Read MNers reviews of the new Mumsnet mattresses available at Dreams

[EmmaMumsnet]

NOW CLOSED

We recently recruited 10 MNers & MN blog/vloggers to help create two new mattresses at the Dreams Bed Factory for sleep deprived parents and parents to be. They will be testing out the two mattresses they made for a month and will leave feedback on this thread of their first impressions and final verdict. Read below to see what they thought of them!

Non-testers, in order to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice, please answer the following question - if your bed could do anything in the world, what would it be? Whether it’s simply being able to make itself after use or more adventurous like serve you freshly brewed tea every morning, we’d love you to let your imagination run wild and think of what you wish your bed could do.

Here’s what Dreams have to say: “At Dreams, we understand the importance of a great night’s sleep. However, we also know that as a new, or soon to be, parent this can feel impossible. That’s why we’re so excited to be working with the Mumsnet community to develop a mattress specially designed to meet your needs and help you get the sleep you deserve.”

If you'd like to find out more about how we made the Mumsnet mattresses click here.

If you're interested in buying a Mumsnet mattress click here

Tester’s first impressions:

• Please share a photo of your new mattress and tell us which one you chose and why?
• Did you find the Dreams delivery team friendly and helpful?
• What do you think of the look of the mattress?
• What are your first impressions of the feel and comfort of the mattress?

Tester’s final review:

• Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?
• Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.
• What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?

- Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details.

• Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?
• What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?

Thanks,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

Hi,

Thanks very much for choosing me to test out this mattress! I had a wonderful day and a really enjoyable experience putting it all together. After being on the team working on the 'More Expensive' mattress, I was really surprised to see how many of the Mumsnetters preferred a firmer mattress, whereas I usually opt for a softer one, albeit not memory foam! With this in mind I actually found the Kindred mattress (medium firm) very comfortable, and opted to test it. The big draw for me was the hypoallergenic properties of the mattress, as well as many luxurious yet natural layers - I particularly liked the Alpaca Wool layer, to create a sumptuous effect. After designing the mattress and deciding as a group that we would prefer no 'Tufts' in the mattress, it was disappointing to hear that it didn't pass Dreams' stringent testing without tufts, so some small ones had to be included.

Dreams initially gave me a delivery date 6 weeks away, but luckily they rang me 3 weeks before this to offer an earlier date, as they had a cancellation. This was a really nice touch as it showed they were keeping an eye on my order. A green bag to put my old mattress in was sent earlier, however I was disappointed to see this thrown over my back gate (down a side passage of the house) in the rain rather than with a neighbour/in my enclosed porch.

The actual delivery of the mattress could have done with a specific slot during the day, as other companies do - even morning/afternoon would have given me an opportunity to arrange to be in the house. Some companies even do an hour slot on the day, which would have made it much easier if I had to work etc. Luckily I had the opportunity to spend the day in, and it arrived at 10:30am.

The delivery was very smooth, the two drivers were very able - one was obviously a regular dreams delivery man, whereas the other looked to be a 'drivers mate' from a recruitment agency. The 'official' delivery man was very courteous, told me what was going to happen, swiftly conducted taking out the old mattress - and had very clean shoes! Unfortunately the 'drivers mate' had absolutely filthy shoes, which he then tracked thick mud through my cream carpets and up the stairs :( It would have only taken a second or two to put on overshoes, or even to have banged off some of the dirt in the porch. It wasn't wet weather, and my drive is gravel so it must have been before he got in the van!

My delivery was very clearly stamped as 'VIP' on the outer label, so I cannot speak for what happens on a non-vip delivery - it would have been nice to know the standard delivery operations in order to give honest feedback. The driver gave me instructions to leave the mattress for half an hour, then to open the packaging and leave for another couple of hours before making the bed.

I was pleasantly surprised to see both my name and 'Mumsnet' embroidered in the handles of the mattress which was a nice touch, but felt that 'Mumsnet' being printed repeatedly into the top cover of the mattress was a little much. I felt this should be 'Kindred' rather than Mumsnet, or maybe a mix of the two. I love the grey side panel around the mattress, but wasn't expecting it to be so deep! I have had to buy sheets specifically for a deeper mattress, rather than standard ones in order to fit properly.

