Best mattresses 2025: tried and tested for a perfect night's sleep

Avoid sleepless nights on a nightmare mattress. Use our expert mattress buying advice and trusted Best Buy recommendations to choose the best mattress for you. 

We've tested mattresses in our test labs for more than 50 years. Read on to find out which mattresses won't let you down, along with all you need to know to pick your perfect mattress.

We've uncovered Best Buy mattresses from just £200. Head to our full list of mattress reviews.

Best mattresses for 2025

Here, you'll find the top-scoring mattresses, including pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid mattresses.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in this table. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access to all our reviews.

Need an extra layer of defence? Find the best mattress protector

Mattress reviews by type

Looking for a specific type of mattress? Jump straight into our top recommended models by type:

• Best memory foam mattresses
• Best pocket sprung mattresses
• Best mattresses for back pain

Mattress reviews by brand

• Emma mattress reviews
  
• Ikea mattress reviews
• Silentnight mattress reviews
• Simba mattress reviews
• Tempur mattress reviews

Why you can trust our mattress reviews

We pay for every mattress we test and – unlike some other review sites – we don’t accept freebies from brands or PR agencies. This keeps our reviews 100% independent and free from bias.

Our mattress reviews are based on rigorous lab testing and a barrage of assessments carried out by experts – nobody goes to the lengths we do.

For example, our tough tests simulate 8-10 years of use by rolling a heavy barrel over each mattress thousands of times, to assess durability. We conduct body-support tests before and afterwards to see whether the mattress becomes less supportive over time. We also measure the mattress for any change in height or firmness, to discover whether a mattress will sag or soften as it ages.

Find out more about how we test mattresses.

Where to buy a mattress

We've listed some options below, but before you head to the shops (or online), check out the best mattress shops in our latest customer survey*.

If you'd like to try mattresses in-store before you buy, you could head to one of these:

• Bensons for Beds stocks mattresses from a small single to a super-king, and in a variety of styles from pocket sprung to orthopedic. Stores sell mattresses from well-known brands and Bensons for Beds' own range, with double mattresses starting at less than £160. 
• Dreams sells a huge selection of mattresses in all sizes, including its own range and brands such as Tempur and Silentnight. Double mattresses start at less than £200.
• Ikea only stocks its own branded mattresses on its website and in stores. You can expect to find the standard sizes as well as European sizes in some ranges. Read more about these above.  
• John Lewis stocks its own John Lewis-branded mattresses, plus popular brands such as Emma and Simba. John Lewis's Anyday double mattresses are available for less than £200. 
• Tempur has a number of stores around the country with a range of mattresses available. Tempur-branded mattresses are also available in bed and department stores. Double mattresses start at more than £1,000.

If you're happy to try out your choice of mattress at home:

• Argos stocks a wide range of mattresses on its website including brands such as Tempur and Simba, plus its own collection. Double mattresses start at £110. Be aware that Argos will only take returns if the mattress is part of the Comfort Night guarantee scheme.
• Emma mattresses are available on the company's website, where sizes run from single to super-king, plus European sizes. You will receive a 200-night trial to ensure your new Emma mattress is right for you. 
• Simba has a dedicated website where it showcases its range of mattresses. Simba's collection is available in single to super-king, and it also stocks European sizes. 
• MattressOnline stocks an extensive range of mattress brands, including Emma and Tempur. Before you buy, check that your mattress is returnable as part of a sleep trial, as not all of them are automatically included. 

To find out more about mattress returns, see how to return a mattress.

Mattress types explained

There are four main mattress construction types: pocket sprung, memory foam/foam, open coil spring and latex. You'll also find hybrid mattresses, which are made from a combination of foam and springs – you may spot we sometimes refer to these as 'memory foam and springs' on our website or reviews.

Mattresses of all types have impressed in our tough lab tests, so the type you choose comes down to personal preference and how much you want to spend.

Pocket sprung mattresses

Pros

• Each spring is enclosed in its own fabric 'pocket' and reacts to pressure from your body independently
• Can be cooler to sleep on
• Can be more breathable due to the spring construction

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Some sag significantly over time
• Generally not as warm as memory foam mattresses
• Spring layers don't tend to mould to your body like a foam mattress

Mattresses with spring systems are usually padded with synthetic polymers, but some contain natural fibres such as horsehair or wool. These layers can affect firmness and breathability, both of which we test in every mattress. But more layers aren’t always better – the support from the springs is more important.

