15 best mattresses 2025 UK, tried and tested by shopping experts

As the nights turn cooler, now’s the moment to upgrade your sleep.

We’ve tried and tested the UK’s best mattresses to cut through the hype and help you find the right feel, support and value from every mattress brand.

Our experts slept on them, comparing comfort, pressure relief and edge support so you don’t waste a pound.

Side sleeper, back snoozer or roller — we’ll steer you to the right type of mattress and the best mattress for 2025.

Short on time? Jump straight to our top picks, seasonal deals and trial info, then settle in for honest, no-nonsense reviews.

How we tested

Our Sun Shopping team slept on each mattress for an average of 100 days, scoring comfort, quality of rest, value for money and how simple the set-up was from delivery to first night.

This guide leans towards hybrid models, but we also test memory foam and pocket-sprung mattresses, as well as specialist picks like cooling mattresses and pillows.

Explore our latest product reviews and exactly how we test.

For category deep-dives, see the best cooling mattresses and the best pillows.

We also tracked temperature, pressure relief, motion transfer, edge support and build quality to mirror real-life sleep, night after night.

The best mattresses in 2025, tried and tested

1. Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress

Chantelle Symester

Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress
£819

Pros: Firm and supportive, keeps my temperature well-regulated throughout the night, easy to unpack

Cons: Could be too firm for some, takes a few hours to fully expand

Rating: 10/10

I have had my Emma NextGen Cooling mattress, now renamed the Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress, for around a year, and I must say I am as impressed now as I was when I first received it.

I previously had a pocket-sprung mattress, which, after years of use, became lumpy and bumpy to sleep on.

In contrast, the hybrid layers of the Emma mattress make this a dream to sleep on; it fully supports my body, so I never wake up with any aches or pains.

I tend to move around a lot as I sleep, so this is essential.

While I love the firmness because I want to feel held and cocooned as I rest, I don’t think this would be the right option for someone who prefers a softer feel to their mattress.

I take a while to really warm up when in bed, so I fully appreciate the ThermoSync foam technology, which helps keep your body at an optimal temperature through the night.

It’s great during the winter when you want to retain warmth or in the summer when excess heat is captured in the foam fibres to help cool your body down.

Another bonus of this Emma mattress is how easy it is to unpack. It arrives compact and rolled up in a box, so it is straightforward to set up.

I was even able to lug the box upstairs myself and open it, so it had a few hours to fully expand before I slept on it that night.

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 200 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

2. Origin Hybrid Pro Mattress

James Hunt

Origin Hybrid Pro Mattress
£689

Pros: Medium-firm support with a soft, breathable top layer, effective cooling technology, and outstanding value for money

Cons: Very tall, so deep sheets may be needed, may not suit fans of very firm mattresses

Rating: 9/10

The Origin Hybrid Pro Mattress has impressed me with its quality, comfort, and excellent value for money.

Origin, founded in 2018, focuses on “improving sleep worldwide by cutting out the gimmicks.”

Their flagship Hybrid Pro Mattress, the UK’s most award-winning luxury mattress, comes with a generous 200-night guarantee trial, giving you plenty of time to decide if it suits your needs.

The Hybrid Pro offers a medium-firm feel with a plush, cooling pillow top, combining over 5,700 TitaniumCoil springs, pressure-relieving layers, and bamboo-infused wool.

It provides orthopaedic-level support while keeping you cool on warmer nights.

Delivered compressed in a box, the setup is quick and hassle-free.

However, its height may require deep-fitted sheets, and it might not suit those who prefer very firm or very soft mattresses.

At a discounted price of £689 for a double size, it’s significantly cheaper than competitors like the Emma Elite (£1,389) and Simba Hybrid Pro (£1,149).

Despite the lower cost, it delivers a luxury sleep experience.

After three weeks of testing, my sleep score improved from 60.5 to 74 out of 100.

Read our full Origin Hybrid Pro review

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: under 100 nights, Guarantee: 15 years

3. Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress

Clara Wolsey

Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress
£1,149

Pros: Outstanding temperature regulation, exceptional support, perfect balance of bounce and cushioning

Cons: Quite heavy to rotate, premium price point

Rating: 9/10

After weeks of testing the Simba Hybrid Pro, I’m REALLY impressed with how this mattress has transformed my sleep!

While it’s not quite as pricey as Simba’s top-tier Apex or Ultra models, it delivers serious luxury that’s worth every penny.

The clever seven-layer design is what makes this mattress stand out.