My first impressions of actually using the mattress can be easily summed up... AMAZING. I have never felt so supported and comfortable with the initial use of a mattress, it has given me the best nights sleep I have literally ever had. I was pregnant when this mattress was delivered (unfortunately this only lasted until 12+1 weeks) but the mattress was so physically supporting of aching bones, and importantly didn't creak/squeak as I got up to the loo 5 times a night.
My husband was also pleasantly surprised as he usually likes a softer mattress, but we have both bean so impressed. When the weather was very warm (18th-21st April) I never woke up sweating in this mattress, which I am assuming is down to the cooling layer.

Overall I am very impressed with this mattress so far - long may it continue!

Before spending the day at the Dreams factory in Birmingham, I am ashamed to admit that the mattress that was on my bed was only there because I liked the headboard of the bed it came with. I had no input into the type or firmness of the mattress and it has been a bone of contention ever since we bought it.

Attending the Dreams factory enabled me to understand that there is far more thought, research and testing goes into a mattress that I had originally thought. Whilst there the Mumsnetters were tasked with designing two mattresses. One for the higher end of the price range (Kindred), with another around the average price (Spirit) that a Mumsnet survey revealed parents would spend on a mattress. With myself helping to create the average price mattress.

Please share a photo of your new mattress and tell us which one you chose and why?
I opted for the average price (but by no means lesser quality) mattress, the Spirit. I opted for this one over the high-end mattress for a couple of reasons. Firstly, as it is within my price range so one that I quite possibly would have purchased on our next mattress shop. Secondly, the Fresche layer providing an environmentally friendly treatment against bacteria and dust mites. Finally, the natural breathable fabrics and temperature regulating properties - as someone who still experiences night sweats on a regular basis I wanted to put this element to the test.

Did you find the Dreams delivery team friendly and helpful?
Communication from Dreams regarding delivery dates was really good. Although initially told that it would be around 5-6 weeks for delivery they managed to arrange delivery before this date. With a selection of dates to choose from. On the day I received both a text message informing me of the timeslot that the mattress would arrive in, as well as a call from the drivers to give me a more accurate time once they had completed the delivery before mine.

Two delivery drivers arrived, who kindly delivered the mattress to the chosen room. Removed and disposed of all the packaging as well as placing it on the bed, ensuring that it was in the correct place.

What do you think of the look of the mattress?
As soon as the packaging was removed I loved the look of the grey skirt around the mattress, complete with handles for ease of turning and bed making. The main mattress area was finishes with subtle waves and Mumsnet stitched into the fabric. Which was stokeably soft, that you can't help but touch.

What are your first impressions of the feel and comfort of the mattress?
We've been using the mattress for around 2-3 weeks now. It did take me a night or two to adjust to the mattress but after I'd gone over the change in comfort levels, my body relaxed into the medium firm mattress. The top layer of the mattress coupled with the latex provides great back support and has helped regulate my temperature - bye, bye night sweats! Whilst my youngest still gets me up in the night occasionally, I find that I am able to get back into a comfortable sleeping position more easily and therefore back to sleep quicker.

Hello!

I had a brilliant day at the Dreams factory, thanks so much for choosing me. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and it was really lovely to see how enthusiastic the Dreams team were about the company, products and staff. I loved our tour around the factory and our guide was brilliant, I came away wishing he was my boss! Everyone seemed to be really passionate about the brand, right down to the man I flagged down in the warehouse as I was lost, he was so friendly and walked me up to the meeting room.

• Please share a photo of your new mattress and tell us which one you chose and why?

I chose the Kindred mattress because I prefer a firmer feel and the mattress that I had at the time had memory foam in it, which I found made my postpartum night sweats horrendous. I was also getting quite bad hip pain, so I wanted something totally natural, breathable and supportive.

• Did you find the Dreams delivery team friendly and helpful?

Yes! Carlington and Boris were brilliant. Initially they thought they wouldn’t be able to fit the mattress up the stairs as there was quite a narrow turning point, but they did a great job of manoeuvring and managed to make it work. They were very friendly and chatty, put protective shoe coverings on before they entered my house and once they’d removed the plastic mattress covering asked if they could wash their hands to avoid getting any dirt on the mattress. They were so lovely and I was very impressed with their customer service skills. They were really friendly with my baby as well, which was nice.

• What do you think of the look of the mattress?

I love the soft and clean white material on the top, it feels really squishy and high quality. I don’t mind the tuffs, I think they make it feel quite plush. I did raise an eyebrow at the Mumsnet branding on the top fabric, I didn’t think it was very subtle and the stitching on the handles is enough. I only just noticed that my name was stitched on it after reading the earlier post on here, but that’s a nice touch. I really like the contrast of the white topper and the grey sides, I think it looks quite high end.

