The best mattress in the UK 2021

Choosing the best mattress for your budget is easier than ever and that’s because mattresses are much better these days. The build quality is higher and innovative materials and features, ranging from cooling gels to zoned support for your back, help you stay comfy and cool during sleep. We are confident about this because we have reviewed and researched the latest UK models, including memory foam and hybrid mattresses, and have analysed thousands of user reviews too.

In this guide we rank the UK's best mattresses, whether you’re searching for a comfy yet affordable upgrade, or a luxury mattress to create a super-cosy sleep nest. All of our featured mattresses work with a range of bed frames and bases too, from platforms to divans, so you should easily find one to fit your existing bed. Ordering is also simple, so you can get a new mattress delivered to your front door in just a few clicks.

Even better, the best mattress you can buy in the UK right now is also one of the cheapest. The Emma Original, our top pick for all sleeping positions, is priced from just £274, proving that good sleep needn’t cost the earth. In fact, online mattresses are often far more affordable than those sold only in stores because bed-in-a-box manufacturers don’t have the same overheads as brands with bricks and mortar shops. So you can get a higher quality mattress for less.

There are other perks to buying a mattress online too, including free delivery and a risk-free trial period. Mattress trials are important because your body takes around three weeks (on average) to get used to a new bed. We'd recommend choosing a mattress with a trial period of at least 30 nights (most of the models featured below have 100-night trials or longer). Keep in mind your dominant sleeping position, the level of firmness you need and your maximum budget and you’ll easily find the best mattress for you. Let’s take a look at the comfiest, most supportive options now...

The best mattress UK 2021 – as rated by experts

Emma is one of the most popular mattress in a box brands, and the Emma Original is the cheapest model it sells. If you want a good all-rounder memory foam mattress that suits all sleeping positions, this is an excellent choice. In particular, because it’s on the softer side of medium firm, it comfortably cradles your hips and knees when you sleep on your side. And while it does provide a comforting hug feel, it won’t swallow you, making it suitable for back and stomach sleepers too. 

All of that ample cushioning means the Emma Original is great at absorbing motion, so restless couples will have a better time sleeping on this mattress  because you won’t feel each other moving around as much. The all-foam Emma also promotes healthy spinal alignment, which is important for your posture over the long-term (an unsupportive mattress can wreak havoc on your back). 

While standard memory foam mattresses can sleep hot, the Emma uses open-pore foam to regulate in-bed temperature. It certainly felt more breathable than other foam models we’ve slept upon, but this isn’t a proper cooling mattress. So if you sleep very hot, look at the Eve Premium Hybrid below as this has a more powerful cooling performance.

Like the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (our No 2 pick), the Emma’s most attractive feature is the price. It’s the cheapest model in our best mattress UK guide, making it brilliant value for money, second only to the Nectar. The difference is that Nectar runs bigger discounts and also gives you free bedding gifts. Still, if you want a good yet affordable mattress for your bedroom or guest room, the Emma Original is a fantastic choice. For the latest savings, read our guide to the best Emma mattress sales and discounts.

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is fantastic value for money and we highly recommend it to those wanting a comfy, all-foam mattress for less. As a medium firm mattress, it supports most sleeping positions (though it’s especially comfy for side sleepers) and hits that sweet spot between all-body comfort and proper spine alignment. Nectar also runs a 365-night trial (love it or get your money back), so there’s nothing to lose here.

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is made up of five layers of foam that contour to your body and deliver pressure relief around your back, hips and shoulders. This means less aches and pains for you when lying down and upon waking. Unusually for an all-foam mattress, the Nectar doesn’t overheat – we asked a self-confessed hot sleeper to snooze on this one and they didn’t end up a sweltering mess.

The Nectar is good for couples too, especially if you or your partner toss and turn a lot in bed. Why? Because it absorbs motion well (so you won’t feel the other person moving so much). There’s also decent edge support, so you can both spread out and enjoy your wider mattress space. 