Those patented titanium Aerocoil springs provide brilliant support, while the natural wool layer is a game-changer for temperature regulation.

As someone who usually wakes up in a hot mess, I’ve been sleeping cool and comfortable even during warmer nights.

What I love most is how it strikes that perfect Goldilocks balance – not too soft, not too firm.

It cradles your pressure points while keeping your spine properly aligned, and the sophisticated weight distribution means my partner can toss and turn without disturbing my sleep.

The only real downsides? It’s a REAL heavyweight when it comes to rotation time (definitely a two-person job!), and the price point is still on the premium side.

But if you’re after hotel-quality sleep without splashing out on their most expensive options, this hits the sweet spot!

Read our full Simba Hybrid Pro review

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 200 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

4. Premier Inn Mattress 2.0

Lucy Powell

Premier Inn Mattress 2.0
£609

Pros: Smart temperature regulation, extremely comfy, perfect balance of comfort and support

Cons: Heavy and difficult to move alone

Rating: 9/10

I was sceptical about whether this mattress (priced at £749 for a double and £799 for a king) could live up to its 3,400+ five-star reviews.

Unlike rolled mattresses, the Premier Inn Mattress 2.0 arrives flat in a thick plastic bag and is ready for use immediately.

The delivery process was oh-so-simple: the drivers carried the mattress into my room at no extra cost.

Once set up, I threw myself onto the mattress, ready for an early night.

I even used an electric blanket and fleece-lined sheets to thoroughly test the mattress’s temperature-regulating capabilities.

I was pleased to discover that it genuinely did stop me from overheating.

As someone who shifts around and spreads out during the night, I really appreciated the mattress’s layering.

What stood out to me the most was the gel-infused comfort layer and padded top.

As I twisted and turned through the night, it offered a lovely balance of firm to medium support while staying wonderfully breathable.

I also noticed the edge-to-edge support: this made the double feel surprisingly spacious, much roomier than a standard double. It was perfect for stretching out and truly relaxing.

Features like breathability, moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, and (eek) anti-bedbug protection are simply extra bonuses.

Overall, the mattress delivered on its promises of comfort and quality – you can really feel the craftsmanship in its design.

And yes, sleeping on this mattress really did feel like a night in a hotel.

Read my full Premier Inn Mattress review

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 100 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

5. Otty Original Hybrid Mattress

Pavlina Theodoulou

Otty Original Hybrid Mattress,
£699.99

Pros: Suitable for side sleepers, supportive, keeps you cool

Cons: A bit firm at first, no handles for rotation

Rating: 9/10

I’ve been using the Otty Original Hybrid for five months now, and I’ve been sleeping like a baby.

I move around a lot in my sleep, which used to disturb my partner. However, since this mattress arrived, we’ve both been sleeping better.

It is sturdy and has made a noticeable difference in keeping me cool, even on the hottest summer days.

Delivery was extremely quick (arriving the next day!), and it only took a few hours to expand.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll probably need deeper sheets, as standard ones may not fit properly.

The mattress is really comfy with just the right amount of firmness. I sleep in all sorts of positions, and this mattress supports them all.

Additionally, I’ve stopped waking up with back pain, which is a significant improvement for me.

The only downsides? It was a bit too firm initially, and it doesn’t have side handles, so rotating it is a bit of a faff.

However, I noticed it didn’t sag like our old mattress did after a few months.

This Otty Original Hybrid mattress bounces right back every morning, and I have no complaints about the quality.

The only reason this mattress didn’t get a perfect score is that it’s important to flip mattresses to extend their lifespan, and without handles, this is nearly impossible to do.  

All in all, I’m really happy with it and would genuinely recommend it to friends. 

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 150 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

6. Simba Hybrid Original Mattress

Clara Wolsely

Simba Hybrid Original Mattress
£799

Pros: Easy setup, supportive, comfortable

Cons: Very heavy, may require deep fitted sheets

Rating: 9/10

Like many on this list, the Simba Original Hybrid is a mattress in a box, which means it needs some time to ‘inflate’ before use.

However, it takes just a couple of hours to develop enough to be slept on, and 24 hours for it to expand fully. Not bad.

Made up of five layers – a breathable sleep surface, a layer of open-cell Simba-pure (Simba-pure TCPP-free foam), a layer of patented Aerocoil springs, another layer of Simba-pure with edge support and a Simba-pure support base – it makes use of patented titanium Aerocoil springs to keep you supported and cool.