• What are your first impressions of the feel and comfort of the mattress?

The topper feels really soft and squishy, I have found a teeny issue that my sheet seems to want to glide on the material, so I have to keep pinning it back under the mattress, which is no mean feat as it’s pretty heavy to lift. This might just be an issue with the sheet I have though. Comfort wise it’s very firm and I’d prefer to sink into it a tiny bit more, but I’m hoping this will give a bit and become more comfy as time goes on. Having said that, when I get to sleep I sleep really well on it. I’m up and down quite a lot as my kids have both decided they’re nocturnal, but I always fall asleep again really quickly. I’ve also noticed the hip pain that I had on the previous mattress and the night sweats have improved a lot - hurrah! My husband hasn’t had any complaints about it either, he said it’s firmer than he would choose but he hasn’t had any issues with sleeping on it.

In summary, I really like the end result. I’m hoping the mattress will give a little bit and become a teeny bit softer and then it will be awesome.

I also had a great day at the factory and came away knowing a lot more about mattresses than I did before! My current mattress was pretty crappy as it was just the one that came with the bed and I had been thinking for a while that I needed to invest in a new one so this happened at the perfect time.

I chose the Kindred Mattress as I prefer a firmer mattress and I like the use of all natural layers over the box springs as I find artificial layers and especially memory foam much too hot.

My mattress was delivered last week on the original delivery slot they gave me. They did call and try to make it earlier but I was on holiday so that didn't work. I got a text in the morning giving me a delivery slot of between 10.30-12.30 and they arrived dead on 11.30 so that was fine. They did a great job getting it up the stairs too the top floor and took their shoes off when they came in so no problems with carpet. They were both very nice and chatted about it having my name on the side which made me a bit confused until I took the wrapper off!

I liked the grey border and the fabric on the top and it looked very plush and luxurious. Couldn't wait to try it.

I found the contrast between my old bed and the new one a bit weird on the first night as it was considerably firmer and the box springs mean that I was less affected by DP moving.

Now one week in it is really great. My back feels better and I feel well supported all over. I am really pleased with the whole experience.

Just want to say thanks again to the team at dreams, it is great to support a British manufacturing business that clearly looks after their staff and work hard to create a positive working environment.

Thank you very much for choosing me for this product test – the day at the factory was really good and I also learnt loads about the whole process. The Dreams team were so passionate about their brand, employees and customer satisfaction; it was quite exciting to be part of it for the day!

Please share a photo of your new mattress and tell us which one you chose and why

I was on the team that developed the Kindred mattress which was the slightly firmer of the two. Like a pp, I too don’t really enjoy the feel of memory foam and similar soft finishes as I find them too warm and not supportive enough. So I chose the Kindred to trial. I had initially applied to be part of the product test as I am pregnant and suffered with quite severe insomnia from early in my first pregnancy as well as PGP from around 5 months. As well as this, I had bought a crib that attaches to the bed to promote safe co sleeping but my newborn never slept in it! So, giving myself a good night’s sleep through pregnancy and having a mattress that takes into account the reality of co sleeping with newborns was really high on my agenda for this second pregnancy.

Did you find the Dreams delivery team friendly and helpful?

The delivery team were great. We live in a bit of an odd house with the bedrooms downstairs on a lower ground floor. The easiest access was to go down our outdoor stairs, through a fairly long, dark passage way and then through the patio doors into the main bedroom. The two men who delivered the mattress weren’t put out by this at all. It was a hot day and the mattress is SO heavy but they were cheery and friendly. They both took their shoes off before coming in, even though I said they needn’t bother.

I had received a two hour window for delivery the day before and I also got a text on the morning of delivery to confirm that slot. They arrived bang in the middle of the time frame which was great.

What do you think of the look of the mattress?

I think the mattress looks really luxurious and inviting. I wasn’t too sure about the grey panel when we designed it but now I have seen it I think it does add something a bit different which is nice and makes it feel that bit more high-end. I also had wanted the tufts put in but the majority of the group hadn’t so I was pleasantly surprised to see they had needed to be added for safety. I think they make the whole thing look really sumptuous and lots of my friends I sent pictures to said it looked as though I would be sleeping on a cloud!

