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Best mattress 2024: Memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid models tested by experts

Searching for the best mattress? Our experts have tried and tested the top options for back, side and front sleepers from the likes of Simba, Emma, Dormeo and more

Sarah Jones
Friday 19 January 2024 16:08 GMT
<p>Whether you’re looking for a bed for back pain or side sleeping, our guide is on hand to help </p>

Whether you’re looking for a bed for back pain or side sleeping, our guide is on hand to help

Our Top Picks

Searching for the best mattress to suit your needs can feel like a daunting task, especially when you consider that choosing the wrong one could be detrimental to not only your sleep quality but to your health, too.

We’re not being overly dramatic when we say this, as there have been numerous studies that affirm the crucial role sleep plays in our health, both physical and mental. Which is why buying a new mattress is, arguably, one of the most important purchases you will ever make.

If you’re finding the search for ‘the one’ overwhelming or you’re not entirely sure what you should be looking for, you’ve come to the right place. The IndyBest’s team of expert testers have been hard at work, trying out a whole range of mattresses from some of the biggest brand names in the sleep business – think Simba, Emma, Hypnos and Tempur – to help you track down the best one for you.

During your search, it’s important to remember mattress requirements vary from person to person. So, aside from picking the correct size for your bed frame, there’s a host of other things you’ll need to take into consideration, including whether you’re a front, side or back sleeper; your weight and general body temperature; and any pre-existing injuries, aches or pains.

We understand there’s a bewildering amount of choice out there – from memory foam and pocket sprung to no-turn and rotate mattresses – with options that cost anywhere from £100 to a few thousand. So, to help you decide more easily, our mattress experts have spent months investigating a range of different mattresses and testing them in real-world scenarios.

How we tested the best mattresses

A selection of the best mattresses we tested for this review

To make sure this review of the best mattresses only features crème de la crème, we put mattresses from both big names and smaller brands to the test in our own homes, sleeping on them for at least four weeks, but sometimes months, before giving our final verdict.

When reviewing each mattress, we compared everything from comfort and motion transfer to edge support, temperature regulation and durability. We also made sure to consider ease of delivery and price, with extra bonus points for mattresses that offer sleep trials.

If a mattress is listed here, you can rest assured it’s of great quality, but be sure to read the full reviews to make sure you choose the right one for you. For more information on our testing process, read our in-depth guide, which covers our criteria, from delivery to comfort. For reference, each price listed below is for a standard double mattress, but we’ve also detailed all the sizes available for each of the mattresses.

The best mattresses for 2024 are:

  • Best mattress overall – Simba hybrid luxe mattress: £1,379.40, Simbasleep.com
  • Best budget mattress – Dormeo octasmart plus memory mattress: £399.99, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best memory foam mattress – Emma original mattress: £381.65, Emma-sleep.co.uk
  • Best hybrid mattress – Tempur hybrid elite mattress: £2,019, Tempur.com
  • Best for back pain – Hypnos luxurious earth 05 mattress: £3,299.99, Bensonsforbeds.co.uk
  • Best mattress for back sleepers – Panda hybrid bamboo mattress: £1,290, Pandalondon.com
  • Best cooling mattress – Emma luxe cooling mattress: £419.25, Emma-sleep.co.uk

Simba hybrid luxe mattress

best-mattress-review-2024-simba-indybest.png
  • Best: Mattress overall
  • Mattress sizes: Single, small double, king, super king and EU queen
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 200 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • Robust
    • Breathable
    • Comfortable
    • Helps with temperature regulation
  • Take note
    • It’s heavy

This substantial mattress has a whopping 11 layers and is therefore very robust. There’s a foam base with recycled fibres; a bamboo and wool layer, which promotes temperature regulation; and an open cell foam section for airflow. Meanwhile, the 14,000 titanium springs, which offer support, are nestled into two sections, including a foam element to prevent any digging in. We also liked that the top anti-allergy cover layer can be removed and machine-washed.

Having spent more than six months sleeping on this mattress, we found that it offers the ideal balance between a firm and medium sleeping base. Better still, it’s breathable and feels fresh. The layers work well together, and we’ve seen improved sleep, thanks to the coolness it offers during warmer months and increased cosiness seen in the autumn and winter. Our tester is a side and back sleeper and found it offers support for joints prone to aches, too.

The layers do mean that this mattress is both high (31cm) and heavy to manoeuvre, but we do think the solid composition creates a premium feel that matches the price point.