It’s thick, which can mean it’s quite heavy for putting on sheets, but also incredibly comfortable. Thousands of reviews have stated that it helps with back pain.

While it is firmer than my previous mattress, it was such a significant improvement that I barely even noticed.

It’s not going too far to say it transformed my sleep: I slept soundly from the first night, and I feel more rested than I have in years.

Read my full Simba Hybrid Mattress review

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 200 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

7. Zoma Hybrid Mattress

Lisa Burn

Zoma Hybrid Mattress
£849

Pros: Very comfortable, easy to sleep on from the start, supportive

Cons: May be a little too soft for some, warm

Rating: 9/10

I tested the Zoma Hybrid in king size, and from the get-go, I found it incredibly comfortable to sleep on.

There was no need to get used to it for a week or so to break it in; from the first night, I slept soundly and woke up feeling rested.

The mattress arrived vacuum-packed and rolled. After cutting away the plastic and leaving it to inflate for several hours, it was ready to sleep on – and there was none of that plasticky smell, which you can get with bed-in-a-box mattresses.

I found it supportive, but not too hard; in fact, I’m surprised just how soft it feels for a medium-firm mattress.

That’s a good thing for me, but some people may find it a little too soft.

The hybrid is composed of a pocket spring base topped by Zoma’s Reactiv response layer and finished with a layer of advanced gel memory foam featuring cooling channels.

Working together, these different sections cradle your body, shaping to its contours while providing optimum support and relieving any pressure points.

All of this is covered in a stretchy AirCloth fabric cover that wicks away heat.

The cover and the advanced memory foam together are designed to keep you cool as you sleep; however, my only (little) complaint is that I found it quite warm.

Admittedly, I was testing it over the summer, though.

Zoma is a relatively new entrant to the bed-in-a-box market in the UK, but is well-known in the United States, where it counts many athletes among its fans due to its supportive foam, which helps tired muscles recover, and its pressure-relieving features, which reduce joint pain.

The company’s sustainable practices are also to be admired – zero waste from its factories goes to landfill, returned mattresses are recycled or refurbished, all excess foam is repurposed, and they will even recycle your old mattress for free on request!

Overall, I think the Zoma Hybrid is a great mattress – I don’t feel like I’m sinking into it, nor that I’m simply perched on top; it’s deliciously comfy and supportive at the same time.

It’s also great at isolating motion, so much so that I don’t notice my dog settling on it during the night (she loves it by the way).

Because it’s so lovely to sleep on, I never want to get up in the morning.

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 100 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

8. Brook + Wilde Lux Mattress

Joel Watson

Brook + Wilde Lux Mattress
£600

Pros: Supportive, comfortable, stands the test of time

Cons: Expensive, feels spongier than expected for medium firmness

Rating: 9/10

The Brook and Wilde Lux mattress features two separate layers of memory foam, sandwiching two layers of pocket springs, which makes it both soft and comfortable.

I opted for medium firmness, and my mattress arrived with white glove service, which involved two delivery people carrying it to the bedroom and removing all the packaging. A nice touch.

As with all bed-in-a-box mattresses, the Lux needed a few hours to expand, but then it was ready to go.

My first impression of the mattress was that it was pretty spongy for a medium, but I quickly discovered it is actually very supportive and incredibly comfortable.

Overall, I love the Lux. After years of backbreaking, cheap mattresses, it’s lovely to have a well-made, well-designed and comfortable mattress to sleep on.

Read our full Brooke + Wilde Lux mattress review

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 100 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

9. REM-Fit 400 Hybrid Mattress

Joel Watson

REM-Fit 400 Hybrid Mattress
£1,089

 Pros: Provides excellent back support, incredibly comfortable, and good to share

Cons: Not particularly attractive presentation on arrival, may feel too soft for firm mattress fans

Rating: 9/10

If back pain is something you battle with, then it might be time to upgrade your mattress.

If that’s the case, then the REM-Fit 400 Hybrid needs to be on your radar.

Granted, it’s not presented aesthetically, but that’s not a deal-breaker, as this soft mattress has helped alleviate my back issues.

As it’s a softer mattress, you can feel your partner moving around the bed a bit, but not enough to disturb your sleep or wake you up.

The REM-Fit 400 is also incredibly comfortable and very supportive.

If you’re a firmer mattress lover, then this one might not be your cup of tea. However, if a soft, moulding option is for you, then get your hands on the REM-Fit 400 Hybrid.