With springs, it's quality rather than quantity that matters. We've tested mattresses with densities ranging from 440 to 1,085 springs, and found wide variation in the level of support offered.

Go to our pocket sprung mattress reviews to see the best we've tested.

Memory foam/foam mattresses

Pros

• Moulds to your body shape
• Durable
• Can be pressure relieving

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Can restrict movement (memory effect)
• Can feel warm to lie on and increase body temperature

Memory foam mattresses, also known as memory mattresses, are topped with a layer of temperature-sensitive viscoelastic material (memory foam). 

This makes the shape of the mattress change to fit the shape of your body, and also tends to make the mattress feel warmer, while some people like the feeling of comfort these mattresses provide, others don't like the feeling of being sucked into the foam, or the heat than some can trap.

Go to our memory foam mattress reviews to see the best we've tested.

Coil spring mattresses (continuous coil and open coil)

Pros

• Cheaper than other types of mattress
• Can be very cool to lie on
• Tend to be more breathable due to the open coil construction

Cons

• If you share a bed, you're more likely to be disturbed because the springs move as one unit
• Can be very bouncy
• The coils tend to wear out more quickly than pocket springs

Continuous coil mattresses are usually made from a single, looped wire and are fairly basic.

Open coil mattresses are made of single springs fixed together by one wire.

When we surveyed Which? members to find out more about mattresses, those who own an open coil mattress are less likely to say it helps them to get a good night's sleep than those who own other types. 

Go to our open coil mattress reviews to see the best we've tested.

Latex mattresses

Pros

• Manufacturers claim that they're more resilient and better able to keep their shape
• A good choice for anyone who wants a more natural surface to sleep on

Cons

• Tend to be expensive
• Some people are allergic to latex
• Can be heavy

Latex mattresses are a less common type of mattress. They have a core made up of layers of springy latex.

Go to our latex mattress reviews to see the best we've tested.

How to choose the right mattress firmness

Our tests have shown that, contrary to popular belief, a mattress doesn’t have to be firm to be beneficial. It just needs to do a good job of supporting your body.

In fact, firmness comes down to personal preference. So how do you choose the right mattress for you?

The key is to find one that offers you the right level of support where you need it most.

Your body weight and usual sleeping position are two factors that determine how much support you need and where - as well as what mattress firmness might suit you best.

Your body weight

The latest Health Survey by NHS England estimates the average male weight as 85.1kg and female as 71.8kg.

• If you are heavier than average, as a general rule you need a denser or firmer mattress, with a higher density of foam or springs. This will provide sufficient support to ensure you don’t sink into the mattress too much. Sinking in too much will compress the layers of the mattress and may affect pressure distribution.
• If you are petite or lighter than average, look for a mattress that allows your body to sink in, supporting the curvature of your spine. 

Some mattresses have a weight limit, such as Eve mattresses, which are not recommended for sleepers that weigh over 20 stone (130kg), while the Ergoflex 5G, for example, has a maximum weight of 29 stone (190kg) combined weight for its double mattress. 

Mattress weight limits aren't always easy to find. They're sometimes listed under the terms and conditions or in the returns policy. We record the maximum weight limits for each mattress we test, but only a handful come with it stated.

Our reviews rate mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the firmest and 10 is the softest. We assess each mattress in exactly the same way, so you can easily compare mattresses between different brands and ranges.

Your sleeping position

Your favourite sleeping position determines where your body might need extra support.

• Back sleepers Your lower back needs extra support. Your shoulders, pelvis and bottom should be able to sink sufficiently into the mattress without the support being reduced in these areas. See our recommended mattresses for back sleepers.
• Side sleepers Your shoulders and hips must be able to sink sufficiently into the mattress, without the neck and waist sinking too far. See our recommended mattresses for side sleepers.
• Front sleepers Sleeping on your stomach puts your body in an unnatural position, and many experts don't recommend it. An unsupportive mattress could put additional strain on your spine. If you regularly sleep on your stomach and often suffer from back, neck and/or shoulder pain during the day, try changing your sleeping position first before changing your mattress. See our recommended mattresses for front sleepers.

Not sure what size mattress to buy? See our guide to UK bed sizes.

Best mattress features to look for

Bed-in-a-box

These are mattresses that you buy online and they come vacuum-packed into a box delivered direct to your door. 

