The best mattresses in the UK 2025, tried and tested by House & Garden sleep experts
What are the best mattresses to buy in 2025? With current Black Friday deals
There is nothing better than a good, restful night’s sleep–it's been proven to reduce stress and minimise chances of falling ill which is exactly why experts say selecting the best mattress for you is an essential part of maintaining a well-balanced life. Whether you're after a memory foam mattress, pocket sprung, hybrid, or simply here for advice on what to look for when purchasing, we've tried, tested, judged, reviewed and read up on everything there is to know about mattresses.
Beyond the obvious hygiene reasons, your mattress preferences and requirements will change as you age, and sleep experts like The Sleep Charity say that your mattress ‘needs changing every seven years.’ James Leinhardt, founder of UK sleep brand Levitex, advises changing mattresses even more frequently. ‘A good quality mattress should last at least five years, so always make sure it comes with a warranty for peace of mind. That said, don’t just go by the years, if you notice sinking in the middle, find it difficult to move around easily, or you’re waking up uncomfortably or in pain, it’s probably time for a new one.’
You can also take a look at our dedicated guide on how to clean a mattress, in order to keep yours in tip-top condition. However, if you've had it a good while, your beloved old mattress may now be sagging so will not be as reliable for support as it once was; this means that it’s time for a change. Sure, buying a new mattress may seem like an inconvenience today (though most retailers will offer to collect your old one for free or a small charge), it will certainly do wonders for maintaining your overall wellbeing in the long run. Keep reading for the full breakdown of our recommendations.
How House & Garden test the best mattresses
On an aesthetic level, there's not much to distinguish one mattress from another. It's simply impossible to know whether one mattress is better than another from a photo on the internet. To that end, we've rigorously tried, tested and subsequently reviewed the mattresses in this guide to help you make an informed decision. In every case, the House & Garden mattress testers and reviewers have gone on to choose their tested mattress as their permanent sleeping pick. We've outlined our process below, from the criteria we use to assess each mattress to who the team are and where their expertise comes from.
When we send any of our team of mattress experts and sleep writers out to test a mattress, we arm them with a list of criteria to rate and review their mattress against. We're assessing everything from first experiences with the delivery process (was it quick and easy, did they help us recycle our old mattresses), to how our sleep fared night after night, the temperature regulation, how it felt to sleep on our own and as a couple on it, whether or not it had any sagging, and ultimately if it was in line with everything the brand promised about it online (was it really soft, medium or firm?). Only the mattresses that score top marks across all of these features are included in our guide, and we've also noted the pros and cons of each when diving into the details of each mattress below.
Our team at House & Garden is led by Commerce Editor Arabella Bowes who's been writing about everything to do with sleep and interior design for the past five years. She's tried and tested countless mattresses, and oversees the testing process alongside Tilly Wheeler, assigning each mattress that requires testing to a writer who's right for it. They are joined by Daphne Bugler who's been writing about mattresses since 2021, regularly speaking to experts, interviewing sleep specialists and personally testing new and interesting mattress releases herself.
The best mattresses in the UK for 2025: memory foam, hybrid and pocket sprung
A note on our pricing: All prices shown are for a standard double mattress, but you can find information about the price for each size mattress on the retailer websites. As we continue on our quest to find the very best mattress, we hope to test every single one in this guide. Rest assured, you're in safe hands.
Best overall mattress buy: Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress
| Reviewed by: | Ruth Sleightholme, Style Director |
|---|---|
| Firmness: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid (4 foam layers + 1 layer of extra tall springs) |
| Sizes available: | Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU double, EU queen |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Trial period: | All Emma mattresses come with a 200 night sleep trial to ensure your mattress is right |
| Mattress depth: | 25cm |
| Care: | N/A |
| Delivery: | Free |
Previously known as the NextGen Premium, the Emma Hybrid Premium is a hybrid mattress with a higher proportion of pocket springs to foam, which makes it feel much closer to the ‘traditional’ sprung mattress than other equivalent hybrid mattresses. It is a supportive and structured mattress, with four layers of memory foam giving it that appealing suppleness. Thanks to the greater proportion of springs, the Emma Hybrid Premium mattress has 62% less foam than some competitor hybrid mattresses, and the springs themselves are made from 51% recycled steel. Overall, they calculate (using a tool called Planetly by OneTrust) that this mattress has a 54% lower carbon footprint per kilogram than a foam mattress. The Hybrid Premium is on the firm side, making it a good choice for those who sleep on their backs, as well as for side sleepers. It's zoned, too, which means the springs are gentler around the shoulders and hip areas.