Read our full REM-Fit 400 Hybrid mattress review

Mattress type: Hybrid; Trial period: 100 nights; Guarantee: 15 years

10. Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress

Aaron Dowler

Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress
£499

Pros: Genuinely cool feel; graphite Simbatex + Aerocoil design aids airflow; strong motion isolation for couples; balanced, medium-firm support that suits back sleepers

Cons: Not plush enough for strict side sleepers; slimmer build means less bounce than premium models

Rating: 8/10

If you’re looking for a cooler, supportive sleep without the faff, the Hybrid Essential punches above its weight.

Graphite-infused Simbatex foam with an open-cell structure teams up with Aerocoil microsprings to boost airflow and disperse heat, so it stays consistently comfortable overnight.

The feel sits around medium-firm in testing — lifted rather than squashy — which will suit back sleepers and restless types who change position.

Motion isolation is a pleasant surprise, keeping partner movement to a minimum, and the slimmer profile makes it a tidy fit for smaller rooms or guest beds.

It’s not the plush, bouncy hotel vibe you’ll get from Simba’s pricier hybrids, and dedicated side sleepers may want extra cushioning at the shoulders and hips.

But for cool, balanced support with an easy set-up, a 100-night home trial and a 10-year guarantee, it’s an excellent value entry in Simba’s range.

Read our full Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress review

Mattress type: Hybrid; Trial period: 100 nights; Guarantee: 10 years

11. REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress

Holly Gonsalves

REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress
£499.99

Pros: Great back support; lessens the impact of partner’s movements during the night; generous 200-night sleep trial

Cons: May be too firm for some people; temperature-regulation wasn’t super-noticable

Rating: 8/10

If back pain is your nightly nemesis, this orthopaedic powerhouse might just be your new best mate!

The REM-Fit 500 Ortho lives up to its name with seriously impressive support that’ll have your spine saying “thank you” every morning.

Rated a whopping 9/10 for firmness, it naturally encourages proper sleeping posture without feeling like you’re lying on a plank.

The clever memory foam layer allows you to sink in just enough, while the robust support system keeps everything perfectly aligned.

The absolute game-changer is that you won’t feel your partner moving AT ALL – perfect for couples with different work schedules or restless sleepers!

The edge-to-edge support is genuinely impressive, and the included mattress cover adds extra comfort while protecting your investment.

If you’re after serious orthopaedic support without sacrificing comfort, this firm-but-forgiving hybrid is the real deal!

Read our full REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress review

Mattress type: Hybrid; Trial period: 200 nights; Guarantee: 15 years

12. Simba Apex Mattress

Aaron Dowler

Simba Apex Mattress
£1,999

Pros: Relieved my back and neck pain, luxurious design, and eco-friendly

Cons: Very expensive, heavy

Rating: 8/10

I’ve always been a fan of Simba mattresses, so I was thrilled to try their top-tier model, the Simba Earth Apex.

With its luxurious blend of cashmere, mohair, and silk, this mattress promises a premium sleep experience.

While it comes with a hefty price tag, I can confidently say it delivers on comfort, even if the upgrade from the Simba Pro isn’t life-changing.

Unlike previous Simba mattresses I’ve owned, the APEX didn’t arrive rolled up in a box.

Instead, it came fully formed, ready to use straight away. The champagne gold cover, crafted from a blend of wool and viscose, feels as luxurious as it looks.

The QuadCore spring technology is a game-changer, reducing partner disturbance—I barely noticed my partner getting up in the night.

After four months of testing, which included tracking my sleep with an Oura Ring, I noticed some improvements.

My average sleep score increased by 6%, and the medium-firm feel was perfect for easing my back and neck pain, providing the right mix of support and softness.

Even my picky Labrador, who usually sticks to the sofa, has claimed the foot of the bed—a proper seal of approval.

The Apex is packed with thoughtful details: 5,750 springs, premium materials like Yorkshire-grown hemp, and eight handles for easy rotation.

It’s 30cm deep and comes with a generous 200-night trial, a 10-year guarantee, and a 0% finance option.

At £3,329 for a king-size, the price is jaw-dropping. But when you break it down to 91p per night over ten years, it feels like an investment in nightly luxury.

If you’re ready to invest in exceptional comfort, the Simba Earth APEX is worth considering.

