Best Mattress in May 2022: Memory Foam, Hybrid, and More | Express.co.uk

2022-05-20 22:16:13 By : Ms. Erica Chen

A great mattress can make a world of difference to the quality of your sleep, so it's important to pick the right one. However, if you've spent any amount of time shopping for a new mattress, you'll know that the overwhelming number of brands, mattress reviews, and materials is enough to make you feel like a lie-down.

To make upgrading to a new mattress easier for you, we've rounded up the best mattresses available to buy today. We've included a range of brands, including popular "bed in a box" firms like SIMBA and Eve Sleep, as well as mattress types, from memory foam and pocket-sprung to hybrid and latex mattresses.

A number of our top picks offer generous trial periods, with 100 nights often the minimum, so you'll be able to test the mattresses feeling for yourself before parting with your cash. The best mattresses included in this guide are available in a wide range of sizes, from a UK single to Queen and King sizes. Since these sizes are standard, your new mattress will fit with any existing bedding or mattress protectors that you have at home.

Before you start shopping, there are some important questions you should ask to ensure you find the perfect mattress for your sleeping style and preferences.

There's no single "best" kind of mattress as it depends on your personal tastes and needs. In order to determine what type of mattress would be best suited to you, we've rounded up the different types of mattresses. Here, you can read about the options on the market and decide which best fits your needs.

• Memory Foam: A memory foam mattress is designed to mould to the shape of your body over time, providing a personalised level of comfort and support. Memory foam is the best mattress for side sleepers as it cushions the pressure points – the hips and shoulders – in this position, while keeping the spine aligned. Sleep experts often recommend memory foam for those who suffer from neck, shoulder and back pain.

• Pocket Sprung: A pocket-sprung mattress relies on springs to provide its cushion and support. However, these aren't the traditional steel springs you remember from your childhood, each individual spring is seen into its own fabric compartment. This designs means the spring will only depress when pressure is applied directly above it – preventing the springs moving as one unit, and lowering the motion transfer. Pocket sprung mattresses can be a little cooler than memory foam, which makes them a good choice for those who overheat at night.

• Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines the two approaches into a single design. As such, hybrid mattresses tend to be a little pricier than both of the above options. However, if you've got the budget, a hybrid mattress offers the unmatched pressure relief from the top layer of memory foam with the sturdiness of a spring mattress – so you'll get the best of both worlds and won't be jealous after a night sleeping at a friend's place or top-end hotel.

With so many mattress deals and discounts available, it can be tough to work out whether the mattress in your online shopping basket is a good price. The mattresses in this guide range from £200 to £2,000 ...so, the ideal budget really just depends on how much you want to spend on a new mattress.

Sleep experts recommend switching to a new mattress every six to eight years, so you should only set aside an amount of money for a new mattress that you wouldn't mind parting with again in less than a decade. That said, you can unlock huge savings if you find the best mattress deals in the UK.

Fortunately, regardless of your budget, some of the best mattress brands on the market offer brilliant deals, including SIMBA, Eve Sleep, Nectar and Brook + Wilde. As such, you'll be able to get your hands on a luxurious mattress with a generous trial period and guarantee without breaking the bank.

Hybrid mattresses use a heavenly combination of memory foam and springs to give you a supportive yet adaptable sleeping surface, which is perfect for those who need mattresses with a bit of give. The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress is a top choice for side sleepers as it is made up of ten indulgent layers that guarantee support, pressure relief, and the ultimate comfort.

For a limited time, you can unlock a generous 45% discount from Nectar Mattresses – saving more than £650 on the most popular memory foam mattresses! Even better, the discount code offers free named day delivery, so you can pick the best time for you. There are also savings to be had on bed frames, bedding, and more

Sale Ends At 11.59pm Sunday May 22, 2022

Emma is offering 53% off its best-selling memory foam and hybrid mattresses. With Emma's trademark 200-night trial period, you can secure a deal now and then make up your mind about the mattress in a few months. Emma's bombastic sale isn't only restricted to mattresses either, you can secure huge discounts on the Emma memory foam pillows, bed frames (handy if you want to upgrade to a new size, or want a fresh look) and more!