Read the full Simba hybrid luxe mattress review

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Dormeo octasmart plus memory mattress

best mattress review indybest 2024  Dormeo octasmart plus memory foam mattress
  • Best: Budget mattress
  • Mattress sizes: Single, double, king, super king
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 18 years
  • Sleep trial: 60 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • Breathable
    • Comfortable
    • More affordable than some sleep brands
    • Temperature regulating
  • Take note
    • Only four sizes available

Arriving tightly rolled and vacuum packed, Dormeo’s mattress is easy to unbox, with it recovering most of its original shape within 15 minutes. Composed of six layers, the top three layers of foam create a supportive base for your body, allowing the mattress to mould to your shape for optimum comfort. We benefited from the cooling technology during balmy nights, as well as the hybrid design, which improved our pressure points in just two weeks.

You get a lot of bang for your buck with the octasmart mattress, with the firm and supportive design not compromising on any comfort. As someone with occasional back and neck aches, the build gave us the support we needed, while the design’s three “body zones” reduced disturbance when sharing a bed.

Read the full Dormeo octasmart plus memory mattress review

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Emma original mattress

best mattress indybest 2024  Emma original mattress
  • Best: Memory foam mattress
  • Mattress sizes: Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU queen
  • Mattress type: Memory foam
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 200 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • Great for all sleeping positions
    • Impressive movement isolation
  • Take note
    • Memory foam isn’t for everyone

If you can’t seem to get on with the pocket-sprung variety, consider Emma’s memory foam mattress, which is designed to support your entire body and keep your spine evenly aligned for maximum relief and rest.

Made up of three layers of memory foam, we noticed a distinct sinking feeling as we were lying down. While this felt unusual at first, it became strangely comforting. The mattress helped relieve pressure on high-impact areas such as our hips and shoulders, and we also really appreciated the foam’s low transference of motion, which meant our sleep was far less disturbed by our fidgety partner.

A great option for front, back or side sleepers, the original delivered optimal cushioning and support whichever position we slept in, and the extra layers of breathable foam really do work, as we found both our body and the mattress were left dry and cool, even during a heatwave.

While the original ticked all our boxes, those looking for supreme plushness will be pleased to hear Emma has launched a new version, the original plus mattress (£483, Emma-sleep.co.uk), which comes with a comfort cover that offers extra thickness.

Read the full Emma original mattress review

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Tempur hybrid elite mattress

best-mattress-review-indybest-2024-tempur.png
  • Best: Hybrid mattress
  • Mattress sizes: Single, double, king size, super king, small single, long single, 120cm x 190cm, 120cm x 200cm, 135cm x 200cm, 160cm x 200cm
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 100 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • Comes in lots of sizes
    • Excellent pressure relief
    • Removable and washable cover
  • Take note
    • Pricey

The Goldilocks of mattresses, this hybrid option is ideal for those who find memory foam too squishy, and springs too firm. Marrying the support of micro coils with Tempur’s famous Nasa-developed foam, it offers the best of both worlds – the enveloping comfort that the brand’s material is known for, plus the bounce and support of pocketed springs.

When we initially slept on the hybrid elite, we experienced a slight floaty, sinking feeling that, although not as pronounced as on others we tried, still took a little getting used to. After prolonged testing, though, we found that, while it felt softer than a traditional coiled mattress, it gave us maximum support in all the right places, no matter what position we slept in.

We also loved how easy this mattress is to look after as it’s “no turn”, and even comes with removable covers that can be easily unzipped and machine-washed, making sure your sleep surface is fresh and hygienic night after night – ideal for clumsy coffee drinkers or parents of toddlers.

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Panda hybrid bamboo mattress

best mattress indybest 2024  Panda hybrid bamboo mattress
  • Best: Mattress for back sleepers
  • Mattress sizes: Single, small double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU king, emperor
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 100 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • It’s vegan
    • Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial
    • Temperature regulating
    • Suitable for side, front and back sleepers
  • Take note
    • On the firmer side of medium

This hybrid mattress from Panda calls on bamboo to give you a better night’s kip. It’s vegan, and topped with a luxe, naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial bamboo cover that immediately gets extra points for being removable. Beneath this layer, there’s a breathable foam layer, which is infused with the all-important bamboo, which is naturally temperature regulating, so should do well in every season.

