Best Cheap Mattresses

Best Cheap Mattresses UK (2024)

Last updated: 19.01.2024 Reading time: 10 Min.

So, you're in the market for a new mattress but don't want to break the bank? 🏦

You're in luck!

There are several great budget options available in the UK. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

This guide will help you find the best cheap mattress for your needs.

Read on to learn more. πŸ‘‡

Best Cheap Mattresses

The best cheap mattress UK under Β£300

Sleep Hero Favourite

Hypnia Original Hybrid Mattress

The Hypnia Original Hybrid is as comfortable as top-rated competitors.
  • Pocket springs,Β Cloud-zoned foam layer &Β memory foam layer
  • 25 cm (10")
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the Hypnia Original Hybrid mattress

The standout feature of the Hypnia Original Hybrid mattress is its unique blend of layers, which provide excellent comfort and support.

The mattress is composed of pocket springs with 5 support zones, offering targeted support and effective motion absorption.

It also has a Cloud-zoned and memory foam layer forΒ body-contouring support that adapts to pressure points.

The Hypnia Hybrid is comfortable in most sleeping positions, but particularly for side and back sleepers.

It also offers low-motion transfer, so we'd recommend it to couples and restless sleepers.Β 

One downside is the non-removable cover, though using a mattress protector can help extend its lifespan and cleanliness.

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period 

15-year guarantee

Just as comfy as pricier competitors 

Reasons to avoid

The cover is not removable 

Not the best delivery experience 

EXTRA 10% OFF WITH
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-60% HYPNIA ORIGINAL HYBRID

Great For Couples

Emma Original Hybrid

The Emma Original Hybrid has replaced the flagship Emma Original, bringing a new hybrid design for advanced comfort, support, and temperature regulation.
  • Airflow foam, support foam, and pocket sprung base
  • 22 cm (8.5 inches)
  • Medium-firmΒ 

Tell me more about the Emma Original Hybrid

The Emma Original Hybrid has replaced the flagship Emma Original mattress.Β 

It is made up of two different layes of foam and a pocket sprung base.

It offers great orthopaedic support, making it a good choice for people prone to back pain.

The Emma Original Hybrid has a medium-firm feel, ideal for back sleepers.Β 

Conveniently, the mattress comes with a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed at up to 60℃.

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period 

10-year guarantee

Machine-washable cover

Reasons to avoid

Pocket sprung base isn't ideal for all

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

BUY EMMA ORIGINAL HYBRIDΒ£ 339

Firmer Feel

Origin Hybrid Mattress

The Origin mattress is a firm and supportive mattress, ideal for stomach sleepers.
  • Hexagrid foam, graphite-infused foam, pocket springs & polyurethaneΒ 
  • Very firm
  • 25 cm (10 inches)

Tell me more about the Origin Hybrid mattress

The Origin Hybrid mattress combines six unique layers for firmer-feeling support.Β 

The HexaGrid layer has hexagon-shaped grooves that cradle your pressure points and offer relief to your joints.

The Origin mattress also has a graphite-infused cooling foam layer that regulates body temperature and antigravity pocket springs that give individual support to each area of the body.

The bamboo Tencel cover is high quality and feels soft and gentle on sensitive skin.

This firm feel makes it ideal for stomach sleepers who require a firm mattress that promotes a straight spine.

It also offers excellent edge support for those who like to sit on the edge of the mattress.

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period & 15-year guarantee 

Great value for money 

Excellent support for stomach sleepers

Reasons to avoid

It might feel too firm for side sleepers 

Great For Allergies

Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 Pocket Mattress

The Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 Pocket Mattress is a medium-firm mattress suited to the budget-conscious individual.

This mattress features 800 individually-wrapped pocket springs for superior support.

The Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 Pocket Mattress is a medium-firm budget mattress. πŸ€‘

It combines 800 pocket springs for superior support with a cosy comfort layer of hypoallergenic fibres.

Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 Pocket Mattress

The mattress features a smooth, high-quality damask cover with woollen tufts to keep the comfort filling in place. πŸ‘

Chrome air vents along the side panels allow heat and excess moisture to escape, keeping you cool and fresh all night long.

This mattress is single-sided, so there's no need to flip it.Β 

Rotating the mattress from head to toe is recommended, though, ensuring even wear across the surface. πŸ‘΄πŸ¦Ά

Luckily, the mattress has built-in turning handles to make this easier.

The Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 Pocket Mattress is proudly made in the UK. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

It comes with a 5-year guarantee.

BUY SLEEPEEZEE CLASSIC ORTHO 800Β£ 349

Β  Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 Pocket Mattress
Composition: 800 pocket springs with a hypoallergenic comfort layer
Firmness level: Medium-firm
Height: 24 cm (9.4 inches)
Trial period: 60 nights
Guarantee: 5 years
What makes this mattress special? Firmer feel at a budget price.

