Emma Hybrid Original
- Airflow foam, support foam, and pocket sprung base
- 22 cm (8.5 inches)
- Medium-firm
Tell me more about the Emma Hybrid Original
The Emma Hybrid Original has replaced the flagship Emma Original mattress.
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 Hybrid Original has a medium-firm feel, ideal for back sleepers.
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 |
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10-year guarantee |
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Machine-washable cover |
Reasons to avoid
Pocket sprung base isn't ideal for all |
Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress
- Three layers of foam & a memory foam layer
- 24 cm (9.4 inches)
- Soft-medium firm
Tell me more about the Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress
Our Sleep Hero tester slept on the Hypnia Supreme Memory mattress for seven nights and found it only comfortable when she slept on her front or back, despite usually being a side sleeper.
This is unusual as softer mattresses are typically recommended for side sleepers so the hips and shoulders sink, keeping the spine aligned.
The foam layers create a softer mattress that provides a 'floating' feeling.
This floating feeling makes moving around on the mattress easier than sinking into it like a traditional memory foam mattress.
It was quite warm to sleep on, which is common for foam mattresses as they are less breathable than pocket-sprung mattresses.
Fortunately, the mattress cover is removable and machine washable at 30 degrees Celcius.
Reasons to buy
200-night trial |
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15-year guarantee |
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Great motion isolation |
Reasons to avoid
Feels quite warm to sleep on |
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The cover is difficult to remove |
Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro
- Bamboo, memory foam, and pocket springs
- 27 cm (10.6 inches)
- Medium-firm to firm
Tell me more about the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro
The Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro mattress is made in the UK and offers orthopaedic-grade support.
It's infused with bamboo, making it odour-resistant and highly breathable, and it also features a plush bamboo cover that's soft, temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial.
We found the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro Mattress exceptionally comfortable, especially in the back-sleeping position.
The OrthoAlign foam optimises spinal alignment and works with a multi-zonal spring base for superior support.
Additionally, the mattress has 1,500 premium pocket springs that isolate motion, so you won't be disturbed by your partner.
It comes with free delivery, a 100-night trial period, and a 10-year guarantee.
Reasons to buy
Firm & supportive feel |
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One of the few mattresses available in the emperor size - with matching mattress protector available |
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100-night trial period |
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10-year guarantee |
Reasons to avoid
Might be too firm for lightweight sleepers |
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The mattress initially had a chemical smell that lasted a few days |
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Memory foam & cold foam
- 25 cm (10 inches)
- 365-day trial period
- Made in the UK
Tell me more about the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
The Nectar memory foam mattress is one of our favourite mattresses.
It features 3 layers of high-quality, high-density memory foam for optimal spinal alignment, pressure relief, and comfort.
The base layer also has 7 contour zones to enhance its ergonomic design and keep your body in a healthy sleeping position.
The Nectar mattress features a breathable, cooling cover, but it isn't machine-washable.
We'd suggest using a mattress protector to safeguard your mattress against stains, spills, and bacteria.
The Nectar mattress comes with free delivery & returns, a revolutionary 365-day trial period, and a "forever warranty".
Reasons to buy
Lifetime warranty |
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Exceptional comfort for average-weight & lighter sleepers |
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Free 3-day shipping |
Reasons to avoid
The cover is not washable |
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May be too warm for hot sleepers |
Eve Original
- Memory foam
- Firm/extra firm
- 24 cm (9.44 inches)
Tell me more about the Eve Original mattress
The Eve Original memory foam mattress is made up of three layers of high-quality foam.
The mattress has a high point elasticity and provides great support, promoting optimal spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.
It has a firm feel on one side and a medium feel on the other, so you can decide on how you sleep.
It's also 5 times more breathable than standard memory foam.
The memory foam contains drill holes, which help to encourage airflow and adapt to the shape of your body.
The removable cover is treated with Purotex+, which is certified by Allergy UK.
Reasons to buy
200-night trial period |
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10-year guarantee |
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Adaptable firm & extra firm side |
Reasons to avoid
The cover is not washable |
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It may be too firm for some sleepers |
What is a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam may sound like a new-age phenomenon, but it's actually been around for quite a few decades.
NASA [1] first designed it as a pressure-absorbing material to cushion astronauts' seats and absorb impact during space travel. 🚀
And how did this space-age material end up in mattresses?
Well, you have Tempur to thank for that, who started playing around with memory foam in mattresses back in 1991.
Tempur memory foam mattresses are still some of the best in the world, though a bit on the expensive side.