Delivery is quick, with Emma mattresses delivered by DPD or UPS. They also offer a collection service for £39, where the mattresses are either resold or donated to charity. The best part? Emma's customer service will send you a ‘comfort layer’ to adjust the firmness of your mattress free of charge if it's not quite right. This is is the second most affordable mattress in our round up, with a double costing £528. Compared to many competitors, whose double mattresses are often much closer to the £1,000 mark, the Hybrid Premium sits at a more accessible price point. For more affordable mattresses, peruse our best cheap mattress guide.
Our tester felt that this mattress leaned towards the firm side, though it is advertised as medium-firm.
A great mattress with good value for money and an easy delivery process.
For a more detailed overview, check out our Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress review
Best hybrid mattress: Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress
- Simba offers a Hybrid Firm Pillow that works alongside this mattress to keep your neck aligned.
- Having a generous 200 nights to trial this premium mattress at home makes the investment in your back health virtually risk-free.
- Weight plays a major role in determining whether a mattress is right for a side sleeper, and this mattress may be too firm for lighter people. However, Simba does offer a Hybrid Mattress Topper if you find this mattress to be too firm.
- At over £1,000 for a double when not on offer, this is an expensive luxury mattress.
| Reviewed by: | Arabella Bowes, Commerce Editor |
|---|---|
| Care: | For the first three months, turn it 180 degrees once a month. Then every three to six months after that |
| Mattress depth: | 28cm |
| Trial period: | 200 nights |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Sizes available: | Single, small double, double, EU double, EU queen, king and super king size |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Firmness: | Medium firm |
| Delivery: | Free |
The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress is part of Simba's ‘hybrid’ line of mattresses, all of which offer layers of springs combined with layers of foam. The pro is their most high spec mattress to date and uses their trademark ‘Aerocoil’ springs as well as a wool layer to create the most comfortable mattress possible. Pair this with one of their bed frames for the best support possible.
Simba offers a range of four hybrid mattresses: Simba Essential, Simba Hybrid, Simba Hybrid Pro and the Simba Hybrid Luxe. As the scale increases, as do the springs and comfort layers. The Simba Hybrid Pro is the second from top high spec mattress (following the Hybrid Pro Luxe) and has eight layers, including a breathable sleep surface, a hypoallergenic wool (read more about the benefits of wool), and a layer of edge-to-edge support, meaning the edges are just as supportive as the middle. It also features their trademark ‘Aerocoil’ micro-cone springs, of which there are 5,000 of in the mattress, to help create this comfy and supportive mattress.
Even better? Thanks to the mattress's springs, if your partner tosses and turns in their sleep you won't be disturbed. Simba also makes some of the best pillows we've tried. The sustainably minded among you will be pleased to hear that all of Simba's pillows, mattresses and duvets are carbon neutral.
Simba often have sales and offers on, so look out for those lucrative moments to consider investing in some of their bestselling sleep products.
The mattress feels somewhat softer than the medium-firm level it is advertised at, so this is something to be aware of. It would be better suited to back or stomach sleepers, than those who sleep on their side.
Great for back pain, best night's sleep in years, some reviews say it's too warm, though our reviewer has not found that to be the case.