Value for money is the ace card here though. With regular Nectar mattress deals and discounts of up to £520 off plus free gifts worth around £315, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress out-guns every other pick in our best mattress UK guide. The Emma Original (see above) is cheaper, but it doesn’t come with free gifts.

If you’re unsure about sleeping on an all-foam mattress or need a firmer option for back support, take a look at the Eve Premium Hybrid (No 4). It uses coils as well as foam, so it’s more breathable. Just keep in mind that the Eve is more expensive than the Nectar and the trial period is shorter.

The Simba Hybrid proves that you don’t have to pay over the odds for a great night’s sleep. By design, hybrid mattresses are more breathable than all-foam models – because they use coils or springs, air moves more freely within the mattress – so the Simba is a better choice for people who sleep warm. The Simba Hybrid also uses graphite-infused memory foam, and graphite is a material that aids cooling by dissipating body heat. If heat doesn’t build-up, the mattress remains cooler.

Hybrids are also firmer by design than all-foam models, making them more supportive for heavier bodies that would otherwise sink too much into a softer mattress (not great for your spine). The Simba Hybrid uses a combination of 2,500 Aerocoil springs and premium foam to deliver this level of consistent support. There’s a support layer and a support base at work here, giving this hybrid a firmer feel from the ground up.

The Simba Hybrid is also popular with people wanting a more eco-friendly mattress, as it uses Simba-Pure CertiPUR certified foam that’s free from toxins that are harmful to you and the planet. There are other organic mattresses worth looking at if you want a more natural sleeping experience (namely, latex mattresses), but these are much more expensive. For the latest savings, read our guide to the best Simba mattress sales and discounts.

The Simba Hybrid has amassed over 92,000 user reviews (as of Sept 2021), generating an average rating of 4.8 out 5 stars, and customers highlight its comfort, support and cooling. The Eve Premium Hybrid is another highly rated pick for cooling and back support, but out of the two we’d recommend the Simba. The brand also makes one of the best weighted blankets for calmer sleep, which could be a cosy addition to your new mattress.

Proper cooling mattresses are very expensive, but the Eve Hybrid Premium does a similar job by using top layers of graphite-infused cushioning foam; graphite is a material that quickly draws away excess heat. 1,500 pocket springs toward the bottom of the Eve also keep the air moving freely, which increases how breathable this mattress is. 

As the Eve Premium Hybrid is firmer than all-foam models like the Nectar and the Emma Original, you sleep right on top of the mattress where it’s cooler. For these reasons, we recommend the Eve Hybrid Premium to people who sleep very hot but don’t have the budget for a high tech cooling mattress. (Compared to the growing US market, UK cooling mattresses aren’t as widely available yet anyway.)

That much firmer feel also makes the Eve Hybrid Premium a good choice for heavier bodies that need extra support to stop them sinking too far into the mattress (not a healthy move for your spine). People with lighter weight bodies may find it too hard though, especially lightweight side sleepers - look at the Emma Original above instead, which offers more cushioning and pressure relief for your hips and knees. Just keep in mind that the Emma isn’t as breathable as the Eve or the Nectar Memory Foam.

Does your current mattress give you a sore back? Sounds like you need more pressure relief, and the 1,500 pocket springs in the Eve Premium Hybrid will dish this out while keeping your spine aligned in a healthy yet comfy way. The Brook + Wilde Lux (No 5) is worth looking at too, as it offers enhanced shoulder and back care support. Motion transfer is very good on the Eve too, so you shouldn’t be woken up as much by your partner changing position during the night. For the latest offers, see our guide to the best Eve mattress sales and discount codes.

Luxury sleep brand Brook + Wilde manufactures its mattresses in the UK and focuses on a mattress design that relieves pressure across your body so that you feel more comfy during sleep. The six-layer Lux comprises a sturdy foam base, followed by a layer of 1,000 pocket springs (you need these for a little bounce). Next up is a central layer of foam moulded into a wave design to keep your spine aligned and to boost support and comfort to your shoulders. 

