Best Mattress Brands 2023: How to Select Best Mattress

Are you looking for the best mattress in the UK? We've reviewed the best memory foam, pocket sprung, and hybrid mattresses available.

Best Mattress Brands 2023: How to Select Best Mattress
Best Mattress Brands 2023

Have you decided it's time to invest in one of the best mattresses of 2023? We're here to assist you. We tested a variety of mattresses to find the ones that will provide the most comfortable and supportive sleep.

This definitive best UK mattress ranking will assist you in finding the ideal option, regardless of your sleeping style, preferences, or budget. We're well into autumn and the colder temperatures, but that doesn't mean we want a mattress that's too hot. Rest assured, we've considered mattress heating and cooling properties in this guide - no one wants to wake up sweaty or bundled up under one of the best duvets to keep out the chill.

If you're dealing with an old, worn-out mattress, you'll notice that the process of purchasing a new one has evolved significantly over the years. While you can still go to a big out-of-town store and bounce up and down on a few likely-looking options, the majority of mattress shopping now takes place online (what a surprise). You can select the model that best suits you, have it delivered, and in most cases, try it out for an extended period of time (usually at least 100 nights, sometimes up to a full year), with the option to return it if it does not suit you.

Also Read: Best Dishwashers | Best Dishwasher in India 2023 With Price

Ideally, you'll get the perfect fit the first time and avoid the hassle of returning and re-buying, which is why we've compiled this list to take the guesswork out of the process. The luxurious Simba Hybrid Pro, which combines springs and foams and delivers sumptuous comfort and impressive cooling properties, is our top-rated mattress. If you want to avoid springs entirely, check out the Emma Original; it's extremely comfortable and affordable. If neither of those appeals to you, we have plenty of other options for you to consider.

Due to the fierce competition in the mattress industry, large discounts are common (read: you can basically ignore that RRP). The price widget included with each entry on our list will automatically pull in the lowest price for each model, but you can also visit our best cheap mattress deals page for a rundown of where to find the best bargains right now.

BEST MATTRESS 2023 RANKING

1. SIMBA HYBRID PRO

This high-end hybrid is the best mattress overall – and a two-year T3 Award winner

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
Depth: 28cm
Turn: no (rotate)
Filling: springs and foams
Comfort: medium
Trial : 200 nights
Guarantee: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
Good temperature regulation
+
The top layer delivers cloud-like softness
+
Excellent support

REASONS TO AVOID

-
The top cover is not removable

The Simba Hybrid Pro is a high-end offering from Simba that provides exceptional comfort. It's pricey, but it's the best premium mattress we've seen - in fact, it's won the Best Mattress Award for two years in a row, in 2022 and 2023.

A dreamily soft top layer, a natural wool layer to help regulate temperature, and two layers of springs are among the seven specially engineered layers. The top layer of softness provides something to sink into as you lay down, but only slightly before you reach the supportive layers beneath, which provide a reassuring level of firmness.

These firmer lower layers make it easy to move around on, and the motion isolation and edge support are also satisfactory. Many memory foam mattresses trap heat, but our tester was very impressed with the temperature regulation on the Simba Hybrid Pro in our Simba Hybrid Pro. The only drawback to the design is the lack of a removable cover, which is something we'd normally expect at this price point.

The Simba Hybrid Pro has a firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10, putting it at the softer end of medium. If you prefer something firmer, consider the Brook + Wilde Elite in Firm (number three on this list) or the Eve Premium Hybrid (our Eve Premium Hybrid vs Simba Hybrid Pro breaks down the differences between those two).

The Hybrid Pro is at the higher end of the market, but Simba mattress deals are common, so you shouldn't have to pay full price. If you like the sound of a Simba but can't afford this one, we also recommend the less expensive, less advanced Simba Hybrid Original.

2. EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

The best memory foam-only mattress

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: UK, 5 (single-super king); EU, 3 (single-king)
Depth: 25cm
Turn: no
Filling: memory foam
Comfort: medium-firm
Trial: 365 nights
Guarantee: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
Exceptionally comfy
+
Loads of awards
+
Suitable for lots of sleeping styles
+
Removable and machine washable cover

REASONS TO AVOID

-
It Traps body heat a bit
-
Too soft for some preferences

The comfortable, versatile Emma Original ranks near the top of our best memory foam mattress ranking, receiving four stars in our Emma mattress. This medium-firm mattress has a simple but effective design. Airgocell foam on top (to gently mold your body), viscoelastic memory foam in the middle (for pressure relief and support), and a firm HRX foam foundation.