For a more detailed review, check out our Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress review
Best mattress for back pain: REM-Fit 600 Lux Elite Hybrid Mattress
| Reviewed by: | Joy Archer, contributing writer |
|---|---|
| Mattress depth: | 25cm |
| Trial period: | 100 nights, or 200 nights when purchasing a mattress protector at the same time |
| Guarantee: | 15 years |
| Sizes available: | Single, small double, double, king and super king |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Firmness: | Medium-firm |
| Material: | Removable, machine washable thermo-regulating hypoallergenic mattress cover, dual-layer spring system, open-cell memory foam |
| Country of manufacture: | UK |
| Care: | Rotate regularly to avoid wear and tear |
The most premium of REM-Fit’s hybrid range, the 600 Lux Elite combines 4,000 multi-zoned pocket springs with advanced foam layers for targeted support and responsive comfort. Handmade in the UK, it offers a medium-firm feel that particularly suits side sleepers and those prone to back pain, balancing contouring softness with reassuring structure.
Arriving vacuum-packed within days of ordering, it quickly expands to full size, with optional delivery services to install and recycle your old mattress. Buyers benefit from one of the most generous trials on the market: 100 nights as standard, or 200 if purchased with a mattress protector.
At once cloud-like and supportive, the 600 Lux Elite Hybrid delivers a fresh, hotel-quality sleep surface without chemical odour, and is designed to provide consistent comfort for years to come – making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking long-term value and restorative rest.
Disposal isn’t included in the free delivery service and adds an additional fee.
This mattress is particularly celebrated for its medium-firm support for side sleepers.
For a more detailed review, check out our REM-Fit 600 Lux Elite Hybrid review
Best mattress for value: Origin Hybrid Pro
| Reviewed by: | Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer |
|---|---|
| Firmness: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | Single, Double, King, Super King |
| Guarantee: | 15 years |
| Trial period: | 200 nights |
| Mattress depth: | 31cm |
| Other features: | Old mattress disposal can be added in, current deal includes two free pillows |
| Delivery: | Free next day delivery |
While Simba and Emma dominated the bed in a box scene in the UK for years, Origin crept in a bit more recently, offering something a bit new - incredible value for money. The Hybrid Pro ticks all of the boxes we have when looking for hybrids, performing consistently well with our reviewers (we've actually had more than one of our experts sleep on this one), and incorporating everything we'd expect from only the most luxurious brands, but at just over £500.
So why is it so good? Well, the design consists of a few key bits of innovation that made a massive difference to our sleep while we tested it. The HexAdapt pillowtop adds plushness, while the addition of a HexaGrid foam helps to contour the body in the right places, relieving pressure and overall leaving us waking up with fewer aches and pains. Add in the springs, of which there are up to 5,700, and we honestly found it to feel more supportive and comfortable than many mattresses double the price. For anyone worried about temperature as well, the design is made to encourage airflow, wicking away heat, preventing moisture from building up, and it's oddly noticeable how cool you feel.
There's very little to say that's negative about the Hybrid Pro - all we'll flag is that there definitely is quite a strong off-gassing smell that comes when you first unbox it. This is totally normal, though, and went away within a few hours, but just bear it in mind if you're planning on sleeping on your mattress on night one.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, Origin customers love everything from the fast delivery (it's literally next day) to the comfort of the mattress. Some do flag that it does come under the firmer side of medium-firm, so do keep this front of mind when you order.
Best medium-firm mattress Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress
| Reviewed by: | Tal Dekel-Daks, Senior Audience Development Manager |
|---|---|
| Firmness: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | UK single, EU single, UK small double, UK double, EU double, UK king, EU king, UK super king and emperor |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Trial period: | 100 nights |
| Mattress depth: | 27cm |
| Care: | The zip off bamboo mattress cover can be removed easily and cleaned in the washing machine or by hand. |
| Other features: | Free old mattress removal and recycling service |
| Delivery: | Free |
We were thoroughly impressed with Panda's first mattress – a cooling hybrid mattress made with bamboo, naturally. Sleepers who tend to overheat will love Panda's Hybrid Bamboo mattress, pegged as the ‘world’s most advanced, breathable bamboo mattress'. It's medium-firm so it's a perfect balance for those who like a mattress that isn't too soft or too firm. It features six layers of optimised airflow; orthopaedic grade support and pressure point perfect comfort but our favourite feature has got to be its multi-zonal springs which isolate movement and means you can sleep soundly even if the person next to you is tossing and turning.