Read my full Simba Apex mattress review

Mattress type: Hybrid, Trial period: 200 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

13. Simba Hybrid Ultra 

Joel Watson

Simba Hybrid Ultra
£2,799

Pros: Exceptional cooling technology, supportive without feeling hard, UK-made with quality materials

Cons: Premium price tag, proper heavyweight to manoeuvre

Rating: 8/10

The Simba Hybrid Ultra mattress is a premium mattress with a premium price tag to match, but its cooling properties are impressive.

I’m a warm sleeper, and I find that mattresses topped with memory foam can lead to me waking up sweating at night, especially in the warmer months.

But that hasn’t been a problem since I started testing out the Simba Hybrid Ultra mattress.

It only comes in medium-firm, which isn’t rock hard, but isn’t squishy either; instead, it’s supportive with a good amount of flex.

Simba says it has two layers of Simbatex foam on top to help with air circulation, and that, combined with the firmness of the mattress, led to me retaining very little of the heat that I usually retain in bed.

Simba also notes that the Ultra is equipped with technology to enhance airflow, including the configuration of its 8,000 springs, which help keep air flowing around your body as they compress.

The downside of this mattress is its price, which is quite expensive, even for a premium mattress, with prices ranging from £1,999 for a single to £3,459 for a king-size.

On top of this, it’s very heavy and rigid, which means it’s a pain to manoeuvre, even if you’re just changing the sheets. If you need to move this from one room to another, you’ll require a team of people to prevent it from becoming an ordeal.

In all, though, this mattress delivers on its promise of giving you a cooler night’s sleep and will be a faithful servant in the summer months.

Just make sure you buy some extra deep sheets to prevent changing sets from feeling like a judo match.

Mattress type: Hybrid foam and springs, Trial period: 200 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

14. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro

Lisa Burn

Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro
£1,290

Pros: Feels properly supportive, cooling bamboo technology, eco-friendly materials

Cons: Heavy to move, takes time to adjust to firmness

Rating: 8/10

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to set you up for the day – and a great mattress is a prerequisite for this, so testing the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro was a dream of a task.

This bamboo hybrid is composed of six layers that work together to support your body, keeping your spine aligned and easing pressure on your joints, which is essential for your hips if you’re a side sleeper.

I’m a side, back, and front sleeper, so I’ve often wondered about mattresses designed for specific positions. No worries with this one, though – it supports all sleep styles in comfort and absorbs movement, ensuring a sound sleep.

The Panda hybrid bamboo mattress arrived wrapped in plastic and was dutifully placed in position by two helpful delivery guys (who obligingly took the wrapping with them when they left).

As with other ‘bed-in-a-box’ mattresses, it looked too thin, but, freed of its restraints, it immediately began to swell. I left it to its own devices until bedtime, six or so hours later, by which point it had fully expanded.

Memory foam has a reputation for being hot to sleep on, so Panda has added a top layer of its BioCell Foam, which has an open-cell structure to increase airflow and breathability, coupled with bamboo for freshness.

Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, and it helps regulate your body’s temperature, so it’s a great material to include in a mattress and the mattress cover. This one feels soft to the touch, and it’s removable, so you can wash it (handy).

I had no problems with fitting standard-depth sheets – even with several different layers, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro is not massively deep – and snuggled down for my first night.

It was firm. On the mattress firmness scale, this one comes in at a 7, according to Panda, and it felt like I was lying on top of it, rather than sinking into it. This is not a bad thing, but it took a week or so to get used to after the softness of my old mattress.

During those first weeks, there was a certain amount of give as we both became accustomed to each other, and I’m glad to say it has all worked out fine; we’re very happy. I even wake up with fewer grumbling aches these days.

Mattress type: Hybrid foam and springs, Trial period: 100 nights, Guarantee: 10 years

15. Hyde & Sleep Deluxe Ice Memory Foam Mattress

Hyde & Sleep Deluxe Ice Memory Foam Mattress
£949

Pros: Genuinely cooling technology that works, excellent Tempur alternative at a lower price, superb temperature regulation

Cons: Quite heavy to manoeuvre, requires deep-fitted sheets, and some durability concerns 

Rating: 8/10

If you’re tired of waking up in a sweaty mess, this cooling wonder might just change your life!

The five clever layers work absolute magic – from the instant cooling cover to those genius memory foam pods that cradle your body perfectly.

I clocked a solid 10 hours on my first night (yes, really!) and woke feeling properly refreshed instead of groggy.

The deep airflow foam deserves special praise – it genuinely keeps you cool all night long.

Despite having five layers, it doesn’t feel bulky. Instead, imagine sleeping on a semi-firm cloud that supports joints brilliantly while handling motion transfer like a dream.

