My Simba Simbatex Cool Mattress review puts the much-loved sleep brand's new Amazon-exclusive mattress to the test to see how it performs compared to the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

First things first, this is a very affordable mattress. It's sold exclusively on Amazon, rather than on Simba's own website, which, to my mind, suggests the brand is aiming to deliver a budget-friendly option that suits shoppers with an under-£500 budget.

A double of the Simba Simbatex Cool Mattress costs £399 and a king-size £429 as of writing, which is about as affordable as you can go and still get a decent mattress.

And all in all, I do think this new launch is one of the best budget mattresses out there, other than a few niggles. Especially because, even though this mattress is sold through Amazon, Simba is still honouring its usual 200-night sleep trial, which means you can test this mattress out at home to see if it suits your sleeping style before you have to commit to keeping it.

As a back and side sleeper, I found its medium-firm foam sleep surface very comfortable, and enjoyed its light cushioning around my shoulder and hip. My husband and I share a bed with our toddler most nights, and we also really appreciated its motion isolation, which meant we didn't notice when one of us in the bed tossed or turned. And, it has a nice amount of bounce to say it lacks springs.

On the downside, I didn't feel it really lived up to its name in the cool stakes. It didn't cause us to overheat, but it definitely wasn't as cooling and breathable as I would have liked either. And its edge support was lacking, which meant my leg could slip out of bed when I was pushed to the edge by our star-fishing toddler!

However, if you're not a hot sleeper and there aren't three of you crammed into one bed, I'd definitely recommend this mattress for most sleepers. If you're on a budget and are searching for a king-size mattress for less than £500, I think this is a great choice that you won't be left unimpressed with.

Simba Simbatex Cool Mattress Review

Specifications

• Type: Foam
• Construction materials: Breathable cover, graphite-infused Simbatex cooling foam, foam support layer, zoned CertiPUR foam base
• Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
• Tensions available: Medium-firm
• Height: 23cm
• Side handles: Yes
• Flip or rotate: Rotate
• Manufacturers sleep trial: 200 nights

1. Comfort

Having finally managed to nail my sleep setup – the perfect combination of a medium-firm mattress, a thick mattress topper, and some sumptuous pillows – I've been snoozing well for a few years. Despite my toddler getting in with us every night and my husband turning into a breathing radiator past the hour of 10 o'clock!

As such, I have to admit I was slightly apprehensive about changing my sleep setup to test the Simbatex Cool mattress. However, I worried for no reason – luckily, I instantly clicked with this mattress from the first night I slept on it.

It's crafted from three main layers in total. There's a Simbatex foam layer, and below this, you'll find a wedge of foam support, above the final layer, which is zoned CentiPUR foam.

I'm mostly a back and side sleeper, and I found this mattress to be instantly comfortable. It's a true medium-firm feel, and I found it lightly cushioned me at the pressure points of my shoulders and hip, where I need it most. It also kept my spine well-aligned in both positions.

I never suffered from any aches while sleeping on this mattress, not even once. The same goes for my husband, who was initially annoyed that I was changing our much-loved mattress, but now knows he overreacted a little and had nothing to worry about.

As this mattress is foam only, that means there are no springs inside, and we were initially concerned that might mean a lack of support, especially for my husband, who is heavier than I am. However, he sleeps on his back and side, but mostly his side, and he also found this mattress ultra-comfortable from day dot.

2. Motion isolation

As an all-foam mattress with no springs in sight, the motion isolation of this mattress is impressive.

I share a bed with my husband, and very often our toddler, and when my husband moved off the bed, I barely felt it. And the same goes for him, as he rarely felt me tossing and turning at night.

Even with our toddler in tow, the motion isolation proved to be very impressive, especially for the affordable price tag.

3. Responsiveness

I was also super impressed by the responsiveness of this mattress. I found its cushioning cradled my pressure points perfectly, but unlike some memory foam mattresses I've tested, it doesn't feel so foamy that you can't roll around or get out of bed with ease.

It was easy to move around on, and even more fun for my toddler to bounce on top of! I never struggled to switch positions on this mattress, although when I pressed my hand on it, it did leave a visible print for a few minutes.

4. Temperature regulation

Since this mattress is specifically called 'cool', I had high hopes that it would give us some sort of relief in the heatwave we were baking in during testing. I put it to the test during one of the hottest Mays on record, with the temperatures where I live reaching 32C.

Our bedroom is very warm, so most nights from around April, we need to sleep with a fan on, regardless of whether it's 15C or 30C outside. And perhaps we were expecting too much, but on nights when we didn't sleep with a fan on, we were both still very warm and sweaty.

That said, it didn't actively cause me to overheat like some budget memory foam mattresses I've tested. It just didn't keep us that cool either.

Simba uses its trademark graphite-infused foam in the top layer, and according to the brand, that Simbatex foam also offers five times more airflow than standard memory foam, so I don't doubt this mattress is more breathable than many cheap foam options.

From its name, I guess I just expected it to be a little cooler to the touch. My husband, as a hot sleeper, has a cooling pillow which is impressively cold when you lay your head on it.

Overall, if you're a hot sleeper, this mattress may not be as cooling as you'd hope. A natural fill mattress such as the Hypnos Pillow Top Select is definitely your best bet there, but if you're looking for an under £500 mattress that won't actively overheat you, the Simbatex Cool did 'okay' for temperature regulation. Not brilliant, but definitely not awful either.

5. Edge support

When I unboxed this mattress, I didn't have high hopes for its edge support, mostly because the mattress is slightly rounded at the edges and doesn't feature an edge trim, as more expensive mattresses generally do.

One of the main USPs of this mattress is also its affordability, and having put numerous budget mattresses through their paces, the one area they do all tend to scrimp on is edge support.

As you can see, the mattress sinks quite a lot at the edge when I'm sat on it, and – as a parent who is regularly joined in bed by our toddler – I found this a bit of an issue when sleeping too.

During the night, if my toddler fancied sleeping in the starfish position and I found myself at the very edge of the mattress, I found that my leg would slip off the mattress and onto the floor. This was only when I was pushed to the very, very edge, though.

6. Sleep trial

As this mattress is sold via Amazon rather than direct from Simba, I was really pleasantly surprised to find out it still comes with Simba's usual 200-night sleep trial.

That's important because it can be tricky to tell if a mattress is really going to suit you when you're buying online, so it really helps to take some of the risk out of the purchase.

7. Ease of care

Similarly, considering this is a purse-friendly mattress, I was pleasantly surprised to discover it still comes with a removable cover that unzips for easy cleaning.

You can add a mattress protector to any mattress, of course, but, personally, I think that the removable cover is a total game-changer, as I like to wash all of my bedding, pillow protectors, and everything else I sleep on, a good few times a year. Especially since my dog sometimes comes up on our bed while we watch TV in the evenings.

Once unzipped and removed from the mattress, the washing instructions say to wash the cover at 40C; you just can't tumble dry. This makes the job of cleaning your mattress a breeze, plus it is easy to unzip and fit back onto the mattress.

It also comes with sturdy side handles – again, something many under-£500 mattresses lack – and they make rotating the mattress every few months a dream. It's not that heavy either, plus there's no need to flip this mattress, so it's very easy to care for.

8. Delivery

When it comes to the Simbatex Cool mattress delivery process, you get free shipping, and this can be as fast as three days. You have the option to also buy service add-ons, which include unpacking (£5) or unpack and recycle (£20), in which they will take your old mattress and recycle it.

You will be contacted by a carrier to choose a delivery date that suits you. I chose a day I knew I would be working from home. Unfortunately, I also received a text the day before this, alerting me that my delivery was en route, but this turned out to be a glitch in the system.

I was assured by my contact that this was wrong and it would still arrive the next day. However, unlike a normal order from Simba's own website, I couldn't use any online tracking capabilities, which did make things a little more stressful.

On the delivery day, I did receive a tracking text with a link that gave me a more specific timeframe for delivery, and it informed me I needed to be home to sign for the mattress.

The mattress arrived rolled, although not boxed. And unlike a normal Simba delivery, which is delivered to your room of choice, I needed to get it into our bedroom myself.

I received a king-size mattress, which is heavy, so I wouldn't have been able to lift it on my own, but luckily I had help on hand.

This mattress did initially have a strong chemical smell after being unwrapped. This lingered for around a day. It wasn't unbearable, and rest assured, my bedroom air purifier didn't flag it, but I did leave the windows open whilst it was offgassing.

The plastic that this mattress was protected in was labelled as '4 LDPE', which is recyclable. This does depend on your local authority, though, as in some places you can leave it kerbside with the rest of your recycling, while in other areas, it may need to go to your local supermarket.

9. Third-party reviews

The only way to buy one of these mattresses is via Amazon. Since it's a pretty new product, there aren't a huge number of reviews yet – 24, as of writing, to be exact.

Overall, it's given a 4.5 out of 5 star rating, and shoppers rave about how supportive it is, plus mention it being budget-friendly and noticeably cooling. I agree with the support and purse-friendly pricing, but I can't relate to the cooling comments, unfortunately, and my husband agrees.

Some shoppers complained about the chemical smell after unwrapping their mattress, which I can definitely relate to, as this does linger for a day or so.

10. Value for money

Starting at only £349 for a single size, I think this mattress is a true steal. The most you'll pay for one of these mattresses is £479, and that's for a super king size.

In comparison with our best-rated mattress, which is the Simba Hybrid, you'll be saving 50%. This mattress comes in at £999 for a king-size (when it's not on sale).

I do think the Simbatex Cool feels like a cheaper mattress when compared directly to the Simba Hybrid, but then, it is. And you still get a lot of the bonuses of a 'normal' Simba mattress, such as the cooler graphite-infused foam and 200-night sleep trial.

Even our best-rated affordable mattress, which is the DreamCloud Hybrid, is still £599 for a king-size. So, overall, if you're looking for an under £500 mattress, I think the Simbatex Cool is a very good option.

11. Environmental impact

This mattress perhaps doesn't scream green in the same way as Simba's more expensive range, but it is made in the UK, meaning it won't travel far to get from production to your doorstep. It also has CertiPur-approved foams inside – these are certified for safe sleep, meaning these foams have been tested for environmental, health and safety properties.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: Back/side
Tension preference: Medium-firm
Sleep problems: None

In putting the Simbatex Cool Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I considered the eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that my husband and I, (plus quite frequently my 2.5-year-old and dog!) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched the mattress's environmental impact and any third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

In this Origin LumbarCloud Mattress review, I put the brand's premium mattress through its paces to see how it compares to the best mattresses Ideal Home has tested.

In a nutshell

Overall, the Origin LumbarCloud Mattress is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers that I've tested. Origin says that it has focused a lot of this mattress's design around lumbar support, and during testing, I felt like it had my back, literally.

The pillowtop provided wonderful cushioning, which made my body feel weightless as I lay on my back, and if you like a firm mattress, this delivers.

I was also impressed with its temperature regulation. At no point did I wake feeling hot and bothered, and I also found its motion isolation exceptional. I didn't feel when my husband got into bed, or if one of us tossed and turned during the night.

No doubt that's in part thanks to its whopping eleven layers of foams, springs, wools, and latex. However, because of that, it's by far the deepest and heaviest mattress that I've ever reviewed.

Its 35cm depth meant I needed new sheets for our bed, and anyone shorter than me would possibly struggle to get onto this bed, it's *really* high! Plus, it was incredibly heavy to get upstairs to our bedroom, despite the fact that it's delivered boxed.

Personally, I also found it too firm for side sleeping, even though Origin describes it as having a medium-firm core. My body wasn't as cradled as I would have liked in a side-sleeping position, and I prefer for my body to sink into a mattress more, rather than rest on the surface of the mattress.

However, if you're a back sleeper looking for a firm mattress, then I found the Origin LumbarCloud certainly did the trick, and when it's on sale, it also gives our top-rated Sealy Newton Posturepedic Mattress a run for its money price-wise.

Origin LumbarCloud Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: hybrid (springs + foam + natural fibers)
• Construction materials: British wool and cashmere, micro-springs, open-cell foam, "AstroLift" (graphite-infused latex), "Orignex" (gel-infused foam), cotton-blend cover
• Sizes: single, small double, double, king, super king
• Tensions available: medium-firm
• Height: 35cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: neither
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 200 nights

1. Comfort

The Origin LumbarCloud is a hybrid mattress made up of eleven layers. I won't go into the makeup of each of those layers in detail here, as you can find them on the Origin website, but they're a mix of foams, graphite-infused latex, micro-spring layers, and some breathable wool thrown in for good measure.

Overall, these eleven layers amount to a mattress depth of 35cm. This makes it the deepest mattress that I've ever tested, and, with that, it makes it the highest bed that I've ever slept on.

It's worth noting that most mattresses are around 25cm deep, which only requires a standard fitted sheet. With a mattress that is 35cm, you will need to buy extra-deep fitted sheets. I got mine from John Lewis. You may also find that if you're petite, you'll find it too much of a climb to get into this bed. I'm about 5 feet 8 inches, and I found I was 'climbing' into bed rather than simply sitting down on the mattress.

Origin describes the LumbarCloud as a medium-firm mattress, which, as a side and back sleeper, is my go-to tension.

Overall, I found this mattress incredibly comfortable and supportive when I was sleeping on my back. Origin says that the center third of the LumbarClouds' surface is reinforced for lumbar support. And whilst I wouldn't say that I generally suffer from any lower back pain, I definitely appreciated the support and the spinal alignment that this mattress delivered when I was lying flat on my back.

The pillowtop also provided good cushioning, which made my body feel weightless as I lay on my back. My back-sleeping husband agreed. A month sleeping on this mattress has been a welcome relief for our tired bodies as parents of two little ones.

However, whilst I was cradled a little when I lay on my side, my shoulders and hips didn't nestle into the mattress as much as I'd have liked for comfortable side sleeping. I'd definitely describe this mattress as more on the firm side of medium-firm.

For me, this mattress is definitely one for back sleepers only. I think that side sleepers are going to need more cushioning than this mattress provides.

2. Motion isolation

The Origin LumbarCloud Mattress has exceptional motion isolation, no doubt thanks to all those spring and foam layers working in harmony.

By this, I mean that I didn't feel the mattress move when my husband climbed in and out of bed. Similarly, I didn't get disturbed when he switched up sleeping positions through the night. From my husband's point of view, he concurs that he couldn't feel me rolling about in the night.

Collectively, we can also confirm that there was also no rolling together into the middle of the bed either; we both stayed on our respective sides of the mattress.

3. Responsiveness

Since my first impression of this mattress was a "firm" one, I thought that it would feel the same as some of the other foam and hybrid mattresses I've tested; 'flat' with 'no bounce'. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the LumbarCloud's responsiveness.

Initially, it gave me vibes of the Nectar Premier Mattress I had recently tested, which I felt was a little flat, even though the foam layer hugged me, and I didn't struggle to roll into a different sleeping position. However, after a few nights sleep-testing, I realised the CloudPlush pillow top on this Origin mattress makes a huge difference.

This first layer cradled my body in a way similar to when my head is nestled into a pillow, and then the micro spring system delivered a seamless comfort transition as I shape-shifted through the night.

I found that there was some spring back when I pressed my hand on the surface of the mattress, and my two kids certainly found that it was a great mattress to bounce on, so, all in all, it responded well to movements.

4. Temperature regulation

I found that the materials in all eleven layers of the Origin LumbarCloud Mattress provide a wonderfully cool sleep.

Origin says this mattress has been designed with ultra-breathable layers that work together to enhance airflow and disperse heat with materials such as wool and bamboo that are renowned for regulating temperature, as well as open-cell foam, which promotes extra airflow, and graphite-infused latex, which is intended to draw heat away from the body.

Whilst I'm not generally a hot sleeper, I know all too well what it is like to overheat on an all-foam mattress, and it's not nice. Luckily, this mattress kept me at a consistently 'just right' temperature all night long.

5. Edge support

Origin says that the walls of the LumbarCloud have been wrapped with a foam to offer good edge support.

When I sat on the edge of this mattress to put it to the test, I found that the sides did collapse a little, but not as much as the similarly priced TEMPUR EASE mattress, on which I ended up sitting on the edge of the bed frame! I also found that the LumbarCloud retained its form at the edge a lot better than the Nectar Premier Mattress I recently tested.

Whilst lying on the mattress, I found that I could enjoy the entire surface of the mattress without any danger of it dipping at the sides, and when both the kids managed to climb into bed with us, pushing me to the edge of the mattress, I could still sleep in comfort without falling out of bed.

However, the Sealy Newton Posturepedic Mattress does still retain its crown for offering the best edge support in the business. The LumbarCloud can't quite compete with Sealy's excellent side walls, so if you struggle to get out of bed without firm support to push off, the Sealy is for you.

6. Sleep trial

Origin offers a 200-night sleep trial when your mattress is delivered to your home to give you a chance to try it. As long as you stick to the terms and conditions, if you don't love it, then you'll receive a full refund, and your returned mattress will be donated to the British Heart Foundation.

In comparison, Nectar and DreamCloud have the longest sleep trial in the business, with a generous 365 nights to try out their mattresses. However, this length of trial is on par with the likes of Simba and Emma, and it is still one of the most generous trial periods available.

7. Ease of care

The Origin LumbarCloud Mattress is an easy(ish) one to care for, as you don't need to flip it.

Instead, to maintain optimal performance and longevity, the brand recommends that the mattress be regularly rotated.

There are two handles on either side of the mattress to help with this, but you will need another strong human to help turn it 180 degrees because of its hefty weight.

When it comes to freshening up the mattress, the cover is not removable. Whilst it's good to have a removable mattress cover for freshening up the mattress every now and then, I really wouldn't want to be removing the cover from the LumbarCloud, even if it was an option. This mattress is HEAVY. I would certainly struggle to lift the mattress in kingsize, let alone the super king I tested.

Instead, reach for one of the best mattress protectors. These are a lot easier to remove and stick in the washing machine.

Origin says you can spot clean the surface of the mattress if you need to with warm soapy water, and then dry it with a hair dryer. In my experience, though, this can make matters worse and create another problem: a watermark. If you have that mattress protector on, this can all be avoided.

8. Delivery

The Origin LumbarCloud Mattress will arrive the next day by courier, for free, if you place your order by 09:00 the day before. After this time, it'll arrive within a couple of days. And the delivery drivers will deliver your new mattress to a room of your choice.

This is an improvement on the first Origin mattress we tested – the budget-friendly Origin Hybrid Mattress – which used to be delivered to the doorstep only.

I received a couple of emails, a phone call, and a text message throughout my LumbarCloud's journey to advise me of its movements. However, on delivery day, I made a mistake. I opted for the delivery team to leave the mattress in our hallway because I hadn't organised our bedroom. This was a definite error!

The LumbarCloud is delivered as a mattress-in-a-box, meaning it's rolled and vacuum-packed in a compact box. This means that, should you prefer to move the mattress yourself, the size won't be the problem – but I hadn't realised its weight. This mattress is *mega* heavy. The box was also terribly damaged from its time in transit, which made it harder to lift.

Luckily, I had the help of my husband to drag and lug this mattress in its box up the stairs, but it was still harder than I'd have liked. I also enlisted his help to remove said box as I was unpacking the mattress.

Unlike Nectar and REM-Fit, no cutter is included with this mattress that can be used to slice through the plastic that is tightly wrapped around it. I (carefully) used scissors instead.

As soon as I started to cut through the plastic the mattress started to inflate. Less haste was important here so that I didn't manage the mattress. The force of the mattress unravelling helped to release it from the plastic.

With the help of another grown-up human, the plastic can then be lifted and removed from the inflating mattress.

Within a few hours the LumbarCloud was ready to sleep on, but on the box that it arrived in it says to allow 24 - 48 hours for the full rebound. I didn't notice any mattress off-gassing which is an unpleasant smell associated with the foam layers in a mattress, but I did open the window to ensure that the bedroom was well ventilated.

9. Third-party reviews

The Origin LumbarCloud Mattress is only available to buy directly from Origin, and at the time of writing, this mattress has 366 reviews in total, with 338 of those awarding it a full five-star review.

I sorted the reviews by most recent first, which led with a rating left on 21 April 2026, headlined 'Great mattress can't praise it highly enough'. Other reviews that followed included 'Great quality, condition, and I have noticed an improvement in my sleep quality. I'd recommend this mattress to anyone.'

Another shares that the mattress is delivered rolled, which is convenient when navigating tight stairs, but, similar to my experience, notes that 'it does weigh 60kg'. Other comments worth noting mention that it's quite high.

As a brand, Origin scores 4.1 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot. I can see here some comments about the delivery service, with the box being damaged and orders not being delivered when expected. I, too, received a badly damaged delivery box, which doesn't set the best first impression.

10. Environmental impact

I couldn't find much information about Origin's mattress production process anywhere on the Origin website, and, as far as I can tell, it doesn't appear that any of the materials used in this mattress are from recycled sources, which is a shame.

On the About Us page, there is a sentence about working with local communities in different countries to become environmentally friendly, but Origin hasn't shared 'how' or set any goals.

Although the brand does state that any mattresses returned via the 200-night sleep trial are donated to the British Heart Foundation in an effort to minimise harm to the environment, and to offer help to those who may need it.

Overall, I'd like to see more effort being made by the brand to address its environmental impact; Simba is still at the helm for circular design processes so it would be good to see some more mattress brands follow suit.

11. Value for money

There is no getting away from the fact that the Origin LumbarCloud is an expensive mattress. It'll cost you £1,717 for a double. However, I've found that it is regularly on sale, so you may be able to get a better deal, depending on when you shop.

I rated it as best for back sleepers rather than side sleepers, which pits it against the Sealy Newton Posturepedic Mattress, which we rate as the best mattress for back sleepers overall.

In comparison, the Sealy Newton Posturepedic Mattress costs £1,499.99 for a double, so it remains the best value for money at full price. Plus, the Sealy mattress has outstanding edge support, and nearly 500 5-star reviews from customers on the Bensons for Beds website.

At 27cm deep, the Sealy mattress also isn't as deep as Origin's 35cm LumbarCloud, so it's easier to get in and out of, and you shouldn't need to invest in new extra-deep fitted sheets.

And if you're a side sleeper? I'm still a *huge* fan of the more cushioned Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress, which retails at £1,699 for a double, but the great value Simba Hybrid Mattress remains a brilliant all-rounder that I think suits both back and side sleepers well. And it's just £899 for a double.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: medium/firm
Sleep problems: shoulder and/or neck pain and occasional pins & needles
Height & weight: 5"8 and 12 stone, 7lbs

In putting the Origin LumbarCloud Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that myself (and my husband) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched the mattress's environmental impact and any third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

Simba has just launched its Easter sale, and I've spied a £500 discount on the mattress that one of our mattress reviewers recently described as 'blissful' to sleep on.

Our mattress testing expert, Jennifer, who has spent the past month sleeping on the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress, recently dubbed it her 'new favourite mattress', and thanks to Simba's one-week sale, you can currently snap it up with a 30% discount.

If I weren't already the happy owner of a Simba mattress, then I would be very tempted to shop this deal myself.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I spend a big chunk of my time testing mattresses for our guide to the best mattresses on the market, and as one of the leading mattress makers in the UK, that means I also spend a lot of time keeping up-to-date with all Simba's latest deals.

This Easter sale features some of the biggest Simba savings I've seen so far in 2026, with reductions on a par with the brand's Black Friday sales back in November 2025; an event that usually sees Simba offer its lowest sale prices of the year.

The Simba Easter sale runs from Monday, March 30th, until Monday, 6th April 2026, and although there are plenty of good savings to choose from, based on our tester Jennifer's recent rave review of the Simba Luxe Hybrid mattress, it's this £500 saving that instantly caught my eye.

Now, admittedly, the Luxe mattress isn't cheap. A double normally costs £1,699 at full price. But that 30% discount brings the price down to £1,189.30, which, although still an investment, is a very welcome saving.

The mattress that I own – the bestselling Simba Hybrid mattress – is also included in the sale. And although the saving isn't quite as big (there's 25% off the Simba Hybrid mattress, which means a double is reduced to £599.25 from £799), it is still the more affordable of the two.

However, having tested both mattresses, our reviewer Jennifer has voted the Luxe as her favourite. Namely because she likes the softer feel compared to the original Simba Hybrid. She's a side sleeper, so this makes sense as a side sleeper needs a cushioned sleep surface for the shoulder and hip to sink into.

I found the Simba Luxe a little *too* soft when I first tested it, and preferred the extra 'resistance' that the Simba Hybrid offered, but I have to admit, as I get older and more body parts start aching and complaining, the Luxe's extra cushioning that Jenny speaks so highly of is suddenly starting to sound quite appealing!

In fact, whatever kind of sleep surface your body prefers, there's an option to suit in the Simba range, and they all have good discounts this weekend. I've rounded up my top three suggestions below.

Having tested well over twenty Simba products by this stage, I can also confirm that Simba's customer service has always been second-to-none. I've never had such good communication, as speedy a delivery, or such versatile delivery and installation options as I've experienced with Simba.

Whenever friends and family are shopping for a mattress, this is always the brand I recommend for ease, convenience, comfort, and value for money. So if you are mattress shopping this Easter, I think this sale is definitely one to have on your radar.

Simba, one of the UK's best-known sleep retailers, has just launched an Amazon-exclusive mattress that costs only £349. That's nearly half the price of the brand's usual entry-level mattress.

The Simba Simbatex Cool Mattress went on sale for the first time this week and will be sold exclusively through Amazon's online marketplace.

As Simba puts it, it's a mattress developed 'for those seeking Simba’s signature cool comfort at an accessible price point', and its budget-friendly price tag is certainly very appealing.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've put plenty of Simba mattresses through our testing process to see how they rank against the best mattresses on the market, and I've always been impressed.

In fact, our review team has ranked the brand's original mattress, the Simba Hybrid Mattress, as the winner of Ideal Home's 'best mattress overall' category for the past five years running.

That's a big accolade, and makes it one of the few mattresses that have scored 5 out of 5 stars in our testing process. Overall, it offers a great combination of comfort, support, and value for money, with the cherry on top being Simba's excellent customer service.

However, whilst I think the Hybrid offers great value for money, it still couldn't be described as cheap. A double of the Simba Hybrid Mattress costs £799.

In contrast, the Amazon-exclusive Simba Simbatex Cool Mattress costs £399 for a double and £349 for a single. That's a £400 saving if you have a double bed.

It's also considerably cheaper than what *was* Simba's most affordable mattress, the Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress, which retails at £649 for a double.

We put the Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process last year, and it's a good mattress, but due to its price point, I didn't feel we could crown it the best budget mattress you can buy. That accolade went to the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress instead, which costs £499 for a double.

However, now that Simba has launched a mattress that's nearly half the price of its pre-existing range, all of this may change. We'll be testing this new Amazon-exclusive as soon as we can, but in the meantime, how does it differ from Simba's standard mattress range?

Well, according to the small print, this is Simba's only mattress that doesn't include springs. The rest of the brand's range consists of hybrid mattresses, which means that they're a mixture of micro or pocket springs paired with various combinations of the brand's Simbatex foam and other comfort and breathability layers.

In contrast, the new Simba Simbatex Cool Mattress is a foam-only mattress. In practical terms, that may mean that, minus the springs, it could offer a little less support than the brand's usual range, and potentially a little less breathability.

That said, Simba's 'Simbatex' foam does sleep cooler than most. That's because it's graphite-infused. Simba says this foam 'delivers over 5x more airflow than traditional memory foam, helping reduce heat build-up for cooler sleep,' and we've always found this to be true during testing.

Unlike many other mattresses at this price point, Simba also makes sure to use CertiPUR® approved foams, which means all its foams have been tested to ensure they meet environmental and health standards. This means they emit low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and are made without heavy metals such as mercury, lead, or cadmium, for example.

Plus, it looks like this mattress also benefits from Simba's standard 200-night sleep trial, which is a really useful feature that allows you to test the mattress out in your own home before you commit to keeping it.

I've included doubles in Simba's next two most affordable mattresses below for comparison, but as you can see, the new Amazon launch offers by far the most budget-friendly investment, and I think it looks like it could be a great buy.

If you share a bed with a partner and one or both of you struggled to sleep last night, then according to sleep experts, there's one particular sleep trend that you'll definitely want on your radar.

The 'German Doppelbett' sleep method is used regularly by our European neighbours, and it's designed specifically for couples who share a sleep space and are looking to solve the problem of how to sleep better alongside their other half.

According to a leading sleep clinician, this nighttime hack allows both partners to 'sleep max'; meaning both individuals get the very best night's sleep possible, without differing sleep temperatures, comfort preferences, or even sleep patterns getting in the way.

This is why the experts say 'Doppelbett' is a trick that we Brits might want to adopt too, especially if our other half's sleep style is causing us restless nights.

What is the 'German Doppelbett' sleep trend?

So what exactly is the 'German Doppelbett' sleep trend, and why is it proving so popular with couples in search of a better night's rest?

'The ‘German Doppelbett’ sleep hack is one of my absolute favourite sleep setups for couples,' says sleep clinician, Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, resident sleep expert at MattressNextDay, 'especially for those who find their sleep is regularly disturbed by their partner.'

'I’ve used this setup when helping professional athletes optimise their sleep, because it allows both partners to ‘sleep max’ and get their best night's sleep.'

'For anyone who hasn’t come across it before, the concept is very simple,' says Natalie. 'Instead of sharing one mattress and one duvet, the bed is made up of two single mattresses placed side by side on the same bed frame, with each person also having their own duvet.'

'Doppelbett translates literally as double bed,' confirms Adam Black, co-founder and bed and mattress expert at retailer Button & Sprung, 'but it is a sleep hack with a twist as it sees two single mattresses placed on the same bed frame.'

'Each mattress also has its own single duvet,' explains Adam, 'therefore providing full separation from a potentially disturbing bed fellow.'

That makes this sleep trend similar to the Scandi sleep method of using individual duvets over a shared mattress, but the German approach goes a step further, using individual mattresses too.

It may feel strange to us Brits who are used to sharing a mattress as well as a bed, but it can be good to think outside the box a little, especially if it means a more restful sleep. And this approach is perfect for couples who are struggling to sleep well next to each other, but don't want to (or don't have the space to) move into separate bedrooms in search of more peaceful shut-eye.

'At first, it can look, and even feel, unusual if you’re used to sharing one mattress and one cover,' says Natalie, 'but most couples who try it quickly realise just how much more freeing and comfortable it feels.'

And that's because the 'German Doppelbett' sleep method solves several problems that couples often encounter when sharing a bed. Perhaps most importantly, comfort.

When it comes to finding the best mattress, factors such as our preferred sleeping position (i.e., front, back, or side), our weight, and any pre-existing aches and pains can all affect which mattress is best for us. Sleep is a very individual thing, and both halves of a couple rarely have exactly the same needs.

Very often, the result is that our mattress choice becomes a compromise. It either works better for one partner than the other, or it ends up suiting neither of us that well as we attempt to meet in the middle and satisfy the other's needs.

'Sharing a bed with a partner isn’t always a dream,' explains Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director at mattress and bedding brand Woolroom. 'Differing preferences on mattress tension alone can leave one person sleeping well while the other doesn’t.'

In contrast, the 'German Doppelbett' sleep method solves this by allowing each partner to choose a mattress style and tension that feels the most comfortable for their individual body.

That means you could opt for a super cushioning memory foam mattress that's perfect for side sleeping, whilst your back sleeping partner opts for a firmer pocket-spring affair.

And it isn't just tension preferences that opting for the 'Doppelbett' approach can solve. 'In my sleep clinic, another common sleep issue for couples is temperature,' says Natalie. 'People regulate their body temperature differently while they sleep. One partner might naturally run warm, whilst the other feels the cold.'

'Temperature incompatibility is one of the most common causes of disturbed sleep between partners,' agrees Chris. 'One person finds themselves tossing and turning from overheating, while their partner snoozes away cocooned in their duvet, resulting in a regular battle of kicking off and pulling back the duvet throughout the night.'

Rather than sharing a mattress and duvet, the 'Doppelbett' method means each person has their own.

Not only does that eliminate duvet hogging, but it means one partner can choose a breathable mattress and duvet made from natural materials such as wool, and the other can cosy up under a higher tog feather-and-down duvet and choose a less breathable memory foam mattress without triggering their partner's night sweats.

Plus, this approach works wonders if you have a fidgety bed partner or different sleep schedules.

'One of the main mattress-related sleep issues is restlessness, which can be passed onto your partner via motion transfer,' explains Chris. 'When one of you shifts in the night, the movement travels through the mattress and can disturb the other person’s sleep.'

'If one person moves, rolls over, or shifts their weight, the other often feels it and wakes up unexpectedly,' agrees Natalie.

The 'German Doppelbett' method is a great solution for this as it minimises motion transfer across the bed, meaning each partner is less likely to experience sleep disturbance, and a deeper, more restful sleep can be achieved.

How to adopt the 'German Doppelbett' sleep method

I'm certainly convinced the German sleep trend has a lot of benefits, but how would we go about adopting it in the UK?

'If you would like to try it yourself, my top tip is to make sure that the bed frame holds the mattresses securely together so you do not end up with an uncomfortable gap in the middle,' says Natalie. 'When it is set up well, you still feel like you are sharing a bed, but with far fewer sleep disturbances.'

I've done the maths, and in practice, that means that you'd need a super king-sized bed frame in order to hold two single mattresses side by side. So whilst this approach can definitely work for some, it may not be a solution for those of us, like me, with a small bedroom to contend with. Perhaps Germany is blessed with bigger bedrooms than we have in the UK.

However, there are ways to adapt this trend to suit less spacious bedrooms. 'If a separate mattress and duvet is a bridge too far, then couples can look at a split tension mattress, which allows them to stay on the same mattress surface but choose a very different firmness rating than their partner,' says Adam.

'If you can't adopt the Doppelbett sleep method, I would still advise couples to buy the biggest mattress they and the room can comfortably afford,' says Adam, 'we all benefit from additional space to stretch out in.'

'If your room allows it, switching to a king-size mattress instead of a double can make a big difference by reducing the small bumps and nudges that wake people at night,' agrees Natalie.

'It can also help to think about how movement travels through the mattress,' says Natalie. 'Mattresses with pocket springs or memory foam tend to absorb movement well, which means one partner turning over is far less noticeable to the other.'

And lastly, 'the most impactful change couples can make to create a better sleeping environment is to invest in sleep products that regulate both sleepers' temperatures,' says Chris.

'Opting for a naturally temperature-regulating bedding fibre like a wool duvet or wool mattress will go a long way to solving temperature-related sleep issues, as with wool’s unique, natural qualities, it is able to keep cold sleepers warm, and hot sleepers cool, all under one duvet and on one mattress.'

So whether you opt to 'German Doppelbett' or not to 'German Doppelbett', there are still ways to reduce bedtime arguments and to sleep more peacefully next to your other half. Good news all round.