The mattress is on the firmer side of medium and when lying down, we noticed a very slight sinking-in feeling, with a subtle bounce, owing to a layer of springs. Our side-sleeping tester found it to provide excellent comfort and support. However, the brand assures it’s suitable for front and back sleepers too, because there are two different kinds of foam working to accommodate you and your sleeping position, and keep you properly aligned right through the night.

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Simba hybrid original mattress

best mattress indybest 2024  Simba hybrid original
  • Best: Mattress for edge-to-edge support
  • Mattress sizes: Single, small double, double, king, super king, queen
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 200 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • Old mattress removal available
    • Breathable
    • Supportive
    • Cloud-like comfort
  • Take note
    • Chemical smell for the first few days

Simba’s bestselling mattress, the hybrid original features six layers of pure comfort. The most important layer – the core zoned foam support base – gives the mattress its thickness and stability. Better still, it’s zoned so every area of your body is supported, while the middle layer of pocket springs provides just the right amount of bounce. The top layer is soft, breathable and hypoallergenic (making it a great option for allergy sufferers), and the zip-off design is washable.

Arriving in a long box, clear instructions make the mattress a breeze to unpack and, within hours, it’s fully rolled out and ready to lie on. Sinkage is perfect, as is the balance of support and cloud-like cushioning. Its medium firmness is suited to those who sleep on their side, front or back, while its breathability makes the mattress a stellar option for those who tend to get hot during the night.

This is a hybrid that sits in the middle of the market in terms of price, and we’ve never slept more soundly.

Read the full Simba hybrid original mattress review

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Hypnos luxurious earth 05 mattress

best mattress indybest  Hypnos luxurious earth 5
  • Best: For back pain
  • Mattress sizes: Single, double, king, super king
  • Mattress type: Pocket sprung
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: No
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate and turn with the seasons
  • Why we love it
    • Hotel-like quality
    • Made from natural and responsibly sourced materials
    • Great for those who like firm support
  • Take note
    • Extremely expensive
    • No sleep trial
    • May be too firm for some

Courtesy of Hynos – a British, family-run business that’s been making beds for more than 120 years – this mattress really is the ultimate in luxury. Endorsed by the Eden Project, it has been designed to enhance your sleep, using the finest natural, organic and sustainable materials, which are also responsibly sourced, including British wool, Himalayan allo fibres and natural Talalay latex from managed forests. When combined, these materials create a dreamy sleeping environment that delivers excellent breathability, pressure relief and hypoallergenic properties. As for support, the mattress is available in two different tensions: medium and firm.

We tested the medium and were surprised at just how solid it felt, which is something to consider if you’re hoping for a little bounce. However, if, like us, you experience back pain, the extra support is very much welcomed. We noted a significant reduction in discomfort after just a few weeks.

But let’s address the elephant in the room – at a penny shy of £3,300, this is a whopping investment and, while we can’t praise the mattress enough, its cost will likely turn many people off. If you have the budget, though, this is a mattress well worth considering, not only for its comfort levels but also its impressive quality and environmentally friendly design.

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Emma nextgen premium plus mattress

best mattress review indybest 2024Emma premium plus mattress
  • Best: Breathable mattress
  • Mattress sizes: Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU queen
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 200 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • Machine washable cover
    • Very comfortable
  • Take note
    • Minimum of five hours to inflate

For fans of firm mattresses, the Emma premium plus is sure to go down a treat. Not only is the bed-in-a-box brand’s offering incredibly easy to install – with the mattress arriving rolled up in an easy-to-manoeuvre box – it’s also one of the comfiest mattresses we’ve ever snoozed on. What makes this so impressive is the five layers of comfort, four of which are made from foam, and one a 12.5cm tall layer of pocket springs, making the whole thing soft and spongy.

But what sets this mattress apart from many other options is the premium honeycomb cover, which creates even more comfort and breathability. So, for those who sweat while they sleep, you’ll want to pay close attention, as the cover can also be removed and thrown in the washing machine. Genius.

The combination of mouldable memory foam and compartmented pocket springs also helped us sleep soundly. Separated into five sections, these have different levels of support for each area of the body: head, shoulders, lower back, thighs and feet. So, as long as you don’t sleep in any strange positions (such as your head where your feet should be), you’re sure to have just the right amount of support needed to sleep soundly.