After twelve months of use, the Panda mattress has held up exceedingly well: a year in, the Panda mattress has got me through heat waves, long London winters, a dog sleeping at the end of the bed and a partner who wakes up at 5am to leave for the gym each morning – as well as the first two trimesters of pregnancy. It's safe to say the mattress passes with flying colours.
If there is a downside, our only wish would be for a deeper mattress option. This one comes at a fairly standard 27cm (about 10.6 inches). It is also on the firmer side, which is something that our reviewer loved about it, but may not suit everyone.
Very comfortable and supportive and good at relieving pressure.
For a more detailed review, check out our Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress review
Best premium mattress: Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress
- Very luxurious, you really do get what you pay for.
- Crafted with hi-tech materials.
- Highest number of springs in a Simba mattress, for more adaptive support.
- Quite heavy.
- Perhaps navigating a 35cm high mattress is not the most exciting prospect if your existing sheets don't fit it, or if you prefer a lower height bed.
- Very expensive.
| Reviewed by: | Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes, Deputy Digital Editor |
|---|---|
| Care: | No flipping needed, but it rotate it 180 degrees once a month for the first three months, then every three months for the rest of its life |
| Mattress depth: | 34cm |
| Trial period: | All Simba mattresses come with a 200 night sleep trial, to ensure your mattress is right |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Sizes available: | Single, double, king and super king |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid (13 layers of foam and springs) |
| Firmness: | Medium firm |
The Simba Hybrid Ultra mattress is the absolute top of the range that Simba offer, from their Hybrid line. The Hybrid line combines foam and spring technology, giving sleepers the best of both worlds when it comes to support. It's a whopping 35cm deep (meaning you need deep fitting sheets) because of the amount of layers packed in, which make it, supposedly, the most comfortable, supportive and tech-packed mattress they sell.
The delivery is swift and there are different services you can pay for. A standard service (free) means your mattress is delivered by a team of two to the room of your choice. A ‘VIP’ service for £50 means the mattress is delivered and installed ready for immediate use, with all the packaging removed for you too. The Hybrid Ultra, it is worth noting, is delivered as a VIP item as standard, at no extra cost. For a small extra free, you can specify at checkout that you have a mattress that needs removing and the team will take that with them and give to the not-for-profit mattress recycling team. The VIP service means that the carbon-neutral delivery team stay in contact with you about their arrival time to make sure it suits you.
One year on, and the Simba mattress continues to impress. It has been the best investment in my sleep and continues to be as supportive as it was brand new. The brand advise that you rotate it every few months to ensure you have continual support and, having just done that, it feels brand new again. I'm now pregnant (a condition which throws all manners of discomfort and insomnia your way) and am finding I have no discomfort at all in bed this time around, given how good the mattress is.
This is a particularly deep mattress. At 34cm, it's around 8-10cm higher than a standard one, and therefore requires deeper fitted sheets, which you may need to invest in if your current ones are standard-fitting. Secondly, even though our tester turns hers every six months, she still notes that the mattress develops a dip where she sleeps pretty quickly.
Better than most similar mattress brands, very comfortable.
For a more detailed review, check out our Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress review
Best mattress for couples: Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress
| Reviewed by: | Christabel Chubb, Acting Deputy Digital Editor |
|---|---|
| Care: | No need to flip |
| Mattress depth: | 28cm |
| Trial period: | 1 year |
| Guarantee: | Forever |
| Sizes available: | Single, double, king and super king |
| Type of mattress: | Foam hybrid |
| Firmness: | Medium |
Eight layers of breathable foam, micro-springs, memory foam and firm support base prove themselves to be a perfect combination. Don't let the cloud-like top layer trick you, this is a very supportive mattress that performs well for those with weary backs. If you prefer an ultra-firm mattress, then the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress might not be the right choice, equally if you prefer a ‘pillow-like’ softness. This mattress falls right in the middle: it's comfortable and soft, but it has enough memory foam and support to ensure your spine is aligned throughout the night, whether you sleep on your side of back.