In this Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress review, I put one of the brand's most popular mattress through its paces to see how it compares to some of the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

I've reviewed a lot of mattresses over the past six years and I *think* I have a new favourite. Before I tested the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress, I would have told you the more affordable Simba Hybrid Mattress was the best sleep I've had, but things have changed.

The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress is a wonderful concoction of springs, foam, and wool. It has a nice amount of bounce, great support, and, compared to the standard Simba Hybrid, a squishier top layer that makes for a softer feel.

As a side and back sleeper, I found this softer surface blissful, although it may not suit everyone. Heavier-weight sleepers, or front sleepers, may well find it too soft, but, personally, my comfort level whilst sleeping on the Luxe has been off the scale.

From the first night I slept on this mattress, I've found my body relieved of its usual stresses and strains. All the layers worked in harmony to support my heavy head, tense shoulders, and achy joints from an intense day as a busy mother of two. I also didn't get hot or notice any disturbance from my husband rolling over in bed. For me, that's a win, win, WIN.

Other than its softer feel dividing opinion (I have colleagues who've found this mattress too soft for their liking, and that's borne out with mixed third-party reviews, too), the only downside I encountered was that at 31cm deep this mattress may be too deep for some. Depending on your bed frame, if you're on the shorter side, you may find yourself needing to 'climb onto' this mattress rather than 'fall into' bed.

Overall though, I loved this mattress. And although the Luxe is admittedly twice the price of the Simba Hybrid at £1,699 compared to the £799 Simba Hybrid, I found it a more luxurious, cushioned sleep that I'd happily pay extra for.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: hybrid (springs + foam)
• Construction materials: bamboo-infused wool layer, Simbatex, Aerocoil springs, micro-springs, high-density foam
• Sizes: single, small double, double, EU queen, king, super king
• Tensions available: medium-firm
• Height: 31cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: rotate
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 200 night

1. Comfort

The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress is a hybrid foam and sprung mattress made up of nine layers.

It has a removable cover with 'cool-touch Stratos tech' that prevents heat build-up; a layer of British wool that's infused with bamboo to increase breathability; a 'Simbatex foam layer' for enhanced air flow compared to regular memory foam; two layers of 'Aerocoil' springs in 13 supportive zones; a CertiPUR foam layer for structural support; an extra layer of 900 high carbon steel micro springs; a 'SupportCore' sprung base with up to 1,000 pocketed, tempered steel barrel springs for edge-to-edge support; and a high-density foam base and cover for overall stability.

These nine layers amount to an overall mattress depth of 31cm. It makes it one of the deepest mattresses I've tested, and, with that, it makes it one of the highest beds I've slept on.

The average mattress is around 25cm deep, and depending on the height of your bed base, this could be an issue for those who are more petite than I am. I'm 5ft 8 inches, and I still found my bed quite high once this mattress was in place.

You may also find that, unless you have extra-deep fitted sheets, you run into some resistance when tucking the sheet under the mattress corners.

The Simba Hybrid Luxe is also a medium-firm mattress, which is my favoured tension. I'm a back and side-sleeper, and in both of these positions, I found myself very comfortable on the Luxe from night one.

I found the mattress offered me a "hugged", cradled feeling thanks to its cushioned top layers and support all over. My joints and the areas of tension I had in my body felt "lifted" sleeping on the Luxe, and I found relief in my pressure points. My husband agreed.

Ultimately, I found sleeping on the Simba Hybrid Luxe a dream. It feels softer than my former favourite mattress – another Simba offering, the more affordable Simba Hybrid Mattress – but I found this extra cushioning suited my side sleeping well.

That said, if you're a front sleeper, you may find it has a little too much squish for comfort, and similarly, heavier-weight sleepers may find they sink in a little too much. I weigh just under 13 stone, but heavier sleepers may prefer the firmer support of the Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress.

2. Motion isolation

The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress has fantastic motion isolation, no doubt thanks to the softer top layer of foam and spring support working in harmony.

Neither my husband nor I noticed when the other one got out of bed in the night. Similarly, if either one of us changed sleeping position during the night, there was zero motion transfer to the other side of the bed.

There was also no rolling together into the middle of the mattress either; we both stayed on our respective sides of the mattress.

3. Responsiveness

Testing this mattress, I remembered all over again that no two hybrid mattresses feel the same. Switching from the hybrid Nectar Premier Mattress I have just tested, to sleeping on the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress gave me something that I hadn't realised I was missing, and that's bounce.

It's something the Simba Hybrid Mattress shares in common with the Luxe – instead of feeling a little 'flat' and 'dead' as many memory foam mattresses can, Simba's Simbatex foam feels 'alive' and responsive.

Thanks to that fantastic responsiveness, I didn't struggle to switch sleeping positions through the night, and any contouring around my body quickly reshaped for unrivalled support. In fact, I didn't even realise I had rolled over in the night until I woke in the morning.

4. Temperature regulation

In the past, I've woken up hot and sweaty when testing foam mattresses. But not this time. Simba has made a conscious effort to keep you feeling extra cool on its Hybrid Luxe Mattress, and I have no complaints.

The removable cover has the 'cool-touch' tech to prevent heat build-up; the bamboo-infused wool layer wicks away any moisture for enhanced breathability, and the Simbatex foam layer has enhanced airflow compared to standard memory foams.

Aside from having no quibbles about temperature regulation myself, this mattress also carries the GenM Menopause Friendly symbol. This means that it can ease, relieve, or support one or more of the 48 symptoms and signs of menopause. In this case, helping to regulate temperature throughout the night.

5. Edge support

Possibly because it has so many layers packed into its 31cm depth, the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress has good edge support.

I haven't once felt like I was sitting on the bed frame as I was launching off the side of the bed. Similarly, I haven't ever felt like I was going to roll out of bed as I was pushed to the edge by our co-sleeping toddler. The sides of the mattress don't dip, so you can make the most of every square inch of the bed.

This is likely thanks to two of the nine layers that make up the mattress. The 'SupportCore' sprung base has up to 1,000 pocketed, tempered steel barrel springs for a firm, edge-to-edge support with no roll off. Then, underneath this, is the high-density foam base and cover that offers stability and support.

I weigh just under 13 stone, and I found my weight was evenly distributed regardless of my sitting or sleeping position. However, whilst the edge support was fine for me, it may be a little too soft for others. The edges of the mattress do collapse a little from a sitting position. If you have any mobility issues, then you may prefer a slightly firmer surface to push against, such as the Sealy Newton Posturepedic Mattress.

6. Sleep trial

Simba offer a 200-night sleep trial so you can be sure that you're happy and comfortable with your new mattress.

In comparison, Nectar and DreamCloud have the longest sleep trial in the business, with a generous 365 nights to try out their mattresses. But it is on a par with the likes of Emma and Brook + Wilde, and it is still one of the most generous trial periods available.

7. Ease of care

The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress has a cover that can be zipped off and machine washed at 40°C. This will keep your mattress looking good-as-new. However, I wouldn't envy anyone taking on the task of removing the cover – especially if you have a king or super-kingsize.

Instead, I would always advise popping on one of the best mattress protectors, which are a lot easier to remove and stick in the washing machine. If you don't have a protector already, the Simba mattress protectors look like a breathable, comfortable fit.

You'll need to be prepared to rotate your mattress to ensure even wear and tear, but this is a lot easier than flipping a mattress. Simba recommends that you do this at least once a month for the first three months, and then every three to six months.

The handles on the side are sturdy enough to help with rotating, but, as with most things, two pairs of hands will be better than one to help shift the overall mass.

8. Delivery

If you order the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress by 1 pm, the brand says you'll receive it the next day – for free – which is incredibly speedy, and turned out to be true for me.

This next-day delivery service is a free two-person delivery to your room of choice. If you need a specific timeslot or weekend delivery, you can upgrade to 'Specified Time Delivery' for £10. And an additional £10 will upgrade your order to the 'Mattress Setup & Packaging Removal service', which means the delivery team will unpack and install your mattress on your bed and remove and recycle all packaging.

You can also pay around £50 to have your old mattress taken away on delivery day. A mattress bag will be sent out to you ahead of the delivery/collection day to protect your old mattress in transit, and Simba will responsibly recycle your unwanted mattress.

In my case, the same day that the mattress was ordered, I received an email to say that my order was on the way. The next day, I received another email to say that it was in transit and would be delivered that day between 11:47 and 15:47.

The Luxe is delivered as a mattress in a box, meaning it's rolled and vacuum-packed in a compact box. This means that, should you prefer to move the mattress yourself, the size won't be the problem – just the weight.

If you want to take on the heavy lifting, the cardboard box does have handles cut into the sides to help you lift, though I thoroughly recommend letting the delivery team do the hard work for you, especially since it's free.

Inside the box, the Luxe Mattress is rolled and wrapped in plastic. The plastic is a very tight fit; as soon as I made the first cut, air entered, and the mattress started to inflate. This is the point you need to be a little careful, as the mattress can spring open and could easily knock you off your feet if you don't have your wits about you.

Again, if you're less mobile, I thoroughly recommend opting for Simba's 'Mattress Set-Up' service to make your life easier. Many brands, such as Emma and Nectar don't offer this service, and I think it's well worth taking advantage of.

Within one minute, I had removed the plastic, and the mattress was resting on our slatted-base bed frame.

Because it's vacuum-packed to fit into the box, Simba advises that your new mattress may need a few hours to re-inflate, and up to 48 hours to regain its shape fully, so I was glad that I unpacked the Luxe in the morning.

A strong chemical off-gassing smell is often associated with foam mattresses after unpacking, but I didn't notice anything of the sort with this one. Still, I opened the window just in case my sense of smell was failing me, and by bedtime that same day, it was ready to dress with bedding.

9. Third-party reviews

The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress is widely available at many third-party stockists, with resellers including John Lewis, Bensons for Beds, and Mattress Next Day, as well as direct from Simba.

On Simba's own website, the Luxe has a *lot* of customer reviews: 14,017 to be exact. And it receives high praise; the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile investment for a significantly better sleep experience. Reviewers speak highly about the comfort, back support, temperature regulation, and motion isolation, all of which are in line with my testing experiences.

One reviewer says: 'thankfully, this investment was worth it. Having gone to multiple bed stores to try different mattresses, the Luxe mattress won my heart. Within 24 hours, I had noticed the difference in my sleep.'

Any negative feedback tends to revolve around its softer feel: some found the tension too soft, and not everyone loves the bounce that I found so appealing. One John Lewis reviewer says: 'It's quite springy and has a lot of movement. I think it should be more stable and have less movement. Strange to sit up in as it seems to dip.'

If you're not used to the cushioning of a memory foam mattress, I can see how this mattress might feel different, but, thankfully, that's where the 200-night sleep trial comes in handy, as it gives your body time to adapt and see if a different feel suits you.

As another reviewer notes, 'This mattress is superb. I originally felt it was a bit too firm, but after sleeping on it for a couple of weeks, I now think it is perfect...'

As a brand, Simba also scores consistently highly on TrustPilot, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from its 59,000 reviews.

10. Environmental impact

As a brand, Simba is certainly making more efforts than most mattress brands to be environmentally conscious. Through using CertiPUR foam and recycled materials where possible, and recycling or refurbishing old Simba mattresses, they're taking action to turn their manufacturing processes into a circular economy, where no Simba mattress enters landfill.

The brand will also recycle your old mattress, regardless of the brand or size, with no Simba purchase necessary, which is awesome. For £50, their specialist mattress removal and recycling service will collect the mattress for you. Working with their UK-based partners, they'll carefully strip down mattresses into their component parts at a rate of about 12,000 mattresses per week.  All components will then be sorted and sanitised before a check and redistribution to their next life.

By continuing to do its bit to protect the planet, Simba is also doing all it can to be Net Zero by 2030. It's also proud to be a B Corp, which means that it's been verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

11. Value for money

Simba has a hybrid mattress to suit all budgets. From £649 for a double of the brand's most affordable Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress, to £2,299 for the top-of-the-range Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress.

Where does the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress sit in all this? It's the brand's mid-range offering, priced at £1,699 for a double. To offer a little more context, that's more expensive than the Simba Hybrid Pro at £1,199 for a double, and nearly twice the price of the £799 Simba Hybrid Mattress.

According to Simba, what the Luxe offers for that extra investment is a deeper mattress, more spring support, and a 'plush' top layer that makes this mattress feel softer to lie on than the three more affordable mattresses in the Simba range.

Our testing finds this to be true. After testing all three, we've found the Simba Hybrid Pro feels the firmest of the three, the Luxe is softer, and the budget-friendly Simba Hybrid mattress lies somewhere in the middle. I still think the Simba Hybrid is a fantastic mattress for its price, which is why it keeps its crown as the best mattress overall. But, I've discovered I do love the softer top layer of the luxe, which is especially well-suited to side sleepers thanks to its extra cushioning.

Personally, I think that £1,699 is pretty reasonable for what you get. From my first night sleeping on this mattress, my body was relieved of the stresses and strains that had built up during the day, and as a busy mother of two, for me, that's priceless.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: medium/firm
Sleep problems: shoulder and/or neck pain and occasional pins & needles
Height & weight: 5"8 and 13 stone

In putting the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that myself (and my husband) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched the mattress's environmental impact and any third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

In this Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress review, I put the brand's top of the range mattress through its paces to see how it performs compared to the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

The Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress is a very affordable hybrid mattress-in-a-box. As its name suggests, it's the brand's most premium and therefore most expensive mattress, but compared to its competition, that 'expensive' price tag is actually pretty budget-friendly.

For comparison, the Simba Hybrid mattress (which is still the most comfortable mattress I've slept on) costs £799 for a double, compared to £649 for a double in the Nectar Premier Hybrid.

During the four weeks we tested it out, my husband and I also found that the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress offered us a really good sleep. Its medium-firm tension is on the more medium side of medium-firm, but I found this suited me well, especially when I slept on my side as it cradled my hip and shoulder nicely.

It also has a decent 28cm depth, offers great motion isolation, which meant my husband and I disturbed each other less at night, and offers decent temperature regulation.

My only few niggles were with the delivery process – there's no option to have this mattress unboxed and installed onto the bed frame for you, and you have to pay extra for it to be delivered inside your home rather than to your doorstep. Collection of your old mattress is also kerbside only.

Plus, its edge support was a little lacking. Although this has been the case with every mattress we've tested at this kind of price point.

Overall, though, I think this is a good value mattress. Plus, you can often snap it up for cheaper during one of Nectar's sales, and the brand's lengthy 365-night sleep trial means there's plenty of opportunity to test it out for yourself before you commit.

Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: hybrid (springs & foam)
• Construction materials: 4-layers of CertiPUR certified foam, open-cell foam for enhanced breathability, premium memory foam and 2 x CertiPUR(TM) certified foam encapsulated spring units
• Sizes: single, double, king and super king
• Tensions available: medium-firm
• Height: 28cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: rotate every 3 months
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 365 night

1. Comfort

The Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress is a hybrid mattress that combines deep springs and micro springs with memory foam. It's the brand's top-of-the-range mattress, and one that Nectar promises will deliver the 'optimum sleep experience'.

I've now been sleeping on it for the past four weeks, and during that time, I've genuinely looked forward to getting into bed. I've found this mattress incredibly comfortable when sleeping on my back and side. I find it cushions my shoulders perfectly and adapts to my spine for even weight distribution.

Although, this wasn't the case on night one of testing. That first night I overheated, and the mattress felt firm, I think because I hadn't given it time to fully 'inflate' after it arrived rolled and vacuum-sealed. However, I'm glad I stuck it out, because come night two, I got comfy.

When it comes to firmness, Nectar rates this mattress a 6-6.5 on a scale of 0-10 (with 10 being the firmest feel). That makes it medium-firm, although I'd say it's a tad more medium than medium-firm, depending on your weight.

I'm 13 stone, and I found the Nectar Premier Hybrid's slightly softer support felt perfect for me. My go-to tension is medium-firm, yet I've found that some brands put more emphasis on the 'firm' part of medium-firm, and the mattress ends up too hard for me.

However, if you're heavier than me, you may find it a little on the soft side; if you're lighter in weight, it will feel a little firmer. It only comes in one tension option, so it's designed to be a crowdpleaser and sit somewhere in the mid range, and that it does well.

Ultimately, I found sleeping on the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress an absolute dream.

I'm a side and back sleeper, and when I lie on my side, I find my shoulders and hips are relieved of any pressure, and I don't wake up in the night with pins and needles down my arms when lying on my side like I sometimes do on a firmer mattress.

And when I sleep on my back, I feel weightless, so I'm relieved of any tension that has built up throughout the day (it's a wonderful feeling). My husband also agreed he had a great night's sleep on this mattress.

2. Motion isolation

My husband and I also agreed that the Nectar Premium Hybrid Mattress's motion isolation was excellent.

As parents to two young children, we're frequently in and out of bed during the night to cuddle our 14-month-old, who wakes every few hours, and we both commented that we didn't realise when either one of us was moving around to get up and out of bed in the night.

Similarly, if either of us switched up our sleeping position through the night, there was no motion transfer to the other side of the bed. And we didn't roll into the middle of the bed at any point either; we both stayed on our respective sides of the mattress.

I am used to sleeping on a hybrid mattress, and I must say that this mattress is one of the better hybrid mattresses I have tested for motion isolation.

3. Responsiveness

We also found the responsiveness of the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress to be pretty good. I found that what Nectar calls the foam 'Dynamic Support Layer' bounced back almost instantly after pressure was removed.

This meant that any contouring around my body could reshape as I moved around on the bed, and I didn't feel like I was lying in a memory foam 'dip' that I needed to struggle out of to change from my side to my back.

It also offers a little bounce in comparison to your average pure memory foam mattress, although I did find this mattress still felt a little 'flat', especially compared to my favourite mattress, the Simba Hybrid Mattress.

4. Temperature regulation

Now, on my first night of testing, I did overheat on this mattress. However, as I mentioned, I think that's because I hadn't allowed enough time for its layers to decompress after unboxing it.

Nectar says that 'within 48 hours, it'll be in its final, glorious form,' and I only gave it 24 hours. My mistake. That would likely have meant that air wasn't able to flow through the foam or springs as optimally as possible.

However, I found subsequent nights were totally cool. This is a synthetic mattress that utilises memory foam, so it's not as cool and breathable as a natural-fill mattress such as the Hypnos Pillow Top Select mattress, but it does seem like Nectar has made efforts to increase breathability as much as possible.

The cover is designed to draw heat away from the body, the support layer is a breathable foam layer that enhances air flow, the micro-spring layer is designed to draw heat away from the sleeper and circulate fresh air, and the 12cm encapsulated pocket spring layer also offers breathable, comfortable support.

5. Edge support

Overall, I found the edge support on the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress pretty decent.

I didn't find that I was falling off the mattress when pushed to the edge by my co-sleeping son, and I could easily stand up from a sitting position on the edge.

However, I was a little surprised by how much the side collapsed when I sat on it, especially considering that the mattress has a 28cm depth overall. I only weigh 13 stone, and the side compressed by a good amount when I sat on the edge.

I don't see this as being a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you prefer a firmer surface to push against when you get up in the morning, you may find it has a little more give than you'd like.

6. Sleep trial

Nectar has one of the longest sleep trials in the business, offering 365 nights to try out its mattresses at home.

Whilst I doubt you'll need that long to decide whether you like this mattress or not, experts usually say it can take around 30 nights for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface, so this gives you plenty of time to check it's the one for you.

If you decide it isn't the right fit, then Nectar says it will collect the mattress free of charge and issue you with a refund. Returned mattresses in good condition are then donated to the British Heart Foundation.

7. Ease of care

Whilst it looks like the zip on the cover of the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress means that the cover can be removed and washed, Nectar says not to. In fact, it can void the mattress's warranty.

Instead, Nectar recommends spot cleaning the cover with a safe, mild detergent or hand soap if you need to.

Personally, I always recommend popping a good mattress protector over any mattress to keep it clean in the first place. These can be removed if anything gets spilt, and put into the washing machine, too.

Nectar also recommends rotating the mattress 180 degrees once every three months to keep it in good shape. The two handles of each side of the mattress will help with this, but you may need an extra pair of hands to shift the 5 stone weight (for a double) into position.

8. Delivery

In my experience, the delivery of the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress was very quick with fairly good communication.

You can select a delivery date when you check out, and Nectar says you'll receive an email with a tracking link and a 3-hour delivery window for the mattress the evening before. Delivery is to your doorstep as standard, but you can pay an extra £15 to get the mattress delivered to your room of choice.

However, unlike fellow mattress-in-a-box brand Simba, TEMPUR, or retailers like Bensons for Beds, there is no option to upgrade to white-glove delivery with Nectar.

White-glove delivery means the mattress is removed from its packaging and installed onto your bed frame for you. If you're not able to manhandle a mattress into position by yourself, this would be a reason to avoid investing in a Nectar mattress.

In practice, my time frame for delivery was between 07:00 and 21:00. With two young kids and school runs to do, I couldn't guarantee that I would be home all day, so I opted to have the mattress delivered to our super safe place, the garage.

On the day of delivery, I received a phone call advising that the delivery team was 30 minutes away. However, I missed this phone call. And where did the mattress get delivered to? The porch.

Fortunately, the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress is a mattress in a box, so I managed to haul the box inside by myself. But note that it does weigh a fair bit (it's 5 stone for a double), so you may prefer to wait until you have an extra pair of hands at to help you maneuver your new mattress into the bedroom.

Once I managed to drag the mattress out of its box, I found it was rolled tightly and wrapped in plastic. A cutter was provided to cut through the plastic safely, which was useful.

However, be warned that the mattress starts to inflate as soon as air enters the vacuum-seal, so proceed with caution. It sprang open on me, so I quickly cut through the plastic in a straight line and got out of the way, fast.

There was some chemical off-gassing smell whilst the mattress was 'inflating', but this faded overnight, and I didn't notice any smell the morning after.

It's also worth noting that Nectar advises leaving the mattress for 48 hours to inflate fully before sleeping on it. I didn't because we had nowhere else to sleep that night, and as I mentioned, I didn't have a great first night's sleep for this reason. So, if you can, plan in somewhere to camp out for the first few nights after unboxing.

If you're wondering how to get rid of your old mattress, Nectar says that it will remove your old mattress for you if you pay an extra £45 at checkout.

However, it's worth noting that, unlike a brand such as Simba, where your new mattress delivery and old mattress removal are sorted on the same day at the same times, collection is not provided by the team delivering your mattress but by Nectar's collection partners.

They will also only collect your old mattress from outside your property, so you'll need to get it downstairs and out of the house yourself.

9. Third-party reviews

Aside from a few third-party stockists, such as Land of Beds, the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress is mostly only available to buy directly from Nectar, where it can be a little difficult to distinguish which mattress reviewers are discussing.

I also had a look at Nectar's TrustPilot score, where Nectar currently averages 3.7 out of 5 stars based on the nearly 15,000 reviews it's amassed.

That's higher than its mattress-in-a-box competition, Emma, which only scores 3.1 currently. But lower than Simba's score of 4.3 stars, or Nectar's sister brand, DreamCloud's 4.4 stars.

10. Environmental impact

I can't see that any of the components used in the construction of the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress are made from recycled materials, which is a shame.

However, Nectar's sustainability page does state, 'we currently use polyurethane foam in our mattresses, but we’re working hard with our suppliers, and on a constant hunt for circular, low-emission alternative materials that allow us to maintain our accessible price point.' So maybe watch this space.

And the brand is making the effort to engage with sustainability experts ClimatePartner to calculate and reduce its manufacturing, waste, and corporate footprint.

The brand also assures shoppers that mattresses returned via its sleep trial don't go straight to landfill. Instead, Nectar says, 'we refurbish and re-sell those that are good as new. We donate the rest to the British Heart Foundation, giving the products second homes. To date, Nectar Sleep Ltd has helped raise over £1.2 million.'

11. Value for money

Overall, I do think that this mattress offers good value for money. A double Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress costs £649 at full price, and I found it offered me a great sleep. I've also seen it on sale for quite a bit less during events like Black Friday.

For comparison, one of the most comfortable mattresses I have (ever) slept on is the Simba Hybrid mattress, which I found gives a very similar level of squish and support to Nectar's Premier Hybrid. However, the Simba Hybrid mattress costs £799 for a double, which is £150 more.

That said, I found Simba's customer service options – for example, the ease of arranging white-glove delivery and old mattress removal – superior to Nectar's. And when you compare TrustPilot scores, Simba scores quite a lot higher than Nectar with shoppers.

Simba is also now a Certified B Corporation, which is a company verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. So if you're concerned about the environment, that may be an extra £150 well spent.

If you're looking for an affordable hybrid mattress, the £525 DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is also a competitor. Nectar and DreamCloud are owned by the same parent company, Resident Home, and this DreamCloud mattress steals the crown as the best budget mattress we've tested.

Overall though, I think the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress remains a good value buy. And that 365 night sleep trial does make it less risky to take the plunge and test it out for yourself – just make sure to follow all of Nectar's sleep trial terms and conditions if you plan to return it.

How I tested

In putting the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed the eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that myself (and my husband) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, environmental impact, its value for money, and, where possible, researched third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

John Lewis interior experts predict a new trend is set to take over our bedrooms in 2026, and it's all about super-sizing your sleep space.

As revealed in the brand's recent 'How we Shop, Live and Look' report, many of us opted to ditch floor space for bed space in 2025, and as more of us prioritise sleeping better, this bedroom trend looks set to continue in 2026.

'People want better sleep,' agrees Jason Wilary-Attew, director of home at John Lewis, and this is how they're achieving it.

Yep, when it comes to where to buy a bed, shopping trends show that more and more of us are deciding that bed size matters.

'The double bed has been consigned to the spare room as customers prioritise sleep space over floor space,' shares Jason Wilary-Attew.

In fact, the John Lewis report reveals sales of double mattresses have dipped by minus 5% compared to the previous year, whereas sales of king-sized beds are up by 23%.

And, perhaps most surprisingly, super king-size bed sales have increased even further, with a rise of 39% compared to the previous year.

The data suggests we've decided sleep matters, and, as Jason shares, 'people are willing to spend more on a king or super king-sized bed and mattress to ensure that.'

But why does a super king bed mean better sleep? Because many of us share a bed with a partner, and sleep disturbance from a co-sleeper is one of the biggest culprits for broken sleep.

It certainly shocked me when I did the maths and calculated how much individual sleeping space we actually get in a double bed if we share it with a partner.

As you'll see above, a standard single mattress measures 90cm across. A double mattress measures 135cm, which means each sleeper is only getting 67.5cm of individual sleeping space.

You need to upgrade to a 180cm wide super king bed to achieve the same individual sleeping area as you would with a single bed. No wonder John Lewis shoppers are biting the bullet and upsizing.

Of course, not all of us have the option of upsizing to a bigger bed. If, like me, you have a small bedroom, then you'll know that every inch of floorspace counts.

However, despite bijou proportions, when I measured up, I realised a king-size bed isn't entirely out of the question in my bedroom. A lot of it comes down to the bed frame you choose.

There are plenty of statement beds out there with wide frames, but look for a divan bed base that doesn't have any additional width beyond the mattress itself, and you may find you can squeeze in an extra 15cm of mattress space after all.

The even better news is that there are currently plenty of bed frames and mattresses discounted in the January sales, so upsizing and upgrading your sleep setup could cost a lot less than you might think.

I've rounded up some of my go-to sleep retailers that are currently offering January discounts below.

• Argos: 20% off with code DEAL20
• Barker and Stonehouse: up to 25% off
• Bensons for Beds: up to 35% off
• Darlings of Chelsea: 35% off sale
• Dreams: discounts on selected bed frames
• Dunelm: up to 30% off selected beds
• DUSK: up to 60% off selected beds
• Feather & Black: up to 60% off
• Furniture Village: up to 50% off
• Heal's: 20% off sale
• John Lewis: up to 20% off
• Oak Furnitureland: up to £310 off

From the best mattresses to the biggest choices of bed frames, these sales will help you to kit out your bedroom for less, and hopefully make 2026 the year of better sleep.

If you need to replace your mattress, there are two key times of year to shop for a better deal, and one of them is right now, in the extended Boxing Day and January sales.

However, discounted or not, a mattress is still a significant investment, and when prices are slashed, it can be easy to rush into a purchase that ends up being a big (and costly) mistake.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I track deals on the best mattresses throughout the year. This is the single biggest mistake I see people make when shopping for a mattress in the sales, and how to avoid it.

Alongside Black Friday deals in November, the January sales usually offer up some of the lowest prices on mattresses. For example, right now, there are sales on at multiple mattress retailers:

• Bensons for Beds: discounts on selected mattresses
• Dreams: winter savings on mattresses
• Emma: big savings on the brand's bestsellers
• John Lewis: money off selected mattresses
• MattressNextDay: savings on multiple brands
• Simba: discounts on our top-rated mattresses
• TEMPUR: savings on luxury memory foam mattresses

But, as Martin Seeley, CEO of online bed retailer MattressNextDay, acknowledges, those low prices can make it easy to get carried away.

'Discounts can be tempting,' says Martin, 'but rushing into a purchase often means ending up with a mattress that looks like a bargain but ends up becoming a bad decision.'

The single biggest mattress-buying mistake I see during sale times? Investing in a mattress that has a *big* discount, without considering the mattress's comfort and whether it truly suits our sleep needs.

Here's how to get it right, and ensure your sale bargain really is great value for money.

1. Chase the right support, not the cheapest deal

When it comes to finding the best mattress, it's all about finding the right mix of cushioning and support, so it pays to think about your needs before you shop.

'The sales are a brilliant time to buy a mattress,' says Martin. 'But before you chase the biggest saving, think about what isn’t working with your current bed. Do you wake up with shoulder pain, feel too hot during the night, or notice you’re tossing and turning more than usual?'

'When you understand what’s causing your discomfort, you can look for a mattress that solves those issues rather than one that simply looks like a bargain. A cheap deal might feel good at checkout, but the right support is what makes you feel good every morning.'

So, first identify what you want from a mattress, *then* look for the lowest price on a mattress that fulfils your needs, not the other way around.

2. Consider firmness levels

Whilst considering your sleep needs, I thoroughly recommend thinking about mattress firmness.

Not only do many people not realise mattresses come in different tension options – such as medium, medium-firm, or firm – many of us also don't realise that our weight and bed base can make a big difference to how a mattress feels.

'Firmness is one of the most misunderstood parts of mattress shopping,' agrees Martin. 'A mattress labelled ‘medium’ might feel quite firm to someone under ten stone, but noticeably softer to someone over fifteen,' he explains. 'Your body weight, sleep position, and personal comfort preferences all change how supportive a mattress feels.'

'If you’re lighter or mostly sleep on your side, a softer mattress will better cushion your shoulders and hips,' shares Martin. In contrast, heavier weight sleepers generally need a firmer mattress tension. 'Back or stomach sleepers, or anyone over fifteen stone, may find a medium-firm or firm mattress gives the right level of spinal support,' agrees Martin.

3. Think about the mattress material

As I've found out during the testing of multiple mattresses, factoring in mattress materials can also make a big difference to your sleep comfort.

'People often focus on the mattress brand name or sale price, but it’s what’s inside that really matters,' agrees Martin. For instance, 'a memory foam mattress will mould to your shape and relieve pressure on your joints, which is ideal if you prefer a softer, cocoon-like feel.'

But, if you're a hot sleeper, you'll likely find that a pocket spring mattress that uses natural materials such as wool or cotton for its comfort layers will offer you a more breathable sleep.

'It is worth reading what each material does and matching it to your own needs,' says Martin. 'For example, hot sleepers benefit from breathable fabrics or gel-infused foam, while anyone who wakes up stiff might prefer a mattress with targeted support zones.'

4. Check sleep trial and return policies

Lastly, in my opinion, one of *the* most important things to consider when buying a mattress – whether it's discounted or not – is whether or not it comes with a sleep trial.

There are plenty of things you can do to test a mattress in store, but as we've found in the course of Ideal Home's mattress testing process, even the most diligent in-store testing can't replace sleeping on a mattress in your own home, on your own bed frame, for a decent number of nights.

In fact, experts say it can take 30 nights to adjust to the feel of a new mattress and find out if it's really the one for you, so a sleep trial can be invaluable for avoiding costly mistakes.

'A good trial period is essential because you will not know if a mattress truly suits you after just one night,' agrees Martin. 'Your body needs time to adapt, especially if you have switched firmness levels. Look for a trial of at least 30 nights, but ideally longer.'

For example, online-only mattress brands Simba and Emma offer 200-night sleep trials, and mattress retailers such as Bensons for Beds and John Lewis now offer a 40-night comfort guarantee, or in the case of John Lewis, a 60-night sleep trial.

Overall, a mattress is a big purchase, and given that we spend a third of our lives in bed, it’s important to consider what type of mattress will truly help us to sleep better, not just the size of the savings.

As Martin concludes, 'the sales are a great time to invest in better sleep, but only if you shop with your head, not your wallet. Take the time to understand what your body needs, check the details before you buy, and make sure comfort, not cost, leads your decision.'

'After all, a good mattress isn’t just a purchase, it’s an investment in how well you rest for years to come.'

We all know that the true joy of Christmas isn't about how much money you spend on fancy gifts. In fact, some of the best festive moments have nothing to do with price tags.

However, if you're currently feeling that Santa perhaps wasn't *quite* as generous as you might have liked this year, then allow me to rub salt in that wound by sharing how the other half live.

Yep, some lucky souls will have received the world's most expensive sleep setup for Christmas. How much does that cost? As of writing, £1,032,990.

And that million-plus price tag is just for the mattress and the bed base... pillows and bedding are extra.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I regularly test the best mattresses on the market, and I've even tracked down the UK's most expensive mattress, which currently retails at £85,585 for a large emperor size.

However, the *world's* most expensive sleep setup is an even more eye-watering affair. That accolade goes to Swedish brand Hästens and its uber-pricey Grand Vividus.

This cult sleeping arrangement starts at £515,990 for the 'smallest' 193 x 203cm sleep surface and maxes out at £1,032,990 for the largest 305 x 305cm size bed. For reference, a super king bed measures 180 x 200cm, so these beds are *generous*.

Its extravagant size and price tag are jaw-dropping enough, but wait until you see what this mattress looks like. The Grand Vividus comes in four colour options: Natural Shale, Phantom Charcoal, Traditional Blue, and, in my opinion, the most striking, Black Shadow.

The latter is an entirely black mattress and bed base, which certainly commands attention compared to your average white mattress. And whilst the gingham bedding trend has been popular for a while now, I hadn't considered a gingham-check *mattress* might exist.

However, Hästens' sleep setup isn't all about flashy looks and billionaire-style prices. Yes, singer and rapper Drake has one in his $100 million mansion, but the Grand Vividus is the result of six generations of master craftsmanship, and it's designed to offer the ultimate night's sleep, not just to provoke envy in those of us who can't afford its premium price tag.

In fact, the brand started from humble beginnings. It was during the 1800s that the brand's founder, Pehr Adolf, became a saddle maker’s apprentice, crafting saddles, harnesses, and, significantly, horse-tail hair mattresses.

