The best mattresses of 2023 that you'll want to jump right into

Find your perfect bed base

Best mattress brook and wilde pink bedroom plush
blank
(Image credit: Brook + Wilde )

2023 is well and truly underway, and if you're yet to start at the gym or meet your daily water goal, do not panic, because there are simpler ways to prioritise your health this year — and getting good sleep is one of them.

Making sure you have good sleep hygiene is vital to your well-being, so if you're not waking up feeling fresh, I suggest you upgrade your bed. Easier said than done, we know this; which is why we're here to help. We've done the research and shopped around for some of the best mattresses on the market. Then, Linda Clayton, our expert mattress reviewer, with the rest of the Real Homes team, has given each mattress in this guide a good run for its money. 

Each product below has an individual review plus rating based on how well they live up to their claims, cost, and performance. We’ve got memory foam, pocket-sprung, hybrid, and even eco-friendly latex mattresses in here. Not sure which is best for you? Well, we’ve spoken to the experts and broken down the differences too. 

Not got the cash right now? Consider a mattress topper instead and you won't miss out on your forty winks.

The best mattress 2023 winners are...

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.


Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReal Homes Rated Gold badge


(Image credit: Emma )
The best value for money mattress

Specifications

Size: Single - super king
Depth: 25cm
Type: Comfort foam/memory foam
Comfort grade: Medium-firm
RRP: £499- £999

Reasons to buy

+
Zoned support
+
Perfect temperature control
+
Good motion transfer
+
Great price 

Reasons to avoid

-
None that we can think of!

The Emma mattress is the best mattress you can buy, in our opinion. Rated highly by others too, it's one of the top picks for its price. Offering all-around support when it comes to motion control and support,  it's well-suited to all sleep positions, including those who tend to move a lot in their sleep.

The verdict
Whether you're a side, front or back sleeper, this mattress will suit you. It’s easy to switch positions and comfortable whichever way you choose to sleep that right.  We’d rate it towards the firmer end of medium, but it’s certainly not too solid, nor too soft. It has the 'goldilocks approval' you could argue. This is ideal for couples with different sleeping styles, but it's also evenly supportive across the entire surface, so there’s plenty of room to spread out if you're a single sleeper either. 

Construction
The top layer is an elastic foam called Airgocell, which relieves pressure and cradles the body. The memory foam layer is next and, like all memory foam, keeps you comfortable in any position. The base is made from Cold Foam that supports the above layers and you. It then has a breathable, removable top cover that can be washed at 60 degrees, this will bust dirt better than the standard 40-degree guidance you find with other models. Handles make it easier to manoeuvre.

What do you get for your money?
If you need any more reasons, there's a newly expanded 200-night sleep trial, no questions asked 10-year warranty, and free delivery, usually within one to three working days. 

Read the full Emma Original mattress review

Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Brook + Wilde)
Our runner-up best mattress

Specifications

Size: Single - super king
Depth: 28cm
Type: Mini pocket springs + memory foam hybrid
Comfort grade: Soft, medium or firm
RRP: £999- £1,499

Reasons to buy

+
Choice of firmness
+
Mega comfortable 
+
Excellent quality

Reasons to avoid

-
No EU size options
-
Big price tag (but worth it!) 

This is Brook + Wilde's mid-range mattress, but nothing about it is average in our eyes. You do need to fork out a fair bit to buy, but the comfort is amazing and we would definitely recommend it to anyone with the budget.

The verdict
All sleepers can find a mattress they want in this range. You can choose your preference of comfort feel (tensions): Soft, Medium, Firm, or Extra Firm. Our reviewer is a side sleeper and found the Medium tension spot on. The only people who won't like it are those with bed frames from certain well-known European furniture companies since it only comes in UK sizes.

Construction
There are eight wonderful layers to the Elite Mattress which combine a breathable memory foam protector, an open-cell structure memory foam layer for temperature regulation, a layer of 2,500 mini pocket springs and a further 1,000 larger pocket springs in another layer to give a bit more pushback. You certainly get what you pay for and the Elite's eight layers of comfort are a dream to sleep on. No overheating, no tossing and turning, and an instant give from the memory foam layer which is missing in some competitors.