We can recommend much more affordable ones!
Today, memory foam mattresses are very popular - especially in the form of bed-in-a-box mattresses.
We'll tell you why a little further down. 😉
But, first:
What is memory foam?
In a nutshell, memory foam (also often called viscoelastic polyurethane foam or low-resilience polyurethane foam) is a foam made predominantly of polyurethane [2] and a few additional chemicals to increase viscosity and density.
Memory foam is characterised by its so-called memory effect or memory imprint.
When you apply pressure to the foam, it leaves an imprint that will remain visible for a few seconds.
Look at the images below that demonstrate this memory effect.👇
This memory effect allows the memory foam to adapt remarkably well to the body, resulting in body-hugging comfort and support.
Temperature response
Memory foam also responds to temperature.
The foam will be firmer when cold and soften up when warmer.
As you warm up while sleeping, the foam will become softer and mould to your body even more.
This is great if you're looking for that body-contouring support.
But, in poorer quality mattresses, this can quickly become problematic.
As poorer quality memory foam mattresses respond slower, they may take a while to react to your body and bounce back to the original shape.
This can result in bad sleeping positions, leading to aches and pains.
Are memory foam mattresses 100% memory foam?
Most memory foam mattresses actually don't consist of 100% memory foam.
They're usually constructed of multiple layers of different types of foam to offer both comfort and support.
Memory foam on its own can be a little soft.
You'll often find memory foam mattresses constructed of an upper layer of viscoelastic foam and a lower layer of cold foam.
Cold foam provides additional support and stability. 💎
Many spring mattresses also have a memory foam pillow top for extra comfort.
The Hypnia Supreme Hybrid is one of our favourite pillow top mattresses.
Bed-in-a-box memory foam mattresses
Many of the mattresses we recommend are bed-in-a-box mattresses.
These are predominantly made of memory foam.
Why?
Memory foam can be compressed quite significantly, so a memory foam mattress can be squashed together, rolled up, and sent to you via post in a compact box. 📦
That's a pretty unique feature.
Once you unpack the mattress and remove the vacuum seal, it'll slowly return to its full size.
All the mattresses we recommend in this article, like the Ergoflex, are of the bed-in-a-box variety.
Who are memory foam mattresses suitable for?
There are many different mattress types to choose from, but memory foam mattresses are generally a great choice for a wide variety of sleepers.
That said, they may not necessarily be the best choice for you.
Let's dive into this in a bit more detail. 👇
But, first, here is a quick overview:
| Memory foam mattresses are suitable for: | Memory foam mattresses are less suitable for: |
|
|
Memory foam is a good choice for calmer sleepers
Memory foam is enormously comfortable. 😴
But, since the foam really adapts to the contours of your body, moving around on the mattress can be a bit challenging.
Sleepers frequently describe it as sleeping in the mattress rather than on the mattress.
Think of it this way:
- You're sleeping in one position, and the memory foam adapts to your body shape.
- Then, you change your sleeping position.
- But, because of the memory effect, the foam parts you lay on previously will still retain the indent for a little while.
- The foams need some time to bounce back to neutral.
This is alright if you move occasionally.
But if you frequently toss and turn at night, it may become a little uncomfortable - if not downright challenging. 💃
This makes memory foam mattresses unsuitable for very restless sleepers.
If you're a restless sleeper, we'd suggest opting for a cold foam, pocket sprung, or hybrid mattress instead.
Our favourite?
The Simba mattress, which features a combination of foams and mini pocket springs!
Memory foam is a great choice for people who easily feel cold at night
Memory foam retains more heat than other types of foam. 🥵
This results in overall warmer sleep.
That's great news if you easily feel cold at night and like your bed to be snug and warm. 🥰
But, if you feel hot quite easily or if you're a very heavy sweater, then this becomes a little uncomfortable.
Most modern-day memory foam mattresses, like the Zoma mattress, counteract this heat retention by introducing more breathable foams or making use of cooling covers that allow for increased airflow.
This helps regulate body temperature more effectively and prevents overheating.
If you're a very heavy sweater, though, we'd recommend opting for a pocket-sprung mattress or a hybrid mattress(with foams & springs) instead.
The spaces between the pocket springs create natural ventilation channels, which allows air to flow more freely.
This enhanced breathability and airflow keep you cooler and more comfortable. ❄️
The Simba mattress is one of our favourite hybrid mattresses, but we can also recommend the Silentnight Eco Comfort Pocket 1200 Mattress as an eco-friendly - and budget-friendly - pocket sprung option.