The Grand Vividus is the culmination of nearly 200 years of mattress-making expertise, and that results in a 27cm deep, seven-layer mattress that features cotton, wool, and premium-grade extra-long horse hair in its construction.

Now I haven't slept on this mattress, but those materials suggest this is going to be a mattress that prioritises breathability and temperature regulation – two fundamental ingredients in getting the best night's sleep. The Grand Vividus is also crowned with a 7cm deep mattress topper that no doubt provides sink-in comfort over the traditional sprung mattress base.

The mattress I sleep on every night certainly doesn't have this kind of price tag, but the Hypnos Pillow Top Select mattress is similarly designed with natural materials and a stitched-on pillow top comfort layer, and it's by far the most comfortable mattress I've slept on.

In fact, if you don't have a spare £1,000,000 lying around right now, I would say there are ways to recreate the Hästens experience on a more modest budget. These are my suggestions for a luxury sleep without the million-pound price tag.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to do some good deeds to see if I can make it onto Santa Claus's upgraded gifting list next year.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, you might think my house is kitted out with the best sleep setup going.

However, despite testing the best mattresses on the market for a living, the one thing I definitely haven't given enough attention to is the sleeping arrangements in my guest bedroom.

In my small home, that extra bedroom has to perform a lot of uses, from storage space to laundry drying area, and it also houses a single bed equipped with a mattress that has been passed from one relative to another as various family members moved house or downsized.

Most of the time, that bed has clean laundry piled on it waiting to be folded, so it doesn't really matter that the mattress has seen better days, but Christmas is coming, and overnight guests are on the horizon. This is what I'll be doing to make my guest bed more comfortable and improve my visitors' sleep.

1. Adding a mattress topper

Now, the main reason I haven't replaced this guest room mattress is that it's still in pretty good nick. It might be ten (possibly even fifteen!) years old now, but although experts say you should replace a mattress every seven years or so, because it doesn't get used much, it doesn't feel like it's quite reached the stage where I need to get rid of it.

However, it's a pocket spring mattress, and when you lie on it, a few springs are now slightly more prominent than they used to be.

Luckily, this can be easily solved with a mattress topper. The best mattress toppers can cost anywhere from £30 to £300, but I'll be opting for a relatively budget-friendly solution via the Panda Topper.

This is a 5cm deep memory foam topper that adds a decent layer of cushioning to a bed – certainly enough to mask those springs. And although I often find memory foam can trap the heat, this option features cooling micro gel capsules, which combat heat retention.

The bonus is I can also use this topper over my air bed when I go camping in the summer, so it will serve two purposes, which (to my mind, at least) makes it a better investment.

If I had a bigger budget, I'd opt for the all-natural Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper. That's a wool-filled topper that adds cushioning and even better temperature regulation, but for now, the Panda Topper is more in line with my bank balance – especially pre-Christmas!

2. Using an adjustable pillow

I'll also be letting my guests borrow my Simba Hybrid pillow for their stay. This is an adjustable pillow whereby you can add or remove memory foam 'nanocubes' from its interior to make the pillow the exact right height for your sleeping style.

This pillow isn't cheap, but it has been a big hit with my guests in the past, so if you regularly host, I think it's well worth the investment. After all, in my opinion, there's nothing worse than having to sleep on an unfamiliar pillow when you go stay somewhere overnight, and waking up with a cricked neck doesn't put anyone in a good mood.

Whether they're a side, back, or front sleeper, my guests can make this pillow the right fit for them, which hopefully means a better night's sleep.

3. Dressing the bed with festive bedding

And lastly, although I will definitely need to declutter my guest bedroom before anyone arrives, I'll be aiming to distract them from any remaining items I have to keep stored in their bedroom by dressing the bed in some festive bedding.

I actually don't usually like Christmas bedding, but this Habitat Robin Foliage Neutral Bedding Set is only £20 for a single, and I couldn't resist it. Plus, I think its design is more 'winter' than 'Santa', so I'll be able to keep it on the bed for longer than just the month of Christmas.

Hopefully, it will get my guests in the mood for the festivities, although I've also rounded up a few other options that have caught my eye below.

Hopefully, all these amendments will ensure a successful hosting season and mean my past-its-best mattress gets full marks from my visitors.

And if all else fails, I'll just have to make sure their Baileys servings are especially generous so they're less likely to notice a few lumpy mattress springs!

In this TEMPUR EASE Mattress review, I put the brand's most affordable mattress through its paces to see how it performs compared to the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

TEMPUR is the 'original' memory foam brand and the only memory foam mattress manufacturer recognised by NASA for taking a material first invented for use in space and adapting it for everyday life.

However, this accolade means a TEMPUR mattress usually comes with a hefty price tag. Our review team loved the TEMPUR Pro Plus SmartCool mattress we tested last year, but a double will set you back £2,399.

In contrast, the brand's new TEMPUR EASE mattress range is designed to offer sleepers a TEMPUR mattress at a more accessible price point. It's available in three depths of 20, 22, and 25cm, and the 20cm option I tested costs £1,099. Not cheap, as mattresses go, but cheap for TEMPUR.

And whilst I do think a 20cm deep mattress is generally on the thin side, both my husband and I had a much more comfortable sleep on the TEMPUR EASE than other, deeper mattresses we have tried.

Whereas TEMPUR's premium range comes in four tension options, we also found the EASE's one medium-firm tension was perfect for us. We're side and back sleepers, and we found the mattress offered good support and cushioning to joints. It also offered excellent motion isolation; neither of us could feel the other toss or turn during the night, nor did we wake up too hot due to any overheating on its all-foam surface.

It's one major flaw is that it doesn't offer as much edge support as I would have liked for a mattress at this price point. I found it dipped significantly when I sat on the side, which made it hard to stand up in the morning. It also isn't delivered rolled or boxed, which could make getting it upstairs tricky for some.

However, my head has certainly been turned by it, and a 100-night sleep trial means there's an opportunity to see if it impresses you too. One caveat: I'd definitely opt to pay an extra £200 and get the £1,299 25cm depth if I was buying it again, but I definitely think it's a great memory foam mattress, offering performance and value for money.

TEMPUR EASE Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: memory foam
• Construction materials: Tempur Adapt (memory foam)
• Sizes: small single, long single, double, king and super king
• Tensions available: medium-firm
• Height: 20cm, 22cm and 25cm
• Side handles: no
• Flip or rotate: neither
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 100 night

1. Comfort

The TEMPUR EASE is a foam mattress made up of three layers. There's a removable cover, TEMPUR Adapt – the latest iteration of Tempur’s unique pressure-absorbing memory foam born from NASA technology – and base foam.

It's available in three mattress depths: 20cm, 22cm, and 25cm. For the purpose of this review, and the quest to find the ultimate budget mattress, I tested the Tempur Ease in 20cm.

Admittedly, I was dubious about the mattress depth – because yes, mattress depth does matter. A thin mattress doesn't offer the same level of cushioning and support as a slightly thicker mattress. Fitted sheets can also loosen with movement, although if you do find this, bed sheet clips, like these from Amazon, can help hold your sheet in place.

However, my first impression? The quality of this mattress is obvious, and once I'd lain down to settle in to a night's sleep, I found that the mattress contoured around me, cushioning and supporting each inch of my body.

A 'firm' mattress is usually my go-to, but I think this is where I have been going wrong. The TEMPUR EASE is a medium-firm mattress that both cradled me on my side and supported me on my back.

In fact, I found that I slept more comfortably on my side than on any other mattress I've tested. My shoulders and hips were relieved of pressure, and I wasn't waking in the night with pins and needles down my arms.

On my back it was like my body felt relief. When I first get into bed, I always lie on my back to get comfy. I carry a lot of tension on my shoulders and neck, so some release from this was most welcome. The best way that I can describe the feel; of this mattress is cloud-like; TEMPUR describes it as 'out of this world'.

Ultimately, I found sleeping on the TEMPUR EASE was the perfect combination of both support and cushioning, and my husband agreed.

2. Motion isolation

My husband and I both agreed that the TEMPUR EASE mattress's motion isolation exceeded our expectations, no doubt thanks to its lack of springs, and the fact that memory foam is such a good absorber of movement.

We have a young family, so one of us is often in and out of bed during the night. We both commented that we were less disturbed by each other's movements on this mattress compared to our usual hybrid mattress.

Similarly, if either one of us changed sleeping position during the night, there was very little motion transfer to the other side of the bed. There was also no roll together in the middle of the mattress either; we both stayed on our respective sides of the mattress.

3. Responsiveness

My colleague, who tested an older iteration of TEMPUR's range in her TEMPUR Sensation mattress review, noted that one of her bugbears with TEMPUR's cocooning memory foam was a struggle to change sleeping position during the night.

In contrast, I found the EASE offers pretty good responsiveness. The mattress surface squished and bounced back quickly, so any contouring around my body could reshape as I moved around on the bed.

However, the cover did take a little longer to regain its shape. I didn't find this was too much of an issue because the weight of our bodies lying on the mattress ironed it out, and we didn't feel it through the mattress protector either.

4. Temperature regulation

One of the other problems we encountered with the brand's older mattress range was overheating. Whilst not all of our testing team struggled, our hot sleepers found they were prone to waking up hot and sticky due to the memory foam sleep surface's lack of breathability.

Overheating is a common problem with a lot of memory foam mattresses, but it seems to be an issue that TEMPUR has solved with the EASE.

Whilst TEMPUR doesn't mention using any cooling technology in the mattresses' make-up, I've found that getting hot on this mattress isn't on the cards.

I slept on this mattress for over a month, and not once did I wake up in the night feeling too warm. Similarly, in the morning, I didn't wake sweaty. For this reason, I think that the temperature regulation on this mattress is good, especially considering it's an all-foam construction.

5. Edge support

Unfortunately, edge support is where the TEMPUR EASE falls a little short, and it's been a problem we've encountered with most of TEMPUR's range.

There's no mention of reinforced edges or side walls to provide even support across the surface of the mattress, and this becomes extremely clear when you sit on the edge of the mattress.

Admittedly, the TEMPUR foam layers did a sterling job of supporting me whilst I was lying on this mattress. No matter how close to the edge I was, I didn't feel that I was going to fall out of bed. The tension of the mattress consistently felt equal, even when my two kids were in bed with us – or when my youngest had somehow pushed me to the very edge of the bed.

However, I only weigh about 13 stone, but when I sat on the edge of the mattress, it totally compressed. This also being the thinnest mattress in the TEMPUR EASE range meant that by the time the 20cm worth of foam was squished down, I was sitting more on the bed frame than I was on the mattress.

This won't be a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you have any mobility issues, it's something to bear in mind, as you don't have much resistance in the mattress to push from sitting to standing when you get out of bed.

6. Sleep trial

TEMPUR offers a 100-night sleep trial on all of its mattresses. This means that if you're not entirely happy with your new mattress, then after a minimum of 60 nights (the brand asks you to sleep on it for this long to give your body time to adjust), customer services will arrange for the mattress to be collected and for you to be reimbursed the purchase price.

In comparison, Nectar and DreamCloud have the longest sleep trial in the business, with a generous 365 nights to try out their mattresses. But, in my opinion, 100 nights is plenty of time to test out whether this mattress is for you.

7. Ease of care

When it comes to caring for your new mattress, TEMPUR advises that there's no need to turn or rotate the EASE mattress, which is lucky, because there are no side handles to do so.

However, the cover can be removed and is machine washable, and it's during this process that some handles to grip would be very useful to help manoeuvre the mattress around.

Weighing 22.51kg for a double (26.19kg for a king and 31.35kg for a super king), I could just about take the cover off for a wash on my own if I had to, but you may wish to ask for some help – especially if you have a deeper (and therefore heavier) version of the mattress.

To keep the mattress cleaner for longer and extend its longevity, I'd always advise popping on one of the best mattress protectors. These are a lot easier to remove and stick in the washing machine, too. If you don't have a protector already, the TEMPUR mattress protectors look like a good, breathable option.

8. Delivery

In my experience, the delivery of the TEMPUR EASE mattress was efficient with good communication. I first received an email from the courier, confirming that they were in receipt of my order and that a member of the Bookings Team would be in contact on the telephone number provided within seven working days.

I then got a phone call four days after receipt of the email to ask if the next day was appropriate for delivery.

This was short notice, but I knew that I was going to be at home during school hours. A couple of hours later, the courier company called to confirm that delivery was booked for an allocated time frame that suited my availability.

On the morning of the delivery, I received a phone call from the courier company advising that they were 20 minutes away.

All mattress orders placed online with TEMPUR UK receive free delivery and installation, meaning that the delivery team will help to unwrap and install your new mattress onto your bedframe in your room of choice. Similarly, if you order a bed, the delivery team will build that for you in your room of choice.

This is a handy service to have because the TEMPUR EASE is not a mattress in a box, so I would have struggled to get it inside on my own, and my husband would have grunted if we'd had to haul a king-size mattress up the stairs.

In my case, once the delivery team had carried the mattress upstairs, I opted to unpack and swap the TEMPUR EASE with our old mattress myself. I quickly regretted not being more organised, so the delivery team could have done it for me. Wrestling with a king-size mattress wrapped in plastic is not the one, especially when you're stubborn (like me) and want to do it by yourself.

Although the flat delivery might make this mattress a trickier prospect for anyone with awkward access, the fact that it's not boxed meant there was no unrolling and waiting for this foam mattress to inflate, and thankfully, there was no strong off-gassing smell like many other synthetic mattresses I've tested have had.

9. Third-party reviews

This is a newly launched mattress, so on the TEMPUR website, there are currently only nine reviews of the mattress with an overall rating of 5 stars. However, I also found TEMPUR EASE reviews at third-party stockists such as Dreams and MattressNextDay.

The majority of the reviews I read were very positive about the mattress's comfort, with some owners adding that they can now sleep without any pain. However, a handful of reviewers seem to have found that the mattress is too firm for them. Personal preference, body weight, and even the type of bed base you have can affect how a mattress feels, so this is why it is a good idea to take up the offer of a sleep trial.

Although this mattress is being offered at a more accessible price point, it's still seen as a big expense by most owners, but equally, it seems to be one that reviewers are happy to pay for in the pursuit of a comfortable night's sleep.

The TEMPUR brand as a whole also gets a good 4 out of 5-star rating on TrustPilot.

10. Environmental impact

TEMPUR sets out its efforts towards more sustainable manufacturing on its environmental sustainability web page, and whilst the TEMPUR EASE mattress doesn't yet appear to be made utilising any recycled materials, the brand does appear to be taking steps towards greener production.

The Danish brand has achieved OEKO-TEX^® STeP certification, which means that its products are independently assessed to ensure that they're manufactured using environmentally friendly processes and under socially responsible working conditions.

TEMPUR is also working to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, and several of its manufacturing facilities are now sending zero waste to landfill.

Any mattresses returned to TEMPUR UK via its sleep trial are also inspected and, if there are no quality issues, will be refurbished, cleaned, and sold through the TEMPUR ‘Outlet’ store. (This could also be a great way to snap up a bargain TEMPUR mattress). If there is a quality issue, the brand says the mattress will be recycled rather than it going to landfill.

11. Value for money

TEMPUR is a premium sleep brand, and the brand's mattresses are usually £2k plus. The TEMPUR EASE is an all-new mattress range offering the same high-quality that the brand is renowned for, at a more accessible price point.

For a double, the 20cm depth TEMPUR EASE costs £1,099 at full price. The 22cm depth costs £1,199, and the 25cm depth is £1,299.

While this price point isn't quite best budget mattress material – the £525 DreamCloud Hybrid mattress steals this award at half the price – it could make owning a TEMPUR mattress a lot more achievable. Certainly, for me, it has been on my wishlist to have a TEMPUR mattress on my bed since I was a child, so it's encouraging that the premium brand is at least trying to meet me halfway with a more budget-friendly option.

In contrast, TEMPUR's next lowest priced mattress is the TEMPUR Pro SmartCool mattress, which is £2,099 for a double. Spending more money will get you a choice of four tension options rather than the EASE's one-size-fits-all medium-firm tension, SmartCool Technology to aid with better temperature regulation, plus an extra layer of filling which adds 1cm in mattress depth.

However, during testing, I was more than impressed by the EASE's performance. The medium-firm tension suited my husband and me. In hindsight, we just would have opted for the deeper 25cm version rather than the cheaper 20cm option, so that it sat higher in our bedframe, and our fitted sheets fit!

We also really appreciated the EASE's cushioning, and overall, found the mattress on a par with the best-in-class Simba Hybrid mattress that's currently crowned best mattress overall by our review team.

That said, the Simba Hybrid mattress costs £799 for a double, so, for now, Simba retains its crown for offering the best value mattress on the market. However, with this launch, TEMPUR is certainly giving the mid-range brands a run for their money.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: medium/firm
Sleep problems: shoulder and/or neck pain and occasional pins & needles
Height & weight: 5"8 and 13 stone

In putting the TEMPUR EASE Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that myself (and my husband) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched the mattress's environmental impact and any third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

Known and loved for her classic style and timeless designs, Sophie Conran has teamed up with Dreams to launch her debut bedroom furniture collection, and the surprise highlight was the mattresses inspired by her experience with menopause.

The range offers a refreshing approach to bedroom decor ideas, with a focus on wellness and comfort behind all 11 pieces. While the collection showcases Sophie’s celebrated flair, it was the four natural mattresses that really stood out to me. Mattresses are an unusual thing to catch the eye in a collection as beautiful as this. However, their innovative design makes them the real star of the show.

Drawing on her personal experiences with the menopause – and the experiences of the women around her – each mattress in Sophie’s collection has been specifically engineered to help cool the body and promote restorative sleep.

‘Like many women going through the menopause, I’ve experienced nights where I would wake up feeling far too hot, unable to get comfortable again,’ shares Sophie.

‘I’m on HRT and I’ve found it a huge help with the symptoms, but I’ve got a friend who couldn’t take any HRT. She’s just had the worst time and only sleeps about four hours a night.’

'I've also always suffered from insomina,' adds Sophie, 'and I've noticed that if I don't sleep properly then it has a big impact on my daily life.'

Sleepless nights like this are all too common for menopausal women. In fact, between 40–56% of women experiencing the menopause transition experience disturbed sleep and insomnia due to factors like hot flushes and night sweats, according to the British Menopause Society.

These experiences sparked Sophie to try and make a change. ‘People like Mariella Frostrup and Davina McCall have done so much to change the way that we think about the menopause, and we're allowed to talk about it now,’ says Sophie. ‘So I wanted to do something that was specifically designed for menopause.’

While nothing can totally eliminate the night sweats that many women experience as part of the menopause, there are things you can do to help. A lot of advice guides women towards loose-fitted pyjamas, or the best bedding for menopause, but Sophie found that there is very little focus on mattresses.

All you need to know about the mattresses

‘As far as I could see there wasn't anything about mattresses, and from my own experience I know that the mattress can make a huge difference to your sleep, so I started talking to Dreams about it,’ says Sophie. The result is four different mattress designs – all using natural fibres to promote better sleep. ‘They're breathable, and in tune with your body,’ says Sophie.

Starting from £799 for a single, the Nest mattress is the most accessible in the range, made with a recyclable platinum material for enhanced breathability.

There is also the Solace double sided mattress, starting at £1,099 for a single. Layers of wool and cotton work together to wick away moisture as you sleep, and the microsprings cradle your body for added comfort. Plus, this mattress can be flipped regularly for an extended lifespan.

On the slightly higher end, there is the Aura Pillowtop mattress. It’s £1,299 for a single, but it's made of bamboo, British wool and natural latex for smooth pressure relief and effective temperature regulation.

Finally, there is the Sanctuary mattress and removable topper, starting at £2,199 for a single. It combines the best elements of all the mattresses, with a blend of bamboo, wool, latex and alpaca. These breathable fibres provide natural temperature regulation to combat any uncomfortable night sweats.

Mattresses are a new endeavour for Sophie, who is known for her upholstery designs, tableware collections and home fragrances. However, the inspiration for these launches are in line with Sophie’s passion for design. ‘One of my main drivers of designing things is emotional response,’ explains Sophie.

‘It's not just about creating a piece of furniture, it's about my relationship with that piece of furniture. I think about how it makes me feel, and how it will affect my different senses.’

Sophie’s collection with Dreams is available to shop now online, with select pieces also available in store. So place your chosen mattress on top of the luxe four-poster Arbor bedframe, and layer soft, breathable linen and cushions for a bedroom that not only helps to soothe symptoms, but also feels like a calming, serene escape.

Emma has recently launched its Black Friday sale, offering what the brand promises are its lowest prices yet on selected bestselling lines.

That includes discounts of 25% off on the Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress, which Ideal Home has tried, tested, and rates the best Emma mattress you can buy. However, I've found a way to shop Emma's bestselling mattresses for even less.

Whilst a double Hybrid Thermosync Mattress is currently reduced from £799 to £599.25 on Emma's website, I've discovered a way to bag this bestseller for just £378. That's a further £221.25 saving, and it isn't the only Emma mattress that's had its price slashed.

That's right, as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I keep track of all of the best prices on the best mattresses on the market, and I've discovered Argos currently has the Emma Hybrid Thermosync mattress on sale for just £378. That's cheaper than the Black Friday deals currently live on Emma's own website.

If you were shopping for a super king-size mattress, the savings would be even more dramatic.

Full price, a super king in the Emma Hybrid ThermoSync mattress costs £1049. Emma has the super king on sale for £786.75. At Argos you can shop a super king for £492. That's a £557 saving on normal RRP, and the best deal I've seen this year.

The even better news is that as a part of Argos' early Black Friday promotions, this mattress comes with Argos' price guarantee. That means that you can shop confidently knowing Argos won't reduce the price any further before Christmas.

This doesn't guarantee that another retailer won't lower the price of this mattress even further, but I've been keeping an eye on Black Friday deals for the past four years, and with the current Argos sale prices already offering a whopping 47% reduction on the mattress's normal retail value, I think it's highly unlikely we'll see a better saving on offer any time soon.

Plus, as I mentioned, it isn't just the Emma Hybrid Thermosync mattress that Argos currently has discounted.

We've tested and reviewed most of Emma's mattress collection at Ideal Home, and overall, we feel the Emma Hybrid ThermoSync mattress offers the best mix of comfort, support, and temperature regulation.

However, there are several more affordable Emma mattresses available, including the Emma Hybrid Premium mattress and Emma Hybrid Original mattress, the first of which also has a significant saving at Argos.

The Emma Hybrid Premium mattress normally retails at £529 for a double, and is currently on sale at Emma for £448.80. However, you can snap up a double in the Emma Hybrid Premium mattress at Argos for only £317 right now.

That said, when it comes to Emma's most affordable mattress, the Hybrid Original, Emma still has the best price. This mattress isn't on sale at Argos, so it remains its normal retail price of £359 for a double. The best bargain is at Emma, where the Emma Hybrid Original mattress is now reduced to £323.10.

Although that does mean you can score a more premium Emma mattress at Argos for cheaper than you'd pay for the entry-level model at Emma.

It just goes to show that when it comes to Black Friday deals, it pays to shop around. That's why Ideal Home's Black Friday deals page exists; to do the hard work of hunting for the best prices on bestselling homeware for you.

All in all, if you've been eyeing up an Emma mattress and just waiting for the right time to shop, then thanks to Argos' Black Friday mattress deals, I think that time is definitely now.

In this Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung Mattress review, I put the brand's most affordable mattress through its paces to see how it performs compared to the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

At just £189.99 for a single and £219.99 for a double, the Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung Mattress is a *very* affordable mattress, and having tested it out for a month, I also think it's a great value buy.

In fact, I think it's one of the best budget mattresses on the market if you're looking to spend around £250 on a double.

That's because it's one of the most supportive budget mattresses I've tested. Most mattresses in this price bracket I've found overly soft, but the Simply Support comes in two tension options – medium and firm – and the firm version I tested proved the most supportive of the ten or so 'cheap' mattresses I've put through their paces.

It also didn't make me overheat, offers good edge support which means you can lie on the whole surface without fear of rolling out, and, although its motion isolation could have been better – I could feel my husband toss and turn next to me – I've tested plenty of mattresses that are far worse in this regard.

I also loved the Bensons for Beds delivery process, which offered great communication from start to finish, delivery to my room of choice as standard, and the option to choose to have my old mattress (and even old bedroom furniture) taken away and recycled for me.

And speaking of recycling, this is one of the few budget mattresses I've tested that really seems to be trying to reduce its environmental impact. The polyester Bensons for Beds uses is recycled, and the brand has other great initiatives in place to make its enivronmental footprint lighter.

Overall, if you're looking for a double mattress for under £250, this is the best option I've found so far.

Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: pocket spring
• Construction materials: pocket springs, 75% recycled PET polyester
• Sizes: small single, single, small double, double, king, super king
• Tensions available: medium / firm
• Height: 22cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: rotate
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 40-night exchange for another Bensons for Beds mattress

1. Comfort

The Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung Mattress is a pocket sprung mattress that's made with 400 individually responsive pocket springs and comes in two tensions – medium and firm.

I've found that most mattresses in the under £500 price bracket – and particularly the under £250 price bracket, which this mattress falls into – don’t provide my spine with the support that I like. However, I tested the firm version of the Simply Support Pocket Sprung Mattress, and I was impressed by it.

It didn't feel as robust as the £529 DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress, which we rate the best budget mattress on the market, but, unlike a lot of the other mattresses that I’ve tested in this price bracket, I found it provided a decent level of support.

As someone who sleeps predominantly on their side, I usually prefer a medium-firm mattress which offers cushioning for my hip and shoulder, but also support enough to keep my spine in alignment.

Although this mattress didn’t offer as much cushioning as the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress, which has a cushioning memory foam top layer, the top layer of polyester padding still made my joints comfortable when I lay on my side. I found it similar in feel to the £219 IKEA VALEVAG Pocket Sprung mattress I recently tested.

Sleeping on it for a month didn’t exacerbate any shoulder, neck, or hip pains, but I did notice I rolled over from side sleeping and onto my back more frequently when I slept on this mattress. That suggests that it wasn’t quite as comfortable as some mattresses for side sleeping, and I probably would have added a mattress topper for side sleeping had I been keeping this mattress.

Occasionally, I sleep on my back, and as someone who suffers from back pain at times, a mattress must be firm enough to stop my hips and lower back from dipping too low.

Overall, I found this mattress offered a good level of support so that my spine stayed in alignment and didn’t dip out of alignment. I found its support significantly better than that offered by other mattresses of this price point and lower, such as the £150 Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress I tried out a few months back.

Of course, it's worth noting that your bed base will affect the comfort of your mattress. I tested this mattress on a slatted bed frame, but different types of beds will alter how the mattress performs. Luckily, Bensons for Beds has plenty of bed bases you can test out in store, including the Ideal Home x Bensons for Beds bed range!

2. Motion isolation

Whilst the manufacturer doesn’t make any specific claims about motion isolation, they do say that it is made with 400 individually responsive pocket springs that ‘adapt to your movements, providing tailored support for a restful and undisturbed night’s sleep.’

Sleeping on this mattress with my husband, I found I could feel when he rolled over next to me. More so than I could when lying on the budget-friendly Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress, for example.

Presumably, that's because the Zinus has an all-foam construction, whilst the Benson’s mattress has a pocket-spring construction. That means you do feel the movement traveling through the spring system more.

Still, the motion isolation was better than other pocket-spring mattresses I've tested at this price point, so when my husband came to bed later than me, the movement didn’t actually wake me up. But when we were both trying to get to sleep, and I was awake, I was certainly disturbed by him rolling over.

3. Responsiveness

I found it really easy to change my sleeping position on this Benson’s mattress. Instead of a memory foam top layer like some of the mattresses I’ve tested recently, it has what the manufacturer call ‘The Truecomfort layer', which is made from 75% recycled PET plastic (that's the equivalent of over 100 plastic bottles in a double mattress).

Unlike memory foam, I found the top padding didn’t mould around my body and so it didn’t hinder my changing sleeping positions or getting out of bed. As you can see in the video below, the surface of the mattress bounces back quickly.

4. Temperature regulation

Whilst Bensons for Beds doesn't make any particular mention of the Simply Support Pocket Sprung Mattress having been designed to address the issue of overnight temperature regulation, the manufacturer does point out that the use of pocket springs in its construction allows air to flow between the coils, which improves ventilation.

The brand also notes that its use of recycled polyester is a more breathable option than dense foams, allowing moisture and heat to move more freely than in some other mattresses.

During testing, I found this to ring true. Whilst it's not the most breathable mattress I've tested – a mattress filled with natural materials, such as the Hypnos Pillow Top Select Mattress, is your best bet if you're a hot sleeper – this mattress didn't make me as hot as some of the memory-foam mattresses I’ve recently tested.

5. Edge support

According to Bensons for Beds, the Simply Support Pocket Sprung mattress includes edge support in the form of 'edge wire', which is made of a round steel frame. This is designed to reduce roll-off and provide stability across the entire sleep surface.

When I sat on the edge of the mattress, I found it did dip a bit like most mattresses do; however, it didn’t collapse all the way down, so that I could feel the bed frame with my bottom like I could with the Zinus mattress I recently tested.

I also found it had a good spring back so that it was easy to stand up from the seating position, something that would be useful for people with mobility issues.

When lying on the mattress, I found the edge support felt supportive and didn’t sink away at the sides. This created a sense of having a bigger sleeping area, and it was strong enough that neither my husband nor I felt like we were going to roll out of bed.

6. Sleep trial

Bensons for Beds doesn't offer a mattress sleep trial in the same way that a lot of online retailers; that is, you can't buy this mattress, sleep on it for a set number of nights, and then return it for a refund as you can if you shop with Simba, for example.

However, the retailer does offers a 40 night guarantee which allows you to exchange this mattress for another Bensons for Beds model if you don’t find it comfortable. You just need to have tried the mattress for at least five nights (up to 40 nights) and use a mattress protector to qualify.

A month is usually enough time to test out if a mattress is for you, and, although you can't get a full refund, Bensons for Beds offers a wide selection of mattresses, so the chances of finding a better fit for your sleep needs in store is high.

7. Ease of care

Bensons for Beds describes this mattress as ‘easy care’ because you don’t need to turn it, you just ‘rotate regularly’.

When I gave this a go, I found the four thick, easy-to-hold side handles felt really robust and made it easy to rotate. The mattress also didn’t feel as heavy as some I’ve tested, so it would be a good option for anyone seeking easy movement.

The cover of the mattress can’t be removed, so the manufacturer advises routine mattress maintenance of brushing it weekly to remove dust and debris, and to give it a thorough deep clean every six months.

To eliminate odours, they suggest cleaning the mattress with baking soda, by sprinkling on the bicarb and then letting it sit for a few hours before brushing it off. For stains, you're advised to blot spills immediately and use a vinegar and soap solution with a microfiber cloth or toothbrush to scrub them gently.

The brand also recommends using a good mattress protector to extend the mattress’s lifespan.

8. Delivery

I found the Bensons for Beds delivery process really good, and communication was clear and effective from the initial order to delivery.

After the order was placed, I received a text message informing me of the delivery date and telling me that they would be in touch three days before delivery to confirm a timeslot. There was also a link provided to view the order details and track it, as well as to make any changes, such as amending the delivery date up to five days before.

As promised, three days before, I received a message with my two-hour timeslot. This was great as it meant that I could schedule my day around it. And then on the day itself, I got a message to remind me of the timeslot and with a link to track the order, and I received a phone call from the driver thirty minutes before.

Unlike many mattress-in-a-box mattresses I've tested recently, the Simply Support is delivered flat rather than rolled and boxed. That means it's a little more awkward to handle, but thankfully, Bensons for Beds offers delivery to your room of choice as standard, and the delivery drivers didn’t baulk at carrying the mattress up our narrow and twisting staircase for me.

The delivery team also wears overshoes in customers’ homes and gloves for delivery, will walk the route beforehand so they can consider any items of furniture they might need to move, and will take away and recycle any packaging if the customer wishes. All in all, I think that's a great service.

9. Third-party reviews

The Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung mattress has only recently been launched, so, so far, there aren't that many third-party reviews online.

However, of the reviews currently available on the Bensons for Beds website, this mattress has scored 4.7 out of 5 stars on average, with 81% of reviews being 5 stars. All of the reviews I read were positive, with reviewers referring to it being ‘good value for money’ and ‘comfortable’. Another echoed my experience of the entire order and delivery process, saying they enjoyed ‘quality and service from start to delivery absolutely brilliant.’

Another reviewer states: ’First time buying a mattress and was simple, quick and efficient. All product information is clearly shown and delivery was fast. Was able to track the delivery and was kept in contact with the helpful delivery team. No issues and mattress is exactly what I ordered, for my new flat and made settling into my own place for the first time a smooth transition.’

On Trustpilot, Bensons for Beds has an average 4.6 out of 5 score from over 300,000 reviews and an ‘Excellent’ rating, with the huge majority of the brand's reviews being very positive.

10. Environmental impact

The environmental impact of a product can be difficult to measure, but it feels like Bensons for Beds is taking really positive steps in order to reduce its environmental impact.

This Bensons mattress is made in the UK in a factory accredited with the Furniture Makers Manufacturing Guild Mark and the British Kitemark™ (a symbol of quality, safety and trust for more than 100 years) – providing confidence that it’s made to very high quality standards. The manufacturer also boasts of the fact that the mattress comes in ‘I’m Green™ packaging’, which is ‘made from a minimum of 50% sugar cane and 30% recycled plastics’.

Also, the ‘Truecomfort layer’ is made from 75% recycled PET plastic – the equivalent of over 100 plastic bottles in a double mattress.

You can also opt to have your old mattress taken away for recycling for an additional cost of £25, which is a very reasonable price when it comes to how to recycle a mattress, and I love the fact that Bensons for Beds partners with the British Heart Foundation to offer a free furniture pickup service for customers who have bought a new bed or mattress.

This means that the British Heart Foundation will come and collect your unwanted bed frame, mattress, or bedroom furniture and then re-sell these in their network of shops across the UK to raise money for the BHF charity.

11. Value for money

With a double of the Bensons for Beds Simply Support mattress currently costing £219.99, I think this mattress is *very* good value for money.

It's comparable in price and performance to the IKEA VALEVAG I recently tested, and like the VALEVAG comes in two tension options. However, I found the Bensons for Beds firm version of the Simply Support mattress was definitely the firmer of the two, which I love for keeping my spine in alignment.

This mattress is slightly more expensive than the budget-friendly Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress and the Dreams Workshop Traditional Spring Mattress I've tested, but I think that it’s well worth the additional money. I found both the Dreams and the Zinus mattresses overly soft, and this Bensons for Beds option offers significantly better edge support. Plus, it has side handles, which neither of the cheaper options do, making them much harder to rotate regularly.

If your budget can stretch to around the £500 mark, then, for me, the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress pips the Bensons for Beds Simply Support to the post because of its added memory foam cushioning. Because of this, I found DreamCloud's option more comfortable for side sleeping, and all in all, it feels the more premium product, but then, it's over twice the price.

