best for: Those who like a firm bed; people with allergies

Memory foam

Made from viscoelastic foam which moulds to the contours of the body, memory foam mattresses are very supportive and can help those with back pain. It’s a very different feel if you’ve been used to sprung mattresses, so be sure to try before you buy or look for a mattress that offers a no-quibble return if you don’t get on with it.

Pros: Warm and cosy; very durable; less risk of rolling towards your sleeping partner; very supportive

Cons: Expensive; cheaper models can feel hot and sweaty; heavy to manoeuvre

Best for: Those with allergies or back and joint pain

Hybrid

Offering the best of both worlds, hybrid mattresses are sprung mattresses with a memory foam top that give you the bounce and feel of a traditional mattress but with a layer of memory foam for a bit of ‘sink.'

Pros: Best of both sprung and foam; supportive; cosy

Cons: Can be expensive; can’t be turned

Best for: Those with mild allergies; people who like a medium-firm feel

How often do you need to buy a new mattress?

The National Bed Federation recommends changing your mattress every seven years. But if your mattress is wearing out before then you should replace it anyway. If you spot dips in it or find you’re waking with pain or not sleeping as well as you were before, it may be time for a change.

How often do you need to flip or rotate a mattress?

Different mattresses may need to be flipped or turned (depending on the type). By flipping or rotating, you'll reap the benefits of maximum comfort and support and help to extend the mattress’s lifespan.

Most modern mattresses should only be rotated, not flipped. One-sided mattresses have bottom layers that provide support, while the top layers provide comfort - meaning that it won't be very comfortable for you if you flip it. As well as one-sided mattresses, you can also find double-sided mattresses, which should be flipped at least once every three months as this helps extend their longevity.

Most mattresses, except those with zoned designs, should regularly be rotated. Rotating a mattress helps protect it from wear and tear caused by sleeping in the same positions.

You should rotate memory foam and latex mattresses once or twice a year. Similarly, newer innerspring mattresses should also be rotated once or twice a year. Whereas older innerspring mattresses need to be rotated between two and five times a year.

However, every brand and mattress is different, so make sure you check the manufacturer’s guide for advice on how to get the most out of your mattress.

How much should you spend on a mattress?

Mattresses range from around £100 right into the thousands. More expensive doesn’t always mean better quality but, by and large, a good mattress will set you back at least £250. There are exceptions to this – we found an excellent IKEA mattress that came in at under £250 – but it’s a good ballpark figure. If you spend a bit more, you may find that your mattress lasts a bit longer, but this isn't guaranteed.

Do I need to try a mattress out before buying?

Yes and no. You definitely shouldn’t commit without having either tried it extensively in-store (where possible) or knowing that you can send it back if you don’t get on with it. Many of the best mattress brands now offer the chance to return your mattress after 30, 60, 100 or 365 nights if you decide it’s not for you. This is a great way to really find out what you like because you'll be able to sleep on it night after night.

What's the best mattress to buy in 2024?

We think the best mattress to buy is the Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress. With both springs and memory foam, it’s the most likely to please the most people and is great for side-, back- and front-sleepers. Eve offers a 100-night trial so you can give it a good go before deciding if it’s for you.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real people on Mumsnet

If there’s one thing Mumsnetters know about it’s the importance of a good night’s sleep. Between them, they’ve dealt with millions of 3am night feeds, toddlers clambering in bed in the middle of the night, and partners with irritating sleep habits – from snoring to stealing the duvet. So it made sense that we headed to them first for their recommendations. We drew up a long list of all the brands they recommended and made notes of the ones they said were duff buys too.

Expert guidance

To take the guesswork out of buying a mattress, we first researched the latest recommendations, advice and information provided by the experts. We don’t believe that you should suffer from poor quality sleep, which is why every mattress we chose adheres to the latest expert advice.

We started off by investigating advice and reviews provided by consumer experts Which? to see how the mattresses Mumsnetters liked performed across the board. Then we analysed expert advice from The Sleep Council and Bed Advice UK on what to look for in a mattress.

Consumer Reviews

After compiling a list of over 40 recommended mattresses from Mumsnetters, we then combed through review sites to see what other customers had to say about the products. And we didn't only look at the positives, as negative feedback from customers who have tried and tested these products is essential too.

Award-winning products

And finally, after having cross-referenced all of the information above, we checked out which mattresses had won industry awards and were recognised as best buys from trusted sources.

Why you should trust us

At Mumsnet, we know a thing or two about sleep and we also know a bit about buying the best and getting the best value for money. Our consumer writers have decades of experience in tracking down the best brands and products and ensuring they represent the best value for money.

We also listen carefully to Mumsnet members about their real experiences with each product we recommend because we know that if Mumsnetters are recommending a product, it will have been thoroughly put through its paces.