Memory foam is a great choice for orthopaedic concerns
Memory foam is the material of choice for anyone struggling with orthopaedic concerns.
Since the foam adapts so well to the contours of your body, it reduces pressure points and allows for good pressure relief.
This body-hugging sensation gives your muscles the chance to relax fully. 🤗
Orthopaedic memory foam mattresses help prevent and relieve back and neck pains.
Memory foam is great for couples
Memory foam displays very low motion transfer.
Motion transfer refers to the ability of movements to travel through a mattress.
If the motion transfer is low, then movements are effectively absorbed and won't be carried across the mattress.
This means that you won't feel your partner move on the opposite side of the bed while sleeping.
A mattress with low motion transfer is a great choice for couples. 👩❤️👨
Memory foam is also completely noiseless, unlike some spring mattresses, so you're unlikely to be kept awake by any squeaking.
Memory foam is a hypoallergenic choice
Memory foam mattresses are usually hypoallergenic [3] with anti-dust-mite properties.
This is great news for people prone to allergies. 🤧
Most of the mattresses we recommend also feature a removable and machine-washable cover to keep your mattress clean and hygienic.
For extra protection, we'd always recommend a waterproof mattress protector.
These safeguard your mattress against spills, dirt, stains, and bacteria.
Our recommended mattress protectors:
-
![Simba Mattress Protector]()
![Simba Mattress Protector]()
Simba![Simba]()
Mattress ProtectorPrice from £ 99The Simba Mattress Protector is a luxurious quilted mattress protector made of 200-thread-count cotton.The Simba Mattress Protector is a luxurious quilted mattress protector made of 200-thread-count cotton.Price from £ 99 -
![Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector]()
![Panda Bamboo Mattress Protector]()
Panda London![Panda London]()
Bamboo Mattress ProtectorPrice from £ 26.40 £ (30 )The naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial Panda Bamboo mattress protector acts as a safeguard for your mattress.The naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial Panda Bamboo mattress protector acts as a safeguard for your mattress.Price from £ 26.40 (£ 30 )
Criteria to consider when purchasing a memory foam mattress
We wish we could tell you that all memory foam mattresses are created equal, but, unfortunately, that's not the case.
As with all purchases, you need to ensure that you're investing in a quality product guaranteed to last you for a long time.
You also need to find one that is perfectly matched to suit your individual preferences.
Luckily, you have us to guide you. 😀
Below, you'll find a list of criteria to consider when purchasing a memory foam mattress.
1. High density
The most important quality feature of a memory foam mattress is its density.
Density is measured in units indicating how much polyurethane foam was used for one cubic metre.
The rule of thumb is this:
The higher the density, the higher the quality of the mattress. 👍
A higher density mattress is also less likely to suffer from dents and sagging, resulting in an overall longer lifespan.
A good memory foam mattress should last for 8 - 10 years.
You can use the below table as a rough guideline to density and lifespan:
| Density in kg/m³ | Quality indicator | Expected lifespan |
| Under 30 | Inferior quality | Up to 3 years |
| 30-40 | Average quality | 3 - 6 years |
| 40-50 | Good quality | 6 - 8 years |
| 50-60 | Very good quality | 8 - 10 years |
| Over 60 | Excellent quality | 10 years and more |
2. What other materials are used?
Most memory foam mattresses consist of a memory foam layer combined with several layers of other types of foam.
The upper comfort layer is usually your viscoelastic memory foam while the lower support layers are often made from cold foam.
This gives the mattress more stability.
But you're also likely to find a range of other materials in your mattress, ranging from gel foam to aloe, bamboo, or wool. 🌱
These may affect the comfort, breathability, and support features of your mattress.
The Simba Hybrid Luxe, for example, features a top bamboo wool layer to enhance temperature regulation.
It's important to pay attention to the quality of these other mattress materials as well.
3. Pay attention to the degree of firmness
Memory foam mattresses are generally on the softer end of the scale.
The foam also reacts to temperature and is likely to become even softer as it warms up while you sleep. 💤
But, the actual degree of firmness of your mattress depends significantly on the other mattress materials used.
You can even find some firm memory foam mattresses, like the Nectar.
Unlike many other memory foam mattresses, the Nectar has a firmer top layer to counteract the softer memory foam - hence its firmer and more supportive feel.
There is no right or wrong when choosing a degree of firmness, though your sleeping position and build/body weight will influence this a bit.
Ultimately, you need to choose a mattress that allows your spine to remain optimally aligned.