If budget is paramount, then, overall, I think this is one of the best under £250 mattresses on the market.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: firm
Sleep problems: lower back pain and/or neck pain and occasional overheating
Height & weight: 5"5 and 9.5 stones

In putting the Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that myself (and my husband) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – plus, environmental impact, before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

Mattresses are expensive. That's a fact. If you've considered buying one recently, you'll know that a decent sleep surface can easily set you back a few thousand pounds.

But have you ever wondered what the most expensive mattress on the market is?

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last four years testing some of the best mattresses in the business, and I've just tracked down the most expensive mattress in the UK. Its price tag might well make your jaw drop.

My review team has slept on the best budget mattresses on the market – for instance, the £150 Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress and the £219 IKEA VALEVÅG mattress – and plenty of investment mattresses – including the Tempur Pro Plus SmartCool mattress, which is over £2000 for a double.

However, we cap our mattress testing at what we consider to be a 'reasonable' amount of money to spend on a new mattress. But what if your budget were unlimited?

I've crunched the numbers, and in the UK, the most expensive mattress money can buy is the Vispring Diamond Majesty mattress. As of writing, it costs a cool £85,585.

At least if you opt for the largest 7ft large emperor size, that is. If you can restrain yourself to a standard double – and really, why would you if you had that kind of budget! – a Vispring Diamond Majesty will set you back a mere £45,310.

So are expensive mattresses worth it? Yes, up to a point. A more expensive mattress usually tends to mean better materials, more durable construction, and a deeper mattress, which equals more support.

But what makes the Vispring Diamond Majesty more expensive than any other mattress you can buy in the UK, you may wonder.

For a start, it contains a *lot* of very expensive materials. The most notable is ultra-rare Vicuña fleece. Not encountered a Vicuña wandering around the English countryside? Me neither.

But according to the World of Wool Trade, a Vicuña fleece is a 'luxurious, rare, and expensive type of wool that comes from the wild vicuña, a species of alpaca found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina'. According to the experts, this is 'one of the finest and softest wools in the world'.

Added to that, the mattress also features Austrian horsetail, Shetland wool blended with cashmere, silk, and bamboo, and British lambswool. There are also three layers of pocket springs to form the support system.

What's perhaps even more jaw-dropping is the fact that this Vispring mattress isn't necessarily the *most* expensive mattress you can buy.

It's the most expensive mattress that has its price publicly available, but the likes of Swedish brand Hästens – widely recognised as one of the most expensive mattress brands in the world – has a roster of mattresses with prices only available on application.

Rumour has it that the brand's most expensive mattress – the Hästens Grand Vividus – costs £515,990 for the 'smallest' 193 x 203cm size. Most notably, it's the mattress that rapper Drake has in the master bedroom of his 50,000 square foot mansion in Toronto, as featured in Architectural Digest.

However, if you want to get in on the luxury mattress market without shelling out the equivalent of a mortgage deposit, luckily, there are more affordable ways to get your hands on a designer mattress.

I've rounded up three of Vispring's more affordable alternatives to the Diamond Majesty mattress below.

Shop alternatives

Getting a great night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health and happiness. So creating the perfect sleep environment is a must.

Usually, this starts with investing in the best mattress. This is where we come in. We are experts in mattress selection – having tried more than 100 first-hand, and reviewed over 40 at home for at least a month's worth of testing – and have narrowed it down to an easy-to-digest top five.

However, not everyone has the budget for a brand-new mattress or may not be ready to replace, so this page will help you find everything you need to improve your sleep set-up. Perhaps an affordable mattress under £500 is more realistic? Or maybe you like the support of your current bed, but need a little bit more cushion? In which case, our guide to the best mattress toppers is a must-read.

You can also improve the thermal performance of your current mattress with the best cooling mattress toppers – a great buy if you are constantly awoken by overheating. And don't forget that care and maintenance of your mattress is critical if you want it to last and stop dust and allergens impacting your sleep. Keep it fresh with our mattress cleaning guide.

If you prefer to browse for a new mattress for yourself, you can see all of our mattress reviews, along with our tester ratings. And keep an eye on this page for other mattress news and deals.

In this Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress review, I put the brand's premium model through its paces to see how it performs in comparison to the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

I’ve tested almost 30 mattresses as a sleep-product tester, from hybrid mattresses to pocket sprung and memory foam mattresses. So I was keen to see how Emma’s latest iteration – the Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress – would fare against my stringent tests.

Overall, I found the Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress to offer gentle support and good temperature regulation. The clever Airgrid layer makes this a much more responsive and 'bouncy' mattress than many other hybrid memory foam mattresses I've tested. Personally, I don't enjoy the feeling of sinking into and being 'cocooned' in a memory foam sleep surface, so I, for one, appreciated this.

However, I also found that extra springiness had a downside, and that was poor motion isolation. I share a bed with my husband, and I was very aware that I was being bounced around when he moved next to me on the mattress.

I was also disappointed by the edge support on the Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress, especially considering its price point, which at £999 for a double, isn't cheap.

All in all, if you prefer a medium to soft mattress, I did find the Emma Hybrid Airgrid very comfortable. I think it's a particularly good choice for side sleepers who want a responsive mattress that's easy to turn over on and has both cushioning and some bounce. However, if you're easily disturbed by a fidgety partner, this mattress isn't for you.

Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress review

Specifications

• RRP (double): £999
• Type: hybrid
• Construction materials: air grid, memory foam, pocket springs, support foam
• Sizes: single, double, king, super king
• Tensions available: medium-soft
• Height: 27cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: no
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 200 nights

1. Comfort

The Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress is listed as a medium-soft tension. As someone whose preference is a medium-firm tension, I was initially a bit dubious about how comfortable I’d find the Airgrid mattress to sleep on.

I’m a side sleeper. This means that some mattresses can cause my hip and shoulder to ache if they're too firm, or cause my lower back to ache if they're too soft. That's why the best mattress for a side sleeper is usually one that's medium-firm. A medium-firm tension allows the shoulder and hip to sink in to the mattress ever so slightly, but has enough support that the spine can rest in alignment without the waist dipping too low.

As the Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress is a medium-soft mattress, I was concerned it wasn’t going to give me enough support for my midsection, and I’d wake up with an aching lower back, which is a pain I often encounter whenever I sleep somewhere other than my own bed.

However, when I lay on the mattress, I immediately felt like it was probably more medium than soft. My shoulders and hips dipped into the mattress slightly, but I could feel the mattress underneath my waist gently supporting me.

Next up, I tested it for back sleeping. My husband has unwittingly become a mattress co-tester – not a gig he ever signed up for, but here we are – and as luck would have it (for mattress-testing purposes at least), he’s a back sleeper. I also like to lie on my back when awake at night.

We both found that the Airgrid did well in rising to support our lower backs, but I did feel my hips sank down a little too far, and I felt a little overextended in this area.

Emma says their Airgrid layer and the zoned springs work together to provide 'exceptional support for your body's pressure points'. I agree that for a hybrid mattress, the Airgrid does offer really decent support – would I say it’s exceptional, particularly if compared to a traditional pocket spring mattress? Considering the above; probably not.

One thing I did really like about the Airgrid mattress was that it felt a lot more 'alive' and responsive than most mattresses in a box I've tested, which can often tend to feel a little dead and unresponsive due to their memory foam surface.

That's probably because Emma has added an extra layer to this mattress, and that's the 'Airgrid' layer. This is a slice of foam that looks like a grid, with squares cut out across the whole layer. The idea of this is to spread pressure from the body, so – in Emma’s words – 'you never feel heavy or like you’re sinking into the mattress'.

There's still a memory foam layer and pocket springs underneath, but I would definitely agree that the Airgrid layer kept me on the mattress surface rather than sinking *into* the mattress, which I much prefer. However, this responsiveness has some downsides, which I'll come to next.

2. Motion isolation

Being able to sleep uninterrupted is never to be underrated. Feeling my husband move next to me is a sure-fire way to wake me up (and irritate me, if I’m honest), so I’m very fussy, and a mattress with good motion isolation is very important to us both.

I also have three kids who love to come in at 6.50 am on the dot and snuggle into bed with us. My ideal would be to not be able to feel them wiggling around next to me so I can squeeze in just 10 more minutes of snooze time.

So how did the Emma Hybrid Airgrid stand up to these tests? Not so great. Both my husband and I found that the mattress's movement isolation was poor. When I rolled over at night, it felt a bit like being on a bouncy castle!

I could also feel my husband moving about when he couldn’t sleep, and if he got out of bed in the night, I almost felt like I was going to bounce off the bed.

Luckily, my husband is someone who doesn’t move much in his sleep – a real bonus for the health of our marriage, whilst we tested the Emma Hybrid Airgrid mattress. But if you're part of a couple where one of you is prone to tossing and turning, whilst the other is a light sleeper, I would say this mattress isn't the one for you.

3. Responsiveness

I really rate the responsiveness of this mattress in comparison to other memory foam hybrid mattresses I’ve tested.

I found the mattress didn’t mould around my body and make me feel smothered – a real bonus for me, as that sensation gives me 'the ick'. As someone who likes to freely move and stretch while I sleep and laze around, I much prefer a mattress that doesn’t make me feel like I have to put real effort into shifting about or changing position.

However, as I’ve previously mentioned, the mattress is *so* responsive it sometimes felt overly bouncy. My husband remarked that it was 'almost too bouncy' for his liking, and we found that we noticed when the other person changed position or rolled over and got in and out of bed far more on this mattress than our usual sleep surface.

Emma claims that 'as you shift in your sleep, the AirGrid layer rebounds in no time allowing you to toss and turn without even realizing it', which is true, but if you sleep with another person, I would say that you *will* notice when they toss and turn, because they're likely to make your side of the mattress bounce too.

Emma promises the Airgrid layer will offer 'weightless comfort', but I had real concerns about becoming airborne if anyone jumped onto the bed next to me!

4. Temperature regulation

I’d say I’m a hot sleeper who likes to be cosy. My husband is a hot sleeper who likes to be cold to sleep, so a mattress with good temperature regulation and breathability is important to us both.

Emma claims that the Hybrid Airgrid is its most breathable mattress ever. The brand says that the 'large air channels maximise airflow and keep the mattress from retaining heat, allowing it to maintain the ideal temperature all night long.'

I've previously tested the (now discontinued) Emma Original mattress and Emma Premium mattresses, and found I slept very warm on them both. I would find myself kicking off the covers even in December, so I was interested to see how the 'most breathable Emma mattress' would live up to its claims.

All in all, I would say I didn’t overheat on the Airgrid, even on the nights I was feeling very hot thanks to hormones. So here I find Emma’s claims valid – the Airgrid is definitely a more breathable product compared to the brand's previous models.

However, I usually sleep on the Hypnos Wool Origins 6 Mattress, and I definitely find its mixture of wool combined with pocket springs to offer better breathability and temperature regulation than the Emma Airgrid's synthetic fill.

So yes, for a synthetic mattress which employs memory foam, this mattress doesn't cause the same overheating many can, but compared to a wool-filled mattress, I can't say it's the *most* breathable sleep surface I've slept on. Overall, I'd say its breathability and temperature regulation is 'good', but not quite as good as the natural-fill mattresses I've tested.

5. Edge support

If you’re new to the world of edge support, it essentially means how well reinforced the sides of the mattress are. This is incredibly important, yet a factor that’s often overlooked when we shop.

Good edge support will ensure the entire mattress surface is supportive and gives you the maximum possible area to lie on. If you're a couple sharing a double mattress, this is especially important as you'll likely want to use every inch of space. Similarly, if, like me, you're a parent who often has extra little people climbing into bed. It's not uncommon for there to be five humans on my mattress if my three kids decide to join us.

Poor edge support means that when you roll close to the mattress edge, it may dip, and you can feel like you're about to roll out, which can wake you from an otherwise good night's sleep. Good edge support can also extend the lifespan of your mattress, stopping it from sagging over time.

Some mattresses have firmer foam around the edges or higher-tension springs to provide extra edge support, and most manufacturers will shout about the methods they've taken to reinforce their mattresses' edges. However, I tried valiantly to find any information about reinforced edge support on the Airgrid mattress, and came up empty-handed.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, this was the main area I felt the Hybrid Airgrid was lacking. When lying right at the edge of the mattress, I initially thought the edge support was pretty good. I didn’t have to cling on, and I couldn’t feel it dip into the side of the bed.

However, I found the mattress sagged quite dramatically when I sat on the edge. It couldn’t stand up to this kind of focused pressure, and that made me wonder how the edges would hold up over time as the fillings naturally become more compressed.

It also wasn't ideal for sitting on the edge of the bed and putting on socks in the morning. It felt like an effort to stand from a sitting position, which may also be something anyone with limited mobility will struggle with. Overall, I gave its edge support a 2 out 5. Not terrible, but I'd definitely like it to be better, especially for a mattress of this price.

6. Sleep trial

Emma offers a 200-night sleep trial, which means you can buy the mattress, sleep on it at home for 200 nights, and return it if you find it doesn't suit you during this test period.

This is useful because it can take a while for our body to adjust to a new mattress, and, because Emma is an online retailer, it's very difficult to try an Emma mattress before you buy.

Make sure to check the terms and conditions on any sleep trial before you make a purchase, though; they vary from brand to brand, and there may be things you need to do to be compliant, such as purchasing one of the brand's own mattress protectors alongside the mattress.

7. Ease of care

To start with Emma recommends rotating your mattress monthly for the first six months to prevent body impressions. After the initial period you should then rotate it every three months.

The brand states that you should never flip your Airgrid mattress as the layers are stacked in a specific order that only 'work' one way.

The cover is removable and you can wash it if you want. This is no mean feat though. The mattress isn’t the heaviest mattress out there, so turning it could be done by one person with average strength, however, removing a mattress cover is another matter entirely. Personally, I would opt for one of the best mattress protectors instead.

8. Delivery

When my Emma Hybrid Airgird order was placed, I received an email with my tracking information. I then received a text message from the courier (UPS in my case) the day before delivery, letting me know the mattress was due for delivery the next day.

However, unlike with most mattresses I've received for testing recently, I wasn’t given a specific delivery window. Instead, the mattress could have turned up at any point throughout the day. As I work from home, this didn't affect my day too much, but if you don’t work from home or you need to go out, this delivery process isn't very convenient. Most brands now offer a two-hour delivery window, which I much prefer.

My second bugbear was that the mattress was only delivered to my doorstep, and from there I had to shift it into the house myself. I tested the king-size version of this mattress, and although it comes rolled in a fairly compact box, it's still very heavy. It was a two-person job to get it up a flight of stairs, and this won't be heavy-lifting that everyone can do.

However, Emma does now offer delivery to your room of choice as a paid extra. Opt for Premium Delivery, which costs £35, and your mattress will be carried into your home by the two-person delivery team. This also means you're given a 3-hour delivery window on delivery day and a selection of possible delivery dates to choose from.

9. Value for money

I tested a king-size in the Emma Hybrid Airgid mattress, which costs, at the time of writing, £1,279. A double mattress costs £999, which I think is a pretty hefty price tag.

Indeed, this is Emma’s most expensive mattress, and had it passed my tests with flying colours, I might be willing to pay a premium for it. However, overall, I was left disappointed by the Airgrid's lack of motion isolation and its poor edge support.

For comparison, Simba's Hybrid Pro mattress costs £1,199 for a double. It's a slightly more expensive price tag, and a slightly firmer-feeling mattress, but I do feel it's a mattress-in-a-box that nails a lot of the areas that let Emma's Airgrid down.

No, Simba's mattresses don't have the bounce of the Airgrid, but, in my book at least, that turned out to be a good thing. I think the Airgrid has leaned a little too far in the other direction and become *too* bouncy.

10. Environmental impact

Emma doesn’t mention whether any of the synthetic materials used in the Airgrid come from recycled sources, which, I assume, means they do not.

The brand also doesn't offer to collect and responsibly dispose of any old mattresses like many of its competitors, such as Simba, do. And it’s not been made easy to recycle this mattress at the end of its lifespan. The layers are glued together inside, so it can't easily be dismantled to recycle each element.

Considering Emma is one of the biggest names in the mattress industry, and used mattresses going to landfill is such a big environmental problem, it's a shame the brand doesn't seem to be doing more to lead the way in combating this issue.

Instead, Emma's main nod to sustainability seems to be its Second Life scheme. This scheme takes previously owned products (likely those that have been returned during one of the brand's sleep trials), revamps them, and then resells them to a new owner at a lower price.

11. Third-party reviews

Third-party reviews of Emma’s Airgrid Hybrid mattress are limited, perhaps because this mattress is a fairly new addition to the range.

Some reviews I found said the mattress solved their aches and pains and had them sleeping better. However, one reviewer noted that the mattress isn’t firm enough for heavier builds or stomach sleepers, and something that comes up in many reviews is the poor edge support.

I'd agree with those comments. I think this mattress is best suited to lighterweight sleepers as it is fairly soft and doesn't offer the support heavier builds need. And I concur with the concerns around its lack of edge support.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: side
Tension preference: medium-firm
Sleep problems: hip pain

In putting the Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed 11 factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that my husband and I slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, the mattress's value for money, and, where possible, researched the mattress's environmental impact and any third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

There's a lot to think about when buying a mattress. Memory foam or hybrid, with a sleep trial or without, all can have an impact on how well you sleep on your new bed.

But if you want to avoid any costly mattress buying mistakes, experts warn that there is one type of mattress you should never buy.

What is it? A mattress that's under 20cm deep. At least if you're an adult, and not a child. I enlisted the help of two sleep experts to explain why.

In the hunt for the best mattress money can buy, you might be wondering if mattress depth matters, and the answer is yes.

A typical mattress thickness ranges from 20cm to 30cm. The best budget mattresses will all tend to err on the thinner side. After all, less mattress depth means fewer materials are needed, so it stands to reason a thinner mattress will cost less.

In contrast, a luxury mattress tends to sit somewhere between 25cm and 35cm deep. That extra depth usually houses taller, more robust springs and more comfort layers that can add up to a more supportive and better cushioned sleep.

If you're looking for an affordable mattress, that means you're likely to be investing in a thinner mattress, but sleep experts say there is a mattress depth that you shouldn't ever go below if you want a comfortable sleep. If you're buying a mattress for an adult, that's any depth mattress below 20cm.

‘My advice would be to avoid mattresses any thinner than 20cm as they tend to have insufficient support,' warns Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director of bedding brand Woolroom.

'In a mattress of this depth the springs can be too short, and can only take a certain amount of weight or use before the comfort layers begin to compress down into the base.’

‘A 20cm mattress can be sufficient for lighter individuals, children, or occasional use (like in guest rooms),’ agrees Martin Seeley, sleep expert at mattress retailer MattressNextDay. ‘But for everyday adult use, especially if you have a heavier build or joint issues, a mattress of a 20cm depth or lower may not offer enough depth for proper spinal alignment or durability over time.’

'I would generally consider anything under 20cm to be a back-up option,' says Martin, 'it may not last as long or perform as well in regular use.’

At Ideal Home, we've put three mattresses that are 20cm or under through our mattress testing process. The Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress, the REM-Fit Hybrid Pocket 1000 Mattress, and the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress. We also tested the 18cm Dreams Workshop Follows Traditional Spring Mattress.

Our tester, Rachel, was impressed by both the Simba and REM-Fit mattresses, considering their price. However, she found the expert's concerns rang true with all the mattresses of this thickness; they lacked support compared to deeper designs.

Overall, the best budget mattress we've tested has been the 25cm deep DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress and the 23cm deep OTTY Aura Hybrid mattress.

Best budget mattresses over 20cm

The main reason you'd be considering shopping for an under 20cm deep mattress is price. These are three budget-friendly alternatives that offer more depth, which equals more support and better durability.

All in all, I think it's clear that it's well worth shopping for a mattress that's over 20cm deep. That means making sure to check the small print if you're buying a mattress online, as depth is something that isn't always apparent if you're not testing a mattress in a store.

Yes, this will often mean you need to invest a few hundred more pounds, but this is where mattress deals can help, as retailers often reduce prices considerably during key sales periods.

Opting for a super cheap mattress that's under 20cm deep is also likely to be a false economy. As our experts point out, there's more likelihood that a thin mattress will become compressed quickly, and that means the mattress will need replacing more frequently than it would otherwise.

Avoid this one mattress-buying pitfall, and you should score yourself a much more comfortable sleep.

Wondering about the pros and cons of Emma vs TEMPUR mattresses? You're in the right place.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last four years testing the best mattresses on the market, including those from two of the best-known names in the sleep world: Emma and TEMPUR.

So, if you're in the market for a new mattress or perhaps searching for the best pillow for a good night's sleep, I'm here to explain the key differences between the two brands and provide my recommendations on which one might best suit your needs.

Emma vs TEMPUR: mattress comparison

Both retailers sell a variety of sleep products, but if you're weighing up Emma vs TEMPUR, it's likely to be the brands' mattresses you're considering. Let's dig into the details.

As of writing, Emma now offers four mattresses. Three memory foam and spring hybrid mattresses, and one that adds in an 'airgrid' layer to the mix for added breathability:

Emma Hybrid Original Mattress: double £359
Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress: double £528
Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress: double £819
Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress: double £1099

In contrast, TEMPUR offers three memory foam mattresses, all of which forego springs and offer a sleep surface built up from foam and memory foam layers. The higher the price point, the thicker the adaptive memory foam layer:

TEMPUR PRO® SmartCool: double £2099
TEMPUR PRO Plus SmartCool: double £2399
TEMPUR PRO Luxe SmartCool: double £2899

The first thing you'll likely notice, is that there's a BIG price difference between the two brands. At £2099 for a double, TEMPUR's entry-level mattress is nearly twice the price of Emma's most expensive model.

The key difference, and, in my opinion, the main reason you might consider investing in a TEMPUR mattress over an Emma mattress, is the fact that all of TEMPUR's mattresses come in a choice of four tension options.

Unlike Emma's one-size-fits-all approach to mattress tension, you can choose each of TEMPUR's mattresses in a soft, medium, medium-firm, or firm feel. This can be vital for achieving a more comfortable sleep, as our weight, sleeping position, and personal preferences can all affect which type of mattress tension feels more comfortable for us.

For instance, if we're a heavier weight sleeper, we're likely to be more comfortable on a firmer-feeling mattress. On a soft mattress, we'll likely sink in too much for comfort. If you're lighter than average, you'll appreciate some extra softness; a medium-firm mattress may feel far too firm for you.

There's also TEMPUR's new SmartCool materials to consider. One of the main problems with memory foam is that it lacks breathability and can lead to overheating at night, especially if you're a hot sleeper.

Overheating has been an issue on many of the older Emma mattresses we put through Ideal Home's mattress testing process – such as the now-discontinued Emma Original and Emma Premium mattress – and was also an issue I encountered on TEMPUR's older (and similarly discontinued) Sensation mattress.

TEMPUR's new SmartCool technology combats this problem with innovative materials that draw heat away from the body; and they really work. When our reviewer Jullia tested the TEMPUR Pro Plus SmartCool mattress, she didn't suffer from any hot and sticky wake-ups during testing.

Emma's newer mattress lines also offer better temperature regulation than their older models. Our tester Molly and her partner (who likened the discontinued Emma Original to sleeping in a sauna!) found the Emma Hybrid ThermoSync mattress offered a much more stable sleep environment, as did Rachael, who tested out the Emma Hybrid Premium mattress, and Rachel, who tested the new and improved Emma Hybrid Original mattress.

However, overall, during testing we've found TEMPUR still wins out when it comes to beating the heat.

Side by side, a TEMPUR mattress also looks and feels far better quality than the Emma mattresses we've tested. They may be twice the price, but you can instantly see and feel the difference in quality you're getting for that price.

Emma vs TEMPUR: sleep trial comparison

A sleep trial is a really useful way to test out whether a mattress is the right sleep surface for you before you commit, and, thankfully, both Emma and TEMPUR offer decent-length sleep trials.

Emma gives customers 200 nights to test out sleeping on its mattresses, whilst TEMPUR offers 100 nights. I think 100 nights is more than long enough to give the mattress a fair trial, but if you want longer, Emma wins out in this category.

Emma vs TEMPUR: delivery comparison

It may not be the first thing you think of when shopping for a new mattress, but a mattress is a heavy and bulky item, so the mattress delivery process can make a big difference to how stress-free or stressful delivery day becomes.

Because they utilise so much memory foam, in my experience, TEMPUR mattresses are particularly heavy. They're also delivered flat, so it's good news that the brand offers free delivery to your room of choice as standard. The brand does just stipulate that it 'cannot deliver to high rise buildings any higher than 3 floors, unless there is a working lift big enough to accommodate the items ordered without the need to unbox or unpack them before they are delivered to their final location'.

In contrast, Emma only delivers to the doorstep, with no option to pay for delivery to your room of choice. Sadly, this might mean the brand's mattresses are an unsuitable option for some people. However, if you can move the mattress yourself, then the fact that most of the brand's mattresses come rolled and boxed could be a bonus.

This doesn't make the mattress any lighter, of course, but a mattress-in-a-box is a lot more compact and therefore far easier to carry up awkward flights of stairs or get through narrow delivery access.

Emma vs TEMPUR: customer satisfaction comparison

As of writing, Emma has just over 50,000 reviews on Trustpilot and an average rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars. 61% of reviewers gave the brand 5 stars, but 23% of reviewers only gave the retailer 1 star, with complaints about poor communication and poor customer service being the main theme.

In comparison, TEMPUR only has just over 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars. 58% of reviewers gave the brand 5 stars, with customers raving about the comfort of the mattresses. 24% of reviewers rated the brand just 1 star, with complaints about poor communication and customer service.

Emma vs Tempur: Verdict

All in all, if you're looking for affordability, then Emma is always going to win out over TEMPUR in this respect. Prices for a double Emma mattress range from £359 to £1099, whereas a double TEMPUR mattress starts at £2099 and goes up to £2899.

However, if you're willing to invest more, TEMPUR offers greater versatility in its mattress range. You can choose from a soft, medium, medium-firm, or firm tension in each of its mattresses, and we found the brand's new SmartCool range to sleep cooler than Emma's mattresses.

If you opt for TEMPUR, you also benefit from delivery to your room of choice, whereas Emma only delivers to your doorstep.

Overall, if you're looking for affordability and can manhandle a mattress into your bedroom by yourself, Emma offers budget-friendly mattresses with the convenience of speedy mattress-in-a-box delivery. Whereas TEMPUR offers superior quality, the ability to craft your sleep surface to your exact preferences when it comes to tension, and innovative technology that combines the cushioning of memory foam with a cooler sleep.

Whether you routinely have guests stay over or your kids have sleepovers every so often, you’ll probably be used to pulling out your sofa bed for them to sleep on. Sofa beds aren't the comfiest to sleep in, so our team of sleep experts on Ideal Home always recommend investing in a mattress topper. But how do you store a mattress topper when it's not in use on a sofa bed?

Investing in one of the best mattress toppers can make a huge difference to the comfort levels of even the best sofa bed. Mattress toppers comes in a variety of shapes and forms, while some look like large duvets with straps, others include memory foam and are like mini thin mattresses in their own right.

However, the good news is that with the right intel, you can safely store a mattress topper way in between uses. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping it in the best condition for many years to come. Many of these tips are applicable if you want or need to store the mattress topper on your own bed or in your guest bedroom, too.

What to do before storing a mattress topper

If your guest has just departed, there are a few steps you’ll want to take before storing the mattress topper away. Firstly, ‘it’s vital to air the mattress topper before you store it after use,’ reveals Robert Lancaster-Gaye, co-founder of Tielle. We all perspire and sweat a surprising amount overnight, so giving the mattress protector time to fully dry out will save you from storing it slightly damp, which can cause mould or unwanted odours.

If it’s been used for several nights or a longer period of time, it’s also worth giving it a quick clean. ‘Check the care label and then use a soft hand brush, gently across both sides of the topper. This helps remove dust, dead skin cells, and allergens that may have accumulated in your mattress topper over time,’ explains Emma Beck, buyer at Bensons for Beds.

‘I don't advise vacuuming your topper, as this may unduly disturb the upholstery fillings, causing the support to be affected, you can sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of the topper (which must be dry before treatment) and let it sit for a few hours before brushing away, which may help deodorise and freshen the topper.’

'Give it a good shake from both ends to aerate it, then leave it on top of a bed for the day,’ before you store it away for weeks or even months, can help too, Robert adds.

What to store a mattress topper in

Then it’s time to get rolling. ‘It’s important to have patience when rolling a mattress topper as it can be harder than it looks,’ admits Ethan Fox, home and interior expert at Furniture World. Take your time and try to roll it as tightly as possible.

If you have the original storage bag that it came in, you can often reuse this as long as it is air-tight. Otherwise, you can always purchase a storage bag online; Amazon sells vacuum pack bags in an X-Jumbo size for £11.99.

Whatever you do, 'it’s important to store your mattress topper in an air-sealed bag as it keeps the mattress topper clean by protecting it from dust and moisture, preventing damp or mould,' adds Ethan.

Alternatively, ‘vacuum sealed storage bags can be used for storing mattress toppers, especially if you have limited storage space,’ Ethan continues. ‘Place your mattress topper in the bag rolled, to decrease the chance of creases and use a vacuum to seal the bag shut. However, this is only advised as a short-term storage option, as storing a mattress topper in a vacuum bag in the long-term can reduce the thickness of the mattress and make it less supportive over time.’

So, it could be a good option if you have guests stay every month or so, rather than those who might only be bringing a mattress topper out every Christmas when family or friends stay over.

Where to store a mattress topper

Depending on how much storage you have, this will vary from household to household. For example, if you have plenty of space above your wardrobes or under your bed, both could work well for storing the mattress topper out of sight. For others, a dedicated storage cupboard might be a better option.

Essentially, you ‘always want to store your mattress topper in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area,’ Ethan says. ‘This can prevent damage from dust, pests or moisture, to ensure the mattress topper is fresh, clean and comfortable to sleep on. And avoid storing your mattress topper in a humid environment at all costs, as this can result in mould and mildew growth.’

Is it okay to fold a mattress topper?

‘One thing we get asked a lot is whether it’s okay to fold a topper,’ says Judith Ackers, bed expert at Land of Beds. But ‘it really depends on what it’s made from. Foam doesn’t cope well with tight folds and can end up creased or misshapen, so rolling is usually better. Fibre-filled ones are more flexible, so they’re a bit easier to fold and store under the bed, or on top of the wardrobe. If it’s made from memory foam or latex, the best option is to roll it up loosely.’

However, the experts mostly agree that you should avoid folding a mattress topper if you can. Not only does ‘rolling distribute the pressure more evenly across the material, helping it return to its original shape more quickly when unfolded,’ according to OTTY Sleep’s founder, Michal Szlas.

'Folding a mattress topper can cause permanent creases and wrinkles, affecting the quality and comfort of it. In some cases, folding a mattress topper can even cause cracks in the mattress,’ Ethan warns.

If you’re still unsure, ‘a good indication of the best way to fold or roll your topper is to take note of how it arrived in its packaging,’ Emma proposes. ‘The manufacturer will have pre-tested the ideal way to do this to avoid unnecessary damage and ensure it arrives in perfect condition.’

How long can you keep a mattress topper in storage?

‘If a mattress topper is stored correctly then it can be stored for several months without ruining the quality of it,’ Ethan says. The experts agree that around three months is the longest that it should really be stored away for before you take it out to let it air and breathe.

‘It’s also worth noting toppers which have been folded or rolled will require a certain amount of redressing and reshaping to ensure the fillings are evened out, ready for the next comfortable night’s sleep,’ Emma adds.

‘If you need to keep it stored for longer than three months, make sure you get the topper out, check on it, and air it for a day or so, before re-putting it away,’ Emma concludes.

Shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming – the choice, the types, the price – it can feel like just as you get to grips with one decision, another arises.

One of those questions you might be pondering is, does mattress depth matter? If you've been researching specifications and come across all sorts of measurements, you might also be wondering what the standard mattress thickness is.

Depth is definitely something you’re wise to weigh up when shopping for your next mattress, but, in my experience as a seasoned mattress tester, the best mattress isn’t always the thickest – this isn’t the Princess and the Pea.

During my years of testing, I’ve slept on mattresses of all thicknesses, and whilst I’d never advocate a paper-thin mattress, I’d also say a mega-thick mattress with layers and layers of springs and foam and unicorn fur isn’t the gold standard for comfort either. I'm here to explain more.

Does mattress depth matter?

First things first, does mattress depth matter? Yes, mattress depth does matter and it’s a major factor you should consider when buying a mattress. A thin mattress offers less cushioning between you and your bed frame, and just isn’t going to offer you the best support. The result of sleeping on a mattress that’s too thin is going to be poor sleep quality, aching joints and potentially a very bad back.

‘Mattress depth is a really important factor to consider when purchasing a new mattress,’ agrees Chris Tattersall, a sleep expert and founder of Woolroom. ‘A thinner mattress naturally offers less support and tension.'

‘Thicker mattresses often offer better support and comfort because they have more room for different layers, and are better for those who have specific sleeping needs, like those of a heavier build,’ explains Martin Seeley, sleep expert at MattressNextDay. 'A very thin mattress will be uncomfortable to sleep on every night.'

However, depth is relative. 'A couple of centimetres won't make a huge difference.' says Martin; 'it's only when you compare a very deep and very thin mattress that thickness begins to matter.’

On that note, what is the standard depth for a mattress, and what is considered 'too thin' or at least the thinner end of the scale?

What is the standard mattress thickness?

Unlike bed sizes – single, double, king etc – there is no industry standard for mattress thickness. So we’re looking at more of a depth range rather than anything absolute here.

In my experience, 25cm to 30cm is the average mattress depth for a decent quality mattress that won't break the bank. For instance, the bestselling Simba Hybrid Original mattress is 25cm deep, and the highly rated Sealy Newton Posturepedic mattress is 27cm. Both were more than deep enough to offer good support during our testing.

The thinnest mattress we tested for Ideal Home's best budget mattress guide was the 18cm Dreams Workshop Follows Traditional Spring mattress. However, our testers definitely felt this was too thin and lacked support. More affordable mattresses tend to be around the 20cm depth, but I would recommend paying a bit more for something 25cm upwards if you can.

‘A typical mattress thickness falls between 20cm and 30cm (approximately 8–12 inches),’ agrees Martin from MattressNextDay. ‘This range is widely accepted as ideal for offering a solid balance of support and comfort without being overly bulky or difficult to handle.'

‘Most high-quality mattresses today are designed within this bracket to suit the majority of body types and bed frames. However, this only applies to adults, as you'll find that children's mattresses are a lot thinner as they don't require as much support,’ points out Martin.

What is a good thickness for a mattress?

I’ve slept on mattresses of all depths, and generally find I like mattresses that are around the 30cm mark – this is just due to my preference in terms of support, fillings, and how high I like my sleep surface to be (I am fairly tall). My current mattress is the Hypnos Wool Origins 6, which is 29cm deep.