There is a unique layer of foam with 'wave technology' which offers added depth near the head and shoulders to improve spine alignment. Hips and legs are also gently cradled with just the right amount of sinkage for full lumbar support.

What do you get for your money?
A 100-night comfort trial, 10-year guarantee and free delivery. The delivery guys will help you to carry it up the stairs and the after-sales team will call you after a few days to see how you're getting on with your new mattress.

Read our full Brook + Wilde Elite mattress review

Simba floating mattressReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Simba )
The best hybrid mattress

Specifications

Size: Single - super king
Depth: 28cm
Type: Springs, foam, memory foam and wool
Comfort grade: Medium
RRP: £1,149 - £1,799

Reasons to buy

+
Made with sustainable materials
+
Minimal motion transfer
+
Very cooling

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy (in the box)
-
More expensive 

The Simba Hybrid Pro is at the premium end of mattress prices when compared to the others in this guide but our reviewer loved it (and still does) so it is one that we can highly recommend. Being of medium firmness, this mattress is best suited to side or front sleepers since they can sink in (a little) for unrivaled comfort.

The verdict
After the first week or so our reviewer and her partner were fully adjusted to sleeping on the mattress. There was also very little motion transfer and there was a good balance between sinking into the mattress so your shoulders aren't too squished (when sleeping on the side), to equally being very well supported. Hot sleepers, like our tester, good news! This mattress thanks to its hybrid construction is naturally temperature regulating too. 

Construction
There are an incredible seven layers built-in to this mattress which all work together to give you a dreamy night's sleep. A point of difference compared to the Simba hybrid mattress (opens in new tab) is that it has a hypoallergenic cover that is super-soft, comfy and breathable, but is not removable. It has a natural wool layer which is naturally temperature regulating and two wonderful layers of up to 5,000 25mm, individual conical pocket titanium alloy Aerocoil™ springs for better body weight distribution. To make up the total number of layers is an open-cell foam layer, high-definition foam with edge support, and a zoned support base. Impressive!

What do you get for your money?
Every Simba mattress comes with a ten-year guarantee, free delivery to most addresses in the UK, and free returns if you decide the bed isn't quite right for you during the 200-night trial.

Read our full Simba Hybrid Pro mattress review

Nectar memory foam mattress in bedroom with indoor potted houseplantsReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Nectar)
The best memory-foam mattress

Specifications

Size: Single - superking
Depth: 25cm
Type: Memory foam
Comfort grade: Medium-firm
RRP: £599- £959

Reasons to buy

+
Medium firm for back pain 
+
Great motion transfer
+
Breathable
+
Good price 

Reasons to avoid

-
Too hard for some side sleepers

This trustworthy and affordable foam mattress won't lose its firmness even after a whole year's use. And with a 365-night trial, you can certainly put that to the test. 

The verdict
Thanks to its foam filling, the Nectar Mattress will make your joints feel cushioned from night one. With regards to motion transfer, the Nectar is as good as any memory foam, and if sliding into your other half during the night is a massive bug-bear, this is the best find for you. On the firmness front, the Nectar is rated 5.5–7.5 on the website, which the company claims is 'just right'. It's also not too firm – nobody wants a mattress that is too firm, trust us.

Construction
There’s nothing especially unusual about this mattress' construction. It has an Adaptive Cooling Cover designed to draw away heat from your body and circulate fresh air every time you move. It features a decent layer of proper memory foam which is nicely aerated, and then pressure-relieving foam that deals with contouring to your curvy bits. Finally, the seven-zone base foam provides more contoured support plus depth. 

What do you get for your money?
The Nectar comes with an unprecedented 365-night trial period. And, if that’s not enough for you, it also comes with a Forever Guarantee so it's a good choice if you are more risk-averse.

Read our full Nectar mattress review

Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Remfit)
The best supportive mattress

Specifications

Size: Small single - super king
Depth: 25cm
Type: Memory foam + pocket spring
Comfort grade: Medium-firm
RRP: £699 - £1,049

Reasons to buy

+
Great motion transfer
+
Advanced temperature regulation
+
Can support up to 40 stone
+
Super affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too firm for back sleepers

The Rem-Fit 400 is a hybrid mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress would be a treat for all sleepers, whether you're a fan of memory foam or not. It will comfortably withstand a combined weight of 40 stone, which is more than reassuring. 