Top tip: pair with breathable sheets to maximise the cooling tech benefits.

Perfect for hot sleepers or anyone with niggly joint issues who wants proper support without compromising on comfort.

Read our full Hyde & Sleep Deluxe Ice Memory Foam Mattress review

Mattress type: Memory Foam; Trial period: 100 nights; Guarantee: 5 years

Mattress FAQs

What is better, memory foam or a spring mattress?

The best memory foam mattresses hug your body and cushion pressure points, which many side sleepers love.

Springs (especially pocket springs) feel bouncier and more lifted, spreading weight more evenly — great for back and stomach sleepers who want firmer support.

Pocket-sprung mattresses also tend to hold their shape longer than cheaper foams, so they can be a smart long-term buy.

According to Simba’s mattress specialist Ian Atkins, ‘both are equally supportive and reliable [mattress options]’ but what really matters is the position you sleep in, because that will help you know what to prioritise.

Think about your priorities:

• Comfort and pressure relief: foam wins for contouring.
• Bounce, airflow and edge support: springs have the edge.
• Sharing a bed: foam reduces motion transfer; springs feel more responsive.

If you can’t decide, go hybrid for the best of both worlds — foam on top for comfort, springs below for support and airflow.

And remember, generous home trials mean you can test the feel properly before making a commitment, and our roundup of the best mattress deals (including Black Friday mattress deals) means we’ve done the bargain-hunting for you.

What is a hybrid mattress?

A hybrid mattress combines a coil spring support core with foam comfort layers on top (usually memory foam or latex), giving you lifted support plus pressure-relieving cushioning.

Thanks to the springs, hybrids tend to breathe better and feel more responsive than all-foam beds, so many hot sleepers find them cooler and easier to move on.

You’re often paying a bit more because you’re getting two systems in one build.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

Quick note: this isn’t medical advice. If you’ve got ongoing back pain, speak to a professional first.

If your mattress is leaving you sore, it’s usually down to age (sagging), the wrong type of support, or a firmness that doesn’t suit your sleep style.

Aim for a bed that keeps your spine aligned while cushioning pressure points.

Side sleepers tend to prefer a bit more softness at the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers usually feel better on something more supportive.

Hybrids with pocket springs and a foam comfort layer can offer a good balance of lift and contouring, but comfort always wins over labels.

Use those home trials to test properly, and don’t forget that your pillow and base can affect alignment too.

For specific picks, see our best mattresses for back pain guide.

What size is a double mattress?

In the UK, a double mattress measures 135cm x 190cm (4ft 6in x 6ft 3in).

It’s a crowd-pleaser because it fits most bedrooms while giving couples — or solo sprawlers — enough space to sleep comfortably.

If you need extra room, step up to a UK king at 150cm x 200cm (5ft x 6ft 6in).

A quick heads-up: mattress sizes aren’t universal.

If you’re shopping internationally, always check the exact dimensions to avoid a mismatch.

Also, measure your bed frame and consider mattress depth (plus toppers and fitted sheets), as these can affect fit and comfort.

What mattress is good for kids? 

If you’re shopping for a kid’s mattress, prioritise support, then think comfort and durability.

Younger children generally do best on a medium-firm feel that keeps their spine aligned, while older kids and teens may want a touch more cushioning — especially side sleepers.

Pocket-sprung or hybrid designs offer breathable support and bounce; memory foam can work too, as long as it isn’t overly soft and stays cool.

Practical wins matter: a removable, washable cover, a waterproof protector, and hypoallergenic materials.

Check bed frame limits (especially bunk beds) and pick a size that will last through growth spurts — a single suits most, but a small double gives extra wriggle room.

Home trials and solid warranties are a bonus. For picks, see our best mattresses for kids guide.

How often should you change your mattress?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s the rule of thumb: plan to replace your mattress roughly every 6–8 years, and up to 7–10 years depending on materials, use and care.

Latex models usually last longer, often around 10–15 years.

Care goes a long way. Follow the manufacturer’s care guide, rotate regularly (flip only if it’s double‑sided), and use a mattress protector to help keep sweat and spills off the surface.

Swap sooner if you notice:

• Visible sagging, dips or lumps, or creaky/noisy springs
• You sleep better elsewhere (hotel, sofa, spare room)
• New or worsening aches, allergies or overheating at night
• You and your partner roll together, or the surface feels uneven

Bottom line: if your mattress is hurting your sleep or showing wear, it’s time to upgrade.