Brooke + Wilde has also added in 2,000 mini springs that respond to your every move in bed (again, to reduce pressure points), and a layer of cooling memory foam to make the Lux more breathable. That foam pulls double duty to reduce how much you feel your partner fidgeting next to you while you’re trying to sleep. Put another way, if you sleep warm, or you need back and shoulder support, or if you share a bed with a restless sleeper, the Brooke + Wilde Lux could make a noticeable difference to how well you sleep.

At £899 for a double size six-layer mattress, the Brook + Wilde Lux is reasonably priced compared to its competition. We particularly like the choice of three different firmness levels, and the addition of dedicated shoulder support from the brand’s own Wave technology. If the mattress isn’t right, Brook + Wilde will exchange it for a different firmness or give you a full refund but only after 30 days of the 100-night trial. 

Delivery takes place within two weeks for the Lux (it’s up to eight weeks on the brand’s Ultima mattresses), so if you need a new mattress asap, and you want a hybrid model we’d suggest the Simba instead. It has a similar price (cheaper with a discount), but admittedly it isn’t as luxurious as the Brook + Wilde.

Sealy is an established UK mattress brand, and the medium firm Teramo Latex 1400 (also known as the Nostromo 1400) is one of its more popular models. This comfy hybrid mattress takes its name from a layer of 1,400 cased pocket springs used to deliver proper spinal alignment and all-night pressure relief. A 2.5cm latex layer boosts comfort, support and cooling (latex is a naturally cooling material).

The cosy pillow top doubles down on that in-bed comfort, and because the Tencel cover is antimicrobial, it keeps dust mites at bay to ensure your mattress remains fresher for longer. At 30cm in height the Teramo Latex 1400 is also one of the tallest options in our best mattress UK guide, which is good news for comfort levels, but it does mean that you’ll need a deeper fitted sheet if you add on a bed topper.

One of the main issues when sharing a bed is space. Namely, that you and your partner have enough to feel comfortable during sleep. The Teramo Latex 1400 has a reinforced edge so that you can really spread out without feeling like you might tumble off the bed any second. It distributes weight evenly too, which is important for combination sleepers who shift position throughout the night. Why? Because if the mattress doesn’t redistribute your weight quickly, you could end up feeling more pressure (discomfort) on your body.

The Teramo Latex 1400 is a medium firm model that suits back sleepers, stomach sleepers and people with a heavier body weight. If you’re a dedicated side sleeper or have a lighter weight body, and you aren’t completely sold on a hybrid, check out the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress or the Emma Original further up this guide. For a softer hybrid, choose the Brook + Wilde Lux in soft or medium.

Caring for the Teramo Latex 1400 is easy as it doesn’t need to be flipped, just rotated every 3-6 months (read our feature answering how often should you rotate your mattress for more). Rotating it is simple to do thanks to the reinforced handles on both sides. The Sealy Teramo Latex 1400 comes with a five-year guarantee and free delivery. Compared to the competition from newer brands, this Sealy mattress is more expensive, but it’s regularly on sale for up to 45% depending on where you shop.

The Tempur Hybrid is known for its full body contouring comfort and is popular among people with back and neck pain who need pressure relief in multiple sleeping positions. This Tempur comes in three versions: the Supreme (21cm tall), Elite (25cm) and Luxe (30cm). Each uses Advanced Tempur material - the brand’s famous pressure-relieving foam, originally developed by NASA to boost in-flight comfort. It also uses sci-fi-sounding visco-elastic cells that adapt to your posture during sleep, but there’s much more at play here.

In fact, there’s more sleep tech here than in any other model in our best mattress UK guide. Tempur-Pedic’s Dynamic Support technology, plus a series of pocketed micro coil springs, is responsible for comfort, while a DuraBase minimises motion transfer and keeps the entire mattress stable. If you have a heavier body, the Elite offers 3cm more Dynamic Support, plus 1cm more Tempur magic to boost your comfort. The Luxe version is the deepest, most plush of the three, and all three come in 10 different sizes, including longer models, making it an excellent choice if you’re tall. 