The verdict
Our reviewer tested it throughout the summer months when there were some temperature highs and lows. The mattress didn't cause any overheating. And even if there was some restlessness, you wouldn't know it because the support and motion transfer is great – it was almost as though your sleeping companion wasn't there (unless they're hogging the duvet, of course).

Construction
For a hybrid, there's nothing too out of the ordinary with this mattress. The first layer of the mattress (out of five) is the Re-AX breathable cover which encases the 25cm-deep filling. It's removable and machine washable, which will make caring for the mattress nice and easy. It uses a combination of cool open-cell memory foam and 2000 premium pocket springs, plus foam encapsulated on the side walls with edge-to-edge support for a comfortable base to lie on at the end of each day.

What do you get for your money?
A 100-night sleep trial with no quibbles if you're not completely satisfied; 15-year full replacement guarantee at no extra cost and free next-day delivery (when you order before 1 pm).

Read our full Rem-Fit 400 Hybrid mattress review

Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Otty )
The best cheap hybrid mattress

Specifications

Size: Single - emperor
Depth: 25cm
Type: Hybrid Foam/Spring
Comfort grade: Medium to Firm
RRP: £699 - £1,149

Reasons to buy

+
Quality springs give decent support
+
Good motion isolation
+
Sleeps cool
+
Great price point for a hybrid 

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too firm for some side sleepers

The Otty Original Hybrid is a super comfortable sleep that our tester loved, and it's one that is very reasonably priced for what you get. While it is one of the cheapest ‘branded’ bed-in-a-box hybrid mattresses out there, this fact is never reflected in the quality feel or sleep experience.

The verdict
More robust than many memory foams, the lengthy springs provide just the right levels of bounce and support – it’s not too soft, nor too hard. That would be perfect then. There is a small amount of motion transfer but certainly not as much as you’d get from a full-on pocket sprung and nothing to really blot its rating. The cooling technology inside is, on the other hand, something to write home about – no exaggeration. Night sweats are a distant memory, and you'll be pleased to know the cover is removable and washable. 

Construction
A layer of Cool Blue Gel memory foam keeps you cool  (it works!), and a layer of reflex foam brings support. The 14cm tall pocket springs are where this mattress stands out from the other hybrid mattresses, which tend to go for short or conical springs. Then there’s the requisite solid foam base that protects it from your bed base and generally prevents sinking. 

What do you get for your money?
A 100-night trial, 10-year guarantee and free delivery. 

Read our full Otty Hybrid mattress review

Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Emma )
The best mattress for side sleepers

Specifications

Size: Single - super king
Depth: 25cm
Type: Memory foam, pocket springs
Firmness: Medium-firm
RRP: £799- £1,449

Reasons to buy

+
Noticeable springiness
+
Best for side sleepers 
+
Great price point

Reasons to avoid

-
'New foam' odour lingers
-
Limited sizes

It's not every day we say that a mattress suits every kind of sleeper, but the Emma Premium mattress lives up to this bold claim. You'll especially love it if you're a side sleeper. Why?

The verdict
As a hybrid, the Premium has a combination of memory foam and springs, but the former isn't overwhelming: in fact, it has the pleasant feel of a traditional pocket-sprung mattress, perfect for anyone who's undecided on a foam mattress. It's pretty firm, which we found ideal for side sleepers, helping to align the spine, hip and knee and support key pressure points. This is thanks to a new-generation aerated foam, called Airgocell that also aids cooling and breathability – something missing in regular memory foams.

Construction
Alongside the top-secret Airgocell formula, this mattress also comprises of memory foam, which moulds to your body's contour; 'cold foam', which helps stabilise the springs below; the aforementioned springs, which offer targeted support; and a base foam later, which stabilises and adds height.

What do you get for your money?
An impressive 200-night sleep trial, plus a 10-year guarantee.