What are your first impressions of the feel and comfort of the mattress?

I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with the feel and comfort. It is quite firm but the alpaca wool and layers we added really make it a comfortable firm that is just perfect. The difference it has made to the quality of my sleep is incredible – I am finding it far easier to get back off to sleep when I wake with general pregnancy issues. I am also seeing my PGP symptoms return (as expected) but I am definitely far better supported on this mattress than my previous one and any others I tried in my first pregnancy. The PGP isn’t developing as it did in my first pregnancy and I don’t wake up with my pelvis in agony. The even better thing is that my husband absolutely loves it too and it is very rare for us to find a mattress that we both think is good!

Overall, I am an extremely happy product tester and without a doubt will recommend this to anyone that will listen. Thanks again for allowing me to be part of the whole process!

Prior to our day at the Dreams factory, I had no real clue as to the different types of mattress, filling, layers etc - it was a huge eye opener! Such a fascinating day and it really made me understand and appreciate the value of a good mattress a lot more.

I love a nice firm mattress, so worked on the Kindred mattress, which I now have on my bed.

Did you find the Dreams delivery team friendly and helpful?

• They were superb! They put covers over their shoes and brought the mattress upstairs for me, which wasn’t easy given the tight corners and low ceilings in my cottage! Both were really friendly and helpful.

What do you think of the look of the mattress?

• It’s big! I was surprised how large it is, and echo a previous comment that I think it would have been nice to have ‘Kindred’ stitched in as well as ‘Mumsnet’

I love the grey though, and it feels amazing.

What are your first impressions of the feel and comfort of the mattress?

• I’m genuinely blown away, as is my husband! We both thought we were okay on our cheap and cheerful mattress, which was only a couple of years old. I put my neck and back pains down to two pregnancies and a combined 2 years of breastfeeding! I’ve honestly never slept better than in the week we’ve had this mattress, and I now wake up with decent mobility in my neck for the first time in years. I won’t lie, I’m shocked by how much of a difference it has made - we even opted not to have our old mattress taken away by Dreams in case we didn’t like this one, but now we definitely need rid of the old one!

Prior to our day at the Dreams factory, I was fascinated about what I learnt while I was there. For years I've been convinced that memory foam mattresses were best for our backs and I have cntinuing back problems, which have become worse as my daughter has grown up as I often lift her in and out of the car, straining my back.

However, after testing out the beds at the Dreams Factory it became clear to me that my mattress is particularly sunken and is affecting my back and I hadn't realised that you can get combined memory foam and spring mattresses for the best support.

-Tell us which one you chose and why?
I chose Kindred because it felt like the most supportive mattress and I liked the extra height of the mattress for a more luxurious feel.

• Did you find the Dreams delivery team friendly and helpful?

They were so friendly and helpful! They took away my existing mattress which was hugely helpful. On the morning of the delivery, I received a call and text from the driver confirming the time, which was hugely helpful and not usual of deliveries I've had in the past.

• What do you think of the look of the mattress?

Immediately I thought the mattress looked luxurious and so comfortable. I also loved the grey mattress, as it goes really well with look in our master bedroom. It also looked like a firm mattress, which is exactly what I was looking for :)

• What are your first impressions of the feel and comfort of the mattress?

The comfort is amazing and the mattress made my back feel so well supported. A week on and I'm feeling so much better; the sleep we are both getting is much deeper and we're much happier because of it! Huge thanks Mumsnet for letting me part of your panel, I feel honoured.

Bridget // Bridie By The Sea

Having spent the day with Dreams and Mumsnet back in January I was excited to finally take delivery of our brand new mattress - as I'm a sucker for the finer things in life and love a rock hard bed, I chose the kindred mattress.

I cannot fault Dreams in the lead up to delivery, with an initial lead time of 6-8 weeks, they contacted me to offer a sooner delivery date. I rang on the morning to confirm a one hour slot and the turned up bang on time. Two super friendly and polite Dreams delivery men, brought in my mattress and took away the old one in the pre-supplied green recycling bag all the while taking great care in the house plus wearing over shoes, winner!

During our design day at Dreams we had been involved with every aspect of the process from material to aesthetics and had chosen a woven top design; however the Dreams team made the ultimate decision to switch to a tuft design which I fully respect as after all they're the experts and I want this mattress to be the best for families.