Brook + Wilde is trying something VERY different with its latest promotion – it's giving away a brand-new iPad to enjoy on your new mattress. Shoppers who spend over £749 can unlock a free entry-level Apple iPad (worth £319), while those who spend £1,500 will be sent a free iPad Air (worth £579), and finally, if you spend £1,999 on your new Brook + Wilde mattress, you'll also take delivery of an 11-inch iPad Pro (worth £749). That's a serious bonus. If you don't want an iPad, you can get 40% off

Sale Ends At 11.59pm Thursday May 19, 2022

Eve Sleep is offering 30% off all orders of £350 or more, which covers all of its mattresses and bed frames. If you want to completely overhaul your setup, you can secure a huge discount on a mattress, new frame, bedding, and more! Just use the code GOODY30 at checkout to secure the price drop!

British brand OTTY has slashed the price of some of its most popular mattresses by 45%. That's a considerable saving. Not only that, but you can also get a saving on the OTTY deluxe pillow and winter duvet too – perfect if you want to upgrade your entire sleep set-up!

Dreamcloud has slashed the price of all mattresses in its Luxury Hybrid range, so you can save hundreds on your new purchase. Better yet, there's another 20% off available on all bed frames too.

Below, you'll find the best mattresses on the market. We update this ranking as new options are released, so it's possible that you'll see some changes in the coming months. We've also rounded up the latest money-saving deals and discounts on these mattress models, which are typically available with free trial sleep periods and money-back guarantees so you can add a new mattress to your online shopping basket with confidence.

This second-generation design should appeal to all sleepers – thanks to its winning combination of comfortable memory foam, breathable wool for temperature regulation, and 5,000 Aerocoil springs for support. This hybrid mattress taps into the benefits of memory foam and pocket-spring designs, while cleverly swerving some of the pitfalls. The five-layer design from SIMBA Sleep ensures low motion transfer, so those with partners who toss and turn won't be bounced awake during the night. The breathable wool and pocket springs should ensure you won't get too hot during sweltering summer evenings, or too cold in the depths of winter.

But you don't need to take our word for it. SIMBA Sleep – one of the pioneering "bed in a box" brands that operate primarily online – has a generous 200 night trial period. At any point during that time, you can send back the mattress for a full refund. It also offers a number of interest-free payment plans and a 10-year guarantee.

Sizes: single, small double, double, king, superking, EU single, EU double, EU queen, kids | Mattress Depth: 28cm | Material: Hybrid | Firmness: medium-firm | Trial Period: 200 nights

The Hybrid Pro mattress packs a winning combination of luxurious memory foam, breathable wool for temperature regulation, and 5,000 Aerocoil springs for comfort. The five-layers of foam offers low motion transfer, making this Hybrid Pro mattress perfect for couples. And it's from 100% recycled materials – making it kinder on the planet than some options. A generous 200-night trial means you can thoroughly road-test SIMBA Sleep's second-generation hybrid mattress comes with a 10-year guarantee.

The Elite Mattress from Brook + Wilde is just that – elite. This hybrid model combines luxurious memory foam with 3,000 pocket springs for a dreamy mattress that is perfect for those who suffer from neck, hip or back pain. Unlike SIMBA Sleep, the Elite Mattress arrives with a removable, washable top cover. For those who tend to overheat during the night, or like to treat themselves to breakfast in bed – this is a must-have feature.

Unlike many of the other brands in this guide, Brook + Wilde lets customers tailor the firmness of the mattress during the checkout process. If you're particularly fussy about the amount of support from your mattress, the Elite is the perfect choice – with a pick of soft, medium, or firm from the eight luxurious layers.

Brook + Wilde includes a 10-year warranty with its Elite Mattress, with free delivery on all orders. And as you'd expect from a "Bed In A Box" brand, there's a 100 night trial period available with the Elite Mattress, so you can test this brilliant hybrid mattress for a few months before you decide whether to keep it or send it back.

Sizes: Single, double, king, super king | Mattress Depth: 28cm | Material: Hybrid | Firmness: soft, medium, or firm | Trial Period: 100 nights

Elite by name, elite by nature. This hybrid mattress from Brook + Wilde packs 3,000 pocket springs to create a supportive, breathable design. The top layer is luxurious memory foam, which will keep your spine in alignment. Brook + Wilde lets you remove and wash the cover, which should keep your dreamy mattress looking brand-new for years to come. There's also a 10-year guarantee, plus a 100-night trial period to make sure you're happy with the mattress before you part with your cash.

