1. Best for most people
2. Best memory foam
3. Best Hybrid
4. Best luxury
5. Best organic
How we test
Our mattress testing process is editorially independent. We sleep on each mattress for three weeks and test it in a range of key areas including comfort, pressure relief, motion isolation and temperature regulation. Read our methodology for more info.
Finding the best mattress to enhance your sleep can be daunting if you don't know what to look for. However, our team of experts are here to help. We've meticulously tested beds from all of the major brands to create this guide, featuring our top recommendations for a range of sleep styles and budgets.
To do this we evaluate all key aspects of mattress performance: pressure relief, support, comfort, temperature regulation, edge support, motion isolation and build quality. We also enlist the help of a wider testing panel made up of people with different body types and sleep styles to help us create a balanced overview of each mattress. We then use that data-backed research to inform our ranking of 2023's best mattresses.
Buying a mattress online without lying on it first sounds risky, but as the bed in a box market continues to expand, more brands are offering generous at-home trial periods so you can test your new mattress for longer, and return it if it's still not right for you. Thanks to regular mattress sales, in many cases you can ignore RRP, and if you shop at the right time you can snag a real bargain – you'll find deals info with each entry. Here are our top-rated picks for 2023's best mattresses...
Best mattress overall for 2023
The best mattress for most people right now is the Brook + Wilde Lux. This hybrid boasts high quality materials and delivers a luxury sleep feel, and provided you use one of the (regular) discount codes, it's extremely good value too. Brook + Wilde is a luxury sleep brand that manufactures its mattresses in the UK. Originally, you could pick from three firmness levels, but as of autumn 2022 you can only get this bed in a medium sleep feel (the option to choose softer or firmer is still available on the other beds in from this brand).
For our Brook + Wilde Lux review, we tested a double size in medium firmness, and were hugely impressed. Because these beds are made to order, delivery times are longer than usual, but you do get White Glove Delivery included as standard, which means the mattress will be fully setup in your room of choice, with packaging removed.
The six-layer Lux comprises a sturdy foam base, different sized spring layers to boost responsiveness, add a little bounce, and allow airflow through the bed. A central layer of foam is moulded into a wave design to keep your spine aligned correctly as you sleep. At the top, you'll find a layer of memory foam, which provides a little of that hugging feel and relives pressure points (it's particularly welcome when lying on your side). That foam also works to reduce how much you feel your partner fidgeting next to you while you’re trying to sleep. If 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 RRP, these a firmly in the luxury price bracket, but you can almost always pick it up for 40% off or more, which shifts it into mid-range. For what you're getting here, that's outstanding value – we've slept on plenty of pricier mattresses that are nowhere near as comfy as this one, and it feels luxurious and high-quality too. If the mattress isn’t right, Brook + Wilde will give you a full refund but only after 30 days of the 200-night trial.
Best memory foam mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is fantastic value for money and is the best option for anyone wanting a firmer all-foam mattress than the Emma. As a medium firm mattress, during mattress testing we found that 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 mattress 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 – the lead tester for our Nectar Mattress review, is a hot sleeper yet she didn't end up a sweltering mess after nights on the Nectar. 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.
Regular Nectar mattress deals mean you'll never need to pay RRP, and should be able to pick up a double for under £500, pretty much year-round.
Note: Judging by Emma's recent TrustPilot reviews, there have been some issues with this brand fulfilling orders. We contacted Emma for comment and were told it was due to a technical error, which has been resolved. We're keeping a close eye on the situation and will include any relevant updates here.
Emma is one of the most popular mattress in a box brands, and the Emma Original is the cheapest model it sells. After testing it for an extended period of time, we can easily recommend this as one of our favourite memory foam mattress picks. The slightly softer sleep feel makes it particularly good for side sleepers, with the top layers providing a comforting hug feel and gently cradling your hips and knees. While it's suitable for back and stomach sleepers, you might want to consider something firmer such as the Nectar below, for extra support.
