Best mattresses of 2024 reviewed: Memory foam, pocket spring and hybrid options

What price would you put on good sleep?

Contrary to some opinions, getting a decent amount of shuteye isn’t time wasted. Quite the opposite in fact; it’s when the body and mind can fully concentrate on renewal and memory-making.

There have been countless studies that prove sleep supports growth and development and let’s face it, without the right level of shuteye, most of us would adopt the sort of mood that would send a grizzly bear running for cover.

So, why are we often guilty of skimping on something so vital to our health and happiness? While there may be several external factors that keep you tossing and turning at night, your mattress should never be one of them.

Why is a mattress such an important purchase?

When it comes to furniture, a decent mattress is up there with one of the most important things you’ll ever buy. We spend a third of our lives asleep, so it pays to do your homework and find the one that’ll support you properly for the years to come.

Aside from the aforementioned benefits, good sleep leaves you less likely to be overweight, safeguards your mental health and improves your focus and concentration levels. A good night’s rest leaves you feeling like a new person come morning, all the more reason to invest in the mattress of your dreams.

Which type of mattress is best?

Choosing the best mattress is all about finding the one that’s best suited for your body, your personal preferences and your budget. Which is to say, there’s no one, perfect, golden mattress. It will vary depending on the individual.

Mattress tension is one of the biggest deciding factors: some people like a firm surface to rest on which pocket spring mattresses are famous for providing, while others enjoy the sinking-in feeling offered by memory foam mattresses. These days you don’t have to choose between the two - you can have both in hybrid mattress models.

Consider materials too, when picking a mattress. Memory foam is hugely popular now but it does tend to soak up and retain body heat. Great news if you’re a cold sleeper, but if you’re always waking up hot and sweaty - well, not so much.

Then there’s fillings and cover materials, which could have an effect if you’re an allergy sufferer. Some mattresses are packed with wool, cashmere and silk while others contain recycled fibres, offering an environmental edge. All key points in considering the mattress for you.

What type of mattress is best for couples?

If you happen to share a bed, it poses an extra layer of thought when buying a mattress because there’s another person to consider. There are some mattresses that offer split tension, so if you prefer medium-firmness but your partner likes to drift off on something much harder, there’s no need to compromise. You can both have your cake and eat it.

Split tension mattresses do tend to cost a little more though, so if you can settle on a happy middle ground, all the better for your finances.

One essential feature to look out for? Descriptions of anti-motion transfer. Mattresses that isolate movement on one side of the mattress to the other are key for bed-sharing couples, as it means you won’t disturb the other person if you’re late to bed or early to rise. Perfect for shift workers or anyone with separate schedules, ensuring your new mattress has this element will keep pillow talk as sweet as it should be.

What to consider when buying a mattress online

In terms of budget, quality