The cover has a temperature-regulating top and a breathable non-slip bottom, as well as rotating handles (you don't have to flip it). It's also removable and machine-washable. This mattress's price varies, but with regular Emma promo codes and deals, it's usually one of the most affordable options available.

There are a couple of drawbacks to be aware of. The first is that the Emma Original tends to trap heat, so if you sleep hot, a hybrid model with springs might be a better choice. Second, it's a bit softer. If you require additional support, we recommend the Nectar memory foam mattress (number 8) or the Otty Pure mattress (number 5).

3. BROOK + WILDE ELITE

An outstanding luxury hybrid mattress

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: 4 (single-super king)
Depth: 28cm
Turn: no
Filling: foam and pocket springs
Comfort: Soft, medium, or firm
Trial: 100 nights
Guarantee: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
Choose your firmness
+
Luxurious feel
+
Great value with discount code

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Longer delivery times

Brook + Wilde may not be one of the most well-known mattress brand names, but it certainly deserves to be. Have you ever been excited about a new mattress only to discover that the firmness level is incorrect for you? That's not an issue with the Brooke + Wilde Elite; this luxurious premium mattress comes in three firmness levels, ranging from soft to firm, so you can find the perfect fit. If you make a mistake, you can exchange the firmness layer for free (we spoke with a non-press customer who did this, and they confirmed the process was simple and stress-free).

It has eight layers designed to provide maximum comfort and support, including two layers of pocket springs separated by a layer of specialist support foam to aid spinal alignment. We were so impressed with it in the tests that we gave it five stars in our Brook + Wilde Elite mattress, saying that "in terms of comfort and quality, we'd struggle to fault it; it's supremely comfortable, won't overheat, and provides a nice amount of buoyancy and bounce."

Each Brook + Wilde Elite mattress is made to order, which means it will take longer than other mattresses to arrive - expect to wait around three weeks - but when it does, Brooke + Wilde will set it up in the room of your choice. This looks and feels like a luxurious mattress, and it is if you pay full price, but the good news is that there is almost always an offer to take advantage of - head to our Brook + Wilde mattress deals page for the best current prices.

Check out the Brook + Wilde Lux if you like the idea of interchangeable firmness levels but need something a little less expensive. You could also check out our Simba vs. Brook + Wilde matchup to see how it stacks up against our current leader.

4. PANDA LONDON HYBRID BAMBOO MATTRESS

The best eco-friendly hybrid mattress

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: UK Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King & Emperor
Filling: Bamboo, foam, springs
Comfort: Firm
Trial: 100 nights
Guarantee: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
Very supportive
+
Excellent edge support
+
Sustainable vegan materials

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Too firm for some

The Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress, Panda London's first and only mattress, is an eco-friendly firm and comfortable offering made of premium bamboo materials. Bamboo is strong yet silky soft, so it will last a long time. Panda's bamboo-infused foam acts like memory foam, conforming to the body, cradling it, and aligning the spine while you sleep.

Panda London distinguishes itself from the competition by being environmentally friendly and sustainable. All organic bamboo used in its products is sourced from approved forests, grown without pesticides, and vegan friendly. Panda reduces its environmental impact at every stage of the product's lifecycle, and the mattress's foam can be recycled completely.

5. OTTY PURE BAMBOO AND CHARCOAL MATTRESS

A superbly supportive foam mattress, with innovative materials

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: Single - Super King; EU sizes
Depth: 25cm
Filling: springs, bamboo memory foam with charcoal
Firmness: 6.5 (we'd rate it 7.5 though)
Trial: 100 nights
Guarantee: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
Pioneering bamboo foam
+
Very supportive
+
Feels luxurious

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Edge support could be better

The OTTY Pure mattress takes some risky materials. Instead of traditional memory foam, this one is made from bamboo and infused with charcoal; both materials were chosen for their temperature-regulating, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic properties. It's difficult to judge those things while sleeping on it, but thankfully it also shines in terms of comfort.