Read our Emma Premium mattress review 

Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Silentnight )
The best eco-friendly mattress

Specifications

Size: Single - king
Depth: 24cm
Type: Pocket Sprung/Mirapocket
Comfort grade: Medium-firm
RRP: £319-£449

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive eco credentials
+
Made from recycled plastic water bottles
+
Cool and comfortable
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
No super king option

If you're looking for a mattress that uses recycled materials then the Silentnight Studio Eco Hybrid Mattress is IT, since it contains eco fibres made from recycled plastic bottles. And bonus, it's remarkably affordable.  

The Verdict
First impressions at bedtime were not great BUT the longer our reviewers lay, the comfier they felt, and were both went off to sleep unusually quickly and slept right through. If you're sleeping next to a partner who thrashes around somewhat during the night then you won't be too disturbed on this mattress. The firmness of medium/firm is perfectly pitched, and you really wouldn't want it any firmer. The weight was distributed as expected with the surface evenly tensioned and you can use the full width of the mattress to sleep comfortably on.  

Construction
It includes magic cooling properties which Silentnight refers to as 3D breathable fabric technology. This allows the air under your body to circulate, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Along with this is a single layer of 1000 mini pocket springs that provide balanced but responsive movement. 

What do you get for your money?
A full manufacturer’s guarantee against defects for five years, plus a 60-night comfort exchange guarantee.

Read our full Silentnight Studio Eco Hybrid mattress review

Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReal Homes Rated Gold badge

(Image credit: Cotswold company )
The best organic mattress

Specifications

Size: Double - super king
Depth: 27cm
Type: Pocket-sprung
Comfort grade: Firm and medium
RRP: £999-£1450

Reasons to buy

+
Tension is true to word
+
No motion transfer
+
Great for all sleep styles 

Reasons to avoid

-
Smells after unwrapping
-
Not available as a single
-
More expensive 

If you're looking for a handcrafted, organic mattress then your search can end here. The Cotswold Company Dursley is a firm mattress, which made for a good alternative to memory foam rivals. 

The verdict
It is best for back sleepers because of the firm tension, along with fidgets. Admittedly, our reviewer is a side sleeper who found the mattress to be true to tension. A couple of pillows to prop up the head and a cotton quilted mattress protector really helped to soften the feel of the mattress. When rolling onto the back during the night, they really felt the benefits mind: any aches and pains were soon stretched out and it felt like lying on a cloud thanks to the pillow-top surface. The tension is consistent across the mattress which meant that you could barely feel any movement from a restless partner. And being made from natural materials would mean that in any month of the year the mattress, and your body, will be able to breathe and be naturally kept cool.

Construction
There are five layers to The Dursley which are all made from natural materials. This includes a wonderful combination of British wool from Dartmoor, 100 per cent pure Egyptian cotton and 1200 Comfort Intelligence pocket springs. 

What do you get for your money?
An eight-year guarantee plus the option of free delivery. It's also worth noting that there's no trial period with these mattresses so if you aren't happy with your new mattress you are unable to return it due to hygiene reasons.

Read our full Cotswold Company Dursley mattress review

Best mattress on bed frame in bedroom lifestyle imageReview in progress graphic

(Image credit: Otty)

10. OTTY Pure Bamboo and Charcoal Mattress

The best mattress for combatting hot, restless nights

Specifications

Size: Single, small double - emperor
Depth: 25cm
Type: Foam hybrid
Comfort grade: Medium-firm
RRP: £749.99- £1,349.99

Reasons to buy

+
Even support across the back
+
Eco-friendly 
+
Stays cool on hot nights
+
Hypoallergenic
+
Comes in EU sizes too

Reasons to avoid

-
Cover needs to be dry cleaned

Do you struggle with hot sleepless nights, in summer and beyond? Then the OTTY Pure Bamboo and Charcoal mattress might be for you. This mattress stays cool even on sweaty summer nights, with the hybrid design offering extra breathability. 

The verdict
The OTTY Pure is a very breathable mattress. It had no trouble keeping our reviewer warm through a cool spring, but it also helped her sleep quite comfortably through the summer heatwave. That's all thanks to the charcoal, which claims to regulate temperature, and the airflow system, which keeps the mattress fresh. It's also great if you want a mattress that's a little on the firmer side, but with a supportive and squishy top layer. 

Construction
At 25cm, the OTTY Pure mattress has the same depth as the OTTY Original – that is to say, pretty thick. It has a removable cover for an added layer of protection, but note that it is dry clean only. It also uses up to 2,000 encapsulated pocket springs, as well as two memory foam layers, compared to the Hybrid's one.