If you sleep on your side, for example, you're likely to need a slightly softer mattress to allow the heavier parts of your body to sink in.
This will allow for optimal spinal alignment.
Take a look at the illustration below.👇
As you can see, the hips and shoulders sink in a little more deeply while the lighter parts of the body are adequately supported.
This allows your spine to remain straight, eliminating causes of tension and resultant back pain.
If you're a back or stomach sleeper (or if you're of a slightly larger build), you'll need a mattress that's a little firmer to provide enough stability and support.
Determining the right degree of firmness can be challenging. 🤯
This is why we've devised the Sleep Hero firmness scale.
Here, we rate mattresses on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 the firmest.
All of the mattresses we review receive a value on this scale to help guide your purchasing decision. 🛍
But, ultimately, you will need to sleep on a mattress for a few weeks to see if the firmness is right for you.
That's why we always recommend choosing a mattress that comes with a risk-free trial period.
4. Risk-free trial periods
We can certainly help guide you in finding the best mattress.
That's what Sleep Hero is all about. ⭐️
But the only way to really see if a mattress is right for you is to try it out yourself.
We're not talking about lying on a mattress for a few minutes in a retail store.
Everything feels comfortable for a few minutes. 🤷♀️
To really see if a mattress is right for you, you need to sleep on it for a period of at least three weeks.
This gives your body the chance to get used to a new feel, which is especially important if your new mattress is vastly different from your old one.
We always recommend purchasing a mattress that comes with free delivery, a risk-free trial period, free returns, and full refunds.
These make your mattress purchase a risk-free investment.
Trial periods differ by brand, but most offer a minimum of 100 days. 🗓
Our favourite memory foam mattresses offer the following:
- The Ergoflex comes with a 30-night trial.
- The Nectar mattress comes with an industry-leading 365-night trial!
If you've slept on one of these mattresses for a few weeks and still don't find it as comfortable as you had hoped, you can send it back and receive a full refund. 💰
That's the kind of service we enjoy.
UK memory foam mattress sizes
Memory foam mattresses, like most other mattresses, are available in a wide range of sizes.
The standard UK mattress sizes include:
- Small single memory foam mattress: 75 x 190 cm (2'6" x 6'3")
- Single memory foam mattress: 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3”)
- Memory foam small double mattress: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
- Memory foam mattress double: 135 x 190 cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
- Memory foam mattress king size: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
- Memory foam mattress super king size: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
- Memory foam mattress emperor: 200 x 200 cm (6’6” x 6’6”)
You're also likely to find memory foam mattresses in a few custom sizes.
Foam can be cut quite easily, so it's a lot simpler to produce custom all-foam mattresses than it is to produce custom hybrid or sprung mattresses.👌
Choosing the right mattress size
The right mattress size will depend on your personal preference, whether or not you're sharing your bed with a partner, your budget, and the size of your room.
Singles could choose any size, but we recommend that couples choose one of the larger mattress sizes.
Memory foam tends to have poor to average edge support.
This means that the foam sinks in along the edges, and it may be problematic to sleep or sit near or on the edge of the mattress. ⛰
Couples wouldn't really be able to make use of the full width of the bed, so larger mattress sizes - like the king-size or even larger - would be preferable choices.
Our mattress size guide can help you choose the right size for you.
What do memory foam mattresses cost?
You may be able to find some cheap memory foam mattresses in the UK, but these are usually quite thin and won't last you very long.
We wouldn't recommend these.
Dormeo also has some budget options that might be suitable, but they won't be as good quality as their Octaspring collection.
We also wouldn't recommend IKEA memory foam mattresses. Some of the more premium ones are okay, but there are many better products available.
Most high-quality memory foam mattresses will set you back between £400 and £550 for the smallest size.
Of course, you can pay significantly more for a Tempur memory foam mattress or a little less for a budget Silentnight or Sealy mattress.
But most of our recommended mattresses are in that price range.
The best memory foam mattress deals
This doesn't mean you can't get a great deal on your new memory foam mattress.
Most of the UK bed-in-a-box brands we recommend, like Simba, Eve, or Nectar, regularly offer discounts and promotions.
A good coupon code can get you up to 45% off. 🥳
You don't have to spend hours searching the internet for a good deal.
We collect all of the best coupon codes for you and display them on our discounts page.
Simply select your code, apply it upon checkout, and enjoy your savings.
Bed frames for memory foam mattresses
Many bed-in-a-box mattress brands stress that you have to place your new memory foam mattress on a suitable bed base.