How much should you spend on a mattress?

A good mattress is a substantial investment. πŸ›Œ

The cost of a mattress can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the product.

Some cheap mattresses may cost as little as Β£50, while a top-of-the-line model like a Tempur mattress can cost Β£1,000 or more.

woman confused
Investing in a mattress is a big decision.

Cheap mattresses may be tempting, but it is essential to remember that a mattress is one of your home's most important pieces of furniture. 🏑

You spend a third of your life sleeping [1], after all.

That's a lot of time spent in bed, so no matter your budget, you should choose the right mattress!

A good mattress should last for a couple of years (8 - 10), so it's essential to choose one that will provide comfort and support for years to come.

In the long term, a more expensive mattress actually works out to be phenomenal value for money.

price-performance ratio
You should always consider the long-term value of a product.

Let's look at this in more detail. πŸ‘‡

One of our favourite mattresses is the Nectar memory foam mattress.

When not on special (which it often is), the mattress retails for an average of Β£600 for a double - not exactly spare change.

But, considering that the mattress will last you a long time, you'll have more value for money in the long term.

The mattress should sleep comfortably for 8 - 10 years, but let's take 6 as an average just to be safe.

So that's Β£600 divided by 6, working out to just over Β£100 a year.

Or around 27 pence a day!

Not a bad price for superior sleep that will leave you snoozing away comfortably. 😴

In the end, a higher-quality mattress is often worth the investment since it'll last you that much longer.

Check out the Nectar mattress below:

Does a good mattress have to be expensive?

An expensive mattress does not automatically guarantee comfort or the right level of support for your needs.

The comfort and support of a mattress hinges on factors like your sleeping position, body weight, and temperature preferences.

These personal preferences play a pivotal role in determining what constitutes a 'good' mattress. βœ…

factors affecting sleep
The right mattress is determined by multiple factors.

However, expensive mattresses often come with better-quality materials, advanced cooling properties, and a higher pocket spring count for enhanced support.

Higher-end mattresses also offer more generous trial periods and warranties, which can be enticing.

Nevertheless, it's essential to strike a balance between good quality and what you can afford. βš–οΈ

Investing in a mattress is similar to investing in any other long-term luxury necessity, such as a television or sofa.

It should represent a significant but not overly burdensome financial commitment, considering that a quality mattress can last you well for up to 10 years.

But it's also important that you choose the right mattress for your needs.

In the next section, we'll guide you in identifying what those specific needs are.

How to choose a cheap mattress

You may be looking for the best cheap mattress, but you also want a comfortable mattress.

confused woman
Before deciding on an affordable mattress, you must ask yourself some critical questions.

So, you should consider a few things when making your purchase. πŸ€”

What's your budget?

Of course, one of the most important things to consider when choosing the best budget mattress is your budget!

How much are you willing to spend on a new mattress? πŸ’·

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good quality mattress.

There are plenty of great options available at a variety of price points. πŸ‘

Once you've determined how much you're willing - or able to - spend on a new mattress, you can start narrowing down your options.

Remember: Some mattress brands like Simba also offer flexible finance options, allowing you to stretch the budget a bit further.

What is the quality of the mattress?

Foam density and spring count are two critical indicators of mattress quality.

Foam density measures the amount of foam used in the construction of the mattress and is a good indicator of support and comfort. 😴

The higher the foam density, the more supportive and comfortable the mattress will be.

Density is also a good indicator of the expected mattress lifespan. ⏳

This is particularly important when looking at cheap memory foam mattresses.

You definitely want to stay away from inferior cheap foam mattresses.

The table below can help guide you:

density-quality indicator

Spring count, similarly, measures the number of springs used in the construction of a spring mattress.

The higher the spring count, the better the support and comfort.

But this doesn't mean you have to choose a 10,000-spring mattress.

A mattress with 1000 springs or more is a good starting point.

Both foam density and spring count should be considered when choosing a mattress. πŸ‘Œ

The Happy Beds Majestic 1000 Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic mattress offers a great balance between support and budget.

BUY MAJESTIC 1000Β£ 184.99

What size mattress do you need?

Deciding what size mattress you need can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

To start, think about how you'll be using the mattress.

If you're planning on using it for just yourself, then a single or double mattress should suffice. πŸ˜„

The Amazon Starlight Beds Memory Foam Sprung mattress is one of the best double mattresses under Β£300.

BUY STARLIGHT BEDSΒ£ 76.99

However, if you'll be sharing the mattress with someone else, you'll may also want to consider a king-size or super-king-size option.

uk mattress sizes
Mattresses are available in a range of sizes.

We recommend measuring the space in your room before opting for a larger size.