Read the full Emma premium plus review

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Simba hybrid ultra mattress

best mattress review indybest 2024  Simba hybrid ultra
  • Best: Multi-layered mattress
  • Mattress sizes: Single, double, king and super king
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 200 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate
  • Why we love it
    • Cool surface
    • Durable
    • Comfortable
  • Take note
    • Hefty price tag
    • Mattress may be too high for some

The hybrid ultra is a medium-firm mattress that has 13 layers of foam and springs, and it comes complete with a zip-off cover. Interestingly, this Simba offering has the most springs (8,500) of all the brand’s hybrid mattresses. The sections include a double foam layer to promote coolness, as well as a layer incorporating kapok, wool and bamboo for further temperature regulation potential.

Thanks to its extensive layers, the mattress is 34cm high, so it’s something to bear in mind depending on how high your bed frame is. We found the mattress to offer a refreshing feel as we settled down to sleep, and, during a month’s trial period, we appreciated the Simba hybrid ultra’s cooling surface on nights we felt hot or had been tossing and turning.

While it comes with an investment price tag, if you are looking to splash out on a new mattress, Simba’s hybrid ultra provides supreme comfort, a sturdy medium-firm composition with a bit of springy bounce and breathable coolness. It’s suitable for front, back and side sleepers, too.

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Hypnos pillow top elite mattress

best mattress review indybest 2024 Hypnos pillow top elite mattress
  • Best: Premium mattress
  • Mattress sizes: Single, small double, double, king, super king
  • Mattress type: Pocket springs
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 60 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate with the seasons
  • Why we love it
    • Supportive
    • Hotel-level luxury
    • Chemical-free
  • Take note
    • Very expensive

Hypnos supplies mattresses to hotels, including Soho House and The Corinthia, but also the royal family, so it’s fair to say the luxury brand is good enough for VIPs. As always, we’ve got to question how this translates to the beds we can buy, but this mattress is quite something – and certainly fit for a king or queen.

The depth (31cm) means there are lots of layers of comfort here, including a pocket-spring system, which aids weight distribution to provide edge-to-edge support and helps to encourage better spinal alignment. While the depth gives it a luxe feel, it does mean the sheets are sometimes difficult to secure. Where the pillow top is concerned, we were initially worried it would be too soft, but it’s supportive and feels like a gentle hug. It’s a total dream to sink into, and it’s one of the most comfortable mattresses we’ve tested.

Read the full Hypnos pillow top elite mattress review

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Emma luxe cooling mattress

emma luxe cooling.jpg
  • Best: Cooling mattress
  • Mattress sizes: Small, small double, double, king, super king
  • Mattress type: Hybrid
  • Guarantee: 10 years
  • Sleep trial : 200 nights
  • Rotate or turn: Rotate regularly
  • Why we love it
    • Regulated our body temperature in hot weather
    • Cool to the touch
    • Comfortable
  • Take note
    • It won’t work in extreme heat during heatwaves
    • Edge support could be improved

If you’re anything like us, you perspire uncontrollably throughout the night during the summer months, trying all you can to stay cool, the Emma luxe cooling mattress could help. Made up of six layers which are all designed to regulate your temperature, with the removable top cover featuring open-pore fibres that pull the heat away from your body as you sleep.

The Emma luxe cooling isn’t a miracle maker. You’re still going to be hot when it’s 30C outside, but when the temperatures weren’t as extreme and dropped to around 23C, we were as cool as a cucumber. It regulated our body temperature so effectively that there weren’t any damp bedsheets the next morning. It’s a hybrid mattress, so it’s made from a combination of springs and foam. This meant it still moulded to our body effectively while stopping us from overheating.

In comparison to Simba’s hybrid pro mattress, it is softer and doesn’t have the same edge support, so we did find that we slipped off when sitting on the edge of it. But, once we got used to it, we found it to be a dream to sleep on.

Read the full Emma luxe cooling mattress review

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Mattress FAQs

What is the best mattress?

In this tried and tested review, the Simba hybrid luxe mattress took the top spot thanks to the fact it provides an “ideal balance between a firm and medium sleeping base”. It’s also “breathable and feels fresh”, and suitable for all sleepers.

How to choose the best mattress

Finding the best mattress for you will, of course, be down to personal preference. When investing in a new one, it’s important to consider a range of different factors. Ultimately, your sleep position dictates the mattress you should opt for. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers, front sleepers and back sleepers, as well as options for those of us who suffer from back pain and overheating.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

If you’re suffering from back pain, it’s worth investing in a mattress that offers sufficient support and comfort. In terms of what to look for, it’s best to opt for a firm mattress, and hybrids have been found to provide the best support for your spine.