During our Emma mattress review testing process we found that all of that ample cushioning means the Emma Original is great at absorbing motion, so if you share a bed with a restless partner, or someone on a different sleep schedule to you, their movements shouldn't disturb your slumber.
One minor downside to be aware of is that Emma beds can trap body heat. While it was absolutely fine for the majority of our testing period, we did note that on hot nights it did start to feel uncomfortably warm. If you sleep very hot, consider one of the hybrids in our ranking – these almost always sleep cooler than all-foam models, as the springs create space for air to circulate within the mattress. You could also check out the Emma Original Plus joined the range, which looks to be exactly the same as the Original, but with a new cover geared towards cooling.
Emma is a brand where it pays to buy at the right time, as offers vary. The best Emma mattress deals knock around 50% off, and take the price of a double down to around £350 (lower mid-range), which is excellent value for such a high-quality all-foam model.
Best hybrid mattress
DreamCloud is arguably better known in States where the range is bigger, and we tested the UK version and were very impressed. Following over three weeks of testing, we recommend the five-layer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid as the best mattress for couples because it uses ActivEdge pocket springs to ensure every inch of the surface is supportive. So you can spread out and sleep right up to the edge without any dipping or fear or falling out of bed. Another tick for bed sharers is the support foam base which, along with the 15cm premium pocket springs housed within the fourth layer, isolate motion. (If your mattress lacks motion isolation, the entire thing will feel unstable and whenever you move in bed your partner will feel it.)
In our DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review we found that this bed had a firmer sleep feel, which would suit heavier body weights in addition to couples and restless sleepers who move around a lot in bed. A layer of support foam should keep you comfy in most sleeping positions, but especially when back and stomach sleeping. If you sleep on your side you might be comfier on a squishier mattress such as the Emma Original. We do like how breathable this one is though, and that’s down to better airflow in and around those pocket springs, plus the layer of Dream Plush memory foam and a breathable quilted top cover.
Like its sister brand Nectar Sleep, DreamCloud offers a 365-night risk-free trial, so you’ll have a year to try yours out at home to ensure it’s the best choice for your sleep. There’s free delivery and returns, and you can pay £40 for DreamCloud to remove your old mattress too (this doesn’t happen on the same day as delivery).
You can ignore the RRP here, as the evergreen DreamCloud mattress sale takes around 45% off, lowering the price of a double down to around £730, which we'd consider upper mid-range.
If you prefer a firmer sleep feel, the Eve Premium Hybrid is an outstanding choice. It's an excellent all-rounder, scoring highly in all our tests, but it especially shines when it comes to temperature regulation. 'Proper' cooling mattresses are very expensive, but the Eve Hybrid Premium does a similar job by infusing the top foam layers with graphite, a material that draws away excess heat. You also sleep right on top of the mattress where it's cooler. For these reasons, we recommend the Eve Hybrid Premium as the best choice for people who sleep very hot but don't have the budget for a high-tech cooling mattress. (Compared to the growing US market, cooling mattresses aren't as widely available in the UK.)
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, lightweight side sleepers in particular might be better on something like the Emma Original above, which offers more cushioning and pressure relief for hips and knees. Just keep in mind that the Emma isn’t as breathable as the Eve or Nectar Memory Foam options.
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 is worth looking at too, as it offers enhanced shoulder and back care support. At RRP this is premium-priced mattress, but the brand runs 40% off deals fairly often, which shifts it down to the upper mid-range category.
Next up in our best mattress UK ranking is the Simba Hybrid. 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 great choice for people who sleep warm. We have many hot sleepers on our mattress testing panel and none of them overheated on this mattress. The Simba Hybrid uses graphite-infused memory foam, and graphite is a material that aids cooling by dissipating body heat. So if heat doesn’t build-up, the mattress remains cooler. This was certainly our experience when testing it out for our Simba Hybrid Mattress review.
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. And for the full Simba experience, pair this mattress with Simba's own top-rated base; see our Simba Sirius bed base review for all the facts.
