The Best Mattress for You: A UK Guide
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There's no single best mattress for everyone, but there is a best mattress for you. It comes down to how you sleep, how firm you like it, whether you share your bed and what you want to spend. This guide matches each type of sleeper to the mattresses that suit them, so you can shortlist with confidence.
The best mattress in the UK is the one that suits your sleep position. Side sleepers usually do best on soft to medium memory foam or latex, back sleepers on medium-firm to firm hybrid or pocket sprung, and stomach sleepers on a firm mattress. Couples often prefer pocket sprung or hybrid to reduce disturbance.
The best mattress for side sleepers
When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips carry most of your weight. A soft to medium mattress lets them sink in slightly, so your spine stays straight. Memory foam and latex are both good choices, because they mould to your shape and cushion those pressure points.
The best mattress for back sleepers
Back sleepers need support that keeps the lower back from arching or dipping. A medium-firm to firm mattress usually works best, and hybrid or pocket sprung designs balance that support with a little comfort on top.
The best mattress for stomach sleepers
Sleeping on your front can strain your neck and lower back if your hips sink too far, so stomach sleepers need firmer support to keep the body level. A firm mattress is usually the best fit. The Maxitex Orthopaedic Mattress, rated 6, Firm, is a popular firm choice with our customers, pairing a spring unit with orthopaedic foam and felt layers. You'll find more options in our firm mattresses range.
The best mattress for couples
If one of you tosses and turns, look for a mattress that keeps movement on their side of the bed. Pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses use individually wrapped springs that move on their own, so you're less likely to feel it. More space helps too, so it's worth thinking about a king or super king.
The best mattress for back pain
There's no single mattress that suits every back, but the right one keeps your spine in a natural line in the position you sleep in. Many people find a medium-firm to firm mattress more comfortable, because it stops the hips and lower back sinking too far. If you prefer a firmer feel, the Maxitex Orthopaedic (rated 6, Firm) and the Maxitex Nirvana (rated 5, Medium Firm) are both popular with our customers. Our guide to the best mattresses for back pain goes into more detail. If your back pain is ongoing or getting worse, speak to your GP or a physiotherapist before you choose.
The best mattress if you sleep hot
If you often wake up too warm, choose a mattress that lets heat escape rather than holding on to it. Pocket springs leave space for air to move through the mattress, and gel-infused foam gives you the contouring feel of memory foam with less heat retention. Standard memory foam responds to body heat, so some people find it sleeps warmer. Breathable bedding and a cool bedroom help too. Our guide on whether memory foam mattresses get hot explains more, and the SOLACE+CO Cool Gel Eco Foam Mattress below has a cool gel foam comfort layer.
Our customers' favourite mattresses by sleeper need
These are the adult mattresses our customers have bought most over the last 90 days, matched to the kind of sleeper each one suits. Firmness is the rating shown on each product page. Check the listing for the latest sizes before you order.
| Sleeper need | Mattress | Construction | Firmness | Depth | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm support, including stomach sleepers | Maxitex Orthopaedic Mattress | Spring unit with orthopaedic foam and felt layers | 6, Firm | 24cm | Single, Small Double, Double, King |
| Back sleepers and an all-rounder | Maxitex Nirvana Pocket Sprung Mattress | Pocket springs with high-density foam | 5, Medium Firm | 23cm | Single, Small Double, Double, King |
| Couples | Maxitex Hybrid 3000 Pocket Sprung Memory Foam Mattress | Hybrid: 3000 pocket springs with a memory foam comfort layer | 4, Medium | 34cm | Double, King |
| Side sleepers | Maxitex Cloud Pocket Sprung Memory Foam Mattress | Pocket springs, memory foam layer and quilted comfort pad | 4, Medium | 31cm | Single, Small Double, Double, King |
| Hot sleepers | SOLACE+CO Cool Gel Eco Foam Mattress | Foam with a cool gel foam comfort layer | 4, Medium | 20cm | Single, Double, King |
For firm support: Maxitex Orthopaedic Mattress
If you sleep on your front, or you simply like a firm, supportive bed, this is a firm favourite with our customers. It's rated 6, Firm, and pairs a 14cm spring unit with orthopaedic foam and felt layers, finished with a soft quilted surface. If you have back pain, our guide to the best mattresses for back pain explains what to look for.
- Orthopaedic support: a 4cm soft plate foam and hard felt layer help keep your spine in line.
- Soft quilted surface: 1.5cm of quilt foam adds a cushioned feel on top of the firm support.
- Knitted cover: soft to the touch, with fire-resistant fabric.
Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double and King (not available in super king). Depth: 24cm.
For back sleepers and an all-rounder: Maxitex Nirvana Pocket Sprung Mattress
Back sleepers need support that stops the lower back dipping, and a medium firm feel gives you that with a little more give than a firm mattress. The Nirvana is rated 5, Medium Firm, with pocket springs underneath and high-density foam on top.
- Pocket sprung support: targeted support that reduces partner disturbance.
- High-density foam: adds comfort and structure to the sleeping surface.