This is the first all memory foam mattress in the guide, although Nectar does allow customers to upgrade to a hybrid design for a small fee during the checkout process. There's probably no need to add 1,600 pocket springs as the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress offers even weight distribution and pressure relief. That makes this mattress a brilliant choice for heavy sleepers or those who prefer to sleep on their side.

The 25-centimetres of memory foam offers impressively low motion transfer, making this mattress a great choice for anyone who sleeps with a partner on a regular basis.

Nectar offers the most generous trial period of any brand in this guide – allowing you to sleep on the Memory Foam Mattress for an entire year before ultimately deciding to send it back for a full refund. That ludicrous trial period means you'll be able to see whether the mattress suits you during every season. Better yet, Nectar offers a "forever warranty" that lasts for the lifetime of the mattress and, for an extra fee, will responsibly take and dispose of your old mattress during the delivery of your new one.

Sizes: Single, small double, double, king, superking | Mattress Depth: 25cm | Material: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial Period: 365 nights

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is perfect for side sleepers, thanks to the five layers of supportive and cooling gel memory foam. Nectar has worked hard to ensure that its mattress is breathable – keeping you cool, even on the warmest nights. That's something that can plague poor quality memory foam mattresses. A non-slip base ensures this mattress won't slip on your bed frame and a 365 night trial should inspire confidence

If you're looking for something a little firmer and more supportive, this pocket-sprung mattress from Hotel Ambassador is a brilliant choice. It combines a mind-boggling 4,000 miniature springs with 1,000 pocket springs to provide plenty of support. Firm mattresses can be an excellent choice for those who regularly share a bed as they dramatically reduce motion transfer to limit disturbances.

Hotel Ambassador is incredibly confident about the quality of its product, offering a 15-year guarantee. That's an incredibly long time to hold onto a single mattress and shows how well-built this mattress really is.

Unfortunately, there's no ludicrously long trial period available with this mattress, so those who want to road-test their new purchase for a few months before making up their mind would be better suited with one of the mattresses above. However, Dunelm does stock the Hotel Ambassador 5000 Pocket Sprung Mattress, so you might be able to test out this model in-store, if you live close enough to a branch.

Sizes: Single, small double, double, kingsize, super kingsize | Mattress Depth: 30cm | Material: Pocket-sprung | Firmness: Firm | Trial Period: N/A

The ludicrous 15-year guarantee with the Hotel Ambassador 5000 Pocket Sprung Mattress proves just how confident the manufacturers really are – and for good reason! This soft-medium mattress packs a total of 1,000 pocket springs to reduce motion transfer and offer plenty of support and comfort.

For those on a tight budget, Emma offers supreme value for money. The "Bed In A Box" company is always offering ludicrous discounts on its best-selling memory foam mattresses, so you'll be able to pick up a bargain. The Emma Original Mattress uses three layers of pressure-relieving foam to ensure support and spinal alignment.

Emma has worked hard to avoid one of the potential pitfalls of memory foam – overheating. It has incorporated an open-pored design that enables better airflow through the layers to stay cool in summer. And if you do get a little sweaty, the cover is designed to moisture wicking to ensure the mattress lasts longer. That cover is easy to remove and wash too, which boosts the longevity too.

Emma makes buying a mattress online a breeze too, thanks to the free delivery and generous 200 night trial. So, you'll be able to test the Emma Original Mattress during winter and summer months before deciding whether you want to hold onto it forever. All Emma-branded mattresses ship with a 10-year manufacturer warranty too.

Sizes: Single, small double, double, king, superking | Mattress Depth: 25cm | Material: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial Period: 200 nights

Emma's hugely popular Original Mattress is a great choice. The memory foam design offers low motion transfer, so you won't need to worry about movements from your partner causing any disturbances on your side of the bed. It ships in a box for easy delivery and comes with a generous 200 night trial period, so you can really test this mattress before making your mind up!

Based in Leeds, British "Bed In A Box" brand OTTY has an impressive collection of awards, thanks to its Original Hybrid mattress. OTTY combines thousands of encapsulated pocket springs with its unique Cool Blue Gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to keep sleepers at the optimum temperature – whether that's in the depths of winter, or on the hottest night of the year.