However, this isn’t to say this mattress thickness is right for you. When I spoke to the experts, they offered ranges or minimum depths, rather than one specific depth.

‘I would always recommend choosing a mattress with a depth of between 25cm to 35cm to ensure your body is well supported and has the depth of fillings so that you can sleep deeply and comfortably,’ says Chris from Woolroom. ‘But the ideal depth will depend on personal comfort preferences, sleeping position and bodyweight.’

‘Ultimately, your mattress should adapt to you, distribute your weight evenly, keep your spine straight, and absorb pressure to aid comfort and relieve pain,’ points out Thomas from TEMPUR. ‘Whilst mattress thickness can influence these factors, the perfect depth will vary person-to-person.’

It is also worth bearing in mind how high your bedframe is. Ideally you want a mattress that isn't so deep you need a ladder or stepstool to get into bed.

Is a thicker mattress always better?

Thicker does not always mean better in the mattress world. As I mentioned, it’s all about balance and finding something that’s right for you and your specific sleep needs. For some people a thicker mattress is good, and for others it’s unnecessary.

‘A thicker mattress does not necessarily provide more comfort or support, which is why the more important factors to consider are the height of the pocketed spring, the tension of that spring and the material or fillings used within the mattress,’ points out Chris from Woolroom. ‘I would say a thicker mattress is better for those who require a little extra cushioning, such as couples, side sleepers, those with a higher body weight or back pain.’

The benefits of a thicker mattress are that it can be:

• More durable
• Generally more supportive
• Many offer more cushioning
• Great for heavier builds, side sleepers, those with mobility issues and couples
• Good movement isolation

But the disadvantages of a thicker mattress are:

• Hard to turn or rotate
• Takes up more space (can make room feel smaller)
• Can be difficult to get in and out of
• Tend to be more expensive
• Might require deeper fitted sheets

FAQs

What is the thickest mattress you can get?

Before you start focusing on the thickest mattress you can buy for your money, remember it’s got to fit your bed frame. Some bed frames aren’t suitable for very thick mattresses, partly because thicker means heavier, sometimes a lot heavier.

Having said that, there are so-called “extra-deep mattresses” and these are normally around 36cm. Anything much more than this and it’s going to feel very high.

If you go for an extra-deep mattress, look for ones with reinforced edge support – stronger springs on the side, and side stitching. This will help with the stability and longevity of the mattress, stopping it sagging after time. Mattresses are all about balance.

Is a 16cm mattress too thin?

I would find a 16cm mattress too thin as a long-term sleep surface. My children’s top bunks have this depth mattress on them, and while they’re fine for my kids – because they’re lighter – they definitely feel thin as an adult when I attempt to sleep on them.

‘A 16cm mattress is very much on the thin side, says Martin from MattressNextDay. ‘It may work for short-term solutions or trundle beds for your children's friends during sleepovers, but will likely lack the layered construction needed for consistent support and pressure relief.'

A top tip from Woolroom’s Chris though, if you do find yourself on a thin mattress over an extended period of time: ‘If you do have a thinner mattress, I would recommend adding an extra layer, such as a mattress topper, to significantly improve comfort and support.'

Is a 20cm mattress too thin?

A 20cm mattress is on the thinner end of what’s considered standard for mattresses. You may find it fine – especially if it’s for light use. But bear in mind it won’t offer the same kind of cushioning and support as many slightly thicker mattresses.

I'd say look at a mattress depth of 25cm to 30cm as the ideal, and if you need more support or a taller sleep surface, look for something between 30cm and 35cm. Just be aware you'll usually pay more for a deeper mattress.

You probably don't need me to tell you it's been hot recently. Parts of London saw temperatures reach over 34°C this week, and although some of us may be happy to bask in the daytime sun, hot and humid nights are another story.

I don't know about you, but I think there's nothing worse than tossing and turning all night, getting hot and sticky, and being unable to sleep in a heatwave. Little wonder sales of the best cooling mattress toppers soar during this time of year.

But how much would you pay to sleep cooler? According to Google, the answer could be well over £2,000. I know, crazy, right? Here's why.

As temperatures soared during the last week, so did Google searches for the Eight Sleep Pod cooling mattress cover.

How much does it cost? A hefty £2,549. If you opt for the entry-level 'Pod 4' model, that is. If you choose the brand's top-of-the-range 'Pod 5 Ultra', then a cool night's sleep will set you back £4,449. Ouch.

So what on earth do you get for that money, and do you really need to spend that much to sleep cooler at night? Personally, I think not.

There may not be anything else on the market quite like the Eight Sleep mattress cover, but if your budget doesn't stretch to dropping a small fortune like this, I do have some alternative suggestions for a cooler sleep. And one of them is only £22. But more on those in a minute.

What is the Eight Sleep mattress cover?

First, what exactly is the Eight Sleep mattress cover, and why on earth would you spend a few thousand pounds on it?

Well, Eight Sleep describes this as an 'intelligent, hydro-powered cover that wraps around your mattress, tracking your health and dynamically optimizing your temperature to improve your sleep'.

That means that you keep your existing mattress, but add this cover on top. The cover is then connected to a freestanding 'hub' which sends water into the cover to warm, or, most importantly, cool the sleeper.

Eight Sleep says that this means you can adjust the temperature of your sleep surface anywhere between 12°C to 43°C. Why you'd want to be a roasting 43°C in bed, I can't imagine, but the cooler temperatures certainly sound pleasant to this hot sleeper.

What's more, you can adjust the temperature of each side of the bed independently, and as different internal thermostats are one of the most common issues couples have to consider when buying a mattress, the reduction in bedtime arguments alone could, perhaps, be worth that two grand investment.

But that isn't all the Eight Sleep mattress cover does. It's also smart, so it can adapt to your sleep needs whilst you rest making, as Eight Sleep puts it, 'real-time adjustments based on your sleep stages, heart rate, and more'.

Plus, it can act as a very expensive alarm clock, offering 'natural wake-ups on each side of the bed with gentle vibrations, gradual temperature changes, and soothing sounds for a multi-sensory morning experience'.

Admittedly, if you're a night owl who paired up with a dawn riser, then the idea of one partner being woken up silently whilst the other snoozes does sound very appealing.

But, sadly, however much we might crave a better night's sleep, that price tag is going to be prohibitive for most of us. So what are the alternatives?

Well, in my four years as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've encountered all kinds of weird and wonderful sleep aids, and most of them are far cheaper than Eight Sleep's offering. If you're looking to recreate the Eight Sleep mattress cover on a budget, this is what I'd suggest.

Affordable alternatives for a cooler sleep

All in all, these three alternatives will set you back £73.99 if you can snap them up whilst they're currently on sale at Amazon. In fact, they might even be cheaper during Amazon Prime Day next week.

If my maths is correct, then compared to Eight Sleep's £2,549 mattress cover, that means you can score a cooler sleep, *and* a saving of £2,475.01.

In fact, I'd say you really only need to invest in one of the cooling gel pads to get a cooler sleep, which means you could bypass that £2549 investment and spend just £22. You're welcome.

Now, please excuse me whilst I go rearrange my fridge to chill my gel cooling pad.

For this Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper review, I put the brand's 10cm deep mattress topper to the test by sleeping on it for two weeks to see how it performed.

The best mattress toppers Ideal Home has tested range from 2-9 cm, so I was excited to see how this extra-deep 10cm topper would perform in comparison.

In a nutshell

Silentnight describes this topper as being 10cm deep, so I was expecting great things in terms of comfort, and to be honest, I was a little disappointed in reality.

I guess I envisaged a thick foam sleep surface, but because this topper is filled with soft and airy polyester microfibre, it only ever achieved that 10cm depth when it was fluffed up with nobody lying on it, (and even then I'm not sure mine ever quite achieved a 10cm height to be honest).

However, fitting it onto my double mattress was easy, and it stayed firmly in place during testing. Unlike a denser foam or memory foam, you can also wash the entire topper at 40 degrees.

Overall, as Silentnight promised, it did ‘breathe new life into my mattress’ by adding an extra layer of comfort, and I'd definitely recommend this affordable option to anyone who just wants to add an extra layer of softness to their bed.

However, I found it didn't offer any support, and as I was expecting an extra-deep sleep surface, I was a little disappointed it didn't measure up to my expectations in that regard.

Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper review

Specifications

• RRP: £35 / £47 / £43 / £48 / £53
• Sizes: single / small double / double / king / super-king
• Depth: 10cm
• Construction: 100% polyester cover, 100% polyester microfibre filling
• Care instructions: machine washable at 40 degrees. Air dry rather than tumble dry
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

The Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 mattress topper arrived vacuum-packed in a zippable outer bag with handles.

Because it’s been compressed for shipping, Silentnight advises to shake it vigorously for up to 5 minutes before you put it on the bed, or to pop it in the dryer for a few minutes (size dependent). They also advise that you should allow 48 hours for the mattress topper to regain ‘maximum loft’. I gave mine a good shake and saw it bounce up significantly whilst doing this.

It was easy to attach to the mattress using the four corner elasticated straps. The elasticated straps didn’t feel as sturdy as on other toppers I've tested, but they did the job securing it to the bed. However, I found there was some overhang of the double topper on my double mattress.

Comfort

Once on my mattress, this topper felt incredibly soft to the touch, so much so that when my son came and jumped onto my bed, he wanted to sleep on it without a sheet on top!

Silentnight says the mattress topper has a 10cm depth for ‘cloudlike comfort’ with ‘internal walls to ensure the gently supportive filling stays in great shape and is always plump.’

The square pockets of filling on my topper did feel soft, airy, and cloud-like, but my pockets didn’t seem to be quite as tall as the 10cm described, and especially not once I lay down on them.

This didn’t impair the comfort too much though, and when I lay in the middle of the bed, it did feel soft and comfortable. I like a quite firm mattress, but, as a side sleeper, I can sometimes wake up with an aching shoulder or hip if I don't use a mattress topper. When I slept on this topper, the extra cushioning under my joints was noticeable, and I felt more comfortable.

However, because it’s very soft, I didn’t find it offered the same level of support that the foam and memory foam toppers I've tested have.

Plus, around the edges of the mattress topper the pockets of stuffing are rectangular in shape and the separating stitching didn’t go right to the edge, so consequently when I rolled closer to the edge of the bed it didn’t feel as plump.

Temperature regulation

Because this topper is filled with light and airy microfibre, it should allow some airflow, at least if you shake it to redistribute the filling regularly.

It comes with no particular cooling claims, but I didn't find myself overheating too badly on it, as I have with some synthetic toppers.

It isn't going to offer the same temperature regulation as a natural fill topper, such as the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper which is one of the best cooling mattress toppers I've tested, but it was OK to sleep on during warm nights.

Care instructions

The Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper can be machine washed at 40 degrees, which could be a big selling point for those with allergies or if this topper is for a kids bed.

The double-sized topper I tested did fit into my washing machine but any bigger would have been a push, so that’s worth taking in to account.

It washed up well on 40 degrees. The manufacturer recommends air drying it rather than tumble drying, and so I followed their advice and it came up as new.

I also tried patch cleaning it when my son got a chocolate mark on it and that came off completely with a sponge and warm water.

Sleep trial

Silentnight doesn't offer a sleep trial on this topper, so unfortunately you can't test before you buy. The only good news on this front is that, compared to many toppers, it isn't too expensive, so it may be worth taking a punt if you're looking to soften up a sleep surface.

Verdict

Overall, I found the Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 mattress topper a very affordable way to add an extra layer of comfort to my firm mattress. It didn't offer much support, but it was light, airy, and soft.

The ‘super soft microfibre cover’ also lived up to its name, feeling so soft to the touch that it was tempting not to put a sheet on top! In fact, my son describes it like ‘sleeping on a giant bed of cotton wool', and now refuses to sleep on anything else!

It's also a great option for a kids' bed as the entire topper can be washed if needs be.

I was a little disappointed it didn't feel as deep as I expected it to be. However, if I hadn't been expecting 10cm depth, I think I'd be very happy with this topper for what it does offer.

That said, if you want support and proper cushioning instead of just an extra layer of softness, there are better options out there. The Simba Hybrid Topper, Panda Memory Foam Topper, IKEA Nisseholm Mattress Topper, Dunelm Gel Fusion Mattress Topper, and Dreams TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper are all better buys in this regard. Although, admittedly, they are all more expensive.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

• Sleep position: back or side
• Tension preference: firm
• Sleep problems: lower back pain and/or neck pain and occasional overheating
• Height & weight: 5"5 and 9.5 stones

In order to test out this mattress topper, my husband and I slept on it for two weeks in our own home. I assessed how easy it was to attach to the bed, how comfortable it was when sleeping on my back and side, and whether it offered good temperature regulation. I also took into account how easy it was to care for and any sleep trials on offer.

In this Origin Hybrid Pro mattress review, I put the brand's 31cm deep mattress through its paces to see how it performs compared to the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

Aesthetically pleasing with smart black edges and a crisp white top, the Origin Hybrid Pro looks more expensive than its under £1000 price point, and its generous 31cm depth adds to this sense of grandeur.

I felt like The Princess and the Pea when sleeping on it (not that you’d ever feel a pea beneath it). Although it did mean this princess needed to invest in new, deeper sheets to fit it.

I slept on the Origin Hybrid Pro for a month, and appreciated its firmer feel – something I've struggled to find in other mattresses at this price point. It combines good support with enough cushioning to offer pressure relief around my hip and shoulder when I slept on my side.

I didn't have any problems with temperature regulation throughout my month of testing, and I found this mattress offered decent edge support. The fact it doesn’t require rotation also gave me one less thing to think about!

The only downsides were some motion transfer compared to its competitors – I could feel when my husband got into bed or if one of us tossed and turned – and although I didn't experience any delivery issues with this mattress, some third-party reviews, and my colleague, who was testing out another Origin product, have.

It would also be great to see the brand making more efforts towards addressing its environmental impact. Simba is still leading the way in its circular design processes when it comes to affordable mattress-in-a-box hybrids.

However, during the time I tested it, this mattress performed well; my family and I all slept well on it. Even my 70-year-old mum tried it, and agreed it made for a great sleep.

Specifications

• Type: hybrid
• Construction materials: foam, latex, wool, springs
• Sizes: single, small double, double, king, super king
• Tensions available: medium-firm
• Height: 31cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: neither
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 200 night

1. Comfort

Measuring 31cm tall, this mattress packs in an impressive seven layers, which claim to offer the perfect combination of support and comfort with a medium-firm tension.

I usually prefer a firm mattress, which can be tricky to find at this sort of price point, so when I lay on the Origin Hybrid Pro mattress for the first time, I was happy to find it did feel fairly firm, as promised.

I usually sleep on my side or back, and I found the Origin Hybrid Pro ideal in both sleeping positions. When I lay on my side, it offered enough cushioning for my hip and shoulder to sink into the mattress slightly, which allowed my spine to rest in good alignment.

Previously, when I’ve slept on firmer mattresses, I’ve woken up with an aching shoulder or pins and needles in the night. However, I didn’t experience any of those discomforts on this mattress, something I credit to the plush top layer in combination with the foam.

On the occasions I slept on my back, I found this mattress firm enough to prevent my hips and lower back from sinking too low into the mattress, but still cushioned enough to offer comfort.

Since having my two children (who are now 8 and 12), I’ve suffered intermittently with lower back pain and neck and shoulder pain. I find that this can be exacerbated by sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or that doesn’t offer enough cushioning.

Thankfully, the Origin Hybrid Pro didn't aggravate my existing aches and pains, I slept on this mattress for a month whilst testing and during that time my usual niggles seemed to be less prevalent than they have been in a long time.

2. Motion isolation

Origin boasts of the Hybrid Pro's ‘minimal motion transfer’, saying that its ‘springs instantly adapt to your every movement, ensuring undisturbed sleep every night. Even if you sleep with your partner, children, or pets’.

I put this claim to the test with my partner and both of my very active children (in varying combinations!).

The motion isolation was decent, so when either of the children slept with me, I wasn’t disturbed by their movements. However, admittedly, they don't weigh that much. In comparison, when my husband slept next to me, I could definitely feel when he moved around.

He sometimes comes to bed later than me, and I was very aware of him getting into bed due to the vibrations that travelled over to my side of the mattress.

My husband agreed that the motion isolation wasn’t as good as the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress or Simba Hybrid Original mattresses we've recently tested. Overall, I'd say motion isolation was okay: not the worst mattress I've slept on in this regard, but also not the best.

3. Responsiveness

Although the top layer of this mattress is soft and I found it offered good cushioning for my joints, it’s not too soft. That means that when I was lying on it I didn’t sink too deeply into the mattress, and consequently it was easy to change sleeping position.

As you can see, when I push my hand into the mattress surface it's fairly hard to push it down and as soon as I lift my hand it instantly bounces back, reshaping itself.

4. Temperature regulation

Origin makes a lot of claims about temperature regulation regarding the Hybrid Pro, in fact I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many promises when it comes to a manufacturer discussing the cooling properties of a mattress!

Whether it’s my age, or the fact that we live in an old house which is cold, I often go to bed feeling cold and wrap up in thick PJs and socks, only to wake up in the night drenched in sweat and feeling clammy.

However, when I slept on this mattress, I woke up feeling pleasantly refreshed and never sweaty or clammy. Similarly, if I woke up in the night, I never felt like I was overheating.

My youngest son, who also often gets very hot and sticky in the night, also stayed cooler when sleeping on this with me, so it seems those claims about good temperature regulation ring true.

5. Edge support

The edge of the mattress is made of high-density foam, which promises to offer support up to the edges and aid in getting out of bed.

When I sat on the edge of this mattress, the side did compress slightly, but not as much as the similarly priced Simba Hybrid Essential mattress on which my bottom sank right down to the bedframe. It was also considerably more supportive at the edge than the Emma Hybrid Original mattress I recently tested.

Whilst laying on the mattress and rolling towards the edge, it felt extremely supportive – on a par with the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress which really impressed me recently – so I didn’t notice any feeling of it dipping. This made the mattress feel bigger and with more space to spread out fully.

It was also a plus point when I had little visitors sharing my bed (aka my children) as it meant we could all sleep in comfort without anyone rolling off the side!

6. Sleep trial

Origin offers a 200-night sleep trial on the Hybrid Pro, which means you can test out the mattress for 200 nights in the comfort of your home to see if it's for you before you commit.

I asked the manufacturer if you need to use an Origin mattress cover for the trial to be valid, but they said not. You just need to make sure the mattress is in good condition, with a clean, stain-free cover, as they donate returned mattresses to the British Heart Foundation.

7. Ease of care

The Hybrid Pro mattress is not flippable, and whilst most mattresses are meant to be rotated to ensure even wear and tear, according to the brand, the Origin Hybrid Pro does not. Origin states this is due to the fact that the titanium springs are custom-built to keep their shape while supporting the maximum recommended weight daily without rotation.

However, the four thick side handles make it easy to move the mattress for changing the sheets or moving it from one room to another. These handles are robust and feel really good to hold. Which is lucky, because due to its 31cm depth, this mattress is heavy.

A double weighs 43/44.5KG, so it’s over 7 stones and heavier than lifting my 12-year-old! This is a consideration for someone who needs to move this on their own, however the fact it doesn’t need to be rotated is a big plus point.

The cover is not removable for washing, so it needs to be spot cleaned using a slightly damp cloth and then air dried naturally or with a hair dryer on a low heat setting.

The only care issue I had was that the mattress is so thick that my usual mattress protector and fitted sheets kept sliding up at the sides and didn’t quite reach down over the thick edges, so make sure you invest in some extra deep bedding to cover this mattress.

8. Delivery

Two days before the delivery of the Origin Hybrid Pro, I received a text message informing me of the delivery date. It also informed me that I would receive an email the evening before delivery with a timeslot. On the day of delivery, I received a text message with a specific two-hour timeslot and a trackable link.

The mattress comes rolled and boxed, which made negotiating our awkward narrow staircase easier, and the delivery drivers carried it up to my room of choice – thankfully, as I mentioned, this mattress is heavy.

The brand also offers an old mattress removal service. You can add this option to your shopping cart at checkout, and it’s £54 per mattress.

Unlike some mattresses, the Origin Hybrid Pro did not have any off-gassing that I could smell, and it seemed to expand to its full height very quickly.

9. Third-party reviews

As of writing, Origin has just over 1000 reviews on Trustpilot, which suggests the brand is fairly new to the UK market (for comparison, popular mattress-in-a-box retailer Simba has over 55,000 reviews).

I couldn't find any Origin reviews dating back further than 2023, but most were positive, with the brand averaging a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Like me, customers were impressed by the mattress's firmer feel and the depth of the mattress for its price.

'I’ve had the Origin Hybrid Pro for a good couple of months now, and it’s still just as supportive and comfortable as day one,' says one reviewer. 'It’s made a noticeable difference to my sleep (I previously suffered hip pain) & I highly recommend!'

However, 11% of reviews do give the Origin mattress buying experience just 1 star. The most common complaint seems to be delivery issues and a lack of phone line, with the brand only offering online chat as customer support. Some reviews also mention Origins' pricing structure leading to confusion, something that the Advertising Standards Agency has also flagged.

Although I didn't experience any delivery problems, my colleague, who was waiting on the Origin Storage Bed Frame to be delivered, did. Similar to some of the reviews, the bed didn't turn up on the day stated, but my colleague received an email saying it had been delivered – a little worrying considering the high-ticket price point! The bed was delivered a few days later, but with little notice.

'The day of delivery... our allocated time slot came and went, so I checked the tracking info... and it stated the mattress had been delivered!' shares a reviewer who experienced similar delivery problems. 'At this point I panicked as we had already disposed of our mattress earlier that day to make way for the new one.... Long story short, it took 7 days for our new mattress to be delivered.'

All the reviews I read do mention delivery being resolved eventually, but hopefully this is something Origin will improve.

10. Environmental impact

Sadly, I couldn't find much information about any efforts to make its mattresses or production processes more environmentally friendly on the Origin website.

It doesn't appear that any of the materials used in the mattress construction are from recycled sources, and although Origin does offer a mattress collection service for your old mattress when you're purchasing a new Origin mattress, the brand doesn't offer much information on what happens to the mattresses it collects. So whether the collected mattresses are responsibly recycled or taken to landfill isn't clear.

11. Value for money

As mentioned, Origin's pricing structure is a little confusing at first glance. What at first appears to be a discounted price is actually the full price, but Origin compares its mattress prices to what the brand says you would pay for a similar thing at one of its competitors. However, as far as I can tell, the current price of this mattress is £680 for a double.

For comparison, at full price, Simba's entry-level mattress, the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress costs £649 for a double. My husband and I both really liked this budget-friendly Simba mattress, and we agreed its motion isolation was far better than the Origin Hybrid Pro. However, at only 20cm deep, I didn't feel it offered the firmer support that the 31cm deep Origin Hybrid Pro did.

I preferred the Simba Hybrid Original mattress overall, and still think that's one of the best mattresses you can buy in terms of value for money, but it is a little more expensive at full price, currently costing £799 for a double. (Although if you can snap it up during a Simba deal you may be able to get it for a lot less).

However, if you're looking for the best budget mattress, my money is still on the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress. I feel this offers almost everything the Origin Hybrid Pro does (including better motion isolation and a longer sleep trial) but for less money.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: firm
Sleep problems: lower back pain and/or neck pain and occasional overheating
Height & weight: 5"5 and 9.5 stones

In putting the Origin Hybrid Pro Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed 11 factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that myself (and my husband) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, environmental impact, the mattress's value for money, and, where possible, researched third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

There are currently 1300 online searches per month on Google in the UK around finding a mattress to help with back pain, which suggests that a high number of us are struggling to get comfortable at night. What's more, this search trend has doubled over the past five years.

As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, and a regular tester of mattresses for our best mattress guide, what type of mattress to buy if you have back pain is also a question I hear a lot. This is backed up by research published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology that states that ‘low back pain has been identified as one of the main causes of poor sleep quality'.

While a new mattress can't fix back pain, it can help alleviate symptoms if you choose the right one. To help you do that I’ve enlisted the help of various sleep experts and osteopaths (medical professionals trained to detect, treat and prevent health problems by moving and stretching a person's muscles and joints) for the full low down on what you need to know before you go shopping for a mattress with back pain.

1. A medium-firm mattress is recommended

‘Research generally suggests that a medium-firm mattress is best for alleviating lower back pain,’ says Dave Gibson, registered osteopath, sleep expert, and founder of The Sleep Site.

In fact, the same researchers who published findings that low back pain is one of the most common causes of sleep discomfort also researched what type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality. They reviewed multiple published articles examining the impact that soft, medium-firm, extra-firm and specially customised mattresses had on the sleep quality of those with back pain.

Their overall conclusion was that ‘a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort, sleep quality and rachis alignment’. For those of us without medical training, rachis alignment means the alignment of the vertebral column or spine.

2. Spinal alignment is everything

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, sleep expert, author and physiologist, says that 'spinal alignment is key' in reducing back pain, and agrees that ‘old mattresses with sagging support will definitely exacerbate back pain. Mattresses that are too firm can also worsen back pain by pushing on pressure points and causing spinal misalignment’.

Osteopath Dave Gibson expands further, explaining, ‘a mattress that is too hard or too soft can exacerbate back pain or neck pain. Over time, as a mattress wears out, it tends to lose its ability to properly support your body. The initial sign of this wear is typically felt around your shoulders and hips, which can then sink too deeply into the mattress during the night. This misalignment pulls your spine out of its natural, relaxed position, increasing lower back pain’.

‘As the mattress continues to deteriorate, it may become even softer, causing your body to dip in the middle, creating an uncomfortable "U" shape’, he says.

3. Too firm a mattress can make things worse

‘Conversely, a mattress that is too firm can also worsen back pain,' Dave continues. ‘Here, if the mattress doesn't allow your body to be gently supported in a firm yet subtle contour, the spine and muscles may struggle to relax, and pressure points on your joints can become more sensitive’.

4. Your body weight is an important factor

Shopping for a medium-firm mattress type isn't that straightforward. We're all built differently, so we experience firmness in a mattress differently.

As Dave Gibson explains, ‘research suggests that a medium-firm mattress is best for alleviating lower back pain. However, your body weight plays a significant role – heavier individuals may require firmer support, while lighter individuals might find a softer mattress more comfortable’.

This is because the heavier we are, the more we sink into the mattress surface, whereas if we don’t weigh very much at all we’ll barely make a dent a mattress with a high surface tension.

Annoyingly, that means that one person’s medium-firm mattress might be too firm or too soft for us.

5. It's best to test in store

Frustratingly, there’s no standard definition of what a soft, medium, medium-firm, firm or extra-firm mattress, should feel like, with each mattress manufacturer currently able to make its own assessment of mattress tension.

Having now put many mattresses through Ideal Home’s mattress testing process, I can confirm that we’ve often disagreed with a manufacturer’s own tension rating - often finding mattress far softer, or firmer, than expected.

In light of this when shopping for a medium-firm mattress to ease back pain I'd always recommend testing in store if possible, but, with less and less bricks-and-mortar stores accessible, I know that, sadly, this isn’t always feasible. Plus, as Dave says, 'it can take about four weeks to fully adjust to a new mattress', so testing for ten minutes in store doesn't always give you all the data you need to make your decision.

6. A sleep trial is always a good idea

I'd recommend looking for a mattress manufacturer that offers a sleep trial. This means that you can test out a mattress for usually anywhere between 30 to 200 nights to see how you get on with its feel and assess whether the mattress reduces your back pain. Simba, Emma, Nectar, Brook + Wilde, REM-fit, and Woolroom are just some of the manufacturers that offer lengthy sleep trials on their mattresses.

7. You can go for a bespoke firmness

Since spinal alignment and tension is so important when buying a mattress with back pain look into buying a mattress from a retailer that offers mattresses with a range of tension options. It means you're much more likely to find what feels like a medium-firm tension for your body.

Three of our tried-and-tested recommendations that fit this brief for finding the perfect medium-firm mattress to ease back pain are below.

8. Don't overlook memory foam

It isn't just the mattress tension that can help with back pain. Finding the right type of mattress construction for your preferences can also be an important factor to consider.

As Dave says, 'both traditional sprung and modern foam options can provide the necessary support to ease back pain, though they offer different sensations in terms of how they feel underneath us as we sleep. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses with foam toppers tend to contour to your body, offering a cocoon-like feel, while traditional pocket-sprung mattresses with natural fillers provide a sturdier experience'.

Personally, I'm not usually a fan of memory foam mattresses – as a hot sleeper memory foam's lack of breathability can cause me to overheat at night, and as someone who's concerned about the environmental impact of a product I prefer to opt for more eco-friendly natural-fill mattresses.

However, when I pulled my back recently and found myself struggling to sleep due to twinges and spasms of pain in the night, by far the most comfortable mattress to sleep on was the memory foam mattress I happened to be testing at the time. That's because its squidgy top layer moulded to my body as I slept and supported all areas of my back.

So, if back pain is a recurring issue for you, I'd definitely recommend giving a hybrid memory foam mattress a try. This type of mattress offers springs for support and then a cushioned memory foam top layer to ease aches and pains.

9. You can always try out a mattress topper

If your mattress is otherwise sound, then it could also be worth testing out a memory foam mattress topper before you scrap your mattress and invest in a whole new one. As sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan says, 'ideally, you should aim to change your mattress every 7-10 years'. If your mattress is newer than this, you may be able to salvage the mattress (and your sleep) with a topper instead.

The best mattress toppers can offer some additional support and cushioning that could ease a painful back. They won't fix a mattress that's too soft, but if your mattress is too firm they can add extra cushioning that allows your hips and shoulders to sink in a little deeper for better spinal alignment.

Hopefully with these top tips from our experts you'll be able to find a mattress more suited to your body and make back pain a thing of the past.

If you're looking for an affordable mattress, you'll want to check out Emma's current 20% off sale.

The brand's spring sale is offering up to 20% off all of Emma's bestselling mattresses, including a saving on Emma's most budget-friendly offering, the Emma Hybrid Original mattress, which is now reduced from £418 to just £376.20 for a double.

One of the contenders in Ideal Home's guide to the best budget mattresses, this purse-friendly mattress scored well during our testing of a range of mattresses under £500.

Our reviewer, Rachel, scored it 4 out of 5 stars in her Emma Hybrid Original mattress review, saying 'My husband and I tested the Emma Hybrid Original for a month, and overall we were impressed.'

'In line with its price point, it does look and feel a little basic compared to more premium options,' says Rachel, 'but we still found it felt comfortable yet supportive to lie on.'

The Emma Hybrid Original mattress is a reincarnation of the brand's original budget-friendly mattress, the now-discontinued Emma Original mattress.

Unlike the all-foam Emma Original, the Emma Hybrid Original is exactly what its name would suggest: a hybrid mattress that utilises foam and memory foam top layers for comfort with pocket spring support underneath.

During testing, Rachel found this meant more breathability than its predecessor, and a little more bounce.

If you have a little more cash to invest in a good night's sleep, then the Emma Spring Sale also offers savings on the brand's more premium mattresses.

This includes 20% off the Emma Hybrid ThermoSync Mattress that our reviewer, Molly, rated the best of all four Emma mattresses she's slept on in her Emma Hybrid ThermoSync Mattress review, and the mid-range Emma Premium Mattress.

Plus, a host of the brand's bedding also features in the discounting event.

That includes plenty of Emma bedding options that the Ideal Home team has reviewed and rated, such as the Emma Premium Mattress Topper, the Emma Original Hybrid Pillow, the Emma Premium Foam Pillow, and the Emma Cloud Duvet.

All in all, if your bedding needs an overhaul, now is the time to shop and make the most of some savings!

If you're looking for the best budget mattress, you're in the right place. As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last two years testing out the most affordable mattresses on the market.

Myself and our mattress testing experts, Jenny, Rachel, and Annie have slept on multiple low-cost mattresses in our homes to find our top recommendations for a double mattress that costs under £500.

That includes £150 mattresses from Zinus, sleep surfaces for under £250 from IKEA, Bensons for Beds, and Dreams, and bestselling entry-level mattresses from DreamCloud, REM-Fit, Emma, and Simba that stretched our £500 budget to its maximum.

Whilst none of the budget mattresses we tested could compete with the best mattress on the market (sadly, spending upwards of £800 will result in better support), we found that some cheaper mattresses are most definitely better than others.

In this guide, I share our four top recommendations if you're on the hunt for the best budget mattress.

The quick list

Three of the best affordable mattresses we've tested are listed below. You'll find more information on each mattress and why I recommend it if you keep on scrolling.

Best budget mattresses

Best budget mattress overall

At £499 for a double, this mattress pushed our 'under £500' budget to its max, but, overall, I still think the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is very good value for money.

This is a hybrid mattress with a pocket spring base and memory foam top layer, and reviewer Rachel was impressed by its comfort levels. 'The cushioning of this mattress can't be faulted,' says Rachel, 'I slept so well on my side on it. And when I slept on my back, I found it was firm enough to prevent my hips and lower back from dipping too low, but offered ample cushioning to support my lower back.'

This firmer level of tension is something the team has struggled to find in mattresses below the £500 price point. 'It's firmer tension meant that the lower back pain that I often experience after running didn’t bother me at all for the month when I slept on this mattress,' says Rachel.

The DreamCloud Hybrid's motion isolation also scored well, 'my husband often comes to bed later than me,' says Rachel, 'and on some mattresses the movement reverberation of him getting in wakes me, but not on this mattress.' Rachel also rated the mattress's temperature regulation and found its edge support to be the best of all the budget mattresses the team has tested. 'That meant when the kids climbed into our bed, I could lie right on its edge without any feeling I was about to roll out,' Rachel shares.

All in all, if you're looking for the best budget mattress for around the £500 mark, this is my top recommendation.

Our DreamCloud Hybrid mattress review has the full lowdown.

Best under £400 mattress

The Simbatex Cool Mattress is an Amazon-exclusive, and at £399 for a double, it's far more budget-friendly than most Simba mattresses. That lower price point does mean there are some compromises, especially compared to our top-rated Simba Hybrid Mattress, which retails at £899. However, our tester, Annie, was still impressed by this budget buy's performance.

In fact, at the end of the testing period, Annie chose to keep the Simbatex Cool on her bed and donate the more expensive mattress she and her husband had previously been sleeping on; you can't get much higher praise than that.

'As a back and side sleeper, I found this medium-firm sleep surface very comfortable,' says Annie. 'I especially enjoyed its light cushioning around my shoulder and hip when I lay on my side.'

Unlike Simba's usual hybrid mattresses that combine springs and memory foam, this mattress is foam only. That can mean it doesn't offer heavier sleepers as much support as the hybrid DreamCloud mattress above, but, as Annie found out, there are also some plus points to its construction.

'My husband and I really appreciated this mattress's motion isolation,' says Annie, 'on this mattress we didn't notice when one of us in the bed tossed or turned. Plus, it has a nice amount of bounce to say it lacks springs.'