Our tester found this mattress to be extremely supportive, with good temperature regulation and high build quality. OTTY says it's a 6.5 on the firmness scale, but we think it's closer to a 7.5. When you press your hand against the surface, it feels plush and soft, but lying down, there's great overall support, including underneath your hips. You'll also sink in slightly, but this is a mattress you sleep 'on' rather than 'in.' The layer of generous 16cm springs is there for support rather than bounce.

The bamboo and charcoal come at a cost, so if this mattress is out of your price range, consider the OTTY Hybrid Original, which we also liked. Alternatively, you can wait for an Otty coupon code to bring the price down. If you prefer the feel of more traditional memory foam, consider the Emma Original or Eve Original.

6. EMMA PREMIUM MATTRESS

This hybrid delivers superb support

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: Single, Double, King, Super king
Depth: 25cm
Filling: springs and foam
Comfort: Medium-firm
Trial: 200 nights
Guarantee: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
Ridiculously comfy
+
Very supportive in all positions
+
Washable cover

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Sleeps slightly warm
-
Takes a week or so to 'break in'

The Premium is Emma's high-end offering, and it incorporates many of the features of the ultra-comfortable original while expanding on them to create something more luxurious. The main structural difference is the addition of tall springs, which make this model firmer than the Original while also promoting airflow through the mattress, making it sleep cooler (if we're being picky, it still traps heat a little bit).

Our tester noticed no sinking feeling (another significant difference from the Original), but rather a firmly bouncy sleep surface. It took about a week to break in, but it was both dreamily comfortable and extremely supportive after that. The delivery went smoothly, and you have the peace of mind of a 200-night trial and a 10-year guarantee. We'd recommend ignoring the (quite high) RRP, as there's almost always a good Emma mattress deal available to bring the price right down.

7. EVE ORIGINAL HYBRID

The best budget-friendly hybrid mattress

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: UK Single, Double, King, and Super King
Filling: springs, foam, memory foam
Depth: 25cm
Comfort: medium-firm
Trial: 365 nights
Guarantee: 10 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
Cushiony medium firm feel
+
Good level of support
+
Great temperature regulation

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Edge support could be improved
-
Delivery only to your door

While there are many premium hybrid mattresses on the market, you may not want to spend that much money on a new mattress. The Eve Original Hybrid is the result. This mattress, which sits in the middle of this brand's lineup, combines layers of different foams and springs to great effect. The medium-firm feel was dreamily comfortable to sleep on, with excellent all-around support.

We were also impressed with the temperature regulation of the foam, as with all Eve mattresses - no overnight overheating here. It's on the thin side for a hybrid at 25cm thick, which you might appreciate given Eve will only take it as far as the front door of your building (our tester struggled to get their Super King box up the stairs and into place).

Eve mattress discounts are available on a regular basis, bringing the price down to a very competitive mid-range level (although this brand tends to only discount one or two of its mattresses at any one time, so you might need to hang about for this one to get the price drop). If you don't require springs, there is a foam-only version of this mattress available for a lower price. If you're really tight on cash, we also recommend the Eve Lighter mattress, which is a steal.

Eve Sleep went into administration in October 2022, so mattresses and other Eve Sleep products may no longer be available in the near future. Third-party retailers such as Amazon, on the other hand, may still have Eve mattresses for sale, so it's best to look there for any Eve mattress deals.

8. DREAMCLOUD LUXURY HYBRID

A sumptuous luxury hybrid with strong cooling properties

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: Single - super king
Depth: 28cm
Turn: No
Filling: springs/memory foam
Comfort: 7 (medium-firm)
Trial: 365 days
Guarantee: Forever

REASONS TO BUY

+
Looks and feels high-end
+
Great temperature regulation
+
The top layer is dreamily soft

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Edge support could be better

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid looks and feels like a high-end mattress, but it's often available at a lower price than you'd expect. This one, like the Simba Hybrid Pro, defies our 'firmness' scale by combining a super-soft and cushiony top layer with a firmer lower layer to provide the support you need to keep your back happy in the long run. It provides excellent temperature regulation, though we believe the edge support could be slightly improved. Our tester found it most comfortable when lying on their back, but it's also suitable for side sleepers.