Some, like Eve, will even void your warranty if the mattress hasn't been placed on a compatible frame. 🛌
Luckily, there is a wide range of bed frames to choose from.
Box springs are the easiest choice as they provide a solid foundation for your mattress.
Be careful with slatted frames
Slatted frames also work, but these are often not recommended for memory foam mattresses.
This is because there are gaps between the individual slats, and memory foam may conform and adapt to these gaps over time.
This can damage the mattress. 😔
But, this doesn't mean that you can't choose a slatted bed frame.
Just make sure that the slats aren't too far apart: a maximum distance of 5 cm between slats is optimal.
You can even choose height-adjustable or rigid slatted frames.
Our favourite bed frames:
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![Nectar Platform Bed Frame]()
![Nectar Platform Bed Frame]()
Nectar![Nectar]()
Platform Bed FramePrice from £ 139The Nectar Platform Bed Frame has a classic and modest design.The Nectar Platform Bed Frame has a classic and modest design.Price from £ 139 -
![Simba Orion Bed Base]()
![Simba Orion Bed Base]()
Simba![Simba]()
Orion Bed BasePrice from £ 729The Simba Orion Bed Base is made with stain-resistant linen fabric and sturdy birch wood.The Simba Orion Bed Base is made with stain-resistant linen fabric and sturdy birch wood.Price from £ 729
Memory foam mattress toppers
A mattress topper is a relatively thin layer of extra padding that can enhance the comfort of your mattress.
They are predominantly used to add some softness to mattresses that may otherwise be too firm.
Many mattress toppers are made from memory foam.
This is because memory foam is so soft and comfortable, making it the perfect material to add a little soft cushioning to the top of your mattress. 🤗
So, if you've purchased a hybrid or pocket sprung mattress, and you generally like the feel of it but want a touch more comfort, a memory foam mattress topper is the perfect solution.
Memory foam toppers are also available in all standard UK mattress sizes, including the popular memory foam mattress topper small double and memory foam mattress topper king size.
Our favourite UK memory foam mattress toppers:
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![Panda London Mattress Topper]()
![Panda London Mattress Topper]()
Panda London![Panda London]()
Mattress TopperPrice from £ 87.96 £ (99.95 )The Panda mattress topper is a gel-infused memory foam topper with a breathable bamboo cover.The Panda mattress topper is a gel-infused memory foam topper with a breathable bamboo cover.Price from £ 87.96 (£ 99.95 ) -
![Ultimate Mattress Topper]()
![Ultimate Mattress Topper]()
Hypnia![Hypnia]()
Ultimate Mattress TopperPrice from £ 179.99 £ (199.99 )The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper offers premium memory foam support to side sleepers."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."The Hypnia Ultimate mattress topper offers premium memory foam support to side sleepers."Get 10% off with our exclusive 'SH10' discount code."Price from £ 179.99 (£ 199.99 )
Memory foam pillows
While you definitely need a good mattress for the best night's sleep, you also shouldn't underestimate the importance of a quality pillow.
A bad pillow can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain.
To find the right pillow, it's best to pay attention to your sleeping position:
- Choose a flat pillow if you sleep on your stomach.
- Choose a medium-loft pillow if you sleep on your back.
- Choose a high-loft pillow if you sleep on your side.
We really like adjustable pillows that allow you to customise the height and firmness of your pillow to suit you best.
Memory foam pillows are perfect for this. 🎉
They adapt to the shape of your head and neck optimally, relieving neck and shoulder pains.
Our favourite UK memory foam pillows:
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![Simba Hybrid Pillow]()
![Simba Hybrid Pillow]()
Simba![Simba]()
Hybrid PillowPrice from £ 109The Simba Hybrid Pillow is an excellent choice for those in need of adjustable support.The Simba Hybrid Pillow is an excellent choice for those in need of adjustable support.Price from £ 109 -
![Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow]()
![Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow]()
Panda London![Panda London]()
Memory Foam Bamboo PillowPrice from £ 39.56 £ (44.95 )The Panda bamboo memory foam pillow is antibacterial and hypoallergenic.The Panda bamboo memory foam pillow is antibacterial and hypoallergenic.Price from £ 39.56 (£ 44.95 ) -
![Emma Premium Pillow]()
![Emma Premium Pillow]()
Emma![Emma]()
Premium Foam PillowPrice from £ 75The Emma Premium Foam Pillow offers unrivalled adjustability to suit all sleeping positions."Get an extra 5% off with our exclusive discount code."The Emma Premium Foam Pillow offers unrivalled adjustability to suit all sleeping positions."Get an extra 5% off with our exclusive discount code."Price from £ 75
Alternatives to memory foam mattresses
Memory foam is great - but it may not be the right choice for you.