The downsides? Annie felt it didn't quite live up to its 'cool' name. 'It didn't actively cause us to overheat like many all-foam mattresses, but it wasn't as cooling and breathable as I would have liked either,' she says. Plus, 'its edge support is lacking,' says Annie, 'that meant my leg could sometimes slip out of bed when I was pushed to the edge by our star-fishing toddler!'

You need to order this mattress via Amazon, rather than directly from Simba, which means slightly less customer service support. However, it's good to know that you can still pay a little extra for delivery to your room of choice, and that Simba's usual 200-night sleep trial still applies.

Find out more in Annie's full Simba Simbatex Cool Mattress review.

Best under £250 mattress

Perhaps unsurprisingly, once I dropped our mattress purchasing budget to under £250, I found it became a struggle to find a mattress that fulfilled all of our testing criteria. However, all in all, the Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung mattress proved itself to be the best of the under £250 crop, and at just £219.99 for a double and £199.99 for a single, it's very reasonably priced.

Like all the mattresses Rachel, Jenny, and I tested at this price point, it lacks the support of more expensive options. However, it's available in two tension options – medium and firm – and Rachel found the firmest option to offer more support than similarly priced competition, such as the £229 IKEA VALEVÅG Pocket Sprung mattress a little lower down this list.

'It's a no-frills mattress,' says Rachel, 'and as someone who prefers a firm mattress, I often find that cheaper mattresses don’t provide the support to the spine that I like, however, this one did better than most. It was comfortable, and I slept well on it, as did my husband.'

The downsides? 'I could feel when my husband rolled over in the night, and it didn't offer the memory foam cushioning that the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress does, so my hip and shoulder weren't as comfortable when I was side sleeping.' says Rachel. However, it has decent edge support for a sub-£250 mattress, and I love the fact that the pocket spring support is padded with 75% recycled PET polyester – it's great to see a more environmentally-friendly budget mattress.'

Rachel's full Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung mattress review has more detail.

4. Best IKEA budget mattress

If I'm looking to kit out a room on a budget, IKEA is the first place I head to, and unlike most of our options, if you have an IKEA store in your area (and big enough transport), it's one of the few places you can test out and take home a mattress on the same day. (Very useful if you're trying to time a mattress delivery with moving-in day).

As such, I wanted to figure out which is the best under £500 IKEA mattress, and the IKEA VALEVÅG mattress proved itself to be the best of the brand's low-priced range. Plus, at just £229 for a double, it's *very* reasonably priced.

However, it isn't perfect. Similar to all the mattresses Rachel, Jenny, and I tested at this price point, it feels softer than I'd hoped, even though it's also available in two tension options. If you're looking for a slightly firmer mattress for under £250, the Bensons for Beds Simply Support Pocket Sprung mattress above offers slightly more support, but if you prefer a soft mattress, then IKEA's VALEVÅG is a decent alternative.

As such, the VALEVÅG will likely lack enough support for heavier-weight sleepers, and its edge support and motion isolation were also lacking, but this was the case with all of the mattresses we tested in the under £400 price bracket.

That said, I was impressed by the mattress's combination of affordability and comfort. As Rachel says, 'This mattress looks quite basic, but on testing, its no-frills design pleasantly surprised me. The more I slept on it, the more I liked it. The cushioned top layer provided a decent level of comfort for my hip and shoulder when I lay on my side, and I felt it gave a decent level of support compared to similarly priced options I tested.'

Our IKEA VALEVÅG pocket sprung mattress has more detail.

Also tested

Budget mattress quick comparison

How I tested

All the mattresses in this round-up have been put through Ideal Home's mattress testing process by either myself, Rachel, Jenny, or Annie from our team of expert reviewers. That means we slept on each mattress at home in real-life conditions, for at least a month before writing our reviews.

During the review process, each mattress is tested for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support.

In rating each mattress, we also consider whether the manufacturer offers a sleep trial and assess ease of care, the mattress delivery process, value for money, and any third-party reviews.

Meet our testing team

FAQs

In this DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress review, I put the brand's most affordable mattress through its paces to see how it performs compared to the best mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

Considering the DreamCloud Hybrid only costs £525 for a double (that's a budget price tag in the mattress world), I was incredibly impressed by this mattress.

Compared to other mattresses I've tested at this kind of price point, including options from market leaders Emma and Simba, it's a decent depth, and it feels far more robust and well-made than its competition.

Its advertised 'medium' tension felt more like a 'medium-firm' to me, which was very welcome as it offered good support combined with a well-cushioned surface that padded my joints when I slept on either my side or my back.

Unlike any other mattress I've tested at this price point, it also offered decent edge support, which meant my husband and I could lie on the entire surface of the mattress without feeling like the edges were dipping.

We found it offered decent temperature regulation, responsiveness, and good motion isolation too, as did my parents when they came to stay during testing.

Can it compare to a mattress twice its price? No, it doesn't offer quite as much support as a more expensive mattress. And would it be nice to see the brand making more efforts towards addressing its environmental impact? Definitely. Simba is still leading the way in its circular design processes when it comes to affordable mattress-in-a-box hybrids.

But is it the best budget mattress I've tested around the £500 mark? Yes, I'd recommend the DreamCloud Hybrid to anyone looking for an affordable mattress that won't break the bank.

DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: hybrid
• Construction materials: memory foam, pocket springs
• Sizes: single, double, king, super king
• Tensions available: medium
• Height: 25cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: rotate
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 365 night

1. Comfort

The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is a 25cm deep mattress made up of five layers. There's a quilted cover, the memory foam top layer, what the brand dubs a 'dynamic transition layer' of foam, more support foam, and a steel pocket spring base.

Once it was on the bed, I was instantly impressed by how the mattress looked and felt, especially considering it's only £525 for a double, which is relatively cheap in the world of mattresses.

The quilted top layer is soft to the touch, and details like the piped edging make the mattress look and feel like good quality. This was in stark contrast to the under £500 mattresses I'd recently been testing for our best budget mattress guide, which felt a lot more basic in comparison.

Once I laid down, I was even more impressed. I love a firm mattress, and although DreamCloud describes this mattress as a ‘medium’ tension, it felt on the firmer end of medium to me. This firmer feel is particularly welcome at this price point, as all similarly priced mattresses I've tested have lacked this kind of support.

I’m predominantly a side sleeper, although I sometimes sleep on my back. Side-sleepers like me generally prefer a medium-firm mattress that offers enough cushioning for the hip and shoulder to sink into the mattress so that the spine stays well aligned.

I found the DreamCloud was the perfect combination of both support and cushioning, which is probably why I slept so well on my side on it. The sumptuous quilted top layer made it feel dreamily comfortable too, with the padded top layer meaning I didn't need a mattress topper, as it cushioned my joints nicely.

Even after a weekend of painting my kitchen ceiling, which left my neck and shoulders in agony, I woke up without any pain, stiffness, or numbness in those areas after sleeping on this mattress.

When I slept on the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress on my back, it was also firm enough to prevent my hips and lower back from dipping too low, but simultaneously offered more than ample cushioning to support my lower back.

This meant that the lower back pain that I often experience after running didn’t bother me at all for the month when I slept on this mattress.

My husband, who also prefers a firmer mattress, was similarly impressed and remarked how supportive he found it.

2. Motion isolation

DreamCloud claims that this mattress offers ‘minimal motion transfer’, and when I slept on this mattress with my husband, we both agreed that the mattress's motion isolation was much better than we expected from a mattress at this price point.

My husband often comes to bed later than me, and on a lot of the mattresses I've tested around the £500 mark, I've found the reverberation of him getting into bed can wake me. But not on this mattress.

Similarly, if either of us moved around in the night, there was very little motion transfer. There was no roll together in the middle of the mattress either; we both stayed on our respective sides all night long.

Plus, when my two boys jumped into bed for a cuddle in the morning when I was reading my book, my mint tea didn’t go flying like it usually does!

3. Responsiveness

Although this mattress has a thick quilted top layer and is constructed using memory foam, I didn't find that it had any negative impact on the mattress's responsiveness.

I found the mattress surface bounced back and reshaped quickly, which meant that turning over in bed was easy, as the memory foam didn’t mould too much around my body.

In my opinion, that makes this mattress a good choice for anyone who prefers to lie 'on' rather than 'in' a mattress, or for anyone with mobility issues that means they find turning over difficult.

4. Temperature regulation

I'm not usually a particularly hot sleeper, but I've found I can be prone to overheating on cheaper memory foam mattresses where there is a lack of breathability.

Thankfully, DreamCloud specifically mentions the use of 'breathable' memory foam in this hybrid mattress, and over the month that I slept on this mattress, I didn’t ever wake up in the night feeling overheated.

Similarly, when I woke up in the morning, I wasn’t sweaty like I sometimes am. For this reason, I think that the temperature regulation of this mattress is good, especially considering its budget price tag.

5. Edge support

The main issue I've found with mattresses at this price point is a lack of edge support. It seems that's the first thing to go when manufacturers want to create a low-cost mattress. So I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this didn't seem to be the case with the DreamCloud Hybrid.

It has what DreamCloud describes as a ‘Reinforced Edge Spring Unit' which aims to provide even support across the whole surface of the mattress, and this is exactly what I found in practice.

Lying on this mattress, there was no sensation of the edges dipping away when I got close to them. In fact, the tension of the mattress felt equal wherever I lay on it and consequently, the sleeping space was maximised – particularly useful when my kids crammed into the bed with us!

I also found the mattress edge offered a good level of support when I sat on it. I weigh about 9.5 stone, and when I sat on the edge of the bed, it depressed about halfway down and provided plenty of resistance to push off and stand up from a sitting position, unlike pretty much every other mattress I've tested at this price point.

6. Sleep trial

DreamCloud offers the longest sleep trial in the mattress world, comparable only to Nectar, which is part of the same manufacturing group. That means you get a whopping 365 nights to test out this mattress before opting to return it if it isn't suitable.

Do you need a sleep trial that long? Perhaps not. But it's nice to have, especially on a budget mattress, as most affordable mattresses don't come with sleep trials available.

Plus, as the brand says, it allows you to ‘sleep on your Dreamcloud across all four of our glorious seasons. When it’s hotter than the Sahara outside, test Dreamcloud's cooling technology. When it’s as cold as brass monkeys, test out that cosy memory-foam hug.’

Terms and conditions apply, but if you’re not happy with your mattress, then as of writing, the brand will collect it for free and then donate it to The British Heart Foundation for resale.

7. Ease of care

DreamCloud recommends rotating the Hybrid mattress every three months, and with four sturdy and very comfortable side handles, this is easy to do.

That said, the mattress did feel heavy to lift on my own. Weighing 39kg for a double (28kg for a single, 45kg for a King, and 52kg for a Super King), I could just about manage it but you might want to enlist some help.

The cover of this matttress can't be removed or washed, instead it’s recommended that you spot clean only. As a mother of two boys who often has guests to stay, that means I'd definitely want to pop one of the best mattress protectors over it to prevent it getting dirty or stained. The spot washing did seem effective though when I tested a small area.

8. Delivery

In my experience, the DreamCloud delivery process was efficient with good communication. I received an email and also a text message with confirmation of my order, informing me that I would be issued with a 3-hour delivery slot one day prior to delivery.

On the morning of delivery, I was informed when the delivery was 30-45 minutes away, with a specific expected time, meaning I didn’t have to wait in for hours unnecessarily.

The mattress arrived rolled and boxed, meaning it was easier to manoeuvre up our awkward, narrow staircase. The only downside was that the delivery team didn't carry the mattress upstairs like previous mattress deliveries I’ve received.

Doorstep delivery comes as standard, although you can pay an extra £15 at checkout for room of choice delivery, which, considering the weight of the mattress, I would recommend.

As of writing, DreamCloud doesn’t offer a 'white glove' unpack and installation service. Although for an additional £45, you can add on the removal of your old mattress at the checkout when you place your order.

Once my husband and I had wrestled the mattress upstairs, unboxing and unwrapping were easy enough. Plus, DreamCloud provides a handy cutting tool to make sure you don't damage the mattress when removing the thick protective plastic.

Once unrolled, the mattress took a few hours to fully inflate, and thankfully, there was no strong off-gassing smell like many synthetic mattresses have.

9. Third-party reviews

On the DreamCloud website, there are currently 1536 reviews of the Hybrid mattress, with an overall rating of 4.4 stars. The brand as a whole also gets a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on TrustPilot.

The majority of the reviews I read were very positive about the comfort and support the Hybrid mattress offers, although some mentioned finding it either too soft or too firm. Personal preference, body weight, and even the type of bed base you have can affect how a mattress feels, so I guess this is going to be the case with most mattresses.

I did find some reviews that commented on the mattress having an off-gassing smell, although I didn't experience this with the mattress I tested. Other reviewers also mentioned a lack of edge support, which isn't something I found, but again, this could come down to weight differences.

10. Environmental impact

Unfortunately, I didn't find much information about any efforts to make its mattresses or production processes more environmentally friendly on the DreamCloud website.

I couldn't see that any of the materials used in the mattress construction are from recycled sources, and the brand doesn't offer much information on its production processes compared to competitors.

This is in contrast to mattress-in-box brands like Simba which is very transparent about its efforts to lower its environmental impact.

11. Value for money

Overall, I think this mattress offers great value for money. Currently costing £525 for a double, it's one of the cheapest mattresses I've tested that offers this level of support and attention to detail in its design.

Comfort-wise, I found it on a par with the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress, but Simba's entry-level mattress costs £649 for a double, is only 20cm deep compared to the DreamCloud Hybrid's 25cm depth (which means less support), and the DreamCloud has far better edge support.

My husband, however, still favours the Simba Hybrid Essential as he thinks it provides better motion isolation, and admittedly, Simba does put a lot more effort into making its mattresses as low-impact as possible, environmentally speaking. DreamCloud has less evidence of efforts in this regard, from what I could see.

I also think this mattress is significantly better than the Emma Hybrid Original mattress I recently reviewed. Emma's most affordable mattress does only cost £418 for a double, but I'd rather pay the £100 extra as the DreamCloud Hybrid felt firmer, more supportive, and overall better quality side by side. The same applies when I compared it to the REM-Fit Hybrid Pocket 1000 mattress, which retails at £449.99.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly mattress around the £500 mark, I think this is one of the best of the bunch.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: firm
Sleep problems: lower back pain and/or neck pain and occasional overheating
Height & weight: 5"5 and 9.5 stones

In putting the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed ten factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that myself (and my husband) slept on the mattress for a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

For this Dunelm Gel-Fusion Memory Foam mattress topper review, I put the brand's temperature-regulating mattress topper to the test by sleeping on it for two weeks to see how it performed, and I was impressed.

Whilst we all know that the best mattress toppers are meant to aid comfort, some, like this one, are also designed to support temperature regulation too, which is a vital factor in getting a good night’s sleep.

As a 45-year-old Mum of two who often gets hot in the night, I was keen to put it to the test to see if it added comfort to my mattress, and to see how it compared to the best cooling mattress toppers on the market, and if it could help me to keep cool, even during a mini-heat wave!

I slept on the mattress topper for two weeks with my husband, and my son even slept on it some nights, too. We all noticed that it not only provided added comfort but also helped to keep us cool.

Dunelm Gel Fusion Mattress Topper specifications

• RRP: £115 / £135 / £165 / £190
• Sizes: single / double / king / super-king
• Depth: 6 / 10cm
• Construction: Certipur-approved foam, infused with gel particles
• Care instructions: removable machine-washable cover
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

Attaching the topper to the bed was straightforward and took a matter of minutes. All that was involved was unwrapping the mattress topper from the plastic wrapper and unrolling it, and then hooking the elastic around each of the four corners of the mattress.

These corner straps stopped the mattress topper from moving around when I was sleeping on it, like some toppers without straps can do, it also helped to keep it in position when I was getting in and out of bed.

The only downside is that I did find there was a strong 'off-gassing' smell when I unboxed the topper. I kept the windows, and the smell gradually dissipated, but I wouldn't necessarily have wanted to sleep on it straight away for that reason.

Comfort

Most people use mattress toppers to add an extra layer of comfort to a mattress, and whilst the firmness of the topper will be influenced by the firmness of the mattress beneath it, this one felt comfortable on all three of the mattresses I tried it on, which had varying levels of firmness.

As a side sleeper who sometimes sleeps on their back, I prefer sleeping on a firm mattress and initially I found this topper softer than I would have usually chosen. It felt like my body sunk into it a bit, making it a bit harder to turn over, but I quickly got used to it and enjoyed the extra comfort it provided.

I did find that when laying on the mattress I could feel the ridges of the foam underneath the mattress cover and sheet, but this wasn’t uncomfortable to lay on.

Temperature regulation

The Dunelm Gel Fusion Mattress Topper is infused with gel particles which are meant to ‘absorb and disperse body heat’ to regulate your temperature and ‘keep you cooler for longer’.

The ‘Gel-Fusion’ design is what the manufacturer describes as the ‘next generation in memory foam’, which combines traditional comfort and support of memory foam with the cooling properties of a gel.’ It also features ventilation holes through the foam for ‘increased airflow and breathability’.

As someone who often wakes up in the early hours feeling too hot, I was keen to put this to the test and see if it really helped improve temperature regulation and keep me cool.

If I’m honest, I wasn’t expecting it to make much of a difference, especially as I was putting it through its paces during two weeks in which we saw a mini-heatwave and daytime temperatures hitting 25 degrees!

However, when I slept on this mattress topper I didn’t wake up feeling sweaty and clammy like I often do. In fact, despite the unusually hot air temperatures I stayed pleasantly cool and slept brilliantly as a result. My 8-year-old son, who always wakes up sticky with sweat, gave it a go too, and he was noticeably cooler too.

My experience suggests that the science behind the temperature regulation technology works, as I definitely felt cooler and slept better for the two weeks I slept on it.

Care instructions

The care instructions state that this mattress topper cover is machine washable and even tumble dryable as long as it’s on a low heat setting. It washed and dried well, and didn’t lose its shape as a result so it was easy to put the foam back in it afterwards and fit it back onto the bed.

I also tried patch washing a small section when my son got chocolate on it and this came off well too with a damp sponge. Although I would still recommend adding a mattress protector over the top, as it's easier to pop into the washing machine.

Sleep trial

The manufacturer doesn't offer a sleep trial on this mattress topper, which makes testing out whether it's right for you before you commit to keeping it a little trickier.

However, Dunelm stores are fairly widespread throughout the country, so you may well be able to pop into store so you can have a squish of the topper in person before you buy.

Verdict

The Dunelm Gel Fusion Mattress Topper is affordable and easy to fit onto the bed, with four elasticated straps to help fix it in position and ensure it doesn’t move around during the night or when getting in and out of bed.

The memory foam topper felt softer than I would normally choose, as I prefer to sleep on a firm mattress; however, once I got used to this, I enjoyed the extra comfort it provided. As a side sleeper, it provided good cushioning for my shoulder and hip joints, so I didn’t wake up with any joint pain when I slept on it. I tested the 6cm version, but there is also a deeper 10cm option available if you prefer even more cushioning.

However, the main plus point for me with this mattress topper was the temperature regulation. I put this mattress topper to the test during a very hot spell, which saw daytime temperatures reach 25 degrees, and noticed that I didn’t wake up sweating or clammy like I often do. Likewise, my son, who often wakes up very sweaty, slept better and was noticeably less impacted by the heat than usual.

The mattress topper did give out an ‘off-gassing’ smell for the first few days of using it. Whilst this didn’t bother me my son did notice it and didn’t like it, but this certainly wouldn’t put me off buying it. The cover is removable for machine washing too, making it perfect for easy care.

And whilst the manufacturer doesn’t offer a sleep trial, with this topper costing £135 for a double, I think it’s well worth the money if your mattress is too firm or to help with temperature regulation if your mattress is prone to causing you to overheat at night.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

• Sleep position: back or side
• Tension preference: firm
• Sleep problems: lower back pain and/or neck pain and occasional overheating
• Height & weight: 5"5 and 9.5 stones

In order to test out this mattress topper, my husband and I slept on it for two weeks in our own home on top of the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress. I assessed how easy it was to attach to the bed, how comfortable it was when sleeping on my back and side, and whether it offered good temperature regulation. I also took into account how easy it was to care for and any sleep trials on offer.

If you’re liable to overheating at night, you might be looking for a quick fix when it comes to keeping cool. After all, temperature is one of the main disruptors of sleep. While you may not want to fork out for a whole new mattress, perhaps a mattress topper designed to keep you more comfortable might help?

The Ideal Home team has tested a wide range of the best mattress toppers, and the best cooling mattress toppers. These all incorporate different methods to provide a cool night’s sleep. In the case of the Dreams TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper, the brand has made its mattress topper from ActiGel foam. This is foam that’s hypoallergenic and has an open-cell structure that allows air to circulate underneath you to keep your temperature better regulated. It’s also designed to wick away sweat.

As well as all this, this mattress topper has been designed to relieve pressure points with zoned foam, offering responsive support that contours to your body. That all sounds great, but how did it stack up during testing? As a side sleeper who is a hot sleeper, I need decent shoulder and hip support while not being overheated by sweaty foam. I put the king-size version of the TheraPur mattress topper to the test during an unseasonably hot April and May.

Dreams TheraPur ActiGel Cool Mattress Topper specifications

• RRP: £140 / £170 / £190 / £210
• Sizes: single / double / king / super-king
• Depth: 4cm
• Construction: foam
• Care instructions: removable cover machine-washable at 30°C
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

The TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper comes vacuum-packed inside a reusable case. Although I challenge you to get that topper back in the packaging after you unravel it, best of luck.

The topper unfurled quickly on the bed, but the instructions said to leave it for 24 hours to plump up to the proper size before using. This is also to allow for off-gassing, and that off-gassing odour did give me a headache, even with my windows wide open.

However, once all of that was out of the way, the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper attached to my mattress using wide elasticated straps on each corner. These were easy to hook on in a matter of minutes, and then we were good to go.

Comfort

I hold my hands up now with the disclaimer that I am foam sceptical. I have tested so many mattresses and mattress toppers over the years as a sleep-product tester, and foam has let me down so many times. So I was ready to be disappointed. But as I slid on to the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper I was surprised to find I didn’t want to get off it. It totally transformed how my mattress felt.

There’s a good level of responsiveness and give, especially for its relatively shallow 4.4cm depth. Initially I laid prone on the topper to see how I’d fare, then rolling into my favoured side position for sleep.

My lower back felt supported – which is rarely the case. But I found it a bit of effort rolling onto my side compared to when I sleep on my usual sleep surface. This is because the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper is softer than I am used to. This is really a personal preference thing though – I don’t enjoy being enveloped by my mattress/mattress topper, but for those that like that sinking memory-foam style sensation then it’s great. It might not be the best mattress topper for those with mobility issues.

However, the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper doesn’t actually mould to you like memory foam – it isn’t memory foam, after all. Which means you don’t get that odd feeling when you move, of being able to feel your old body print underneath you.

Once on my side, I found the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper comfortable. I experienced no hip pain (I do sometimes find my hips can ache) and my shoulders felt supported too. The support I felt was much more comprehensive than my usual mattress topper.

This could be the ideal mattress topper if you have mild aches and pains when you sleep, or if you want to make your sofa bed more comfortable. Beware, though, this mattress topper is only 4.4cm thick. It won’t even out dips on the mattress underneath, and in my case, I found it even exacerbated the feeling of them.

Temperature regulation

I was curious how I would find the temperature regulation on this mattress topper, as it has cool in the name so I was expecting to feel a chill once I lay down. As I mentioned, I tested this during an unseasonably hot April and into the start of May, so it was really put to the test.

As a hot sleeper, I usually sleep on the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper. I love the natural temperature-regulating properties of this topper. So could a foam mattress offer me the same levels of comfort?

I felt like this was a little disappointing on the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper – it’s not going to actively cool you like some other toppers on the market are (and which you might expect from the name). And I felt like the passive cooling it did offer wasn’t life-changing.

Having said that, I’ve slept on a lot of foam mattresses and toppers – some get unbearably hot. But the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper didn’t heat me so much that it woke me up or gave me night sweats. So it’s a good one if you like foam-style support but don’t want to overheat.

Care instructions

There is a machine-washable cover on the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper, which you can chuck in your washing machine at 30ºC. This is a real bonus for allergy sufferers, who might want to really blitz any dust mites and other allergens out. You’re not going to be able to tumble dry it though, so choose a sunny day to do this job.

However, I’d still always recommend deploying a mattress protector over your topper and mattress to keep things more hygienic.

Sleep trial

The TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper doesn’t come with a sleep trial, which is a real shame as you can’t try before you commit.

I also did some digging and it seems incredibly hard if not impossible to test it in a shop. It cannot be returned if opened or used. In my opinion, this is a real downside to the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper as it's a risk spending that much money on something you haven't been able to test out first.

Verdict

Overall, I think this is a solid mattress topper in terms of comfort, especially considering it's only 4cm or so deep. I found it gently supportive and great at easing pain points such as aching hips and knees. Side sleepers are going to really make the most of this, and I found even when sleeping on my back, it alleviated lower back pain.

However, I found that the “cool” in its name should be taken with a pinch of salt, as the TheraPur ActiGel Cool mattress topper does not actively cool. Although it didn't cause me to overheat, unlike some foam toppers, so that's a bonus.

For me, the main downside is that this topper doesn't come with a sleep trial. It's not cheap, and to my mind, that's quite a lot of money to invest in something you can't test out first (unless you can find it in a Dreams store).

Personally, I would opt for the more affordable memory foam Panda Mattress Topper if you want to add cushioning to a hard sleep surface, or the foam IKEA Nisseholm Mattress Topper if you prefer a firmer feel.

How I tested

Usual sleep position: side
Tension preference: medium-firm
Sleep problems: hip pain

In order to test out this mattress topper, I slept on it for two weeks in my own home on top of the fairly firm pocket-spring Hypnos Wool Origins 6 mattress. I assessed how easy it was to attach to the bed, how comfortable it was when sleeping on my back and side, and whether it offered good temperature regulation. I also took into account how easy it was to care for and any sleep trials on offer.

If you're wondering how to air out your mattress, you're in the right place. Although it's a household task that's easy to overlook in the morning rush, bedding experts assure me that it’s definitely something vital (and easy) that we should all be building into our cleaning routines.

After all, when you’ve invested in the best mattress your budget can stretch to, you want to prolong your mattress's lifespan as long as possible.

As such, I've spoke to three household cleaning experts to find out exactly why we need to air out a mattress (apparently it's super important if you don't want your beloved mattress to turn into a glorified sponge for mould - sorry, gross but true), and how to air out a mattress to keep it in tip top shape.

Why you should air out your mattress

First up, I asked the sleep experts why we should all be airing out our mattresses. Here's what they said.

Prevents mould

Apparently, airing out your mattress is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid your mattress getting mouldy.

‘Mattresses absorb moisture from sweat and humidity during sleep, and airing out helps evaporate this moisture, preventing mould and mildew growth,’ explains Luis Toja, a mattress cleaning expert at Fantastic Services.

‘Like it or not, we’re all sweating and breathing while we sleep, and that moisture ends up in your mattress,’ agrees Gemma Bray, housecleaning expert at The Organised Mum. ‘Over time, this can create a damp, musty environment that’s basically an open invitation for smells and bacteria. Giving your mattress a good airing allows all that trapped moisture to evaporate, keeping it fresh and dry.’

And airing out your mattress to prevent mould growth doesn't just have health benefits, it can also reduce how often you need to replace your mattress, saving you big bucks in the long run.

Reduces unpleasant odours

Noticed a musty smell in your bedroom? This might be an indicator your mattress needs airing out. As Gemma mentions above, odours can build up in a room if you’re sweating all night (don’t feel ashamed – most of us sweat at night).

‘By airing out the mattress, you reduce the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and unpleasant odours caused by accumulated sweat, dead skin cells, and dust,’ says Luis. ‘A well-aired mattress emits fewer trapped odors and allergens, contributing to a fresher and healthier indoor air quality in your bedroom.’

Gets rid of dust mites

If you suffer from allergies, you don't just want the best type of mattress for allergies, you also need to take care of your mattress to reduce allergens from forming.

Dust mites are the number one cause of house-born allergies in the UK. They feed on dead skin cells, so airing your mattress and getting rid of their all-you-can-eat buffet will help to get rid of the blighters.

‘Dust mites love warm, humid spots,' explains Gemma, 'regular airing helps to evict those uninvited guests.’ 'Airing out your mattress disrupts these conditions, making it less hospitable for mites and their allergens,’ agrees Luis.

Helps you sleep better

A well-aired mattress might even help you get better sleep. And who doesn’t want that? ‘A clean, dry, and fresh mattress promotes better sleep, as it reduces potential irritants that could disrupt rest,’ says Luis from Fantastic Services.

How to air out your mattress

Personally, I'm now convinced of the benefits of airing out my mattress. So without further ado, let's find out how to do it.

1. Remove the sheets and bedding

You need to get air circulating around your mattress, so maximising the surface area exposed to fresh air is the order of the day here. ‘Start by stripping the bed completely – sheets, protectors, the lot,’ says Gemma Bray.

2. Open your windows

Next, ‘open your bedroom window to allow in fresh air to speed up the process,’ says Luis. Or, if you live in an area that has bad pollution, Heidi Phillips, cleaning and organisation expert at Tergo Cleaning says you can ‘use fans to facilitate air circulation’. One of the best air purifiers can also help speed up the process.

‘If you’ve got the option, you could also prop the mattress up against a wall or stand it on its side so air can reach all those hard-to-access spots,’ adds Gemma.

3. Ideally get some sunlight on your mattress

‘If possible, place the mattress in sunlight,’ says Luis. ‘Sunlight naturally kills bacteria and mites. For heavy mattresses, prop it near a window where it can receive sunlight indirectly.’

‘UV rays are great for killing bacteria and drying out moisture,’ explains Gemma.

4. Consider vacuuming

Although not all our cleaning experts advised vacuuming your mattress, this could help blitz out dust and dust mites.

‘While the mattress is airing out, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from its surface,’ says Luis. The Lakeland mattress vacuum even has a UV light to blitz those bugs and germs.

5. Flip your mattress

Once you’ve aired your mattress out, consider flipping or rotating it – if your mattress care instructions advise this.

‘If the mattress is double-sided, flip it to air out both surfaces,' says Luis. 'Rotating the mattress also ensures even wear and additional aeration.'

FAQs

How long should you air out your mattress?

It doesn’t have to take ages to air out your mattress. Air your mattress for 'around 30-60 minutes each morning,’ advises Heidi. But for more thorough airings, Heidi suggests ‘around 4-5 hrs’.

‘Ideally, you should air out your mattress for 2–6 hours when cleaning or refreshing it,’ says Luis from Fantastic Services. ‘Let it air for 2–4 hours, but if you’ve got the time, leave it longer – especially if it’s been a while since its last breather,’ agrees Gemma Bray.

I'd therefore recommend airing your mattress for around 2-3 hours if you’re looking for a happy medium.

How often should you air out your mattress?

Our experts had different answers to how often you should air out your mattress, but the consensus is 'as often as possible'.

‘Ideally, once a month is a good rhythm for most people to air their mattress, but if you live in a humid area or have allergies, you might want to aim for every couple of weeks,’ says Gemma Bray from The Organised Mum.

Ideally, ‘daily' says Heidi from Tergo Cleaning. But as that may not be possible for most of us, Heidi suggests that we aim to do it seasonally, so 'every 3 months.’

‘Air out the mattress weekly when changing the bedding and conduct a deep airing session (2–6 hours) every 3–6 months, especially in humid climates or if someone in the household has allergies,’ says Luis from Fantastic Services.

Every month to three months sounds about right to me – more often if you’re allergy-prone or live somewhere humid.

Is it better to make your bed or let it air out?

Interestingly, our experts agree that leaving your bed unmade in the morning is beneficial. Good news for those of us who aren't neat freaks.

‘It is better to leave your bed unmade for at least 30 minutes after waking up to let the mattress and bedding breathe and release trapped moisture,’ says Luis from Fantastic Services.

Gemma Bray advises starting your morning gently: ‘Don’t rush to make your bed in the morning. I know it feels counterintuitive, but leaving your mattress uncovered for at least 30 minutes lets any overnight moisture escape instead of sealing it in. Think of it as giving your bed a chance to wake up properly before getting dressed for the day.’

Turns out airing a mattress is a lot simpler than I thought!

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've tested numerous Simba mattresses both at home and during trade shows, and can confirm that they're bestsellers for good reason.

However, one of the major downsides of opting for a Simba mattress has always been that the brand is online only, which means that, as a shopper, there were very few places you could test out a Simba mattress in person before you bought.

Or at least that used to be the case, because as of this week, Simba has teamed up with mattress retailer Bensons for Beds to offer the Simba mattress range for sale in selected Bensons for Beds stores.

This is good news because finding the best mattress for your individual sleep needs can be tricky. We all have different requirements, and factors such as our weight and bed base can affect how a mattress feels.

That's why testing a mattress in store is a really important stage of the mattress buying process.

Where can I try a Simba mattress in person?

Previously, there were a few selected John Lewis and Barker and Stonehouse stores across the country which stocked Simba mattresses in their showrooms, but mattresses are large and floor space in-store is limited, so I'd never happened across a branch that had them on show and available to test.

In contrast, there are over 150 Bensons for Beds stores across the UK, so that should mean there's a now Simba mattress you can lie down on not far from your doorstep.

A quick check of the Bensons for Beds store locator will help you find the store closest to you, and you can then contact the store directly to make sure they have Simba mattresses on the shop floor before you make a journey to get testing.

Shop Simba mattresses at Bensons for Beds

Three of my top recommendations from the Simba mattress range are now available at Bensons for Beds.

Alternatively, if you choose to buy directly from the Simba website, the brand makes efforts to address the problem of its lack of brick-and-mortar stores by offering a sleep trial. That means you can order a Simba mattress, install it onto your bed frame, and sleep-test the mattress for up to 200 nights to see if it's comfortable for you before you commit to keeping it.

If you don't get on with the mattress, then as long as you follow Simba's terms and conditions, you can request to return it for a full refund within the trial period.

However, although I think Simba mattresses are some of the best value options on the market, that still means investing a considerable sum of money before you can test out how a Simba mattress feels.

Whereas if you buy from Bensons for Beds, you do only get a 40-night sleep trial, but you've had the benefit of trialling the mattress in store first to see if it suits your body. And that's useful because, as I've explained above, each Simba mattress is subtly different.

Ultimately, choice is always a good thing. And the launch of Simba at Bensons for Beds means more ways to shop so you can choose the right option for you.

Finding the best mattress for a side sleeper is an important consideration if we lie on our side at night.

In the five years I’ve worked as Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor and certified Sleep Expert, I’ve discovered that our sleeping position is one of *the* most important factors in choosing the right mattress for our sleep needs, and the best mattress for a back sleeper won’t be the same as the best mattress for a side sleeper.