When it comes to extras, the brand shines. You get an industry-leading one-year trial period and a lifetime guarantee. DreamCloud is also a carbon-neutral company, and it will donate its old and returned mattresses to the British Heart Foundation to find new homes for them.

9. NECTAR MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS

Another excellent memory foam mattress

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: Single - super king
Depth: 25cm
Turn: No
Filling: foam/memory foam
Comfort: medium/firm
Trial: 365 nights
Guarantee: Forever

REASONS TO BUY

+
Super supportive
+
Top layer gently cradles the body
+
Excellent trial period and warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

-
Too firm for some
-
Questionable temperature regulation

The Nectar mattress, another foam-only model, feels comfortable from the moment it is removed from its minimal packaging and provides a medium-to-firm support level that is suitable for any type of bed and all types of sleepers. The top layer has some give and neatly molds around the body, while a supporting base layer adds the necessary firmness for a restful night's sleep. While we're not sure if the adaptive cooling cover top layer actually draws heat away from the body, it certainly feels cooler than many memory foam options. When the mattress was first delivered, our tester noticed some off-gassing, but this quickly subsided.

Nectar is priced in the middle of the market, and there are always Nectar coupons and deals to help you save. In fact, we've never seen this mattress sell for full price, so those RRP figures should be taken with a grain of salt. When it comes to extras, Nectar is a front-runner. It was the first to offer a full 365-night trial (a few brands have since followed suit), and you also get a lifetime warranty with your new mattress.

This mattress' obvious competitor in the mid-range memory foam-only segment is Emma - see our Emma Original vs Nectar mattress comparison. Eve is also worth considering, with foam-only options available at a variety of price points.

10. REM-FIT 500 ORTHO MATTRESS

This orthopedic mattress is built to tackle back and joint pain

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: Single - super king
Depth: 25cm
Flip: No
Filling: pocket spring/foam
Comfort: firm
Guarantee: 15 years

REASONS TO BUY

+
 Orthopaedic support 
+
 Comfortable cushioning 
+
 Good temperature regulation 

REASONS TO AVOID

-
 May be too firm for some 

If you frequently wake up with back and joint pain, the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Mattress could be the answer. It's a hybrid mattress with 2,000 orthopedic pocket springs and five layers of cushioning, and supportive foam. It's extremely firm. For firmness, we gave it an 8 out of 10. (with 10 being the firmest). It took our tester a few nights to get used to our REM-Fit 500 Ortho mattress, but once we did, we were blown away by how comfortable it is.

The REM-Fit 500 Ortho is incredibly supportive, thanks to a Mediflex foam layer that conforms to the shape of your body to keep your spine in 'correct' alignment and those orthopedic springs that provide upper and lower back support. Luxury memory foam also provides the ideal amount of cushioning for pressure points such as your shoulders, hips, and knees.

Even during a heatwave, we discovered that the temperature regulation properties worked extremely well. While the REM-Fit 500 Ortho isn't the cheapest mattress on the market, we believe it's one of the best mattresses for aches and pains at night. It's also an excellent choice for couples due to its low-motion transfer and excellent edge support (so you can sleep right up to the edges without them buckling).

WHAT'S THE COMFIEST MATTRESS IN THE UK FOR 2023?

Memory foam vs springs is an important factor to consider when making your decision; both have advantages and disadvantages, but if you've decided the former is best for you, we have a separate guide to the best memory foam mattresses. For our money, we'd go with a hybrid that combines the two, but that's just us.

How often should you replace your mattress? More frequently than you might think: most experts recommend upgrading every 6-8 years under normal conditions. It is an investment, but it is one worth making if you can afford it. According to studies (opens in new tab), newer mattresses can significantly improve your sleep quality and reduce aches and pains. Even if you clean your mattress on a regular basis, sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites can quickly accumulate to alarming levels. You can help by using one of the best mattress protectors and washing it on a regular basis.

If you're unsure about mattress sizing, consult our mattress size guide (with info on the sheets and bedding you need, too). These are adult-only options;

WHICH IS THE BEST TYPE OF MATTRESS?