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 such as the Simba GO, lower down the list), but these are much more expensive.
The Simba Hybrid has amassed over 94K user reviews on the Simba website (March 2023), generating an average rating of 4.8 out 5 stars, and customers highlight its comfort, support and cooling.
Best luxury mattress
The Tempur Hybrid excels when it comes to full body contouring comfort and is the best choice for people with sore joints who need pressure relief in multiple sleeping positions. This Tempur comes in two versions: the 21cm tall Supreme and 25cm Elite (there was also originally a 30cm Luxe option). 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, as well as a layer of pocketed micro coil springs .
Never mind the buzzwords though – what's really important is what it's like to sleep on. In our Tempur-Pedic Tempur Hybrid Mattress Elite review our testers found this bed dreamily comfortable. The feel of the Tempur material is quite unique; you sink in slowly, with the material cradling you to give a kind of floating sensation, and it's not super easy to change position. Most people either love it or hate it, but our testers were firmly in the former camp. Even our lightest weight tester, at 50kg and 5”2, felt incredibly supported and enjoyed the excellent pressure relief that this mattress provided.
Back sleepers will love this mattress, we could feel each pressure point being cushioned and our spine being held evenly as we slept on our backs. It’s the same story for side sleeping, and those of average or heavier weights in particular will benefit from the firmness and cradling on offer. Front sleeping is always going to be tricky to get right, and while our lighter weight combination sleeper occasionally struggled, they were still able to eventually find a comfortable front-sleeping position.
Memory foam beds can sleep hot, but here we were impressed again. Our testers slept on this bed during a 35C heatwave, and we managed to keep our cool even during those incredibly warm nights. There is a lot of skin-to-mattress contact, though, so if you know you're a hot sleeper, you might prefer a bed you sleep on top of rather than sinking into.
The removable mattress cover can be machine washed at temperatures of up to 60°C to kill dust mites and other allergens. One final perk to note is that you can choose from 10 different sizes, including longer models, making it an excellent choice if you’re tall.
There's no avoiding the fact that, even if you manage to snag a deal, a Tempur-Pedic mattress is an investment. You'll sometimes be able to find a discount, but they're by no means regular. If you can't stretch to a full Tempur mattress, a good way to get a bit of that distinctive sleep feel at a lower price is to go for a Tempur topper – the brand sits at the top of our best mattress topper guide.
Note: Judging by Emma's recent TrustPilot reviews, there have been some issues with this brand fulfilling orders. We contacted Emma for comment and were told it was due to a technical error, which has been resolved. We're keeping a close eye on the situation and will include any relevant updates here.
Another award-winning mattress from Emma, the Emma Premium may look like your average bed-in-a-box at first blush. However, you'll begin to appreciate the Premium's more supportive feel as opposed to its stablemate, the Emma Original (#2 on this list) – particularly if you rest on your back or front, or if you're a heavier sleeper.
In our Emma Premium mattress review, we noticed that it'll likely feel firmer than you're accustomed to – it did take us some time to break it in. However, over time we felt settled into it and regardless of our sleep position, we were well-supported. Pressure relief is incredible. As a hybrid, there isn't as much sink as a full-foam bed but its 5-zoned ergonimic design provided us with contouring and support in all the right places.
The Emma Premium also excels at isolating motion, so it's a sound choice if you share a bed with a restless partner. It's also offers a cooler sleep than the Emma Original, thanks to its ultra-breathable foam layers and individually-wrapped springs. On the flip side, edge support is a bit of a letdown so beware if you're one to sit on the edge of the bed to put on your shoes or like to sprawl out when sleeping. (We'd recommend the DreamCloud at #3 instead if stable edge support is a must for you.)
It's worth hanging on for an Emma mattress sale before you buy, because at full price this is pushing into the premium range, whereas if you buy with 50% off (a sale that crops up not too rarely), it drops right down to lower-mid range. Note: as of early 2023, Emma has added a 'Hybrid Premium' to the lineup. We're talking about the Emma Premium here (which is, confusingly, also a hybrid mattress) – make sure you don't pick up the wrong one. You'll get 200 nights to trial it at home, with free returns and a full refund if it doesn't work. Otherwise, a 10-year guarantee applies.