As side sleepers, we need a mattress that keeps our spine in the same alignment when we're lying down as it would be when we're standing up straight, which tends to mean a mattress with medium-firm support and a cushioned top layer to reduce pressure on the hip and shoulder.

So far, I’ve put over 45 mattresses through Ideal Home’s mattress testing process, many of which are designed specifically for side sleepers. To help you find the right option for you, I’ve rounded up my three top recommendations below, taking into consideration support and cushioning, as well as factors such as breathability, ease of care, value for money, delivery, and customer service.

The quick list

Three of the best mattresses for side sleepers are listed below. You'll find more information on each, and why I recommend it if you keep on scrolling.

Best mattress for side sleepers overall

When I first lay down on Simba's bestselling mattress, I found it instantly comfortable, both for back and side sleeping, with a good level of support that kept my spine well-aligned in both positions.

As someone who isn't a huge fan of being enveloped by memory foam, I also found its memory foam surface really nicely responsive. It moulded around my hip and shoulder joint to offer pressure relief when I lay on my side, but I still felt I was lying on the mattress rather than in the mattress, and I found it easy enough to turn over in the night without too much lag waiting for the memory foam to reform around me. It also has just the right amount of bounce.

This is also one memory foam mattress that didn't immediately make this hot sleeper break out in a sweat. I did find it warmer to sleep on than a mattress filled with natural, breathable materials, but its temperature regulation was better than most memory foam and memory foam hybrid mattresses I've tested. (If you're a hot sleeper like me, or you want a non-synthetic mattress that's more environmentally friendly, consider the Hypnos mattress at #3 in my round-up instead).

Its mattress-in-a-box delivery was also very convenient when negotiating my narrow staircase on delivery day, and I appreciated the brand's delivery to my room of choice and the option of 'white glove' delivery (where the mattress is unboxed and packaging removed) so I didn't have to lug the mattress about by myself.

Add to that the 200-night sleep trial that gave me peace of mind, I could return the mattress if I didn't get on with it, great customer service, a reasonable price point, and Simba's ongoing commitment to lowering its environmental impact, and I think this mattress rightly deserves its 5-star Ideal Home rating.

Our full Simba Hybrid mattress review has more detail.

Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers

A lot of side sleepers love a memory foam mattress because this adaptable material becomes more malleable as it warms to your body heat. That means it moulds around the body to cushion the shoulder and hip joints well, and the TEMPUR EASE is one of the best all-round memory foam mattresses we've tested.

Personally, I'm not so keen on memory foam's 'hug' because I change position a lot in the night and can feel a little 'stuck' in it. I prefer the extra bounce and responsiveness of the Simba Hybrid mattress for this reason, and I can also find they sleep a little warm, but our mattress tester Jennifer loved the TEMPUR EASE's mouldability.

'I found that I slept more comfortably on my side than on any other mattress I've tested,' she said after four weeks sleeping on the EASE. 'My shoulders and hips are relieved of pressure, and I'm not waking in the night with pins and needles down my arms like I was on our old mattress. The mattress contours around me, cushioning and supporting each inch of my body.'

Jennifer also loved this mattress's motion isolation, saying, 'My husband and I agreed this mattress exceeded our expectations in how well it absorbed movement. We have a young family, so one of us is often in and out of bed during the night, and we were a lot less disturbed by each other's movements on this mattress.'

Jennifer also appreciated TEMPUR's 100-night sleep trial, didn't struggle with any overheating during testing, and appreciated its medium-firm support, although she does advise opting for the 25cm depth mattress – she tested the 20cm depth, and found it a little low and lacking in support for heavier weight sleepers.

The only downsides she encountered are this mattress's weight, which means some heavy-lifting is required to rotate it, and a lack of edge support. In comparison, the Simba Hybrid is much lighter and easier to manoeuvre, and has better edge support.

Our full TEMPUR EASE mattress review has more detail.

Best cooling mattress side sleepers

If, like me, you're a hot sleeper, then even the best memory foam mattresses might prove too warm for you.

From my first night testing this pocket-sprung mattress packed with natural breathable materials, I was struck by just how much of a cooler sleep it offered. No waking up hot and sticky in the middle of the night; instead, even when I've slept on this mattress throughout heatwaves, it's offered fantastic temperature regulation that has meant I slept much deeper and woke up feeling better rested.

The mattress' sewn on 'pillow top' also offers good pressure relief for side sleepers. It's not as cushioning as a memory foam mattress, but I find it still offers a good level of softness around my hip and shoulder when I'm lying on my side, making side sleeping much more comfortable than on most sprung mattresses I've tested.

Made from predominantly natural, renewable, and biodegradable materials – that pillow top layer is packed with wool, kapok, and cotton – this is also one of the most environmentally friendly mattresses I've tested.

The downsides? This mattress has good edge support, but its motion isolation is a little lacking compared to our memory foam options. When I got a co-tester to toss and turn next to me, the vibrations through the mattress were more noticeable.

There is also no sleep trial as standard on this mattress, and it arrives delivered flat, which may make delivery day trickier if you have awkward access. However, as a hot sleeper, these are all things I'd overlook for this mattress' superior breathability, so if you too tend to overheat at night, I thoroughly recommend giving this mattress a try.

Our full Hypnos Pillow Top mattress review has more detail.

Also tested

The above mattresses are three of my top recommendations for most side sleepers. In my opinion, they nail most side sleepers' needs for a mid-range price point.

However, there are always ways to tweak your sleep comfort even more, or you might have more – or less – cash to splash. Below are some other great options that might fit your budget, your sleep preferences, or your desire for an alternative option better.

How to choose the best mattress for a side sleeper

As registered osteopath, sleep expert, and founder of The Sleep Site, Dave Gibson explains, when choosing the best mattress for side sleeping, it's all about creating good spinal alignment.

'Our posture and spinal alignment are crucial both during the day and at night,' says Dave. 'Good spinal alignment during sleep allows the ligaments, muscles, and joints of the back to relax and recover. In addition, this relaxed state promotes optimal breathing, circulation, and overall rejuvenation.'

So, what does good spinal alignment look like for a side sleeper? 'Ideally, your spine should be in the same neutral alignment when you're lying down as it would be if you were standing up straight,' explains Dave.

That means a side sleeper needs two things:

• A medium-firm mattress that offers good support whilst still allowing the hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress enough to keep the spine well-aligned. 'Side sleepers should look for a mattress that feels soft enough to cushion pressure points like the shoulders and hips, while still giving the spine the support it needs,' agrees Erin Parker, buyer at mattress retailer Dreams. 'A medium to medium-firm mattress is usually a good balance, as it lets those areas sink in comfortably without throwing your body out of alignment.' 
• A cushioned sleep surface to provide pressure relief for the hip and shoulder joints. A mattress that is too firm and lacks cushioning will often result in pins and needles or aches in the arm, shoulder, and hip you're lying on. 'Materials that gently mould to your shape, such as memory foam or plush comfort layers, can really help create a more comfortable and supportive night’s sleep,' agrees Erin.

For this reason, there are a few particular mattress styles that suit side sleepers well.

• Memory foam mattresses: 'Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice for side sleepers as they mould to your body shape, which is particularly effective at reducing pressure around the hips and shoulders as you sleep,' says Erin. The caveat is that memory foam can get hot, so it's well worth looking for a model with cooling technologies or extra breathability. Heavier-weight sleepers may also find that memory foam alone doesn't offer enough support.
• Hybrid mattresses: That's where hybrid mattresses come in. They usually provide a layer of springs for support, with a memory foam or latex top layer that provides cushioning. Those added springs can improve breathability and offer heavier sleepers more support.
• Pocket spring mattress with a pillow top: Or, if you prefer the breathability and eco-friendly credentials of a natural-fill rather than a synthetic mattress, a medium-firm pocket-spring mattress with a pillowtop is another good choice. You could also add one of the best mattress toppers to a traditional sprung mattress to add an extra comfort layer to cushion hips and shoulders.

How I tested

As Ideal Home's Certified Expert in sleep, over the past five years, I've lain on over 150 mattresses in-store, at trade shows, and through at-home testing. Following this research, I selected 45 mattresses (and counting) to be put through Ideal Home's mattress testing process.

This means that each of those 45 mattresses has been slept on at home for at least a month (and often much longer) by either myself or one of our expert testing panel.

During the review process, each mattress is tested for comfort and support – in this case, specifically for side sleeping – as well as motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support in real-life conditions. I also assess any sleep trial, the mattress delivery process, value for money, and, where possible, take into account third-party reviews and environmental impact.

This guide rounds up the three best mattresses for side sleeping that we've tested over the past five years. My choices are based on a combination of comfort, support, customer service, and value for money.

Our expert testing panel

FAQs

A good night’s sleep is probably top of the wishlist for the majority of parents. As a Mum of three, I know that when you become a parent, sleep goes from a thing you do every night with little thought to a full-blown obsession.

Both your child’s and your own sleep becomes a hot topic of conversation with family, in NCT WhatsApp groups, and often with anyone who will listen. And there’s a whole industry of products that promise to help – white noise machines, swaddle suits, night lights, and, yes, children’s mattresses.

But what is the difference between a kid’s mattress and an adult's mattress? Do you really need to buy a mattress specifically made for kids, or are we parents being duped in our desperation for slumber?

Well, the best mattress for any age group is one that supports the body properly so we can get a good night’s rest without aches or pains. This goes for adults and children alike. But children’s bodies are still developing, and therefore, kids have different requirements from a sleep surface than an adult might.

As a sleep-product reviewer, I’ve tested a whole host of kids’ mattresses with my own children. From foam to pocket-sprung, synthetic to traceable wool, we’ve put them all through their paces. I’ve also tested more adult mattresses than I care to count. That's why I'm here to share all of my intel, including the advice of multiple mattress experts and child-sleep experts.

Do you need to buy a mattress specifically made for kids for your child?

When it comes to newborns, there is no question: an infant needs the right sleep surface.

‘The Lullaby Trust guidelines promote a firm, flat sleep surface for babies,' explains Chloe Scott, head of product design at children's sleep specialists Green Sheep Group. 'This is due to their bodies developing at a faster rate, a need for better breathability, and reducing the risk of SIDs by ensuring babies' heads are not raised or at risk of sinking into the mattress.’

‘For babies, toddlers, and younger children, a kids’ mattress is recommended as it offers firmer support and better breathability for safety and development,’ agrees infant sleep consultant, mum of three, and founder of Just Chill Baby Sleep, Rosey Davidson. ‘However, for older children or teens, an adult mattress can be suitable as long as it’s not too soft and provides the right support.’

It’s a balance only you can decide based on your child and situation. But, ‘an adult mattress that you buy for a kid might be overengineered and might not be designed to support their weight and shape,’ warns James Wilson, sleep expert at The Sleep Geek.

What mattress firmness is best for a child?

As our children's sleep experts have explained, finding the right mattress for your child is all about firmness. 'it is recommended to use firm to medium-firmness mattress,' confirms Chloe.

However, as with adults, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation with kids’ mattresses. Kids grow, and their body weight will change, which impacts what mattress firmness is right for them. 'Every child is different,' says James Wilson, 'and the right mattress will depend on their height, weight, sleep posture, and temperature needs.’

If you’re looking for the safest middle-of-the-road bet, then a medium-firm mattress is your best option. You might be drawn to a soft mattress for a child, but you will probably find it doesn’t provide adequate support.

‘Our best-selling Twist mattress was designed with this in mind,’ says Chloe. ‘The Little Green Sheep Twist mattress has become a family favourite, featuring dual-side support – with one side being firmer; perfect for newborns, and the other being more supple to support growing toddlers. Parents simply flip the mattress over to provide the perfect support rather than having to invest in a new mattress entirely.’

Is a foam or sprung mattress better for children?

Wondering if a foam or sprung mattress is better for children? Again, this is down to a variety of factors, and so there’s not one simple answer.

Opting for a foam mattress might be tempting because they’re often more affordable, but they offer less responsive support and they’re less breathable, often causing sleepers to overheat. Ever checked on your kid while they’re sleeping and found them a sweaty mess? Children aren’t as good at regulating their temperatures as adults, so this is something to be extra mindful of.

‘I prefer sprung, as it allows airflow through the mattress and helps them manage their temperature better,’ says James Wilson, the Sleep Geek. Although he does add, ‘If your child has dust-mite allergies a foam mattress would be better, as it is a harder environment for these pesky mites to live in.’

Are memory foam mattresses OK for kids?

‘Memory foam is not advised as a safe option for a newborn baby, due to the risk of sinking and suffocation,’ cautions Chloe from the Green Sheep Group. ‘Typically, as a child grows and develops, they have better mobility, muscle control and awareness, significantly reducing the risk of sinkage and suffocation.'

'However, advice for safe sleep still suggests children should be on a medium firm mattress which is why we opt to use natural materials to provide a firm yet comfortable night’s sleep.’

‘A memory foam mattress can be fine for older children, but I’d avoid it for toddlers,’ agrees sleep consultant Rosey Davidson. ‘Traditional memory foam can retain heat and mould too closely to the body, which may not be ideal for younger sleepers. Look for breathable, child-specific versions if you do go for memory foam.’

FAQs

How thick should a child’s mattress be?

When it comes to how thick a child’s mattress should be, always check the bed-frame manufacturer’s guidance, and follow that. Bunk beds always have a maximum thickness, and many adult mattresses are too thick for them – I have found this out through personal experience.

‘Toddlers and younger, no more than 10 cm is needed,’ says sleep expert James Wilson. ‘Older children could have one up to 20cm, but bear in mind most bunk or cabin beds can only have a mattress up to 15cm.’

Why are kids' mattresses thinner?

Kids don’t need thick mattresses. Kids are generally lighter than adults, so don’t require so much support from their mattresses. This means the mattresses are thinner as they don’t require such heavy-duty engineering inside.

‘A thinner, well-made mattress provides perfect firmness to promote spine alignment for their developing spine, particularly when they don’t need excess bulk,’ explains Chloe from the Green Sheep Group. ‘This can promote good posture, as well as ensuring a comforting night's sleep.’

Can a toddler use a regular mattress?

Yes, a toddler can use a regular mattress, as long as it isn't too soft. However, many toddlers sleep in converted cot bed-sized frames, or even toddler beds. You may struggle to find a standard mattress that comes in this size. But from a developmental perspective, you can put a standard mattress on a toddler’s bed.

‘A toddler is developed enough to use an adult mattress, provided it meets the recommended support and thickness – it is recommended to use firm to medium-firmness mattresses, as toddlers still require a supportive surface for healthy spine and muscle development,’ confirms Chloe from the Green Sheep Group.

There are a lot of positives to a heatwave, but for me, one of the biggest downsides has to be those hot and sticky nights struggling to sleep in a sweltering bedroom.

Thankfully, Silentnight has launched a cooling solution just in time for this year's first mini heatwave. The Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Body Pad is a cooling pad designed to be used on your mattress. You just pop it under or over your fitted sheet to lower your temperature fast.

I tested the smaller version, the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad, during a heatwave last year, and as a hot sleeper and certified Sleep Expert who is usually a little cynical about the claims of most cooling bedding, this is one cooling sleep product that really impressed me.

In fact, the only bugbear I had with the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad was that I found it was actually *too* cold under my head. Instead, I swapped to using it under my fitted sheet to help regulate my body temperature during the heatwave, and it certainly gave the best cooling mattress toppers I've tested a run for their money.

The only problem was that, as the Cooling Gel Pillow Pad is designed to go on a pillow, it is understandably quite small, measuring just 40 x 60cm. As a result, I found it kept my torso cool, but my legs were still hot.

In contrast, the newly launched Cooling Gel Mattress Pad is exactly what I needed back then: a larger 60 x 90cm cooling surface that's perfect for cooling the whole body.

Like the cooling pillow pad, the mattress pad is only a few millimetres thick and is constructed of three chambers that all hold cooling gel within a thick PVC cover.

Cool to the touch, Silentnight says the cooling gel mattress pad will 'help absorb excess body heat so you can enjoy a blissfully cool night's sleep', and I found the version I tested did just that.

It felt cool straight out of its box, but if you want a cooler sleep still, you can also fold it and pop it in the fridge for half an hour or so before bed – although be warned, when I did this it did feel truly ice cold!

Silentnight cooling sleep products

What's more, this cooling pad isn't just useful in a heatwave. It's actually a part of Silentnight's Restore collection – a range which is designed as 'cooling sleep solutions for the menopause, designed by women, for women', so if you're currently looking for bedding for menopausal night sweats, this cooling pad could be a key part of the puzzle when it comes to how to stay cool in bed.

Personally, I think either of these heat-busters are well worth having in the cupboard for when a heatwave rolls around. I'll certainly be popping my version in the fridge tonight, ready to get a cooler night's sleep!

My eveSleep Wunderflip Premium Hybrid Mattress review puts the brand's flippable mattress through its paces to see how its dual-sided design compares to the best mattresses Ideal Home has tested so far.

In a nutshell

The eveSleep Wunderflip Premium Hybrid mattress is unusual in that it has a dual-sided design, so it offers a medium-firm tension on one side and firm on the other.

This innovative approach means that it’ll cater to any changing comfort preferences (or potentially provide guests with their ideal sleep surface) without you having to go out and buy a new mattress.

However, I found that what makes this mattress unique is also where it falters slightly. Whilst it’s extremely comfortable, I found that neither side really corresponded to the firmness being marketed.

As someone who has reviewed a lot of mattresses, in my opinion, this feels much more like a soft/medium and medium mattress instead of a medium-firm and firm mattress. If you’re looking for a truly firm mattress, I think you’re going to be disappointed.

My husband and I also found its motion isolation lacking; it's bouncy, and we could feel when one person rolled over in the night. However, I do still feel its strong points outweigh the bad, as long as you're happy with its softer-than-expected feel.

This mattress stayed temperature neutral all night long, not causing me to overheat as a hot sleeper, and it has great edge support. So if you like to lie close to the edge when you sleep (like me), you’ll feel safe and secure. The reinforced edge support also makes getting in and out of bed easier, so it's a good choice if you have mobility issues. Find out more below.

Specifications

• Type of mattress: Hybrid
• Construction materials: Memory foam and micro-pocket springs
• Sizes available: Double, king, super king
• Tension: Medium-firm and firm
• Height: 28cm
• Side handles: Yes
• Flip or rotate?: Flip
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 200 nights

1. Comfort

Making sure you buy a mattress that is the right firmness for your particular sleep style and personal preference is essential. If your mattress is too soft, then your body may sink too much, leading to poor spinal alignment. If your mattress is too firm, then you’ll feel discomfort in your shoulders, hips, and lower back. Either way, get the wrong firmness level and you’re going to be super uncomfortable.

The eveSleep Wunderflip Premium Hybrid is a hybrid mattress that combines layers of memory foam with micro-pocket springs for plenty of comfort and support to suit a variety of sleeping styles. The mattress also has an unusual flippable design, so you’ll experience a medium-firm feel on one side but a firm feel on the other.

I prefer a medium-firm hybrid memory foam mattress as I like the soft, contouring comfort you get from memory foam, but I need a firmer tension to keep my spine in alignment and stop back and joint pain. So, on paper, the eveSleep Wunderflip Premium Hybrid should have been right up my street.

I tested out the medium-firm side first and was a little surprised at how soft I found it. I came from sleeping on the Simba Hybrid Pro, which is classed as a medium-firm mattress and feels a lot firmer.

However, even though it felt softer than I’m usually used to, the Wunderflip still felt comfortable when I slept on my side and back. In contrast, my husband, who likes a firmer mattress, found it to be too soft. He weighs less than I, but said it felt like he sank right into the mattress, which he didn't like. I’m a bit heavier, but I found it felt more like contouring than sinkage, so I was happier.

After a couple of weeks, I flipped the mattress to test out the firm side. The mattress comes with a quilted fabric cover that is soft to the touch and adds a bit of a plush feel. This can be unzipped and zipped back onto whatever side of the mattress you prefer.

Whilst the 'firm' side did feel a lot firmer than the 'medium-firm' side, it still didn’t feel firm in the way I'd expect a firm mattress to feel. There was still a softness and sink-in sensation. Perhaps unsurprisingly, my husband preferred this firmer side, although he echoed my thoughts that it was still softer than he would have liked. If you're specifically looking for a firm mattress, I'd defintiely recommend the Sealy Newton Posturepedic mattress instead.

All this said, as long as you don't mind its softer feel, I did still find this a comfortable mattress. The medium-firm side offered more cushioning, with my shoulders and hips sinking in slightly when side sleeping. The firm side didn’t offer as much sink-in softness, but it was still soft enough that I didn't wake up with pins and needles in my arm when I lay on my side.

Back sleepers who like the contouring feel of memory foam will appreciate the firmer side of the Wunderflip Premium. This mattress does feel soft, but I found the foam and the springs gave enough support to help maintain neutral spinal alignment.

However, if you’re a stomach sleeper or a plus-size sleeper, then this mattress isn’t for you. It’s too soft.

2. Motion Isolation

The eveSleep Wunderflip Premium mattress uses layers of memory foam alongside two layers of pocket springs. There's one layer of 1,000 tall pocket springs and then another layer of micro pocket springs.

All of the springs are individually wrapped, which in theory should help dampen any motion compared to an open coil mattress where all the springs are connected in one large unit. In fact, Eve states that this pocket spring system prevents sleepers from feeling any wobbles when changing positions through the night.

However, after trying this bed out, I’d say that if you’re a light sleeper or are sharing a bed with a restless partner, then this bed isn’t for you.

In our household, we tend to go to bed and get up at different times, so having a mattress with good motion isolation is a must, and whilst the firm side of the Wunderflip Premium Hybrid did a better job of absorbing movement than the medium-firm side, I could still feel it when my husband got in and out of bed.

When we slept on the medium-firm side, any movement felt a lot more pronounced. If you struggle to sleep or get disturbed easily, I think this mattress may be too bouncy for you.

3. Responsiveness

The flip side of its bouncy sleep surface is that this mattress is one of the most responsive mattresses I’ve slept on.

I tend to move around a lot at night, and thanks to its springy surface, I found I could change position very easily throughout the night. Despite its memory foam top layer, there was no 'lag' when I changed position and the memory foam bounced back to its original shape very quickly.

4. Temperature regulation

If you love the cushioning of memory foam but tend to sleep hot, then a hybrid mattress, like this, is usually the best choice.

As a hot sleeper, I usually wake up with the duvet kicked off and my legs hanging out of the bed to get some air, but I didn’t get too hot or too cold when sleeping on this mattress – and that goes for both sides.

There is no specific cooling technology in this mattress, but the mattress does use full-height springs, which should mean that there’s decent airflow throughout the inner. The brand also uses an open-cell memory foam, which it claims is five times cooler than traditional memory foam. Either way; it worked and this hot sleeper didn't overheat.

5. Edge support

The eveSleep Wunderflip Premium Hybrid mattress has two layers of reinforced edge support. So if you tend to sleep close to the edge of the mattress, want to spread out and make the most of all sleep surface, or you need a little more support getting in and out of bed, this mattress performs well.

I am an edge sleeper, and at no point did I feel like I was going to roll out of the bed. The edges did feel like they dipped slightly when I was sitting on the edge of the bed, but they were still firm enough that I didn’t feel I was going to fall off.

6. Sleep trial

eveSleep offers a 200-night sleep trial on its mattresses. That means you have 200 nights to change your mind and return the mattress if it's not the one for you.

The sleep trial starts from the day of delivery, and it's worth noting that returns are free if you return it within the first 40 nights, but after 40 nights, you will have to pay a £40 collection fee. So keep this in mind if you’re not planning to open your mattress up straight away.

I returned an eveSleep mattress this way, and I found the process super simple. Once I contacted the customer service department, they arranged my collection. I had plenty of text messages in advance of the collection to confirm I was still happy with the collection slot, and then the night before, I received a text giving me a four-hour time slot.

7. Ease of care

The Wunderflip Premium is pretty hassle-free when it comes to maintenance. You only need to flip the mattress if you want to change the tension. However, you should rotate your mattress 180º every 30 days for the first year and then every three months to ensure even wear and tear.

There are handles on both sides of the mattress, so whether you want to rotate the mattress or flip it, it’s easy enough to do. But, I would recommend getting someone to help you with this as the stitching on the handle isn’t that strong, so if you’re on your own and yanking it, it may cause the strap to rip.

As with any mattress, it’s an investment, so you should always add one of the best mattress protectors to keep it in good condition. You should also follow some mattress maintenance, such as regularly vacuuming the surface of your mattress (using the upholstery attachment), which will remove dust, debris, and allergens. Our guide to how to clean a mattress can help.

8. Delivery

My mattress was delivered by Bensons for Beds (which bought eveSleep back in 2022), and the mattress delivery process was top notch.

I received a text message once the order had been placed, where I was given a delivery date and an option to change that date if it wasn’t suitable. I didn’t need to phone anyone to make this change, I just had to click a link to confirm that I was happy with the date or if I wanted to change it. You can also change the delivery date up to five working days before the mattress is due to be delivered at no extra charge.

I then had a message three days before to confirm the delivery and give me a time slot. This was perfect, as usually you have to wait until the morning of the delivery, but having the information so far in advance gave me plenty of time to plan my day. You also get sent a tracking link so you can see exactly where your delivery driver is so you can be ready and waiting for them. Then on the day of delivery, I had a call from the driver to say he was around 30 minutes away.

The mattress came vacuum-packed and rolled. It didn’t come in a box like some other bed-in-a-box brands, but this made it a lot easier to get through the door and take it up the stairs. This mattress is heavy though, so it’s not a one-person job. My delivery driver didn’t offer to take it up the stairs, but eveSleep do say on their website that their delivery team will take it to a room of your choice, so perhaps I should’ve asked instead of waiting to be offered.

If you're pondering how to get rid of your old mattress, then you can also add mattress recycling to the basket at checkout. This will ensure that your old mattress is collected from your home when your new one is being delivered, and it’ll save you the job of finding a way of getting your old bed to the tip.

9. Third party reviews

You can only buy the eveSleep Wunderflip Premium Hybrid directly from the eveSleep website, where, as of writing, it has had 60 reviews. This may not seem like a lot, but out of those 60, it has gained 4.2 out of 5 stars.

A lot of the positive comments surround how comfortable this mattress is. There are also positive remarks on how the mattress doesn’t get too warm at night, making it a good choice for warm sleepers.

The only negative comments this mattress has had from customers is about the feel of the firmness. Comments have mentioned how it’s not as firm as stated, which I do agree with. I don’t think that either side really matches with what it's being marketed a,s and it’s certainly softer than advertised, which, if you’re not expecting it, would be a letdown.

10. Value for money

The Eve Sleep comes in three sizes and starts at an RRP of £999 for a double. A king will set you back £1,099 and a Super king £1,199. It comes with free delivery within two weeks of ordering, so not as fast as I’d expect from a bed-in-a-box company. You can expect to see some discounts if you purchase during sales events like Black Friday, but eveSleep doesn’t tend to run evergreen sales.

From my experience, I think this is decent value, and the 200-night sleep trial gives you peace of mind that you’re making the right investment.

However, it is worth noting that if you are on a budget, eveSleep sells its refurbished mattresses at a heavily discounted rate. Refurbished mattresses are just as good as new; they’re often mattresses that have been returned, but they’ve been completely refreshed.

If you buy refurbished, you can save up to 60%, meaning the Wunderflip Premium is just £400 for a double, £440 for a king, or £480 for a super king, which is a massive saving. However, you don’t get as many perks on refurbished mattresses as they come with just a one-year warranty and 30 night sleep trial.

How I tested

Sleep position: combination sleeper, but mainly side
Tension preference: medium firm
Sleep problems: hot sleeper, lower back and neck pain

During our mattress testing process I assessed ten factors that the Ideal Home team deems vital to any mattress purchase.

I assessed the mattress for comfort, responsiveness, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and edge support through at home testing. This means that I slept on the mattress for a minimum of two weeks before writing my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, the delivery process, any sleep trials available, value for money, and, where possible, third-party feedback from other verified owners before writing my review and giving this mattress a star rating.

If you're thinking ahead to Easter Bank Holiday weekend and wondering where you'll sleep the guests you have coming to stay, Argos has the answer, and one solution is currently under £12.

Yep, this weekend Argos has 25% off selected air beds, and that means inflatable mattresses, such as the Bestway Flocked Air Bed, are now on sale for just £11.25.

Now I know what you might be thinking, an air bed doesn't scream hotel-level luxury for your guests. But the new generation of air beds is far more comfortable than you might think.

The Ideal Home team tested multiple options when compiling our guide to the best air beds on the market, and this affordable blow-up mattress really impressed our reviewers with its robust build.

Its price is also incredibly hard to beat. Even at full price, this air bed is only £15 for a single, £20 for a double, and £30 for a king-size. And thanks to that 25% saving, prices are currently slashed even further.

The only caveat is that if you don't already have a hand or foot pump (and you don't have the lung capacity of an Olympic athlete), you will want to buy a pump to make inflation easier.

Luckily, the Bestway Foot Pump is only £6, but you could also splash out and opt for the Bestway Flocked Air Bed with Mains Pump that simply plugs into an electrical socket for inflation.

Plus, if you want to treat your guests to a little more comfort, Argos also has double-height air beds included in the sale. These offer a higher sleep surface so they're easier for guests to get up from, more support, and better insulation from the ground.

Shop alternative air beds

We found all of these air beds offered a good night's sleep for a few nights during testing, but if you have guests staying longer, adding one of the best mattresss toppers, such as the memory foam Panda Topper over your air bed can make your guests stay even more comfortable, or upgrading to one of the best sofa beds.

Whether you're living room camping or heading into the great outdoors this Easter, there's no doubt this particular Argos sale is perfectly timed.

There are a lot of bonuses to living with a partner; shared household chores, splitting bills, having someone who’s contractually obliged to listen to your story about the cute cat you saw on the way to the gym this morning.

But, there are also plenty of compromises that come with sharing a living space, especially if you share a bed with your partner. That’s because the best mattress for one half of a couple may not be the best mattress for the other half.

Enter the iSense Hybrid Premier Mattress now available at Sleep.8. This mattress is ‘dual-adjustable’ meaning that each sleeper can adjust the firmness of their side of the mattress independently of the other, and even more ingeniously, this mattress is ‘smart', so you can operate it simply by touching your phone screen.

The ability to tailor the comfort of the mattress to each sleeper's individual preferences is a game-changer, as this is usually one of the biggest factors affecting the sleep quality of couples.

Experts say this is a particularly useful solution for couples who differ in body weight. ‘If one of you is significantly heavier than the other, you may find it tough to compromise on a mattress that suits you both,' explains Emma Beck, buying manager at Bensons for Beds. This is because 'weight can affect the feel of a mattress,' says Michael Buckle, Senior Mattress Buyer at Dreams, including how firm or soft the same mattress feels to each sleeper.

'Heavier individuals tend to experience more sinking and heat retention,' explains Michael, 'while lighter individuals may find the same mattress firmer and less responsive to pressure points.’

Perhaps little wonder then that, according to iSense, 'on average, iSense sleepers get 73 more minutes of sleep per night than the average sleeper.'

But you don't just need to take the brand's word for it. The iSense Hybrid Premier Smart Mattress also comes with a built-in sleep sensor that tracks your sleep quality and uploads the data to the iSense smart App to provide insights on your sleeping patterns and sleep environment, along with suggestions on how they could be improved.

A hybrid mattress that employs a comfort layer of open-cell foam over a base layer of pocket-spring support, the firmness of the iSense Hybrid Premier Mattress is adjusted by air that's pumped in between the foam sections to make for a firmer sleep surface or 'deflated' for a softer feel.

It's one of the only mattresses of its kind I've come across, but, it does have a downside. Namely, it's price, because the iSense Hybrid Premier mattress certainly isn't cheap. It retails for over £3000 for a double, and nearly £5000 for a super king! Yikes.

Of course, it's hard to put a price on a good night's sleep, but if your budget just isn't going to stretch to the iSense mattress, I've found three more affordable alternatives that are well worth considering.

Shop more affordable alternatives

Plus, there are other solutions if you're one half of couple who is trying to compromise on their sleep environment. Such as the German Doppelbett sleep method that hinges around partners sleeping on their own single mattress contained within a shared bed frame, or zip-and-link mattresses, whereby two single mattresses of different firmnesses are joined together via a zip.

There's also the option of embracing sleep divorce, and opting for separate beds in separate rooms in order to sleep better. Don't worry, experts say it can actually improve your relationship, not harm it!

I guess it all comes down to how much you're willing to spend for a good night's sleep, but still have your partner within arm's reach.

A zip-and-link mattress is a fantastic solution if you need added flexibility to your sleeping set-up or cannot agree with your partner on how firm your mattress should be.

As a professional mattress tester, I know how subjective mattress comfort is. When shopping for the best mattress, you might find that what you love doesn’t suit your partner and vice versa.

Rather than one or both of you compromising, you can instead opt for a zip-and-link mattress; two mattresses that zip together to create one large mattress.

This article explores zip-and-link mattresses, covering exactly what they are, their pros and cons, and whether they’re the ultimate solution to what couples should consider when buying a mattress.

What is a zip and link mattress?

A zip-and-link mattress comprises two individual mattresses that zip together and 'link' to create one sleep surface.

Their main benefit is that a zip-and-link mattress can be maneuvered in two parts, so it's far easier to get a super king mattress up the stairs. But some zip-and-link mattresses also offer split tensions, which is a huge bonus for couples with different comfort requirements.

‘Zip and link technology can allow for the combination of two different mattress comfort types in one double or larger bed,’ explains Emma Beck, buying and merchandising manager at Bensons for Beds.

‘These two mattresses simply zip together, right in the centre from top to bottom, creating a bed that will suit both you and your partner, no matter how different your sleep preferences.’

Although, it’s worth noting that you need to buy both mattresses from the same brand. Zip-and-link technology is not universal across all brands.

What are the benefits of a zip and link mattress?

1. Good for couples that can’t agree

Many couples who sleep in the same bed discover that they have different needs for a mattress. One person might prefer a firm mattress, and the other soft for instance. With a zip-and-link mattress, both of you may be able to get your ideal mattress.

‘This solution may be especially welcome if one of you suffers with spinal or joint issues that could be potentially eased by sleeping on an ultra-firm orthopaedic mattress,’ says Emma from Bensons for Beds.

‘But remember, some zip and link mattresses are only available in one firmness level, as certain mattress specifications can put too much pressure on the zip and cause it to break,’ Emma continues.

2. Great for couples with different body weights

Couples aren’t always going to be the same body weight, and the type of mattress that's best for heavier people is different to the type of mattress that's best for lighter weight sleepers.

‘If one of you is significantly heavier than the other you may find it tough to compromise on a mattress that suits you both,' confirms Emma. 'This is quite simply down to the fact that larger bodies can require firmer support, while the smaller among us can usually tolerate a softer, less-supportive mattress.’

Rather than one of you sinking into a soft mattress or the other getting pins and needles from a mattress that's too firm, a zip-and-link mattress is perfect for couples who need different mattress tensions.