There are several mattress types available on the market right now. As you begin your search for the best mattress, you'll come across a number of terms - the distinction isn't difficult, but it's useful to understand what each term means before you start shopping. Memory foam, pocket-sprung, and hybrid mattresses are the three most common mattress types. Visit our memory foam vs spring mattress comparison for more information.

Memory foam

This type of mattress has become increasingly popular in recent years. Memory foam is a responsive material that moulds gently around your body as you lie on it in response to your temperature and weight. Memory foam mattresses provide excellent support and comfort and are currently the most popular mattress type, with most major brands offering their own versions of this material.

One potential disadvantage is that memory foam traps body heat in ways that springs do not. So, in the winter, you'll have a lovely warm bed, but in the summer, you might find yourself getting a little warmer than usual - which can be an issue if you sleep hot. To counteract this, many brands have introduced cooling top layers. More information is available in our memory foam mattress buying guide.

Pocket sprung

Pocket-sprung mattresses are more traditional. Thousands of small springs are nestled within the fabric pockets of these mattresses. Although they will conform to your body shape, they are not as supportive as memory foam and may provide less movement isolation (which is a problem if you share a bed with a restless partner). They provide a more bouncy sleeping surface; you won't sink into a pocket-sprung mattress the same way you would a memory foam mattress.

Hybrid

The term "hybrid" can technically refer to any mattress made of different materials, but it most commonly refers to a mattress that combines layers of pocket springs and memory foam. This composition provides more bounce than memory foam-only mattresses while also providing the added support and comfort of a memory foam upper.

You may come across a few more terms in your search. These mattress types are a little more uncommon, but they are still worth knowing about.

Latex: A breathable, springy material that is extremely tough and resilient. It can be costly.

Continuous and coil: Made from a single looped wire or single springs connected by a single wire. These are less expensive and less likely to provide a good night's sleep.

Bed in a box: This is a method of delivery in which mattresses are compressed, rolled, or folded into a box for easy home delivery. They are typically made of foam or a memory foam and spring combination.

Before you begin shopping, one more piece of advice: don't place too much emphasis on the mattress type. Personal factors such as your height, weight, body shape, sleeping style, and temperature are far more likely to influence how comfortable a mattress is for you. All of our recommendations in our best mattress 2023 guide above have been designed to provide exceptional support and comfort for the majority of people - regardless of material.

TIPS ON CHECKING IF A MATTRESS IS SUITABLE FOR YOU

Make sure the mattress is the appropriate size before purchasing. Like your bed, your mattress should be 10 cm longer than the tallest person using it. It should also be big enough for you and your partner to put their hands under their heads without their elbows touching (or if you're not sharing, without their elbows touching the edge of the mattress).

Do the hand test next: lying down on your back, place your hand under the small of your back. If you can't, the mattress is too soft; if the gap is too large, the mattress is too hard. And if you have a partner, make sure they try it as well: what feels fine on your own may feel like a bouncy castle with someone else on board.

Finally, check to see if a mattress needs to be turned. Many don't these days, but if you're looking for one, make sure it has handles.

HOW DO WE TEST MATTRESSES BY SLEEPING

Before writing up our reviews, we test mattresses by sleeping on them for at least a month. Wherever possible, we'll also update our reviews after a year or more to reflect any observations on the functionality and longevity of the mattress.

We concentrate on the design, comfort, and functionality of the mattress during the testing period. In terms of design, we'll consider the mattress' construction quality, the materials used, and whether it looks and feels high-quality. We'll also consider any additional features, such as zip-off top covers or handles to make moving the mattress around easier.

We'll consider how it feels to sleep in a variety of positions for comfort. Does it offer enough support for the hips and spine? Is it soft enough that if you lie on your side, you won't wake up with any achy shoulders? Does it retain body heat, causing you to wake up in the summer drenched in sweat?

Additionally, edge support (i.e., whether you can sit or lie close to the edge of the mattress without feeling like you're going to roll off) and motion transfer will be discussed (i.e. if someone else is in the bed with you, to what degree you feel their movements).

Finally, we'll look at the extras that the business provides. What is the delivery procedure? Is the trial period fair? How does the guarantee stand? All these factors are compared to the price with a typical discount factored in because mattress deals are frequently offered. This gives consumers an overall idea of whether the mattress is a good buy for the price.