It's also an ideal pick for couples, as the responsive ‘encapsulated springs’ mean if one person wriggles, the other won't be disturbed.
For those struggling with the summer's heat, this Nectar mattress has three breathable layers designed to promote air circulation, draw heat away from your body and wick away moisture, making it the perfect companion to warm nights.
Not the best choice for those looking for a very firm mattress, as this is very much a medium-level mattress. Because of the arrangement of the foam and spring layers, there is also the question of longevity, since the mattress can't be flipped. But so far our tester is delighted with the balance of comfort and back support that the Premier Hybrid provides.
Easy delivery process, slept better than before.
For a more detailed review, check out our Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress review
| Reviewed by: | Laura Normanton, Executive Editor |
|---|---|
| Care: | The mattress is double-sided and should be rotated and flipped over with the seasons. |
| Mattress depth: | 36cm for the super king |
| Trial period: | All Button & Sprung mattresses come with a 100 night trial to exchange or return your mattress for a full refund. |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Sizes available: | Single, small double, double, king, European king, super king, emperor and bespoke sizes are available on request. Also available in a zip and link in a king, super king and emperor size which is very handy for access. |
| Type of mattress: | Pocket sprung mattress with 32,100 springs in the super king size. |
| Firmness: | Available in two levels of support: medium soft or medium tension. |
All Button & Sprung's mattresses are made by hand in their Yorkshire workshop with the finest natural fillings including cashmere, silk, wool and hemp. Trying before you buy is recommended as the right mattress depends on a person's weight, sleeping position and personal preference.
The Wensleydale has 32,100 springs spread over 15 layers, is deeply comfortable and designed to support and hold your body in any position. Our reviewer noted that it felt immediately comfortable being soft yet supportive and cocooning of her lower back, holding her spine in a neutral position: ‘I suffer from slight scoliosis and am constantly battling lower back pain and after a couple of nights with this mattress at home I felt an immediate release. While the mattress feels incredibly comfortable and soft when you first lie on it, the eight layers of hand-teased natural fillings and six layers of the most advanced micro pocket springs and core springs at its heart means that your spine is perfectly aligned.’
There are two levels of support to choose from for the Wensleydale mattress, and the mattress is double-sided, meaning that it can be rotated and flipped over with the seasons to benefit from the warmer side in winter and the cooler side in summer. For the warmer side, the insulating properties of high quality British wool and luxury cashmere, combine with the sumptuous feel of super soft silk and cashmere to keep you in a warm, winter cocoon. On the other side of the mattress the longer, finer threads of Egyptian cotton, combined with mohair, help to keep you cool and fresh in summer.
Delivery is quick, super efficient and free, provided you are within a 65 mile radius of the Battersea showroom. However, for those outside of London, delivery charges are based on how far away you are.
At £3,600 for a double, this is an expensive product, and while its quality is reflective of its cost, it will be exceeding the limits of what many will be able to spend on a mattress.
Amazing quality, great support.
For a more detailed review, check out our Button & Sprung mattress review: is it worth buying?
Best temperature-regulating mattress: Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress
- This highly awarded mattress strikes a fine balance between comfort and support at an affordable price point.
- Based on the findings of our tester and customer feedback, lighter weight side sleepers may find this medium mattress to be too firm. Emma sends out additional layers to allow you to make this mattress softer or firmer.
| Reviewed by: | Evie Delaney, former Digital Associate |
|---|---|
| Care: | No need to flip |
| Mattress depth: | 27cm |
| Trial period: | All Emma mattresses come with a 200 night sleep trial, to ensure your mattress is right |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Sizes available: | UK single, small double, double, king and super king, EU single, double, queen |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Delivery: | Free (you can also spread the cost of your purchase in 3 to 12 months) |
| Firmness: | Medium |
Is it worth buying? In a word: Yes. The springs provide suspension, whilst the foam feels like a cocooning support layer. This edition is a sprung with memory foam layer mattress with 640 springs. I never knew I needed that many springs, but it turns out I did. It was really easy to unpack, just plopping her on my bed, cutting her out of her corset and letting her sigh into position. You have to think ahead a bit here as they recommend letting it air out and fully expand for 24 hours.