3. Better motion isolation

Because each side of a zip-and-link mattress is its own separate entity, there's less chance of motion isolation ruining your sleep.

'Motion transfer usually happens when one partner's movements reverberate through the springs of a pocket spring mattress or open coil mattress and disturb their co-sleeper,' explains Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood.

'On a zip-and-link mattress motion transfer is reduced as each side of the mattress has separate spring systems.'

4. Offers flexibility

If you need to be able to change up your bed formats easily – perhaps you run a B&B, or want to have a separate bed when your partner is unwell – a zip-and-link is a flexible choice.

‘Combine a zip and link mattress with two single bed bases for a set up that’ll work for every occasion and every combination of room sharers,’ says Emma. Just remember, zip and link mattresses can only be transformed from one bed into two if you have seperate bed bases too.

5. Easier to manoeuvre

When it comes to mattress delivery, a zip-and-link mattress can solve a lot of logistical issues. If you live in a home that has awkward access you might have resigned yourself to only being able to buy a more compact mattress-in-a-box that's delivered rolled and boxed. That means you'd be limited to a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress.

'A zip-and-link mattress means that not only can you opt for a traditional mattress made from natural materials, but when choosing a mattress size, you can go as large as you want without worrying about how to get a super king mattress up the stairs,' says Amy.

‘If you live in a terrace or an awkward apartment, a zip and link bed could save you a whole lot of stress, allowing you to bring two smaller individual mattresses upstairs,’ agrees Emma.

6. Easier to care for

Lastly, ‘zip-and-links make it far easier to rotate and flip your mattresses because they are individually much smaller than a double, king or super king mattress,’ shares Philippa Warford from the National Bed Federation.

That makes this type of mattress ‘ideal for elderly couples, those with mobility issues, or anyone who would struggle to lift or manoeuvre heavier mattresses.'

What are the disadvantages of a zip and link mattress?

1. Slight ridge in the middle of the mattress

One of the issues you might encounter with a zip-and-link mattress comes down to its main feature; the zip.

‘You may notice a slight ridge where the two mattresses zip together in the middle but this is generally very minimal,’ says Philippa from the National Bed Federation.

However, there is a solution, in the form of investing in one of the best mattress toppers, or potentially even just a well-padded mattress protector to mask the linking section.

‘To nullify this, you can simply use a good quality mattress topper to hide the fact there are two singles underneath you,’ agrees Emily Pratley of luxury bed and bedding retailer And So To Bed.

2. Makes each mattress slightly firmer

If you love a super soft mattress, a zip-and-link mattress may be a little too firm for you.

‘Due to the closer proximity of the side stitching on each single mattress, the overall comfort level can become slightly firmer,’ says Emily from And So To Bed.

3. Can be more expensive

A zip-and-link mattress requires more craftsmanship, so you'll generally find they're a little more expensive than a regular double, king, or super king mattress.

However, is an expensive mattress worth it if it offers you a better night's sleep, and potentially reduces arguments with your other half? I think so.

4. Can be harder to find

Although there are a lot of benefits to opting for a zip-and-link mattress, they can be a little trickier to source.

They're more labour intensive to manufacture, which tends to mean they're not offered by cheap-and-cheerful online mattress retailers. Instead, they're made by traditional mattress manufacturers with experience in crafting mattresses the old-school way.

5. It can't solve all your partners annoying sleep habits

Whilst a zip-and-link mattress can be transformative for co-sleeping, sadly, it can't perform miracles and won't solve every problem a shared bed presents.

For example, ‘a zip and link mattress won’t help if your partner snores or fidgets,’ says Emma from Bensons for Beds. ‘While a zip and link mattress may help to minimise motion transfer by keeping your sleeping surfaces separated, it won’t necessarily solve the problem of a partner who’s a pain to sleep with.'

Although if you're kept awake by snoring, Emma does dangle a carrot of hope. 'That said, a new mattress suited to their body and way of sleeping could potentially help to reduce snoring or tossing and turning.’

Where to buy a zip-and-link mattress

As mentioned, zip-and-link mattresses can be a little trickier to find. As such, I've rounded up some of the best places to buy a zip-and-link mattress below.

• Bensons for Beds: zip-and-link mattresses
• Feather & Black: zip-and-link mattresses
• John Lewis: zip-and-link mattresses
• MattressNextDay: zip-and-link mattresses
• naturalmat: zip-and-link mattresses

FAQS

Are zip and link mattresses good for couples?

Yes, zip-and-link mattresses are great for couples. One might even save your relationship! The flexibility of being able to separate your beds, improved motion isolation, plus there being no need to compromise on their ideal mattress tension, is a winning combination for many couples.

Can you get a zip and link mattress with two different firmnesses?

Not all zip-and-link mattresses offer the option of two different firmnesses, but many do. This is one of the main benefits of a zip-and-link mattress, as mattress firmness – sometimes called mattress tension – can massively impact your comfort levels and sleep quality.

How big is a zip and link bed?

Zip-and-link beds are the same size as any other bed. Having said that, they tend to start at kingsize and work their way up. This is because if you zip anything smaller in half, you don’t end up with much bed.

It's worth notgin that if you're considering separating a zip-and-link mattress to sleep individually, you'll need at least a super king mattress to get as much individual space as a single mattress.

Can you turn a zip and link mattress?

Depending on its construction, yes, you can generally turn a zip-and-link mattress. You just need to unzip the mattress first before flipping each section. One of the benefits of a zip-and-link mattress is that flipping each half is much easier and lighter than flipping one large mattress.

Hopefully, that's covered everything you need to know about zip-and-link mattresses, but there are other things to consider if you're in the market for a new mattress.

As well as tension and motion isolation which we've covered here, you might want to learn about the importance of mattress breathability to help regulate your temperature overnight – especially if you're a hot sleeper!

You might also want to find out how your existing bed base can affect the feel of a new mattress.

Armed with this knowledge, there's a much greater chance of making the right mattress choice, and, ultimately, getting a better night's sleep.

How often do you hear people blaming their mattress for a bad back? I’d say – purely anecdotally, of course – about nine times out of ten. And sure, sometimes the mattress is the culprit. But if you’re waking up every morning feeling like the Tin Man before his oil can, could a mattress topper be the quick fix you need instead of splurging on a whole new bed?

When speaking to medical professionals while researching this piece, they were at pains to say that even if you buy the best mattress topper – and even best mattress – it won’t be a magical cure for back pain if there are underlying issues.

As a journalist with a special expertise in sleep, I’ve slept on well over 15 mattress toppers to find the best one. I’ve also suffered from back pain myself over the years. So I was keen to do a deep dive into whether a mattress topper could ever help with back pain - and what industry experts and medical professionals advised on mattress topper use.

Do mattress toppers help with back pain?

A mattress topper is designed to lie on top of your existing mattress and give it a boost. There are loads of different types of mattress toppers.

If pressure points are an issue – ie. you wake up with sore shoulders or hips – there are fluffy mattress toppers filled with wool, such as my personal favourite the Woolroom deluxe mattress topper. And if you’re finding your mattress is too soft, there are mattress toppers with more firm support like the Simba Hybrid topper that contains both memory foam and micro springs

So, depending on what is causing your back pain, yes in a lot of cases a mattress topper can help with your back pain. ‘Based on the research evidence, mattress toppers can help with back pain when chosen appropriately. A study by Price et al in Clinical Rehabilitation (2003) found statistically significant improvements in pain when using an air-filled mattress overlay (topper),’ says Nell Mead, physiotherapist and author of How To Be Your Own Physio.

But before you nip out to buy a mattress topper to cure a slipped disc, take a moment. ‘It’s important to remember, though, that mattress toppers can’t cure back pain when it’s from a medical condition,’ says Dave Gibson, a sleep and well-being expert, registered osteopath and founder of thesleepsite.co.uk. ‘If you are experiencing severe or persistent back pain, always see your GP or seek professional support.

What type of mattress topper is best for back pain?

As with the best mattresses for back pain, your safest bet if you suffer from back pain is to go for a solid, mid-tension mattress topper. ‘The evidence suggests that (as with mattresses) medium-firm toppers are generally most beneficial for back pain,’ Nell Mead says in agreement.

‘A systematic review by Caggiari et al in 2021 (Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology) found that medium-firm sleeping surfaces promote comfort and proper spinal alignment,’ Nell continues. ‘The research particularly highlights air-filled toppers with adjustable firmness, memory foam toppers of medium firmness and latex toppers that provide even pressure distribution.’

A great memory foam topper with medium firmness would be something like the Panda London mattress topper, which we found supportive and cushioning in our thorough testing.

‘Typically, memory foam and latex toppers are recommended for lower back pain sufferers, as they contour to the body and offer tailored support for a relaxing spinal alignment,’ explains osteo Dave from The Sleep Site.

‘Latex is potentially more breathable and more durable [than memory foam] with a more moderate contouring effect. Hybrid toppers are also available, combining layers of foam, latex, and other materials such as fibre fillers.’

A great latex mattress topper I’ve tried is the terrific topper from Naturalmat. It’s springy and also has a layer of wool to help with temperature regulation.

How thick should a mattress topper be to help with back pain?

‘While there is no definitive research regarding optimal topper thickness, adequate support and pressure distribution are important, so I think we could generalise to say that for therapeutic benefits the "Goldilocks" answer is about 2-4 inches,’ says physio Nell Mead.

Anything thinner than this and a topper most likely isn’t doing much for you – ‘1-2 inches may not provide enough pressure relief,’ says Nell Mead. On the other hand, ‘toppers over 4 inches might compromise support and spinal alignment.’

‘A depth of around 3 to 4 inches would, in general, be the thickness recommended to provide the optimum combination of cushioning for pressure relief and support for correct spinal alignment,’ adds osteopath Dave Gibson. ‘If you are looking for firmness alone, you could reduce this thickness to around a 2-inch depth or even as low as 1 inch if you are a stomach or back sleeper, which needs a firmer base support.’

‘The ideal thickness of a topper also depends on your weight, the firmness of your current mattress, and your sleeping position,’ adds Dave Gibson.

Do mattress toppers help with shoulder or hip pain?

Yes, mattress toppers can help with shoulder and hip pain. I speak from experience on this one. As a side sleeper I often find I wake up with sore shoulders and hips. A mattress topper on my bed definitely has eased this significantly.

‘A study by Jacobson et al in 2001, in the Journal of Manipulative and Therapeutic Physiologics, showed that appropriate sleeping surfaces can improve both back and shoulder pain,’ weighs in Nell Mead. ‘The article emphasises that pressure point relief at hips and shoulders is crucial, and toppers can help distribute pressure more evenly across these areas.’

It’s worth noting though that you shouldn’t expect a mattress topper to absolutely makeover a tired, sagging mattress. If your mattress has seen better days, you are better off replacing the mattress to ensure you have solid support.

What can I put on my mattress to help with back pain?

A mattress topper is one of a few items that you can add to your bedding arsenal to help a painful back. Choosing the right topper is key though.

‘Based on the research evidence, effective options include a medium-firm mattress topper, an air-filled overlay system, a temperature-regulating topper (the article notes temperature's importance for sleep quality and comfort or pressure-distributing materials like memory foam or latex.

Temperature regulating toppers would include ones with fibres such as wool or an open-cell memory foam structure as fillings. These help air circulate around you and keep you at the right temperature all night.

Our tester found the Emma Premium mattress topper particularly good as a memory-foam option for hot sleepers.

‘Strategically placed pillows can make a big difference to help alleviate back pain at night,’ says osteo Dave Gibson. ‘For side sleepers, they should be placed between the knees to keep the spine in alignment. For back sleepers, smaller pillows could be positioned under the small of the back and under the knees. If you are suffering from neck pain, changing your pillow to one that supports your neck, such as a cervical pillow could help too.’

Should I get a medium or firm mattress topper?

Not to be contrary here, but really a medium-firm mattress is your best bet. Too firm and you’ll probably find those pressure points we talked about – hips and shoulders – are sore in the morning.

‘It's also important to remember that individual needs may vary based on factors like body weight, sleeping position, and specific health conditions,’ says Nell Mead.

Of course, you need to factor in what your current mattress tension is like too.

‘If your mattress is too soft and you feel it’s not supporting you, a firmer topper might be best. If you have very firm mattress, a medium topper would in general add more cushioning without

losing support,’ counsels Dave Gibson from The Sleep Site.

‘However, back pain sufferers would, in general, find that a very soft topper without as much support wouldn’t help and could even make things worse,’ warns Dave. ‘When it comes to sleeping position, side sleepers would typically need a medium topper to cushion the shoulders and hips, while for back and stomach sleepers with back pain, a firmer topper would improve support.’

And as with the best mattresses for heavier people, firmer tensions in a mattress topper are the best bet if you have a heavier body build.

Overall, yes, a mattress topper is good for bad backs. But you need to find the right topper for you - it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation here.

‘The research suggests that toppers can be beneficial when the topper is of the appropriate depth and firmness, as long as the underlying mattress is still structurally sound. If the underlying mattress is too badly degraded or compromised, then a topper alone might not be sufficient,’ reminds Nell Mead.

Choosing the right mattress is hard enough for yourself, but what about when you need to factor in someone else’s preferences too?

Couples often cite sleep as one of the most contentious issues in their relationship. So what can be done to make sure you don’t end up in relationship strife when choosing the best mattress for two?

As a sleep product reviewer, I've tested multiple mattresses, and throughout my testing, I’ve had my husband by my side. As such, when I'm testing mattresses I always have couples in mind.

I'm here to share everything I've learned about shopping for a mattress as a couple.

What to consider when buying a mattress as a couple

There’s plenty to consider when buying a new mattress – from mattress breathability to how your bed base affects the feel of the mattress – but even more so if you’re looking for a mattress for two.

If you share a bed, these are the six main factors you'll want to consider before you part with your hard-earned cash.

1. Opt for the biggest mattress size you can

When it comes to how to choose a mattress size, you'll want to go as big as your room and budget allows if you're buying a mattress for two. Make sure you have enough personal space; there will be times when you’ll want it!

‘Couples need a mattress big enough for both people to sleep comfortably,’ says Tommy-Joe Reardon, head of marketing at bedding and mattress brand Panda London. ‘While a double does fit two, for extra space and comfort, it is recommended to opt for a king or super king'.

Plus, as sleep expert and founder of The Sleep Site Dave Gibson points out, if there are two of you sharing a bed, you need to opt for 'a super king to give you the same room as two single mattresses'.

2. Choose a mattress with good motion isolation

One of the biggest sleep disturbances for people who sleep next to a partner is the other person’s fidgeting or getting up at night. To alleviate this you need a mattress with good motion isolation.

‘Motion isolation refers to individual movement not impacting the other person,’ says Tommy-Joe from Panda London. ‘Wriggling, turning over, and getting up can disturb your partner. When this motion transfer is prevented it means better sleep all around.’

'A memory foam mattress dampens movement and offers some of the best motion isolation,' says Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood. 'Couples often opt for a hybrid mattress, like the Simba Hybrid Original mattress or the Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress that utilises a memory foam top layer to reduce motion transfer.'

Or if you prefer a mattress with natural fillings look for a pocket spring mattress, like the Hypnos Pillow Top Select mattress. 'Unlike an open coil mattress, pocket springs are individually housed in fabric compartments to isolate movement and prevent motion transfer from one side of the mattress to the other,' says Amy.

3. Look for good edge support

A mattress with good edge support means that the sides of the mattress are reinforced. This makes for less dipping at the edges of the mattress and less chance of getting that ‘roll off’ feeling.

'Good edge support is particularly important if you're sharing a mattress as there's likely to be less space in the bed' says Sleep Editor Amy Lockwood. 'This means one or both of you are more likely to be sleeping near the edge of the bed. A mattress with good edge support, like the Sealy Newton Posturepedic mattress, means you can do that without feeling like the edge of the mattress is sagging and you're in danger of rolling out.'

4. Check the mattress thickness

Mattresses come in all types of thicknesses, with cheaper mattresses often between 18-20cm, mid-range mattresses around 25-28cm, and more expensive mattresses somewhere between 30-35cm.

The thickness of your mattress is important – the thicker it is, in theory the more support it offers. So couples should opt for for a fairly deep mattress to support both body weights.

‘With two people sharing a mattress, there’s double the weight – this is why a deeper mattress, anything over 25cm, is recommended,’ says Tommy-Joe from Panda London. ‘However, consider the height of your bedframe and the practicality of being able to get in and out of bed easily.’

5. Opt for the middle ground with a medium-firm tension

Everyone has a preference when it comes to mattress tension. A lot of this preference is down to our preferred sleeping position and our body weight. For instance, the type of mattress that's best for heavier people is different from the type of mattress that's best for a lightweight sleeper.

Unless you and your partner are evenly matched in weight and sleeping positions, this can cause problems when trying to find a mattress for two.

‘Inevitably there has to be a bit of comprise between couples,' says Adam Black, co-founder at mattress brand Button & Sprung. That's why a medium-firm mattress is usually such a popular choice.

'A medium-firm mattress is a good middle-ground that tends to suit a lot of people,' agrees Amy Lockwood. 'The Simba Hybrid Pro mattress or Brook + Wilde Ultima mattress are medium-firm options that are rated highly by our testing team.'

6. Consider a zip-and-link matttress

Tension preferences are one reason that you might want to consider a split tension or zip-and-link mattress if you share a bed.

‘Zip and link technology, allows for the combination of two different mattress comfort types in one double or larger bed,’ explains Emma Beck, buying and merchandising manager at Bensons for Beds. 'These two mattresses simply zip together, right in the centre from top to bottom.'

The benefit is that not only is a zip and link mattress far easier to get up the stairs if you're investing in a king or super king-size bed, but, as Emma continues to explain, 'you can create a bed that will suit both you and your partner, no matter how different your sleep preferences.’

FAQs

What size mattress is best for couples?

Something most sleep experts agree on is that you should go for as big a mattress as you can – whether you’re a couple or sleeping alone. If you have a small bedroom and you’re tight on space, you could go for a double, but king-size or super-king is ideal for couples.

‘For a really comfortable night's sleep, a king or super king-size bed is recommended for two people,' says Tommy-Joe from Panda. 'You’ll have space to stretch out and move around.'

Is a king-size bed better for couples?

A king size bed – or larger if you can – is generally better than a double size bed for couples. That's because there's more space to stretch out.

As Tommy-Joe from mattress manufacturer Panda London shares, ‘I have heard countless stories from customers, friends and family members who have purchased a double size mattress, only to feel like there was a compromise when sharing with a partner.’

What mattress thickness is best for couples?

It's best not to scrimp on mattress thickness if there are two of you sharing a bed, as that means double the weight. I'd advise opting for a mattress at least 25cm deep, if not a little more.

Can you get a mattress with two different firmnesses?

If you can’t agree on mattress firmness with your other half, then you can get two different tensions – or firmnesses – in one mattress. These are called split-tension or half-and-half mattresses, or you can opt for a zip-and-link mattress which is two seperate mattresses that zip together to form a double, king, or super-king.

Is a firm mattress good for couples?

A firm mattress can be better than a soft mattress for couples, because double the body weight means you need more support. But you don't want your mattress to be so firm and you end up with sore hips and shoulders or pins and needles. A medium-firm tension is often a good bet.

Is memory foam good for couples?

A memory foam hybrid mattress can be a good choice for couples. The top layer of memory foam offers good motion isolation to prevent partner disturbance and a base layer of springs provides support.

‘Memory foam is a great option for couples,’ says Tommy-Joe from Panda London. ‘It contours to both people’s body shapes and offers bespoke support. However, memory foam alone might dip over time if not coupled with a robust core, such as springs (as found in a hybrid mattress) or a solid bed base.’

Are hybrid mattresses better for couples?

Many couples find a hybrid mattress a better choice than a pure foam mattress. A hybrid mattress combines the cushioning of a memory foam or latex comfort layer with spring support. This makes them more suitable for the combined body weight of a couple as the spring structure is less prone to sagging or dips appearing in the mattress.

So there we have it, all of my pearls of wisdom if you're in the market for a mattress for two.

However, your mattress isn't the only thing to consider if you share a bed. You might also want to consider what size duvet to choose, because, just like with your mattress size, expert advice suggests sizing up your duvet if you share a bed.

After all, you don't want to eliminate arguments over mattress comfort only to get into a debate about someone stealing the covers!

I put Dunelm's bestselling Teddy Bear Topper to the test to see how it performed in comparison to the best mattress toppers on the market.

In a nutshell

Just like all of Dunelm's bestselling Teddy Bear bedding collection, the fleecy Dunelm Teddy Mattress Topper feels super soft and snuggly to the touch.

It's also very affordable, with prices starting from just £18 for the single and £22 for a double mattress size.

However, this topper is only around 1-2cm deep, so it doesn't add much in terms of cushioning or support, and I found it didn't make much difference to the overall feel of my bed.

What it does do is add an extra layer of cosiness, which makes it a budget-friendly addition to the bed when cold weather hits – especially if you choose to sleep directly on top of it, which you can, because it's machine-washable and dries super-fast.

Because it's made of fleecy recycled polyester it reflects your body heat back towards you, making the bed feel a little bit warmer on cold winter nights – a plus point for cold sleepers, although hot sleepers may find they overheat.

All in all, it won't transform the feel of your bed, but it's a very affordable way to add some extra warmth and cosiness to your sleep set-up in winter.

Dunelm Teddy Mattress Topper review

Specifications

• RRP: £18 / £22 / £25 / 30
• Sizes: single / double / king / super-king
• Depth: 1-2cm
• Construction: 100% recycled polyester
• Care instructions: machine washable at 40°c, line dry or tumble dry on a low heat setting
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

The Dunelm Teddy Mattress Topper has wide elasticated straps underneath each corner, which make it very easy to hook over the corners of your mattress and attach. Those straps also seemed pretty secure; during testing, I didn't find the topper sprang off.

However, I did find that the topper itself scrimped on size. I tested a double, and it just reached the edges of my double mattress. But, during the night I found my body weight meant the topper edges no longer reached the mattress edge. This left an uncomfortable ridge at the topper edges, so I'd advise sizing up to avoid that happening.

Comfort

The Dunelm Teddy Mattress Topper is super soft and fluffy. It's named well because the minute you touch it you immediately want to pick it up and snuggle it like you would the softest teddy bear, or snuggle into it which is more appropriate in this case.

Kids will love how it feels, and this grown-up loved how it felt too. When I added it to the bed it immediately made me want to climb in and get cosy.

However, I was a little confused about whether I was meant to sleep directly on it or not. Usually, a mattress topper goes underneath your bottom sheet. But mattress toppers don't usually feel this snuggly, and putting a sheet over it seemed a bit of a shame.

In the end, I tried it both ways and preferred it without the sheet. The topper is machine washable at 40°c (which most toppers aren't) so it shouldn't be a problem sleeping directly on it.

That said, snuggliness aside, this topper doesn't really offer a lot else. It's only 1-2cm deep and it's made from 100% polyester, so although it adds a smidgeon of padding to the bed, it doesn't offer any proper cushioning or support.

It isn't a topper that's going to transform how your bed feels. You need a deeper or more structured topper, like the supportive Simba Hybrid Topper, the cushioned Panda Topper, or the firmer IKEA NISSHOLME Topper for that.

What it will do is add an indulgent snuggliness to the bed, and some extra warmth – more on that next.

Temperature regulation

This topper is made from recycled polyester, and synthetic materials generally aren't very breathable. When they're used in bedding that means they don't regulate temperature very well, instead they reflect body heat back towards the sleeper.

That's exactly what I found happened when sleeping on top of the Dunelm Teddy Mattress Topper. I was much warmer than usual the minute I added this topper to my bed.

If you're a cold sleeper, this could be a big bonus, as it makes this topper brilliantly cosy on cold winter nights.

However, if you're a hot sleeper (like me) you may find yourself waking up hot and sticky due to that lack of breathability. One of the best cooling mattress toppers this is not. If that's what you're looking for the wool-filled Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper is a much better bet. That offers the same level of cosiness in winter, but great breathability and temperature regulation in the summer too.

Care instructions

One of the big bonuses of the Dunelm Teddy Mattress Topper is that, unlike many mattress toppers, it can be machine washed at 40°c and either line dried or tunble dried on a low setting. Because it's 100% polyester I also found it dried super fast.

This could make it a good choice for a kids bed, and also means you can sleep directly on top of this topper (without a sheet in between) to make the most of its super soft fleecy finish.

Sleep trial

There's no sleep trial available on the Dunelm Teddy Mattress Topper, but Dunelm stores are fairly widespread so you should be able to go in and handle one in-store to see if you like the feel of it.

And that's really all you need to know, because beyond its cuddly texture and the fact it makes for a warmer sleep, there isn't a lot else this topper brings to the bed.

Verdict

This topper won't transform the feel of your bed. It's only 1-2cm thick so it doesn't add enough cushioning or support to soften up a firm mattress that much and it won't ease any aches or pains.

However, it is super soft and cuddly and feels lovely to snuggle into. Plus, its fleecy texture took the chill off the sheets and kept me really warm during the night. It's also very affordable and easy to care for.

Personally, I wouldn't want to use it in summer, as it would cause me to overheat, but if you're looking for a way to take the chill off your bed in winter, (and you don't want to add one of the best electric blankets), this topper is super snuggly and cosy.

Plus, you get to go to sleep feeling like you're snuggled into a giant fluffy teddy bear. And what could be better than that?!

There’s quite a lot of jargon around mattresses, and if you’re trying to buy a new mattress all of the terms might have you in a bit of a spin.

But fear not, this guide will walk you through one of the most common terms and explain what mattress responsiveness means.

As a sleep-product reviewer, I’ve tested well over twenty mattresses in my mission to find the best mattress on the market, and when it comes to how we test mattresses, responsiveness is one of the key criteria. That's because it massively impacts how comfortable a mattress is.

Along with my own expertise, I've spoken to industry insiders and sleep experts to break down everything you need to know about mattress responsiveness, from what it is to how it could be affecting your sleep.

What is mattress responsiveness?

Put simply, mattress responsiveness means how the surface of the mattress responds to your body, in particular, how it responds when you change position in bed.

‘Mattress responsiveness is your mattress’ ability to adjust to pressure and movement and how it bounces back into its original shape,’ explains Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director at mattress manufacturer Woolroom.

'A responsive mattress will usually have a firmer surface with a good amount of bounce' explains Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home's Sleep Editor. 'This type of mattress is good for active sleepers who change position frequently during the night, or for anyone who has mobility issues that make it harder to turn over'.

'In contrast, an unresponsive mattress tends to be one that the body sinks into. This makes it harder to turn over easily'.

How does mattress responsiveness affect your sleep?

Mattress responsiveness can affect your sleep in a range of ways. If you're an active sleeper who moves a lot in your sleep and you find yourself waking up when you turn over, it could be because the mattress you’re sleeping on is not very responsive so it's enough of a struggle to turn over that it wakes you.

‘Responsiveness affects your body’s movement and support as you sleep, so you want to make sure you choose the mattress that suits your needs,’ says Chris from Woolroom.

‘Low responsiveness mattresses may feel comfortable at first' says Chris, (that's because they're usually very cushioned) 'but you could find your sleep disrupted by feeling stuck or restricted, especially if you move a lot during the night. Mattresses with a higher responsiveness will allow you to move more easily and will offer steady spinal support.’

'Some people find a mattress that's unresponsive to feel quite 'dead' to sleep on' says Ideal Home's Amy. 'In contrast, a responsive mattress with some spring to it can (literally) help us to bounce out of bed in the morning'.

What type of mattresses are the most responsive?

Wondering what type of mattresses are the most responsive? ‘Pocket spring mattresses are one of the most responsive mattress types' says Chris from Woolroom. 'The multiple springs work independently from one another, allowing the bed to adapt and quickly spring back from any movements you make as you sleep'.

‘Micro pocket springs offer pinpoint, tailored support; responding to the unique curves of your body' agrees Adam Black, co-founder of mattress brand Button & Sprung. ‘The more micro springs in a mattress then the more responsive it will be. We recommend a high spring count for larger, heavier body types to ensure maximum responsiveness.’

'A hybrid mattress with a latex top layer will have great responsivity' adds Amy Lockwood. 'Like memory foam, latex is cushioning, but unlike memory foam, it still has loads of bounce and doesn't cocoon the body in the same way, so it's much easier to turn over on'.

What type of mattresses are the least responsive?

In contrast, memory foam mattresses and all-foam mattresses are usually the least responsive.

‘Whereas pocket springs quickly contour to your body shape and weight and then keep you supported when you are in bed, memory foam heats up throughout the night and moulds to you' explains Adam from Button & Sprung. 'This can lead to a feeling of sinking into the mattress rather than being gently supported. It just doesn’t respond, lift, or bounce back like springs.’

‘Traditional foam is one of the least responsive mattress materials,’ agrees Tommy-Joe Reardon, head of marketing at sleep brand Panda London. ‘This foam tends to be slower to get back to its original shape when pressure is removed, this can cause the upside-down turtle effect where you find it difficult to get out of the bed due to the lack of support.’

However, if you love the cocooning comfort of memory foam but you're also an active sleeper, all is not lost. You could opt for a hybrid mattress that combines a top layer of memory foam with springs underneath.

‘Hybrid mattresses... combine the comfort of memory foam and the support from full-size pocket springs, which are ultra-responsive,’ explains Tommy-Joe from Panda London.

How can you test a mattress responsiveness in-store?

If you’re testing a mattress in-store, responsivity is a good thing to check. Just lie on the mattress in your usual sleeping position as you would at home, but make sure to stay there for a good few minutes. Then turn over to see how easy you find changing position.

‘To effectively assess a mattress's responsiveness, get comfortable in your usual sleeping position and observe both its comfort and responsiveness,’ agrees Tommy-Joe from Panda London. ‘When you stand up, notice how quickly it bounces back; this will indicate how responsive the mattress is.’

Not all of us have access to a mattress showroom nearby though. In this case, it's well worth looking for retailers that offer a mattress sleep trial. Terms and conditions will apply, but a sleep trial usually allows you to try the mattress at home and return it within a certain timeframe if you’re not happy with its responsiveness.

How can you make an existing mattress more responsive?

If you’re finding your mattress isn’t really cutting the mustard in terms of responsiveness – maybe you’re waking up every time you want to shift positions – then there are a few things you can do, like adding one of the best mattress toppers to your bed.

‘If you want your existing mattress to be more responsive, consider adding a topper made of more responsive materials' says Tommy-Joe from Panda London. ‘A topper is a great way to enhance an existing mattress without splashing out on a whole new set-up.’

You could also look for a more supportive base for your mattress. Sprung divan bed bases add extra bounce and will help your mattress feel more responsive.

If you’re looking for somewhere to buy an affordable mattress, IKEA may be one of the first stores that springs to mind. But, as Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, one of the questions I frequently get asked is ‘Are IKEA mattresses standard size’?

The Swedish retailer is renowned for its fairly priced furniture and homeware – IKEA’s mattresses start from an incredibly reasonable £99 for a double – so if you’re searching for the best mattress on a budget, IKEA could be your first port of call.

As such, I asked IKEA’s bedroom experts to clear up the confusion over the brand’s mattress sizing once and for all. After all, when it comes to choosing the right mattress size, ensuring it fits your bed frame is rule number one.

Based on my personal experience – I still own the IKEA Malm bed that I bought when I was furnishing my first home, over fifteen years ago – I think many of us, (perhaps I should say many of us of a certain age), have made the mistake of assuming IKEA bed frames and mattresses are standard UK sizes.

In my case, I soon discovered the double-sized Malm bed I thought I had bought was actually a European double. This hasn’t ever been an issue, but it does mean there’s a little space around the edge of my standard UK double mattress and the edge of the bed frame. For reference, a standard UK double measures 135 x 190cm, and a European double measures 140 x 200cm.

I actually quite like the bed frame being a little bigger. I find it's easier to flip and rotate the mattress when I change the bed. However, no doubt many other people have had a similar experience to mine, so I can see why many of us are confused about whether IKEA mattresses are standard UK size.

But, that purchase was made fifteen years ago, and times have changed. These days, IKEA mattresses are standard UK sizes, with just a few exceptions.

‘Our primary mattress and bed frame range in the UK is now sold only as standard UK sizing’ says Benjamin Davies, core area specialist for bedrooms at IKEA. ‘However, in addition to this, we offer a selection of European-sized mattresses to fit ‘non-traditional’ frames, such as day beds, junior beds, bunk beds and select sofa beds’.

IKEA’s Mattress Size Guide details the brand’s full mattress selection, but Benjamin also provided this list of IKEA’s mattress dimensions.

The sizes that differ slightly from standard UK sizing are the small single mattress (80 x 200cm) which the brand says is sold specifically for day beds and extendable children's beds, the European single mattress (90 x 200cm) which is sold specifically for some junior beds, bunks, and loft beds, and the European double mattress (140x200cm) that is designed to fit select IKEA sofa beds.

If you’re shopping for a standard UK mattress size to fit a standard UK bed frame, (or vice versa) you won’t have any trouble finding one at Ikea today. However, just like when purchasing any item of furniture, it’s well worth double-checking your measurements before you buy.

Once you measure up, you might even find that you have space to opt for a larger bed frame (and therefore mattress) in your bedroom than you thought, and, if you share a bed, more space can be a key factor in getting a better night’s sleep.

Breathability is important in a mattress. Take it from me, a product writer and reviewer with years of experience testing out mattresses and all things sleep-related.

I’ve tested some of the best mattresses on the market, and plenty of not-so-good options. Through this process of testing and research, I can tell you the breathability of your mattress will have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep.

I'm here to explain all, but you don’t just have to take it from me. I’ve also recruited multiple industry insiders and sleep experts to find out exactly why breathability is so important in a mattress.

Why is breathability important in a mattress?

First up, what do I mean by mattress breathability? Well, breathability is all about having airflow through your mattress. Some mattress fibres and fillings are better than others at allowing air to penetrate through the mattress.

Why is this important? I asked Dr Maja Schaedel, clinical psychologist and co-founder and director of The Good Sleep Clinic, which helps to treat sleep difficulties, Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director at mattress brand Woolroom, and Adam Black, co-founder of mattress brand Button & Sprung, to help me explain.

Why is breathability important in a mattress?

‘Breathability in your mattress is vital if you want to create a restful, healthy sleep environment,’ says Chris Tattersall of Woolroom. ‘It’s important that air can circulate easily as you sleep, to allow moisture to be wicked away and keep you cool'.

Saying cool at night – or at least sleeping on a mattress that enables you to maintain a stable body temperature – is an important factor in getting a decent night’s sleep.

‘One of the biggest issues we have in maintaining sleep is in regulating our temperature during the night,’ explains Dr Maja Schaedel. ‘Our bodies can heat up during the night which then leads our brains to think that we need to wake up, either because it interprets the rise in body temperature as a sign of it being daytime or because it thinks it is a feature of our sympathetic nervous system – the fight or flight response when we sense threat or danger. Either way, it is very difficult to sleep when we are too hot.’