Memory Foam Mattresses

What is a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam is a soft, dense material that softens with body heat and moulds to your shape. NASA first developed it in 1966 to cushion astronauts during landings. Now it's one of our most popular fillings, loved for easing pressure points and supporting you properly through the night.

What are the benefits of a memory foam mattress?

According to our 2026 Sleep Survey, almost a quarter of UK bad sleepers say they can't get comfortable in bed. Memory foam's pressure-relieving properties make it a go-to choice for anyone dealing with joint pain or back problems, and its body-contouring support can make a real difference to how you feel in the morning. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Evenly distributes weight: Memory foam gently contours to your body, spreading weight across the surface to reduce pressure points.
• Promotes proper spinal alignment: The foam adapts to your natural curves, helping keep your spine supported and aligned while you sleep.
• Alleviates joint pain: Its cushioning feel relieves pressure on joints and the spine, particularly helpful if you suffer from back pain.
• Enhances blood circulation: By minimising pressure on key areas, memory foam helps encourage smoother blood flow throughout the night.
• Absorbs movement to minimise disruptions when sharing: The dense foam isolates motion, so movements on one side of the bed are less likely to disturb the other sleeper.
• Retains warmth throughout the night: Memory foam naturally holds onto body heat, creating a cosier sleep environment, making it a great choice for cold sleepers.

Learn more with our memory foam guide, which answers more questions about the qualities, pros, and suitability of this innovative mattress filling.

What are the disadvantages of a memory foam mattress?

There's nothing wrong with memory foam itself, but it isn't right for everyone. Hot sleepers may find it holds too much heat, and anyone wanting a bouncier, more supportive feel might prefer pocket springs or a hybrid mattress instead.

Is memory foam good for back pain?

Yes. Memory foam moulds to your body, filling the gaps between you and the mattress, no matter what position you sleep in. This eases pressure on the lower back and keeps your spine neutral. Side sleepers benefit most, since it cushions the hips and shoulders, and back sleepers get even support that prevents sinking.

If you're unsure which is right for your needs, our guide to the best mattresses for back pain explores all of the best options in detail. You can also read our tips on how to prevent back pain in bed and find out what the best sleeping positions are for your back.

Are memory foam mattresses suitable for hot sleepers?

Memory foam can trap body heat, making it warmer than latex or gel mattresses. If you’re a hot sleeper or suffer from night sweats, memory foam alone may not be your best option. However, if you’re someone who often feels the chill at night, it's hard to beat. For those who want the comfort of memory foam with better temperature balance, try adding a cooling mattress topper or bedding, wearing breathable pyjamas, and ensuring proper ventilation in your bedroom.

For more tips, read our guide on ways to stay cool when sleeping, or explore our range of cooling mattresses.

What is the best memory foam mattress?

The best memory foam mattress is the one that matches your sleeping position, firmness preference and budget, since foam performs differently depending on how it's used. Our range spans TEMPUR® mattresses, which use SmartCool™ technology to stop them running too warm, right through to our best-selling Silentnight memory foam mattresses at a friendlier price point. Whether you're shopping for a single or a double memory foam mattress, making sure to get the firmness right for how you sleep is key:

• Side sleepers: soft to medium
• Front sleepers: medium to firm
• Back sleepers medium to firm or very firm

Not sure where to start? Visit your nearest store to try our Sleepmatch service, which takes a full scan of your body in just 3 minutes to provide a personalised mattress recommendation.

Is memory foam easy to move on during the night?

Memory foam is slower to respond than pocket spring or latex. It moulds closely to your body shape, which many people love, but if you move a lot in the night or find it hard to change position, that slow response can feel restrictive. If you prefer a mattress that responds immediately when you shift position, a pocket spring or hybrid mattress will suit you better. Visit your nearest store to try a mattress in person and compare side by side.

What sizes do memory foam mattresses come in?

Memory foam mattresses come in every UK bed size, so there's a fit for any room and any sleeper.

• Small single memory foam mattresses: 75cm wide, ideal for a child's first single bed or a snug box room.
• Single memory foam mattresses: The classic choice for one sleeper, a growing teen, or a guest room.
• Small double memory foam mattresses (also called queen): A bit more width than a single, great for solo sleepers who like to stretch out.
• Double memory foam mattresses: Our most popular size, giving couples enough room to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped.
• King-size memory foam mattresses: Extra length and width, perfect for couples who want more personal space.
• Super king-size memory foam mattresses: Our largest size, made for maximum room to spread out, whatever your household looks like.

Read our bed and mattress size guide for a more in-depth comparison of the options.

How thick should a memory foam mattress be?

Choosing the right thickness also depends on your sleeping position. A memory foam mattress that's too thin won't provide enough material to contour properly to your body, which can leave pressure points unrelieved and the spine unsupported; both common contributors to back pain. As a general guide:

• Side sleepers: at least 22 cm for ample cushioning
• Back sleepers: 12–20 cm for balanced support
• Front sleepers: at least 20 cm for proper alignment

How to get rid of the new memory foam mattress smell?

New memory foam mattresses may have a peculiar smell when you remove the packaging, but don’t worry—this odour usually fades within a few days. It's caused by volatile organic compounds in the materials. To speed up the process, consider these tips:

• Unpack in the garage: This allows the mattress to air outside your home.
• Allow airflow: Keep windows and doors open to ventilate the smell.
• Use a dehumidifier: Having a dehumidifier near the mattress can speed up the process.
• Try baking soda: Place a few bowls of water mixed with baking soda around your room. The ratio should be 5 parts water to 1 part baking soda. The bowls will help neutralise the odour in the room.

How long does a memory foam mattress last before it starts to sag?

A high-quality memory foam mattress typically lasts 6 to 8 years before the comfort layers begin to compress and lose their shape. The signs to watch for are a visible body impression that does not spring back when you get up, waking with back pain that eases once you are on your feet, or noticeably sinking lower than when the mattress was new.

If you want the comfort of foam with better long-term durability, a hybrid mattress combines a pocket spring core with foam comfort layers. The springs hold their structure while the foam does the pressure-relieving work.

How to clean a memory foam mattress

Keep your memory foam mattress fresh by vacuuming it monthly to lift dust and allergens. Gently blot spills or stains with a clean cloth and a mild detergent solution, taking care not to soak the foam, then allow it to air dry completely. Use a mattress protector to guard against accidents, helping your mattress last longer. See our guide on caring for a memory foam mattress for more tips.

Can you flip a memory foam mattress?

No, most memory foam mattresses are one-sided, so flipping them isn't an option. Larger sizes, like double- to super-king memory foam mattresses, can benefit from rotation every few months to distribute wear evenly. Check our guide to flipping and rotating your mattress for size-specific advice.

How much should a good memory foam mattress cost?

Prices vary widely depending on foam density, thickness, brand and size. Higher-density foams that last longer and resist sagging tend to cost more, while thinner layers or budget brands bring the price down. Expect to pay more for premium technology, like TEMPUR®'s SmartCool™. Size is also a big factor, with a super king costing significantly more than a double memory foam mattress, for example.

What delivery options are available for your memory foam mattress?

Every order comes with free delivery, with a date and time slot to suit you between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. For more information, read our full delivery services information page.