The removable mattress cover is another benefit as you can machine wash it (at temperatures of up to 60°C) to kill dust mites and other allergens. The Elite and Luxe models take this up a gear with a premium zippable QuickFresh cover. Either way, your actual Tempur mattress will be better protected from stains and bacteria.

As well as being known for high levels of contouring comfort, Tempur-Pedic mattresses have higher price tags. The Tempur Hybrid is no exception, but considering the average lifespan is 8-10 years on a model of this type, it’s a small price to pay for comfier sleep. You’ll get 100 nights to try the mattress for yourself, and if you change your mind, Tempur-Pedic will collect it and issue you a refund. Like the Sealy Teramo 1400 above, we often see the Tempur Hybrid mattress on sale, so it’s rare that you’ll have to pay full price.

The Otty Pure Hybrid Bamboo and Charcoal Mattress is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly mattress that uses natural, non-toxic materials to keep you cool without aggravating your allergies. For example, bamboo won’t aggravate asthma or sensitive skin like some synthetic mattress materials can. All the foam used in the Otty Pure Hybrid Bamboo and Charcoal Mattress is CentiPUR and Europur approved too, which guarantees they are free of high levels of toxins.

Otty has designed this mattress with three layers of foam to boost comfort for all sleeping styles (stomach, back, side, combi), and has infused it with a layer of 16cm pocket springs to deliver more support around your back, hips and shoulders and for your joints. Those springs also minimise motion transfer, which is a must if you’re sharing with a restless sleeper.

Feeling too hot in bed can really mess with your sleep, and the Otty Pure Hybrid Bamboo and Charcoal Mattress aims to combat this with a top support layer that marries bamboo memory foam with temperature regulating charcoal. There’s charcoal in the mattress cover too – it’s there to wick away sweat so that it doesn’t seep through and stain your mattress (those yellow marks that build up over time). 

Otty runs a 100-night trial, so you’ll have enough time to make sure this is the best mattress for your sleep. Delivery is free to your doorstep, but Otty charges an extra £10 if you want it delivered to your bedroom, whereas other brands like Brook + Wilde offer this service for free. You can also pay extra and have your old mattress collected (most UK mattress brands charge around £40 for collection). For what it offers, the Otty Pure Hybrid Bamboo and Charcoal Mattress is reasonably priced and definitely one to try if you want to make the switch to more natural sleep without paying the higher price for a fully organic mattress.

Rem-Fit has made its name as the go-to mattress maker for people who have intense workout routines and know that sleep is the key to better, faster recovery. The Rem-Fit 500 Ortho is perfect for this, but it’s also a great choice of mattress for enhanced back care. With edge-to-edge support, this hybrid orthopaedic mattress is constructed in layers that are not only stable, but cooling and breathable too. A layer of 15cm pocket springs helps minimise motion transfer if you share a bed.

Sleepers prone to back problems and general aches and pains will also benefit from the Rem-Fit 500 Ortho’s zoned pressure relief. That’s because it incorporates various densities into the top layer of memory foam to deliver targeted support for bonier areas while keeping your posture aligned. Other top features include open-cell memory foam to regulate temperature and prevent you waking throughout the night because you’re too hot. There’s also a breathable cover, which can be removed and machine washed.

If you prefer a softer mattress, the Rem-Fit 500 Ortho isn’t the best choice for you so look at the Nectar Memory Foam or Simba Hybrid instead. For fitness fans needing a supportive bed to boost recovery, and for people who have been advised to sleep on an orthopedic mattress to look after their back, the Rem-Fit 500 is an excellent choice. It also supports up to 20 stone in weight per sleeper, making it one of the best mattresses for heavier bodies, like the more expensive Tempur Hybrid (No 7).

The Dormeo S Plus Evolution is designed for people who wake up often throughout the night because they can’t get comfy (or they don’t stay comfy for long). Even better, it has a clever trick up its sleeve: this innovative mattress is divided into two halves, each of which can be flipped to a softer or firmer surface. Simply unzip the cover and choose the side you each want. 