Supportive and cooling, OTTY offers some stellar discounts and deals on its mattresses making them considerably cheaper than some of the hybrid models in this guide. That could make it the perfect choice for you.

OTTY offers a 10-year warranty on its mattresses, which is longer than most sleep experts recommend keeping the same mattress. There's also a 100 night trial, so you can put the pocket springs and cooling foam to the test in winter and summer before you decide to commit to the Original Hybrid Mattress.

Sizes: Single, small double, double, king, superking, EU single, EU double, EU king, emperor | Mattress Depth: 16cm | Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial Period: 100 nights

The OTTY Original Hybrid Mattress uses a trademark Cool Blue Gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to keep sleepers at the optimum temperature – in the depths of winter and sweltering summer nights. OTTY combines that foam with thousands of pocket springs for stability and comfort. If you're unsure, there's a 100-night trial for you to test this out in your own home. And when you decide to keep the mattress, there's a 10-year warranty for peace of mind

If you want the ultimate mattress from SIMBA, this is it. The Hybrid Luxe uses a heavenly combination of pocket springs and memory foam to give a supportive sleeping surface. Memory foam offers low motion transfer, which means that movement in one area of the mattress is unlikely to cause the entire surface to move. That makes the Hybrid Luxe ideal for anyone who shares a mattress with someone else.

SIMBA has used 100% recycled materials for its Hybrid Luxe, which means this mattress has a smaller impact on the planet than some rivals. That extends to the delivery too, which SIMBA says is carbon neutral. The British brand will remove an old mattress and dispose of it responsibly too, which saves you a trip to the dump.

For those worried about overheating, SIMBA has added a breathable, bamboo infused wool layer to control moisture and temperature. Unfortunately, that cover is not removable.

SIMBA is so confident in its stellar mattress that it offers a ludicrous 200 night trial. At any point during that period, you can return the mattress for a full refund. There's also a 10-year warranty, so you can be confident this top-tier hybrid mattress will last you.

Sizes: single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU queen, kids | Mattress Depth: 31cm | Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial Period: 200 nights

This is the most advanced hybrid mattress available from SIMBA, with a ludicrous ten layers to ensure low motion transfer and plenty of comfort. The base is made from a carbon steel Aerocoil spring layer designed to provide maximum support, while the top layer is breathable bamboo-infused wool to keep your temperature low – even during sweltering summer nights. And it's from 100% recycled materials – making it kinder on the planet than some options.

Emma's Premium Mattress combines 300 pocket springs and memory foam to create a supportive mattress for almost all sleeping styles. Emma has designed seven zones of ergonomic support to cushion pressure points, especially when sleeping on your side, and ensure that your spine is aligned at all times.

Emma includes a detachable cover that can be washed at 40º on a regular basis to boost the longevity of your mattress. According to the company, the layers of memory foam will eliminate all motion transfer, so you can bounce on the bed and have a bowl of cereal on the other side – and not spill anything.

Like the Emma Original Mattress, the Premium model includes the open-pored foam design to promote airflow – regulating your temperature in winter and summer.

As we've come to expect from "Bed In A Box" brands, Emma offers a generous 200 night trial. At any point during that period, you can return the mattress for a full refund. There's also a number of interest-free finance options for new customers and a 10-year warranty.

Sizes: Single, small double, double, king, superking | Mattress Depth: 25cm | Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial Period: 200 nights

This one is a step-up from the excellent Original Mattress from Emma, although that does make it a little pricier – which might mean it's not right for everyone. Emma combines 300 individually housed pocket springs with supportive memory foam to cater to all sleeping styles. A detachable cover that can be washed at 40º on a regular basis to boost the longevity of your mattress. There's also a generous 200-night trial to thoroughly test your new mattress, and there's a 10-year warranty on all Emm

Eve Sleep is an incredibly popular "Bed In A Box" brand – and for good reason. Its Original Mattress boasts three layers of memory foam to offer plenty of support and comfort. The top layer is made from a moisture-wicking material designed to prevent you from getting too hot and sweaty. That's useful for those who sleep with a partner on a regular basis too.

There's an anti-slip coating applied to the base that will keep your mattress in place, which is really helpful for those who have a low-profile podium-style bed frame or place their mattress directly on the floor.