Best organic mattress
The Simba GO Hybrid Mattress emphasizes sustainable sleep. It's crafted from recycled mesh and fibres, and includes free carbon-neutral delivery. (Unsurprisingly, it arrives in packaging made from 100% recyclable materials.) Unlike its sibling the Simba Hybrid (at #6 on this list), the Simba GO uses latex instead of memory foam – a first for the brand. The result is a more buoyant feel than Simba's other beds.
In our Simba GO Hybrid Mattress review, we found that combination sleepers will benefit from the bounciness of the latex as it makes it easy to change positions. However, front sleepers and heavier sleepers may find themselves sinking too far into the mattress and eventually lying on the coils, so they'll be keen to go for something firmer with more support.
The Simba GO also does an exceptional job of keeping sleepers cool at night. Whether we used a summer duvet (4.5 tog) or a thick fleece blanket, our hottest sleepers remained comfortable. Latex is naturally cooling, and the breathable organic cotton cover helps wick away moisture when working in tandem with a Simba Renew layer directly underneath. (It's made from 75% recycled fibres.)
Organic mattresses tend to be pricier than most other types of mattresses due to the high quality of their ethically-sourced materials, but if you suffer from allergies (or want to do your part to leave the world in better shape), it's worth the investment. Fortunately, the Simba GO is already seeing substantial markdowns – it first launched in September 2022 and is tied as Simba's most expensive model. You'll get 200 nights to trial it at home, and a 10-year guarantee to back your purchase.
Best dual-firmness mattress
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 though. The first is that there’s only a 60-night trial, which is nearly half as short as the other brands in our best mattress 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.
What is the best type of mattress?
There is no one mattress type to rule them all. Instead, the best type of mattress for you depends upon a few key factors including your body weight and whether you have any specific health or posture needs. When buying a new mattress, you’ll come across these four main types:
Memory foam mattresses
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A fantastic choice for anyone who likes to feel hugged during sleep. All-foam mattresses are cosy, but basic foams can sleep warm (they retain heat). The exceptions are breathable or open-pored foam materials as used on the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress and the Emma Original. Read our dedicated guide to the best memory foam mattresses to discover this year's top-rated options.
We also answer some common questions about all-foam beds in our article answering what is a memory foam mattress.
Hybrid mattresses
You’ll find the most innovative mattress materials within hybrid mattresses, which is one reason why they are more expensive than all-foam models. They are more breathable by design (they use coils, around which air moves more freely), making them a good mattress type for warm sleepers.
You may be surprised at how firm they feel compared to a foam mattress though, so keep this in mind if you enjoy soft beds.
Innerspring mattresseses
These use coils (interconnected or pocket spring) to offer more bounce than foam models, and aren’t quite as firm as hybrids. The more springs your mattress has the more support it gives.
Innerspring mattresses are also a good choice for hot sleepers as, again, air moves freely through them. They can feel a little firm to begin with, so consider adding one of the best mattress toppers to increase your comfort.
Latex mattresses
A good choice for people who want a more natural mattress with lower levels of toxins. Latex is cooling, durable and long-lasting, giving you good sleep comfort and value for money over the long-term. That also means latex mattresses are usually more expensive than mattresses made using synthetic materials.
How to choose the best mattress for you
Choosing a good mattress for you begins with thinking about your current sleep challenges. Do you often wake up because you feel too hot? Does your restless partner wake you up with their tossing and turning? These are all legitimate criteria to keep in mind when picking a new mattress.
Here's our handy checklist to help you find the best mattress for your sleep:
1. What is your dominant sleeping position?
Most mattresses are supportive for all positions, but you’ll find that they normally excel at one or two. For example, memory foam offers extra cushioning during side sleeping, while hybrids offer better support for back sleepers.