You should also consider your height and build when deciding on mattress size. 🧐

For example, if you're taller than average, you may want to consider an extra-length mattress.

The Otty Hybrid is even available in the extra-large emperor size!

BUY OTTY HYBRIDΒ£ 449.99

emma original mattress height
Bed-in-a-box mattresses average 25 cm (9.8 inches) in height.

Don't forget to also consider the depth of the mattress.

The standard bed-in-a-box height is 25 cm (9.8 inches), but you should be able to sleep comfortably on any mattress deeper than 20 cm (7.8 inches).

What type of mattress do you want?

There are two main types of mattresses:

There are multiple sub-categories of each, including pocket-sprung mattresses, open coil mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and latex foam mattresses.

When deciding on mattress type, it's important to consider your own preferences as well as your body type and build.

Mattresses with multiple foam layers tend to offer great relief of pressure points.

Memory foam, in particular, moulds nicely to the body to offer orthopaedic support and significantly limits motion transfer. πŸ€—

The below pictures illustrate this body-contouring ability:

tempur sensation memory foam

memory imprint

But, memory foam is notorious for overheating, so it's best to avoid this if you're a hot sleeper. πŸ₯΅

Spring mattresses are a good option for people who prefer a firm mattress, those suffering from back pain, and hot sleepers.

We'd generally recommend avoiding open coil spring mattresses and opting for pocket-sprung mattresses instead.

These offer better support and durability and also allow for great airflow to keep you cool at night.

They may be more expensive than other spring mattresses, but they are worth it. πŸ’°

On the other hand, a hybrid mattress provides a well-balanced combination of foam comfort, spring support, and breathability.

The Hypnia Essential Hybrid is one of our favourite budget-friendly hybrid options.

EXTRA 10% OFF WITH
SH10Click to copy code

-60% HYPNIA ORIGINAL HYBRID

What's your preferred sleeping position?

Your preferred sleeping position can also play a role in deciding which mattress type is best for you.

  • Side sleepers [2] often find that softer foam mattresses provide the best support as they conform to the body's curves.
  • People who sleep on their stomachs may want to consider a firmer mattress to prevent them from sinking into the mattress too much.
  • Back sleepers usually find a medium-firm mattress offers a good balance of support.

Of course, your body weight and build also play a role.

Firmness according to sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position influences your ideal mattress firmness.

Smaller people usually do better on softer mattresses, while larger builds need firmer support. πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’ΌπŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό

Cheap mattresses can sometimes be too firm or soft, so it's essential to consider these factors before deciding on an option.

What are the delivery conditions?

Many online brands offer free delivery, but this isn't always the case. πŸš›

Some questions to consider:

  • Is delivery free?
  • If yes, are there any requirements to qualify for free delivery?
  • If not, is the cost of delivery reasonable?
  • Is there a wide range of delivery options, including next-day delivery or specific date or time delivery?
  • Does the company deliver to your room of choice?
  • Does the company offer an old mattress removal service?

Delivery conditions generally aren't a make-or-break for us, but we prefer companies offering free delivery on all their products.

Does the mattress come with a trial period?

More and more online brands are offering risk-free trial periods that allow you to test out the mattress for a certain amount of time before deciding. 😲

Typically, the trial period is around 100 days.

But, many premium mattress brands also offer more extended trial periods. πŸ—“

  • Emma Sleep gives you a 200-day trial period.
  • Nectar gives you a 365-day trial period.

This gives you plenty of time to make sure the mattress is a good fit for you.

And, if it's not, most brands will pick up the mattress and refund your purchase. πŸ’ƒ

trial period product generic

That said, trial periods for cheap mattresses are exceedingly rare. ☹️

Many brands, like Silentnight or Happy Beds, will offer you the chance to return the mattress, but it won't always be risk-free.

If a good trial period is important to you, it would make sense to up your spending slightly.

The Simba Essential, for example, is still more of a budget-friendly mattress, but it comes with a 200-day trial period.

BUY SIMBA ESSENTIALΒ£ 499

In our opinion, opting for a mattress with a trial period is vital. ❗️

After all, how would you know if the mattress works for you if you can't try it first?

Does the mattress come with a warranty?

Another vital factor to consider is the warranty.

Most quality mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty.

But, some brands offer longer warranties. πŸ”‘

For example, Nectar and DreamCloud offer a lifetime guarantee on their mattresses.

man sleeping with cat
A good cheap mattress should come with an extended warranty for peace of mind.

When it comes to cheap mattresses, you may find that the warranty is shorter. 😭

Many of the affordable mattresses we recommend only offer up to a 5-year guarantee.

It's important to read the fine print and ensure you're comfortable with the warranty terms before making a purchase. πŸ”

How often should I replace my mattress?

It's generally recommended to get a new mattress every 7 to 10 years.