Once fully fattened up, the Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress (f.k.a the NextGen Cooling Mattress) is almost ostentatiously tall, which feels American in a way I can't quite describe. Not only does this feel amazing, with layers of support and cosiness, it also makes my bed look full and puffy, like a hotel. It has a soft, quilted finish too, so your sheets slide nicely on and it doesn't have any obtrusive texture.
The comfort levels are off the chart. Whilst Emma says that it has a ‘medium firm feel’ I would say it's medium in the sense that it's both very soft and very firm. Supportive and cushioning, you sink into it, but not in a way that feels marshmallowy. Whilst it's super cosy it also acts as a ‘thermoregulated cocoon’ to help you reach your ideal body temperature thanks to their ThermoSync technology, so you feel fresh and unclaustrophobic even on the warmest nights.
Another huge benefit is the ‘no roll together’ function. My partner and I have different work and sleep schedules, so this movement absorption feature ensures that neither of us are disturbed by the other's nighttime habits.
My one gripe is that the depth - which offers me so much lovely height and substance - also means my fitted sheets are just a little too short. I would recommend getting slightly deeper fitted sheets if you opt for this mattress, or just go for a large flat sheet. And the mattress does release a slight chemical smell for the first few hours after unpacking, so I recommend doing this process in a well-aerated room.
The temperature regulation is really good and works year-round.
For a more detailed review, check out our Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress review
Best natural mattress: The Superb Mattress
- Naturalmat's most popular mattress.
- Handmade in Devon with natural materials.
- Lighter side sleepers who find the medium mattresses too firm have a soft choice option, which is rare amongst Naturalmat’s premium competitors.
- When this mattress arrives it may smell of wool but it soon subsides. Some customers love the smell; others are happy when it goes.
- 45 day sleep trial is not as long as some other brands.
- At nearly £2,000 for a double, this is premium quality at a premium price.
| Reviewed by: | Arabella Bowes, commerce editor |
|---|---|
| Care: | Turn every three months |
| Mattress depth: | 25cm |
| Trial period: | All Naturalmat mattresses comes with a 45 day trial period, whereby you can exchange the mattress for a different product |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Sizes available: | Small single, single, long single, small double, double, queen, king, super king and emperor |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid (Natural latex with pocket springs and organic wool) |
| Firmness: | It comes in three different firmness levels; we tested medium |
The USP of Naturalmat is its commitment to using natural fibres – something sleep scientists consistently find leads to better quality of sleep, thanks to its inherent moisture-wicking and temperature regulating properties. The wool used in Naturalmat eco-friendly mattresses is from Devon sheep, while the natural latex is from the sap of the Hevea rubber tree and is a natural alternative to synthetic foams.
The tension in the medium that I tested overnight is perfect; there was no movement from the mattress overnight, I didn’t dip into any pockets and whatever way you turn, you feel deeply comfortable and supported. It’s so prized that some of the best hotels in the world use this model, from the One and Only resorts to The Hoxton.
I loved the excellent end of life policy that takes into account the amount of mattress waste we see: when you need to refresh your mattress you can either get it repaired and ‘restuffed’ or recycle it with them. An excellent initiative that will help you sleep soundly.
The mattress may feel more or less firm depending on whether your bed has fixed or sprung flats, respectively. The mattress may feel firmer than expected at first, but should become softer after a few weeks of use. The wool in the mattress may give off a natural smell which should subside after airing out.
You can tell the mattress is good quality, great that you can choose firmness levels.