2. Are you sharing with a restless sleeper?
Motion isolation is what you need to look for. Your sleep will be less disturbed if you pick a mattress with ample foam and springs to isolate motion and evenly distribute weight from you and your partner across the entire mattress.
3. Do you sleep hot?
Choose a breathable mattress. Look for materials such as open cell or perforated foam, or gel-infused foam, or the inclusion of cooling materials such as copper and graphite. Generally speaking, hybrids are more breathable than foam as air flows better in and around their coils or springs. Make sure you have a cooling duvet too.
4. What is your budget?
The likes of Emma Sleep and Nectar Sleep prove that a good mattress needn’t cost the earth, so you have more options available to you than you first thought. Usually, mattress prices are at their lowest late November, making Black Friday mattress deals the best way to upgrade for less.
How to choose the right mattress firmness
How soft or firm a mattress feels is rated from 1 (marshmallow soft) to 10 (hard as a log). A medium firmness is one of the most popular choices because it hits that sweet spot between comfort and support.
That said, the feel of a mattress is subjective. When we test them, for example, we often experience them in different ways because members of our review team have different body weights.
Here's how to choose the best mattress firmness for you...
If you weigh 130lbs or less, you will feel comfier on a softer mattress (rated 2-4), especially if you are a lighter weight side sleeper. A softer innerspring or memory foam bed is a good choice here, as it provides cushioning around your back, hips, knees and shoulders. But if you enjoy the feel of a medium firm mattress, anything rated up to a 5 would also suit you.
If you weigh 130lbs to 230lbs, a medium or medium-firm mattress (rated 5-7) will provide the support and spinal alignment you need for a healthy sleep posture. Pick a medium or medium-firm memory foam mattress if you want a cradling effect on your body, or a medium to medium-firm hybrid if you want a slightly firmer feel.
For people who weigh over 230lbs, especially if you co-share your bed with another person weighing over that amount, pick a medium-firm mattress (7 out of 10). That level of firmness will ensure you sleep on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it, so you will remain in alignment during sleep.
How to choose a mattress for your sleep position
Back sleepers
If you sleep on your back, choose a medium-firm mattress to keep you on top of the mattress, rather than letting you sink in. This is vital for back sleeping because you want neutral spine alignment to avoid any pain.
Stomach sleepers
Like back sleepers, you should steer clear of soft mattresses if you snooze on your front. A medium mattress is best for you. Pick one that’s too firm or too soft and it will throw your spine out of alignment and put pressure on your back.
Side sleepers
Your main pressure points in this sleep position are shoulders, hips and knees, so pick a soft to medium mattress with cushioning to relieve pressure around those points. Memory foam is a great choice for side sleepers. For more guidance, read our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers.
When is the best time to buy a new mattress?
If you want the cheapest mattress prices and good discounts, the best time to buy a new mattress is on Black Friday, which falls on the last November of every year.
This is when we see big price drops from major sleep brands, as they are competing with one another for your holiday season custom. Our guide to Black Friday mattress deals contains everything you need to know to help you save the most money.
It's a superb time to buy more expensive mattresses for less too, including expensive cooling models and the best organic mattresses, which normally cost a lot more than other types because they use certified organic materials.
What is the best mattress in the UK right now?
We think the Brook + Wilde Lux is the best mattress in the UK right now as most types of sleepers will find its medium firmness to be just what they need. You'll have to be patient as this bed is handcrafted in the UK and delivery times may run longer than usual. But we trust the wait will be worth it for this affordable luxury mattress. We usually see it on sale for at least 40% off. It comes with a 200-night trial plus a 10-year guarantee.
If you're working with a smaller budget, the Emma Original is another fantastic value for money. Yes, it sleeps a little warm, but it's otherwise a fantastic memory foam mattress, especially for side sleepers. Better yet, it’s often up to 50% off at Emma It comes on a 200-night risk-free trial, with a 10-year warranty.