Experiencing morning aches and pains, feeling your partner's movements, or observing any mattress sagging are signs that it might be time to consider a mattress replacement. 🀯

sagging mattress
A sagging mattress is a sign that it needs to be replaced.

However, we also recommend replacing your mattress for hygienic reasons.

The National Bed Federation [3] state that after 7 years, your mattress will have accumulated around a bath-full of moisture and half a stone of dead skin. 🀒

That's why we always recommend using a mattress protector with your mattress, which will help to reduce bacteria and moisture build-up and improve overall longevity.

How can I make my mattress last longer?

The quality of your mattress is the most crucial factor when determining durability.

The higher the quality of your mattress, the longer it will last.

But you also need to make sure that you protect your mattress. πŸ›‘οΈ

To do this, you can:

  • Rotate your mattress every three months to ensure even wear.
  • Wash your bedding, duvets, pillow covers, and mattress covers regularly to ensure your mattress stays clean.
  • Invest in a waterproof mattress protector to safeguard your mattress against spills, dirt, and bacteria.
  • Let your mattress, duvet, and pillows air out regularly to prevent a build-up of dust mites and bacteria.
  • Finally, keep your bed frame clean and fresh and make sure the frame is suitable for the mattress.

Taking good care of your mattress will enable it to stay fresher and newer for longer.

Should you buy a cheap mattress?

A cheap mattress might be okay as a short-term solution, but if you want to get the best sleep possible, you need to invest in a quality mattress.

A good night's sleep is essential for your health and well-being, so don't skimp on this important purchase.

But you can still get great value-for-money options, and some of the best budget mattress UK brands are worth investing in!

Some more expensive brands also come with finance options to make your purchase more affordable.

Check out the best mattresses in the UK.

Here's a quick recap of the best cheap mattress UK picks:

Frequently asked questions

  • In what sizes are cheap mattresses available?


    Affordable mattresses are available in most standard British mattress sizes. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

    These include:

    • Cheap small single mattresses: 75 x 190 cm (2'6" x 6'3")
    • Cheap mattress single: 90 x 190 cm (3' x 6'3")
    • Cheap small double mattresses: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
    • Cheap mattress double: 135 x 190 cm (4'6" x 6'3")
    • Cheap mattress king size: 150 x 200 cm (5' x 6'6")
    • Cheap super-king-size mattresses: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)

    You may also find EU and custom sizes.

  • Is the Emma Original a budget mattress?


    If you're looking for the best budget memory foam mattress UK, then theΒ Emma Original mattress is a no-brainer.Β 

    While you'll often find amazing deals on the Emma and probably pay less for this mattress than any others, it's not considered a budget mattress per se.Β 

    But it is one of the best affordable mattresses that offers good quality materials, a 200-night sleep trial period, and a generous 10-year guarantee.Β 

  • Where can I find a cheap mattress near me?


    You may be able to find some good cheap mattresses at brick-and-mortar retailers.

    These include:

    But these aren't always the best quality mattresses.

    Instead, we'd recommend you purchase your next mattress online, where you can get hundreds of fantastic deals.

    Check out the best value mattress UK at the top of our article, which are all available for delivery throughout mainland UK.Β 

  • Why is buying a mattress online cheaper?


    We recommend buying your mattress online rather than at a conventional retailer.

    Online retailers don't have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar stores, so they can often offer their mattresses at lower prices.

    Plus: many online retailers offer free shipping,Β which saves you money! πŸš›

    We'd recommend looking at some great bed-in-a-box brands, major online retailers like Silentnight or Happy Beds, and the convenience of Amazon UK!

    We also list the best affordable mattresses available online at the top of the article.Β 

  • Can a mattress topper save my cheap mattress?


    Mattress toppers are a great addition to enhance your sleeping comfort.

    They can also save your cheap mattress -Β ifΒ the mattress you have purchased is too firm for you.Β 

    Mattress toppers aren't miracle cures.

    If your mattress is of inferior quality, doesn't support you well, or is old and worn, you'd need to buy a new mattress.

    But if you're sitting with a mattress that's generally good quality and supportive but just a little uncomfortable, a mattress topper can save you. πŸ₯³

    Here are some guidelines for choosing a topper:

    • Opt for a thick topper that can really affect your sleeping comfort.
    • Make sure you choose a high-quality material.
    • We'd always recommend opting for a topper with straps.

    You could also opt for a quilted cover if you just want a little bit of added cushioning.

    But these won't affect your sleeping comfort as much as a topper would.

    A mattress topper doesn't have to cost a fortune.

    One of our favourites, the Panda topper, is a relatively cheap mattress topper. 🐼

    For a more luxury option, the Simba mattress topper is made with pocket springs, synthetic latex and high-resilience foam.Β 

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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