- Anti-bacterial protection: helps keep your sleep surface clean and hygienic.
- Roll-packed delivery: vacuum sealed for easier handling.
Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double and King (not available in super king). Depth: 23cm.
For couples: Maxitex Hybrid 3000 Pocket Sprung Memory Foam Mattress
Sharing a bed is easier when you don't feel every turn. This hybrid combines 3000 individually pocketed springs with a memory foam comfort layer, so you get responsive support underneath and pressure relief on top. It's rated 4, Medium.
- 3000 pocket springs: responsive support with reduced motion transfer.
- Memory foam comfort layer: moulds to your body and relieves pressure points.
- Side-stitched border: adds durability and a neat finish.
Sizes: Double and King. Depth: 34cm, so check your bed frame suits a deep mattress, especially an ottoman bed with a gas lift.
For side sleepers: Maxitex Cloud Pocket Sprung Memory Foam Mattress
On your side, your shoulders and hips need somewhere to sink in. The Cloud gives you a memory foam layer and a quilted comfort pad over pocket springs, for a plush top with support underneath. It's rated 4, Medium.
- Memory foam layer: contours to your body for pressure relief.
- Quilted comfort pad: adds extra softness and a plush top feel.
- Pocket sprung support: individually wrapped springs adapt to your body and reduce motion transfer.
- Knitted cover: breathable and soft to the touch.
Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double and King (not available in super king). Depth: 31cm.
If you sleep hot: SOLACE+CO Cool Gel Eco Foam Mattress
Waking up too warm is no way to start the day. This foam mattress has a cool gel foam comfort layer to keep your sleeping surface feeling cooler and fresher, with a medium feel (rated 4) that balances cushioning and support.
- Cool gel foam comfort layer: keeps your sleeping surface feeling cooler and fresher.
- SEAQUAL fabric cover: made using SEAQUAL yarn, created from recycled plastic, including plastic recovered from the sea.
- Purotex® probiotic treatment: microcapsules in the cover absorb humidity and help clean up allergens, so your bed stays fresher for longer.
Sizes: Single, Double and King. Depth: 20cm.
Mattress types at a glance
| Mattress type | How it feels | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Contours closely to your shape, eases pressure points and keeps movement to a minimum. Can feel warmer. | Side sleepers and couples |
| Pocket sprung | Responsive and bouncier, with good airflow and less motion transfer | Hot sleepers and anyone who likes a traditional sprung feel |
| Hybrid | Pocket springs for support with foam layers for comfort, for a balanced feel | Couples and combination sleepers |
| Gel and cool foam | Like memory foam, with a cooler feel and less heat retention | Hot sleepers who want pressure relief |
| Orthopaedic | Firmer, with extra support to help keep your spine in line | Back and stomach sleepers, and anyone who prefers a firm bed |
| Open coil | Simple, traditional spring support at a lower cost | Guest rooms and tighter budgets |
Key takeaways
- Start with your sleep position: soft to medium for side sleepers, medium-firm to firm for back sleepers and firm for stomach sleepers.
- If you share a bed, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses help reduce disturbance, and a bigger size gives you both more room.
- If you sleep hot, look for pocket springs or a gel or cool foam layer rather than standard memory foam.
- Check the size and depth against your bed frame before you order, especially a deep mattress on an ottoman bed.
Best mattress FAQs
Which mattress type is best?
No single mattress type is best for everyone, because the right choice depends on how you sleep. Memory foam suits side sleepers who want pressure relief, pocket sprung gives a bouncier, more breathable feel, and hybrids combine springs with foam for balanced support. If you share a bed, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses help reduce disturbance from a restless partner.
What firmness is best?
Medium or medium-firm suits most people, but your sleep position and weight matter most. Side sleepers usually prefer soft to medium, so the shoulders and hips can sink in slightly. Back sleepers tend to suit medium-firm to firm, and stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to stop the hips dipping. Heavier sleepers often need firmer support. Our mattress firmness quiz can help you narrow it down.
Is memory foam or pocket sprung better for back pain?
Neither is better for everyone, because the right mattress for back pain is the one that keeps your spine aligned in your usual sleep position. Memory foam contours closely and eases pressure points, while pocket springs give responsive, targeted support. Whichever you choose, it should hold you level without sagging. If your back pain is ongoing, speak to your GP or a physiotherapist.
How long does a mattress last?
Most mattresses last around 7 to 10 years, depending on the type, how much use it gets and how well it's looked after. Rotating your mattress regularly helps it wear evenly. It's time for a new one if it sags, feels lumpy, or you wake up stiff and sleep better elsewhere. Our guide to how long a mattress lasts has more detail.
Can I try before I buy?
Yes, you can try a selection of our mattresses at our showroom in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire. Displays change from time to time, so if you'd like to see a particular mattress, call us before you travel to check it's on display. The showroom is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Conclusion
The best mattress for you is the one that matches how you sleep, how firm you like it and who you share your bed with. Start with your sleep position, narrow it down by firmness and feel, then check the size and depth against your bed frame. When you're ready, explore our full range of mattresses to find the one that fits you.