What do you get for your money?
A 100-night trial and a 10-year guarantee.

We're currently working on a review for this Otty mattress. 


Real Homes mattress review process

Best mattress silentnight review with weights on

(Image credit: Future / Linda Clayton)

The Real Homes mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties.

Yes, you guessed it: Linda, along with these lucky mattress reviewers, gets to sleep for a living — well, not quite. All our mattress reviews have slept on these mattresses for at least six weeks, which gives them enough time to compare and judge what each mattress is like to sleep on. During the process, they've also put various tests in place to assess how good the product is for edge support, motion transfer, and spinal alignment. We understand firmness is subjective, as is sleep position, so we ensure to review mattresses against their claims, rather than personal experience, in this case.

All our mattress reviews are based on the real-life experience of members of our team using these products at home. In each individual review, they've been transparent about their sleep habits, position, and circumstance, so you can relate (or not). To get a good idea of how every kind of sleeper may experience the mattress, we encourage our testers to invite friends, family, and others to try it out and give their first impressions. 

Meet our mattress testers: 

Linda Clayton head shot
Linda Clayton

Linda and her husband have been snoozing away, spending between five and 10 nights sleeping on each mattress. 

"I've been sleeping on a vast range of mattresses and putting them through their paces to bring you a true picture of how comfortable each one is and how much support it provides. I've also roped in my husband Nick to create a balanced view of what each mattress is like for women (so often the purchasers) and men, persuaded friends and family to try them out, and have conducted some semi-scientific testing so that you can buy your mattress online with confidence."

Jennifer Oksien author image
Jennifer Oksien

If there's ever a reviews expert out there, it's Jen. She's previously tested just about everything for Real Homes and now works as the Large Appliance editor over at Tech Radar. 

"I've been fortunate enough to put many award-winning mattresses to the test, to bring you the low down on just how good they actually are. My husband has been by my side most nights during the time we've had the mattress which creates a balanced view on our different sleeping positions, temperatures and motion transfer.

Annie Collyer author image
Annie Collyer

Annie is currently testing the Otty Pure Bamboo and Charcoal mattress. She had been experiencing a lot of lower back pain prior to testing – enough to make getting out of bed or sitting at her desk difficult – but she noticed that the pain lessened when she started sleeping on the OTTY Pure. 

"When I'm away from home, I genuinely miss the support it gives." She found the mattress to be supportive as a side sleeper, and it was also very comfortable when lying flat.

How to choose the best mattress

Unless your mattress is older than the recommended replacement age, then it can be tricky to pin-point what is it you're looking for in a new one. To help we've spoken to Dr. Katherine Hall (opens in new tab), a Sleep Psychologist at Somnus Therapy (opens in new tab). She says "Crucial factors such as comfort, support, and durability, as well as your personal preferences and sleeping habits, are all essential considerations when picking out a mattress." We've broken them down is our 5 step guide on how to choose a mattress. 

PS: the pillow you sleep on will also impact your sleep position. It might be worth looking into how to choose a pillow as well. 

How often should you replace a mattress?

Believe it or not, the Better Sleep Council (opens in new tab) recommends replacing your mattress every seven to nine years, yes this may seem like a short amount of time, but mattresses can sag, wear, and become unfit for use without you even realizing. In between getting and replacing a mattress, you should flip and rotate it to help with how long your mattress will last. That being said, this is a general guideline, and you should look for other signs like sagging, lumps and bumps, or an overall uncomfortable night's sleep. 

Linda Clayton

Linda is a freelance journalist who has specialised in homes and interiors for the past 19 years, beginning on a trade rag for the Daily Mail Group and now writing full-time for the likes of Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors, and of course Real Homes. Linda is our resident mattress reviewer. She spends at least a week on every mattress she tests for us, as does her ever-patient husband. In reviewing mattresses for us for more than a year, she has become something of a very opinionated expert. She lives in Devon with her cabinetmaker husband, two daughters and many pets, and is locked in an on-going battle to drag their red brick Victorian home out of 1970s swirly-carpet hell...

SPONSORS