If you're looking for a mattress that's perhaps more breathable or less body-hugging, then consider the below alternatives.
Spring mattresses
Spring mattresses are often firmer and offer more stability than memory foam mattresses.
They usually feature a spring core with upper comfort layers of foam.
Springs allow for greater elasticity and enhanced breathability, making them the perfect choice for people who need more support and enjoy a cooler sleep. ❄️
Quality is important when it comes to spring mattresses.
Many inferior spring mattresses, like open coil mattresses, can create or worsen back pain.
We always recommend pocket sprung mattresses.
Cold foam mattresses
Cold foam mattresses demonstrate high adaptability and are often used for orthopaedic purposes.
They're easier to move around on, too, so they're better suited for restless sleepers.🕺
Most mattresses feature a base layer of cold foam for enhanced stability and support.
Gel foam mattresses
Gel foam mattresses are very comfortable, providing a soft and cuddly feel.
They also allow for enhanced airflow, which keeps you cooler. 💨
Gel foam is most commonly found as an upper comfort layer in a combination foam mattress, used together with more adaptable and/or stable and firmer base foams.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses offer a very high degree of comfort.
High-quality natural latex mattresses also offer excellent ventilation, and they're a great organic mattress choice. 🐼
Unfortunately, pure latex mattresses are costly.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses usually combine high-quality memory foam with a core of pocket springs.
This results in a mattress that offers the exceptional adaptability and comfort of memory foam with the increased support, stability, and breathability of springs.
Should you buy a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are excellent but they may not be suitable for everyone.
We can recommend memory foam mattresses to:
- People who like sleeping in their bed rather than on top of their bed
- People who easily feel cold at night
- People with orthopaedic concerns
- Couples
- Allergy sufferers
We would not recommend memory foam mattresses to:
- People who easily feel hot at night or heavy sweaters
- Restless sleepers
If you're not sure, you can always make use of risk-free trial periods to try out a mattress in the comfort of your own home.
Table of Contents
Our top UK memory foam mattress recommendations
What is a memory foam mattress?
Who are memory foam mattresses suitable for?
Criteria to consider when purchasing a memory foam mattress
What do memory foam mattresses cost?
Bed frames for memory foam mattresses
Alternatives to memory foam mattresses
Frequently asked questions
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What is off-gassing?
If you've purchased a bed-in-a-box memory foam mattress, you've likely experienced off-gassing.
This is an initial chemical smell that may be emitted when you first unpack the mattress.
Off-gassing is completely normal.
It's merely a side effect of the production process.
It's also completely harmless and non-toxic.
The smell can be a little uncomfortable, though.
That's why we always recommend unpacking your new memory foam mattress in a well-ventilated room and letting it breathe.
The smell should disappear within a few hours - or a few days at most!
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What's the difference between reflex foam and memory foam?
Reflex foam and memory foam are often confused.
Both are made of polyurethane foam, but they feel a little different.
Reflex foam offers a firmer sleep surface and good back support.
It is often cheaper than memory foam.
Memory foam feels softer, moulds to the contours of your body more effectively, and feels much warmer.
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What's the difference between memory foam and hybrid mattresses?
If you've been doing some research on mattresses, you may have come across the memory foam vs hybrid mattress debate.
So what is the difference between memory foam and hybrid mattresses?
In a nutshell:
- Memory foam mattresses usually consist of one or more layers of memory foam, coupled with firmer support foams and cooling foams.
- Hybrid mattresses, in contrast, usually consist of a core of mini or full-size pocket springs, coupled with multiple layers of foam, which may or may not include memory foam.
The below table compares the two mattress types in more detail:
Memory foam mattresses Hybrid mattresses Composition Memory foam with one or more layers of other foams Springs with one or more layers of foam Motion isolation Low Low to high, depending on the composition Temperature Sleeps warm Sleeps cooler General firmness Soft to medium-firm Medium to firm Average lifespan 8 - 10 years 8 - 10 years Average price range £400 - £800 £500 - £1000 -
Do memory foam mattresses have springs?
No, as a standard, memory foam mattresses do not have springs.
They are all-foam mattresses.
But, there are a few memory foam mattresses with springs - these are referred to as hybrid mattresses.
Hybrids combine foam with springs to create a mattress with a unique feel.
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References
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.