First impressions of the mattress is WOW, it's everything that I could want from a mattress and more, it's massively deep (there's something about feeling like you're climbing into a hotel bed every night that helps to cushion the blow that you're a sleep deprived parent) with the grey panel sides and it is as firm as I remember - perfect for bad backs! Absolutely loved the little touch of the Mumsnet branding on the top and handles plus my name on the side handle, never had my Mum been so proud!

It's as good as it looks, no rolling at the sides, a cool top which hasn't caused sweating during the warm nights we've had recently. And to top it all, Boo loves it too - perfect for when she decides to join me half way through the night. I'm really looking forward to seeing what people think of the Mumsnet and Dreams collaboration!

Having spent the day with Dreams and Mumsnet back in January I was excited to finally take delivery of our brand new mattress - as I'm a sucker for the finer things in life and love a rock hard bed, I chose the kindred mattress.

I cannot fault Dreams in the lead up to delivery, with an initial lead time of 6-8 weeks, they contacted me to offer a sooner delivery date. I rang on the morning to confirm a one hour slot and the turned up bang on time. Two super friendly and polite Dreams delivery men, brought in my mattress and took away the old one in the pre-supplied green recycling bag all the while taking great care in the house plus wearing over shoes, winner!

During our design day at Dreams we had been involved with every aspect of the process from material to aesthetics and had chosen a woven top design; however the Dreams team made the ultimate decision to switch to a tuft design which I fully respect as after all they're the experts and I want this mattress to be the best for families.

First impressions of the mattress is WOW, it's everything that I could want from a mattress and more, it's massively deep (there's something about feeling like you're climbing into a hotel bed every night that helps to cushion the blow that you're a sleep deprived parent) with the grey panel sides and it is as firm as I remember - perfect for bad backs! Absolutely loved the little touch of the Mumsnet branding on the top and handles plus my name on the side handle, never had my Mum been so proud!

It's as good as it looks, no rolling at the sides, a cool top which hasn't caused sweating during the warm nights we've had recently. And to top it all, Boo loves it too - perfect for when she decides to join me half way through the night. I'm really looking forward to seeing what people think of the Mumsnet and Dreams collaboration!

EmmaMumsnet

I recieved an email to su I had been selected but nothing since. I responded that I would like to progress.

Please can you update

@Highhorse1981 yes that was for a different product test, I will be in touch next week with delivery details.

Thanks Emma

I had the most fabulous day at Dreams HQ with Mumsnet. I'd never really thought about mattresses before - more about the look of the bed. I also thought you needed to replace a mattress each year! When in fact it's every 8 years - so definitely worth investing in a good mattress.
There are literally so many layers to making a mattress and it was fun making one that would fit my family lifestyle perfectly.

I'll definitely be only using good quality mattresses from now on as sleep is so important to my physical and mental health.

I have received my mattress yet but as soon as I do I'll be trying it out and letting you know how I get on!

Great thread ! Loving these reviews

• Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?

Super Satisfied! Literally a 10/10, i've NEVER slept this well in my entire life

• Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.

As above, i'm sleeping faster, deeper - definitely cooler in the recent weather and absolutely no back pain :) :) :)

• What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?

It is a very stylish mattress and looks really swish and contemporary - the tuffs don't bother me at all, which is surprising and i thought they would

• Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details.

Very supportive and more comfortable than I expected since it is touted as firm. There is absolutely nothing better than sinking into this mattress at the end of a long day - it has simply revolutionised my sleeping experience!

• Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?

Absolutely without a doubt, in fact two of my friends have said that they are going to go with the Mumsnet X Dreams mattress when theirs next gives way - result!

• What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?

I loved that the mattresses were still mostly hand made, I thought it would be run by robots as you see on TV but it was lovely seeing workers that had been with the company since it opened and women sewing, clearly enjoying their job :)

Thanks so much for picking me for this product test - I truly and wholeheartedly recommend this product, not just for mums, but for anyone wanting a truly luxurious mattress, at a reasonable price! If there is one thing worth investing in, it definitely is the place you spend almost a third of your life!

• Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress? Quite satisfied. I like the plush feel of the top layer, it’s quite cool temperature-wise and I sleep really well on it. I still find it a bit too firm initially, but the quality of sleep I get negates that.

• Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.
  Yes, I definitely sleep better on this than my last mattress, I think it’s quite supportive and not as hot as it doesn’t have memory foam.

• What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress? I think it looks great, I love the sumptuous top layer and I think the grey trim makes it look quite high end. It feels quite luxurious.

• Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details. Yes, definitely. It is very supportive and also there is no roll together if my husband, eldest child and I are in bed, which is brilliant.

• Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?
  
  Yes

• What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day? I found it really interesting how the layers all work together and the amount of different options there are for constructing a mattress. I also really loved our tour around the factory, everyone seemed to really enjoy their job.

Thanks for choosing me to create this mattress. I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience.

Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?

Extremely satisfied

Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.

Yes it definitely has. I find it easier to settle and get comfortable and I stay asleep for much longer. If I do wake in the night I don't toss and turn, feeling uncomfortable as I used to.

What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?

I think the mattress is a high quality and the look is luxurious.

Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details.

Yes. The firmness of the mattress really supports me and stops me rolling towards my much heavier husband! The layers that make up the mattress are soft and luxurious and so, even though the end result is firm, the top gives a comfortable, soft feeling too.

Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?

Yes definitely.

What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?

The whole day was very interesting. I loved how passionate the team were about their products and I enjoyed learning just how many different elements go into making a mattress. It made me realise how important it is to consider it all when choosing one.

• Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?

Very satisfied, I was sceptical enough that I kept my previous (cheap) mattress in case we didn’t like the Kindred one, but I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by how amazing it is!

• Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.

Most definitely. I’ve been plagued with back and neck problems thanks to a severe car crash in 2009, then 2 breastfed babies who didn’t like sleep. For the first time, I don’t wake up with a sore back and neck, plus my quality of sleep is better (verified by my FitBit!)

• What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?

I was shocked how big and heavy it is, but it feels like great quality. I don’t massively like the ‘Mumsnet’ all over it and feel this could have been more subtle, but overall you can see it’s a good quality mattress.

• Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details.

Absolutely - as detailed above it’s had an incredibly positive impact on my back and neck.

• Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?

Yes.

• What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?

The sheer amount of variety available with all the different fillings and their individual benefits. I’d assumed it was pretty much springs, pocket springs, memory foam and that’s your lot, but there’s a combination to suit anyone really.

I chose the Kindred mattress as it felt really thick and luxurious, like a 5-star hotel mattress. I had originally chosen the Spirit one (which is cheaper and softer) but by the end of the day at the Dreams factory, I had fallen in love with the firmness of the Kindred mattress as well as all the natural properties, with all the layers helping my sleep in different ways.
It’s great that neither mattress has memory foam as I co-sleep, like many parents do at some point during the night!

• Did you find the Dreams delivery team friendly and helpful?

Yes it was two very friendly men who couldn’t do enough to help and they didn’t even look perturbed at my steep stairway in my three-story house! They were swift and polite and used plastic covers over their shoes. The only issue I had was with the online tracker as on the first delivery date it didn’t update and it said they were 13 stops from me and then suddenly I got a call saying they were early. Then the next time the tracker didn’t work at all but I knew this time not to rely on that. What was helpful was having the number of the delivery driver who called me on the morning.

• What do you think of the look of the mattress?

It is so smart-looking and stylish, I almost didn’t want to cover it with sheets as it looks so nice. It is great with the handles too, to help manoeuvre the mattress. I also treated myself to a new Ottoman bed in grey which is the perfect match with the mattress.

• What are your first impressions of the feel and comfort of the mattress?

It is firmer than I remembered but this is great for all my aches and pains from doing sport and lifting weights! After a first night of adjusting from an old mattress you could feel the springs in, I am well and truly a good-quality mattress convert.

Tester’s final review:

• Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?

Extremely so. I can’t believe I have put up with so many bad mattresses over the years especially as I know all too well the importance of a good night’s sleep for my mental wellbeing. Now I understand how important it is to buy a good mattress rather than just looking at the bed frame. As I am also into fitness sleep and posture is important to me.

• Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.

Yes especially as the weather is warmer as it has helped to regulate my heat in the night. I also have less aches and pains when I wake up as I am a wriggler at night!

• What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?

The quality is truly amazing, I feel very lucky to have helped to make a high-end mattress. All my other mattresses look awful in comparison and I love the design of this mattress especially the depth of it and it has an embroidered Mumsnet logo which is sweet. -Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details. I love that it helps to fend off bacteria and regulate heat and prevents dust mites, especially when the whole family is in bed! I think the main comfort for me is that it helps my sciatica and back with all the sport I do as well as all the weird breastfeeding positions I must manoeuvre in to. Also in doesn’t move too much when my kids or husband are rolling in their sleep.

• Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?

Yes I am now a mattress evangelist! I would be pleased with either Kindred or Spirit mattresses depending on your budget, and I love the fact that both mattresses are made of natural materials.

• What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?

I always try to justify my shopping sprees as an “investment,” but I now genuinely believe that a good mattress is an amazing investment especially now I know you’re supposed to change your mattress every 8 years (rather than every year as I thought), so to break down the cost over 8 years – it is value for money and something I use every single night.

Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?
A big fat 10/10 for the Dreams/Mumsnet Kindred mattress - it's like a doctor for my back every time I lay on it.

Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.
As Boo spends a considerable chunk of time at my Mum's due to me travelling so much for work, I was surprised that even a few hours sleep on it (when I've crawled into bed to sneak a hug with Boo after being away) is enough to reset me, the firm supportive structure of the Kindred mattress is an instant fix and I'm asleep in minutes no matter how hard I try to think of a million things!

What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?
Even though it's still early days the mattress is looking - and feeling - as good as the day it was delivered. I'm proud of our design

Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details.
Absolutely - like most parents I haven't had the luxury of spending 10+ hours a night in it, but this mattress reaffirms the most important aspect of sleep: quality over quantity... as a mother I'm Queen of hugs in our hour but the Kindred mattress is a hug for me (yes I know it sounds cheesy as heck but it's really true!)

Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?
I've not stopped talking about the mattresses that we designed, I'm so proud of what we all achieved and for Dreams for really listening to our ideas. The Kindred and Spirit mattresses aren't just for parents there for anyone that takes their sleep seriously.

What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?
For me it was learning the design and manufacture process - there is literally so many components that go into making a mattress. I loved discovering just how committed to UK design and manufacture Dreams are - it's a fantastic homegrown brand.

Mumsnet Spirit Mattress

Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?
Whilst I knew that our previous mattress was not the right mattress for us, I wasn't aware of just how bad it was until we slept on the Mumsnet Spirit. Although a medium firm rating it still feels soft, comfortable and supportive all at the same time.

Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.
Absolutely - from getting into a comfortable sleeping position more easily, waking up without aches and pains from an uncomfortable night's sleep. To a reduction in night sweats due to the latex layer.

What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?
The quality and look of the mattress is amazing, you'd easily think that the price point was much higher. The grey siding and piping details offers the contrast against the soft embossed top. With the attention to detail of the Mumsnet bane embroidered onto handles and into the embossing on the top.

Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details.
The top layer is strokeably soft that you can't help but run your hand over as you change the sheets. As someone who suffers from lower back pain I've found that the Mumsnet Spirit offers the support a need in order to get into a comfortable sleeping position. I still get up to tend to my youngest in the night so being able to get up without aches and pains. As well as her back into bed and comfortable within moments is invaluable.

Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?
Without question - we have really noticed the difference in our quality of sleep since using the mattress.

What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?
Just what goes into designing and creating a mattress. It's not something that I had given much thought about previously. However, I know know that there are so many factors that go into creating the different range of mattresses available.

- Overall how satisfied do you feel with the mattress?
I am hugely satsified with the mattress - a big thumbs up from me!

- Do you feel that the mattress has improved the general quality of your sleep? Please specify how it has improved your sleep.
I had been suffering from a lot of lower back pain as I drive to and from work so was keen to try out a new mattress. I have been really pleased that my back is feeling so much better and is more supported than it was.

- What do you think of the quality and look of the mattress?
When I saw the mattress for the first time, it just oozes luxury and comfort. It makes me excited to get into bed as it's so comfy :)

- Do you feel the mattress is comfortable and supportive? If yes, please give more details.
The mattress is very supportive and I feel much more comfort compared to my memory foam mattress I've had for years. It's absolutely transformed my sleep and my partner's too!

- Would you recommend the mattress to a friend and/or family member?
Without a shadow of doubt, I would!

- What was the best thing you learnt whilst at the Dreams Bed Factory sleep panel day?
I was so surprised to learn that you can get memory foam & spring combi mattresses. I always though memory foam was the most supportive for my back - it was fascinating to hear how many different varieties of mattress are available.

Non tester - if your bed could do anything in the world, what would it be? - Well for me it would be make the lunchboxes for school, straighten my hair and apply my make up - then morph into a car to take us all to school and work, so we don't have to stand on an overcrowded bus.