In our review, the Hypnos luxurious earth 05 was helpful when it came to our tester’s back pain. There’s a medium and a firm tension mattress available, but our writer found the medium tension to be surprisingly solid, offering “enhanced support” that was “very much welcomed”. What’s more, this provided “a significant reduction in discomfort after just a few weeks”.

What is the best mattress for a front sleeper?

Your sleeping style will determine what type of mattress you need. If you’re a front sleeper, you’re more likely to suffer from back pain, as such, it’s recommended you choose a medium to firm mattress, to make sure you’re sufficiently supported without feeling any pressure. Similarly, to make sure your weight is evenly distributed, it’s recommended you opt for a memory foam or pocket sprung mattress.

What is the best mattress for a back sleeper?

If you’re a back sleeper, you’ll also benefit from having a firmer mattress, so your back and spine are supported. You’ll find plenty of options in this review, including the Simba hybrid original and the Panda hybrid bamboo. Our tester for the Simba hybrid luxe is a side and back sleeper, and found the mattress offered “support for joints prone to aches”.

What is the best mattress for a side sleeper?

Finally, if you’re a side sleeper, it’s recommended you opt for a softer mattress because you have less surface area in contact with the mattress, which increases pressure on hips and shoulders. Again, there are plenty of options in our review that are designed to be supportive for side sleepers.

What is the best mattress to prevent overheating?

If you’re prone to overheating during the night, it’s important to consider the type of mattress you have. It’s recommended you choose one that has pocket springs, so air can flow freely, or one that has a cooling layer. In our review, Emma’s luxe cooling mattress proved a hit with our tester. The six layers are “designed to regulate your temperature, with the removable top cover featuring open-pore fibres that pull the heat away from your body as you sleep”.

How do you know when you need a new mattress? How often should you change your mattress?

If you’re sleeping well on your mattress with no aches or pains, you don’t need to change it. But it’s important to notice if that’s not the case and to take action.

Simon Williams from the National Bed Federation advises you to look for changes in how well you’re sleeping, and whether you sleep better in other beds when away from home. Other things to look out for are backache, stiffness in the morning, lumps and bumps in the mattress, squeaks and creaks during the night when you move, rolling into the middle, and discolouration or wear to the mattress fabric.

Similarly, according to the National Bed Federation, you should replace your mattress every seven or eight years.

What is a sprung mattress?

These are the traditional-style mattresses that mostly come ready to sleep on. They often have several thousand springs, which provide support while you sleep. Williams says: “You should probably look for a minimum of 1,000 springs in a king size. Obviously, this needs to be pro-rated down when buying a double or single.” Where mattresses are advertised as having many thousands of springs, this is where layers of micro-springs are placed over the top of the main pocket spring unit, as comfort layers. Pocket-sprung is generally the best type of spring mattress, as the springs move individually, giving better support.

What is a memory foam mattress?

These mattresses have become very popular, as many people like sinking into a bed and having the pressure relieved from their joints. These mattresses feel very luxurious. Older-style memory foam mattresses had a reputation for making people overheat, as they would radiate heat back up into the body, but new-style memory foam has moved on from this, so it shouldn’t be an issue.

What is a hybrid mattress?

As you might have figured from the name, a hybrid combines both memory foam and springs, to give you the best of both worlds. They should provide that luxurious sinking feeling alongside some solid spring support.

What level of firmness do you need?

There is no hard and fast rule with firmness. Comfort is the most important thing. Most mattresses sold are medium. Clearly, it is important not to choose one that is so soft it doesn’t offer sufficient support. On the other hand, choosing one that is too firm could cause pressure points and pins and needles.

Your body weight will determine how firmness feels to you. As a general rule of thumb, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses, as soft mattresses may see them sinking and not getting enough support. On the other hand, lighter builds might find that firm mattresses result in pressure points.

Can you change your mind about a mattress?

Most manufacturers will allow you to try your mattress at home and then return it if you’re not happy. But this isn’t a given, so always check with the retailer and/or brand you’re buying from. While some trial periods are relatively short – 30 days or so – some are up to a year. There will be terms to these trial periods: some will require the use of mattress protectors, while others will expect you to follow care guidelines to the letter. We’ve listed here the trial and guarantee periods for each of the mattresses we tried.

How often should I change my mattress?