Comparing the top three
| Mattress: | Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress | Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress | The Superb Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price range: | £330.65-£628.15 | £799-£1,399 | £1,950 |
| Layers: | 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Materials: | Synthetic Emma UltraDry™ breathable cover, synthetic foam | Natural wool top layer, synthetic cover made with 'cool-touch' Stratos® tech, synthetic foam | Natural latex, pocket springs and organic wool |
| Sleep trial: | 200 nights | 200 nights | 45 day sleep promise |
| Old mattress removal: | Yes, for a fee | Yes, for a fee | Yes, for a fee |
| Firmness: | Medium firm | Medium firm | Available in three tensions |
How do you choose the right mattress?
The research, weighing up the pros and cons and the final decision-making process make up the most crucial stages in ensuring that you end up with a quality mattress that suits your body's sleeping habits. A mattress is an investment that should last you a good amount of years, so taking the time to choose carefully will mean you will reap the best possible benefits. That's why we have created a dedicated, in-depth guide on how to choose a mattress.
Mark Tremlett, Founder of Naturalmat, says, ‘every person will have their preferences, and whether firm or soft, dense or sprung, it is essential that the mattress provides the right comfort and support you need.’ James Leinhardt stresses how important first-hand experience of a mattress is before settling on the one to keep: 'sadly, a perfect night’s sleep rarely exists despite what ads may promise you, so take your time to choose the right mattress that supports your body and always take advantage of try-before-you-buy offers.'
Choosing the right mattress for you will depend on your body type and sleeping position. For example, side sleepers have different needs to back sleepers who often require more support. Some sleepers may need pressure relief in certain areas, others need hypoallergenic materials, while some may value temperature regulation. It’s really quite the science, which is why we’ve rounded up the best mattresses to invest in to help you choose which type of mattress is best for you.
While there is a lot of science involved in finding the right mattress for your body type and sleeping position, the most important thing to look for is whether you get a good sleep. The level of firmness of the mattress is certainly something to think about–perhaps more so than whether to opt for springs or foam. There are soft, medium soft, medium-firm, and even firm orthopaedic mattresses designed to suit all kinds of sleep needs. Starting with the softer mattress option, a medium soft mattress is good for those who shift around throughout the night as they hug your body shape. These are also the best for side sleepers. The next level up is a medium-firm mattress, or medium soft. These are ideal for back sleepers and mostly suit the average person who need a little more back support when sleeping. Finally, a firm mattress will prevent back pain and help your spinal alignment as they are sturdier and prevent you from moving around too much. These are also the best choice for front sleepers or stomach sleepers.
What is a hybrid mattress?
While many of us will have grown up with a fully sprung mattress, hybrid mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years. A hybrid mattress (sometimes called a combination mattress) incorporates both springs and foam (and/or gel, or latex) layers. The foam sections are usually on the top, to provide cushioning and comfort. This of course means that a hybrid mattress cannot be flipped, due to it needing to be a specific way up. The recommendation instead, is to rotate a hybrid mattress every few months. As memory foam mattresses can feel a little dense to some people, a hybrid is a great option as it combines the lighter bounciness of springs, with the body moulding, supportive cushioning of memory foam. Hybrid mattresses are also suitable for different sleeping positions, whether you're a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper.
Is Emma or Simba better?
Both of these sleep specialists are great options to go for if you're on the hunt for the perfect mattress. They share some similarities, such as the fact that both focus on high-tech hybrid mattresses, but also offer other sleep-related products such as pillows and mattress toppers. The starting price point of Emma's base model is lower than Simba's, with the Emma Hybrid Original mattress starting from £289, where as the cheapest Simba mattress is the Essential, which costs from £499. Similarly, Emma's most premium model, the Hybrid Airgrid, starts at £679, whereas the top two more luxe Simba mattresses both cost over £1,000 for a single size. So if you're looking for a luxury mattress that is more affordable, Emma would be a better bet. However, Simba offer much more variety - they have 10 models for sale including their eco-focused Earth range, compared to Emma's four.
MAY WE SUGGEST: our guides to the best Emma mattresses and the best Simba mattresses