Most online-only mattresses come with a sleep trial. Some start at 40 nights and go up to as long as a year. During this period, you can try the mattress at home and send it back if you don’t like it. In most cases, the manufacturer will collect the unwanted mattress from your home, free of charge, before recycling it or donating it to charity. 

Bed-in-a-box mattresses can be available in all types – foam, or memory foam, and also hybrid mattresses (combining both memory foam or foam and springs).

See our guide to the popular boxed mattress brands: Emma vs Simba vs Eve mattresses

Rolled-up

Similar to bed-in-a-box mattresses, rolled mattresses come rolled-up and vacuum-packed in a bag, so you can take them home with you more easily. 

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Alternatively, they can be delivered to your home and easily taken to a bedroom without the hassle of having to drag a large mattress up your stairs or around tight corners.

Like bed-in-a-box mattresses, they sometimes need to be aired or left for a few hours to regain their shape.

Natural fillings

Many pocket-sprung mattresses contain layers of synthetic fillings, such as foam. If you're keen to avoid these, look out for mattresses that specifically state they're made using only natural materials such as wool, coconut coir or cotton. 

Look carefully at the claims – and our reviews – as some might only have a token layer of natural materials.

One-sided (no-turn)

As the name suggests, only one side of a one-sided mattress is designed to be slept on, so it won't need to be turned over regularly to keep it in good shape.

You'll still need to rotate it from head to toe, though, so it's a good idea to check the ease-of-use rating in our mattress reviews. This will tell you if a mattress is difficult to move. 

Mattresses can be extremely heavy – the heaviest we've tested weighs more than 50kg.

Discover which mattress brands Which? members are the most satisfied with – see our guide to the best mattress brands.

How often should you replace your mattress?

If you're paying hundreds for a mattress, you'd expect it to last a few years. We recommend you replace your mattress every eight to 10 years, but nearly half of the Which? members we surveyed (47%) kept theirs for longer*.

There are four signs your mattress needs replacing:

1. It’s uncomfortable

Comfort is a big deal when it comes to getting a decent night's sleep. In our mattress survey, comfort was cited as one of the main reasons Which? members ditched their old mattress. One third bought a new mattress because it felt comfortable when trying it out in the shop*.

Comfort is subjective though, which is why it's so hard to pin down one mattress that suits everyone. What works for you may not work for someone else.

If you already have back pain, or other aches and pains, a new mattress won't solve the underlying issue - always get it checked out by a medical professional instead.

2. It’s sagging or sinking in places

Is your mattress sagging or has it started to soften? Are you sleeping in a dip? As a mattress ages, its layers can compress, causing it to sag or soften. However, you may not notice it as you become used to sleeping on it over the years.

3. It’s more than 10 years old

The NHS recommends seven to nine hours' sleep per night; assuming 10 years of use and seven hours sleep a night, this equals around 22,550 hours of use for your poor mattress. 

That's not taking into account any other use, such as working from bed, or when you're ill or recovering from an operation where you are likely to be in bed for longer periods.

That means a really old mattress can be a pretty grim place to sleep...

4. It’s dirty, smelly or there are signs of wear and tear

The National Bed Federation says that by the time your mattress is seven years old, it will have absorbed a whole bathfull of body moisture, thanks to how much you sweat each night.

It will also accumulate around 450g of dead skin - which isn't ideal if you are sensitive to dust mites.

If you notice any damage to the foam, springs poking out or stitching coming loose, it's probably time to consider a replacement.

Head over to our how to clean a mattress for step-by-step advice or find out how to dispose of your old mattress in an environmentally responsible way.

How much does a good mattress cost?

How much you pay will depend on what type of mattress you want.

A basic open coil spring mattress can start at less than £100, while a handmade, hand-stitched pocket sprung mattress crafted from natural materials such as horse hair, coconut fibre or wool can cost more than £1,000. We've even seen some hybrid mattresses costing over £3,000.

Factors such as brand, size and the types of material used can all have a significant impact on cost. But our mattress tests have found that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a mattress that will support your spine and last for years. 

Our expert tests have uncovered a selection of Best Buys for you, with some costing less than £200.

Shopping on a budget? Go to our pick of this month's best mattress deals or see our guide to the most popular Ikea mattresses.

* Latest best mattress brands customer survey based on an October 2023 online survey of 3,530 Which? Connect panel members.