During our research, we had many conversations with people about how often they would consider buying a new mattress. Most options are pretty expensive, after all, so it’s hard to justify shelling out. But it’s a worthwhile investment, not just for your sleep but for your health, too.

Williams says: “There is no definitive answer to this, although generally, our research shows that around seven to eight years is about the time to be thinking about changing your mattress.

“Your comfort needs may have changed since you bought it, and the mattress will have slowly deteriorated over many thousands of nights’ use,” Williams says. “Also, from a hygiene viewpoint, we lose around half a pint of body moisture a night into our mattress, and shed around 1lb of skin scales per year.”

A sobering thought. But it’s key to note there’s no strict rule here. If you look after your mattress and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on rotating and turning, you can prolong its life.

What makes a good mattress?

Obviously, what one person finds comfortable won’t be the same for another. Some people find firm mattresses suit them well, while others will find they cause too much pressure. Generally speaking, heavier builds will find that a firmer mattress may be best, but they can be hard to tolerate for those with lighter physiques.

Williams advises always going big: “Buy the biggest size you can fit in your bedroom, as more space equals less disturbance, equals better sleep,” he says. But always measure your space before you buy.

There’s no denying mattresses can be very expensive, but it pays to invest. “Don’t buy the cheapest mattress,” says Williams. “Even a £1,000 mattress or bed only equates to around 20p per night per person (for a couple) spread over an average product lifespan of seven years.”

Lastly, pay close attention to the other fillings in your mattress. If you’re an allergy sufferer, go for fillings that are hypoallergenic – natural fibres are often your best bet. Natural fibres also help regulate temperature really well. Even the most hi-tech mattresses are now made using materials such as wool, cotton and silk.

Also, test mattresses to your heart’s content. Go out and lie on some for at least 10 minutes each, rolling over to see how they feel when you’re in different positions. Some mattress brands offer a certain number of nights for free, so you can see what it’s like at home. But make sure you’re aware of all the T&Cs, if you plan to use these trials.

Buying the right size mattress for your bed frame

Measure the inside frame of your bed using a tape measure to check if the mattress is going to fit. Obviously, you don’t want it exactly the same, because you need a slight gap for changing sheets. If you have a divan bed, take measurements from the top of the divan – not the sides – all the way to each edge.

What size is a single, double and king mattress?

  • Single mattress size – the measurements of a standard single mattress are 90cm x 190cm
  • Double mattress size – the measurements of a standard double mattress are 135cm x 190cm
  • King mattress size – the measurements of a standard king-size mattress are 150cm x 200cm

How to look after your mattress

If you’re investing in a top-of-the-range mattress, it is important to take care of it. First things first, a mattress protector will help to prolong the life of your bed – the Nectar mattress protector (from £39.90, Nectarsleep.co.uk) took the top spot in our review.

How to clean a mattress

In light of ongoing problems with bedbugs, you may be wondering how to keep your mattress clean. We’ve written a detailed guide on how you can stop the critters and get rid of stains. This expert-led feature explains the steps you should take, from vacuuming tips and cleaning hacks to the products that will keep your bed odour-free. If all else fails, investing in a new mattress will certainly help to improve your sleep setup.

When should you buy a mattress?

If you’re looking to save on mattresses, we’d recommend picking one up during sales periods such as Black Friday or the January sales. But, thankfully, there are deals to be had year-round.

What are the best mattress deals?

Mattresses can be expensive, which is why we regularly update our guide to cheap mattress deals with any seriously impressive discounts we spot.

Emma is a brand we’ve reviewed many times, and you can save up to 25 per cent on a range of mattresses during the winter sale, including the Emma premium plus mattress (was £609, now £487.20, Emma-sleep.co.uk), which features in this review.

Similarly, Simba is offering a discount of up to 40 per cent on selected mattresses, including the tried and tested Simba hybrid ultra (was £3,809, now £2,285.40, Simbasleep.com), which was named the best multi-layered mattress in this review.

The verdict: Mattresses

For a mattress that offers the best of both worlds, we highly recommend investing in Simba’s hybrid luxe mattress, which delivers supreme comfort and excellent pressure relief. For something a bit more purse-friendly that still provides optimal comfort and support, Simba’s best-selling mattress, the hybrid original, is a great option, while those with bigger budgets and a preference for a solid feel will relish the luxury of Hynos’s luxurious earth 05 mattress.

Now you’ve got the mattress, these are the best pillows and the best linen bedding sets to buy

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