🎉 NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH 🎉

Introducing the new Wunderflip Mattresses by Eve Sleep.

These mattresses allow you to switch between a medium and firm feel easily. Find out more today. 

Memory Foam Mattresses

Best Memory Foam Mattresses UK (2024)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 16 Min.

Memory foam was originally developed by NASA for space travel. 🚀

Luckily, you don't need to be an astronaut to experience the out-of-this-world sensation memory foam provides.

Many modern-day mattresses are made of memory foam - and we'll share some of the very best memory foam mattresses available in the UK right here. 🇬🇧

We'll even give you an overview of all the cool things memory foam can do for you!

So let's get straight to it. 👇

Best memory foam mattresses

Our top UK memory foam mattress recommendations

Best For Side Sleepers

Simba Simbatex Foam

The Simbatex Foam mattress is an advanced all-foam mattress.
  • Simbatex foam
  • Medium-firm
  • 25 cm (10 inches)

Tell me more about the Simbatex Foam mattress

The Simbatex Foam mattress features three foam layers, including a Simbatex foam comfort layer, a Simba response foam layer and a high-density zoned foam base.

The Simbatex foam layer is particularly impressive, contouring to your body and reducing pressure on your shoulders and hips.

In the side position, you'll experience optimal spine and neck alignment as the response foam and zoned base layer help the body stay supported. 

Due to the cooling graphite infused in the foam, which helps to absorb extra heat, the Simbatex Foam mattress is one of the coolest all-foam mattresses we've tested.

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period 

10-year guarantee

Great for side & back sleepers 

Reasons to avoid

The cover is not washable 

Too soft for heavier weights

Value For Money

Emma Original Plus

The Emma Original is an award-winning memory foam mattress.
  • Memory foam & HRX cold foam
  • 25 cm (9.8 inches)
  • Medium-firm 

Tell me more about the Emma Original

The Emma Original is a best-selling memory foam mattress and one of the UK's number-one mattresses. 

It is made up of three different layers of foam, including pressure-relieving memory foam.

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

The Emma 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 

10-year guarantee

Machine-washable cover

Reasons to avoid

Too warm for some sleepers

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Great For Couples

Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress

The Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress is a softer mattress with three foam layers.
  • 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 

15-year guarantee 

Great motion isolation

Reasons to avoid

Feels quite warm to sleep on

The cover is difficult to remove 

+ EXTRA 5% OFF HYPNIA
HUNT5Click to copy code

63% OFF HYPNIA SUPREME MEMORY MATTRESS

Best Trial Period

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

The Nectar is a luxurious memory foam mattress suitable for most people and sleeping positions.
  • 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

Exceptional comfort for average-weight & lighter sleepers

Free 3-day shipping 

Reasons to avoid

The cover is not washable 

May be too warm for hot sleepers 

Great For Allergies

Eve Wunderflip Memory Foam

The Wunderflip Memory Foam mattress is made with 3 layers of cushiony foam.
  • Memory foam 
  • Firm/extra firm 
  • 24 cm (9.44 inches)

Tell me more about the Wunderflip Memory Foam Mattress

The Eve Wunderflip 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 

10-year guarantee

Adaptable firm & extra firm side 

Reasons to avoid

The cover is not washable 

It may be too firm for some sleepers 

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

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 first designed it as a pressure-absorbing material to cushion astronauts' seats and absorb impact during space travel. 🚀

Nectar Memory foam mattress
Memory foam is a pressure-absorbing material

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 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.👇

Nectar mattress Memory foam

Hand on memory foam

Memory foam imprint

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.

+ EXTRA 5% OFF HYPNIA
HUNT5Click to copy code

65% OFF HYPNIA SUPREME HYBRID

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.

45% OFF ERGOFLEX
SAVE45Click to copy code

45% OFF ERGOFLEX £ 424

Bed-in-a-box mattresses

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:
  • All body types and sleeping positions.
  • Calm sleepers.
  • People who easily feel cold at night.
  • People with orthopaedic concerns.
  • Couples.
  • Allergy sufferers.
  • People who easily feel hot or heavy sweaters.
  • Very restless sleepers.

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 for calmer sleepers

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 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.

BUY ECO COMFORT POCKET£ 429

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.

Don't forget to always pair your mattress with a great pillow to prevent neck, shoulder, and upper back pains. We recommend some of our favourites in our article on the best pillows.

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 mattress Motion isolation
Memory foam has very low motion transfer

Memory foam is a hypoallergenic choice

Memory foam mattresses are usually hypoallergenic 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:

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.

25% OFF SIMBA HYBRID LUXE

Different mattress materials

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.

20% OFF NECTAR MATTRESS

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.

Firmness according to sleeping position

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.👇

Optimal spinal alignment
Softer foams allow your body to sink where required

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.

Back sleeper on a nectar memory foam mattress
Back sleepers need a slightly firmer mattress

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:

20% OFF NECTAR MATTRESS

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.

Risk-free trial period

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.👌

UK mattress sizes

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.

Nectar Memory foam mattress edge support
Many memory foam mattresses have poor edge support

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.

Memory foam mattress cost

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.

Box springs

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:

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:

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.
Side sleeper
Side sleepers need a pillow to fill the space between the neck and mattress

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:

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.

BUY ECO COMFORT POCKET£ 429

Eve Premium Pocket sprung mattress
We 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.

Cold foam mattresses
Cold foam is very supportive

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.

BUY JUST BLISS GEL HYBRID£ 469

Gel foam mattress
Gel foam is very breathable

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.

BUY POCKET LATEX 2000£ 709

latex foam mattress

latex foam composition

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.

25% OFF SIMBA HYBRID

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • 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!

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • References

Nicky

Nicky Peters

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with BA, BA(Hons), and MA 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.

Was this article helpful?
Please fill out
Yes
No

Great! Do you have any questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

What would have made it better?

Why trust us?

We understand the importance of trust and reliability when it comes to product reviews - but why trust us?

  • Dedicated testing facility: We've tested over 180 products globally and now operate our own testing facility equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to analyse product performance.
  • Approved by sleep experts: We collaborate with international sleep experts who train our team, review our articles, and provide invaluable insights on sleep health.
  • Industry connections: We maintain close relationships with manufacturers and brands, giving us a head start in the latest trends, upcoming products, and the technology that drives them.
  • European market leader: We are proud to be the #1 review site in Europe, part of an expansive network that continues to grow across the globe.

With millions of visitors each year, our global reach isn't just about numbers - it's about making better choices more accessible to everyone.

>180 products tested

>19,836 hours of research

>6 million people trust us

7 experts

#1 on the European market

Our favourite discounts:
You may also be interested in:

    Yes, please!
    No, thank you. Take me to the UK site.

    We have an affiliate relationship with some manufacturers, where we receive a commission on sales if you click over from our site. This does not affect the purchasing price. In contrast: By using our discount codes, you'll get the best deal possible.