If that isn’t enough customisation, you can choose which end to have at the top. Dormeo’s all-foam Octasprings fall into zones, so we recommend keeping them closer to your head and neck for more bounce, or rotating the mattress the other way for more support at the shoulders.

The Dormeo S Plus Evolution’s Octaspring technology also delivers plenty of ventilation, as does the mattress’s breathable and elastic Ecocell foam. The mattress cover provides an anti-bacterial sweat-wicking layer that is also dust-mite resistant, making it ideal if you suffer from allergies. 

There’s lots on offer here, which is good considering the more premium price. There are two downsides here. The first is that there’s only a 60-night trial, which is nearly half as short as the other brands in our guide, but that should still give you a good feel for the mattress (experts recommend at least 30 days). Secondly, while delivery is free, you will have to pay to have the mattress returned if you change your mind. Even so, this is a great quality hybrid offering a lot of comfort customisation for couples. For the latest savings on this model and others, read our guide to the best Dormeo mattress sales and discount codes.

How to buy a mattress online: expert tips

When buying a mattress online, make sure you’re buying from a company that offers a risk-free trial period of at least 30 nights (most of our top picks are 100 nights or more). It can take your body around three weeks or longer to get used to a new mattress, so these trial periods are vital and are much more effective than lying down on a mattress for five minutes in a shop.

If you change your mind during that trial period, you can get a refund from the brand and they will collect the mattress from you. Some manufacturers offer free returns while others charge a returns fee, so read the terms and and conditions before you buy so that you aren’t surprised.

Think about your sleeping position you normally fall asleep in and feel comfiest in when in bed, and any health needs you may have. Couple those with your budget, and who else you are sharing your bed with, and you’ll be able to quickly narrow down the potential best mattresses for you. 

We’d also recommend looking for any discounts on your chosen mattress before you part with your money, as there are usually plenty of good mattress sales to lower the overall price you’ll pay. Sometimes you’ll get a deal that gives you money off and free gifts (usually bedding) too.

Black Friday mattress deals are generally regarded as the best way to buy a great mattress for less, as manufacturers lower their prices just in time for all that holiday season shopping. So even if a mattress brand offers 35% off year-round, if they lower the actual prices of their mattresses for Black Friday, that will make the mattresses cheaper overall for you to buy. 

To help you narrow down your shortlist when mattress shopping, keep the following in mind:

* Make sure the mattress is designed to support your sleeping style.

* If you sleep warm, choose a mattress that’s breathable or cooling (best).

* If you share with a restless sleeper, ensure your mattress focuses on motion isolation.

* For neck and back pain relief, choose a mattress with zoned support around your neck, shoulders and back.

* Always pick a mattress that comes on a risk-free sleep trial. If it doesn’t, ask why that’s the case.

* For maximum hygiene, choose a mattress with a machine washable cover. 

Many of the best UK mattress brands are available to shop online, but some of the traditional (legacy) manufacturers sell their mattresses in store too. If you do choose to buy this way, ask about a mattress trial and don’t get fobbed off with a 5-minute lie-down test in store; this simply isn’t enough to help you decide if your new mattress will help you sleep comfortably over the years to come. If you're unsure which size to buy, read our easy guide to mattress sizes and bed dimensions.

The UK’s top-rated mattresses: full list

There’s more to the top mattresses than just Emma and Simba. We highlighted those two because they are great value for money and pack a lot of mattress tech into their smaller price tags. But there are other great innerspring, memory foam and hybrid mattresses to consider too. Here’s our full list of top picks:

• Best UK mattress for all sleepers: Emma Original
• Best affordable UK mattress with gifts: Nectar Memory Foam
• Best hybrid UK mattress: Simba Hybrid Original
• Best cooling UK mattress: Eve Premium Hybrid
• Best luxury UK mattress: Brook + Wilde The Lux
• Best latex mattress: Sealy Teramo Latex 1400
• Best UK mattress for heavier bodies: Tempur Hybrid
• Best eco-friendly UK mattress: Otty Pure
• Best mattress for recovery: Rem-Fit 500
• Best dual-firmness mattress: Dormeo S Plus Evolution

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