Eve Sleep offers a ludicrous one-year trial period, so you'll have plenty of time to judge whether this memory foam mattress is the right fit for you. Eve Sleep also has a number of interest-free payment plans available, so even if you don't have the full amount available right now, this could be the right choice for you.

Sizes: single, small double, double, king, super king | Mattress Depth: 24cm | Material: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial Period: 365 nights 

You're probably familiar with Eve's trademark bright yellow mattresses – but did you know they offer a ludicrous 365-night trial period, so you can test out your new mattress in every season before making up your mind whether to keep your new purchase? The Original offers a high quality, supportive memory foam mattress that packs three separate layers to counter and support your body and keep your spine aligned

Thinking of buying a new mattress, but unsure whether it's the right time? Unless your current mattress has been damaged, there's no reason to buy a new mattress if the one you're sleeping on is less than five years old. In fact, most sleep experts agree that you should upgrade to a new mattress every six to eight years.

Of course, this is a general rule of thumb and there are some other indicators to keep an eye out for if you think it might be time to upgrade. These include a dip in your sleep quality, finding it tough to share the bed with your partner, noisy springs, and regularly waking up with muscle pain, joint pain, or stiffness.

If your current mattress doesn't have a detachable cover, you might notice some staining, or wear and tear to the cover. That could indicate that you should upgrade to a new mattress.

If you’re unsure, medium-firm is a good bet as it suits most people. If you are a heavier person, it is advised to avoid soft mattresses as they are unlikely to provide sufficient support. If your body sinks too deeply into the mattress, your spine might not be aligned, which could lead to soreness or stiffness in the morning.

Conversely, lighter people should steer away from overly firm mattresses as they may cause pain in the hip and shoulders. These pressure points need to be cushioned – especially if you sleep on your side – so you'll need a mattress that's soft enough that your shoulders and hips can sink into the top layer of foam.

In order to avoid any time-consuming mishaps, make sure to measure your existing bed frame (or add a new one to your online shopping basket as part of the checkout process) so you're sure that you’re ordering the correct size mattress. With so many different size variations, including ones that sound similar like small double and double, it can be all too easy to order the wrong one.

If you're ordering a new mattress for an IKEA bed frame, be warned that the Swedish manufacturer uses EU sizing for its mattress so a standard UK single, double, or King will be too short. Thankfully, a number of the brands included in this guide offer UK and EU mattress sizes during the checkout process. Again, just make sure to measure twice before you place your order – although, if you do get it wrong, most of the "Bed In A Box" mattress brands featured in this article offer hassle-free returns.

Hybrid mattresses use a heavenly combination of memory foam and springs to give you a supportive yet adaptable sleeping surface, which is perfect for those who need mattresses with a bit of give. The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress is a top choice for side sleepers as it is made up of ten indulgent layers that guarantee support, pressure relief, and the ultimate comfort.

Sale Ends At 11.59pm Tuesday May 17, 2022

For a limited time, you can unlock a generous 45% discount from Nectar Mattresses – saving more than £650 on the most popular memory foam mattresses! Even better, the discount code offers free named day delivery, so you can pick the best time for you. There are also savings to be had on bed frames, bedding, and more

Sale Ends At 11.59pm Tuesday May 17, 2022

The price of mattresses varies greatly depending on what you’re looking for and the size you’re after. If you’re looking for a top-tier super king mattress, you could be looking at well over £1,500, but if you’re only looking for a smaller, budget-friendly single mattress you can find some closer to the £150 mark.

There are frequently deals running for many of the UK’s top mattress brands, the best of which we have highlighted in this comprehensive best mattress guide – so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a sale if you’re on the market.

While a few years ago, the easiest way to find (and buy) the best mattress for you would've been to head in-store, lie on a dozen samples in your clothes for a few minutes, then decide which feels best – things have really moved on. While buying a mattress online might seem counterintuitive, the best brands on the market have developed sure-fire ways to ensure you end up with the best mattress for you.

With the extra-long sleep trials on offer – some of the companies in this guide allow most brands offer these days, you'll be able to test your new mattress for up to a year before you decide if it's the right one. Many brands also offer free mattress disposal of your old mattress, so there's one less thing to worry about.

Shopping online also makes it far easier to compare the prices and features of different mattresses, so you can be sure you find the best possible deal.

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