Brook + Wilde Elite mattress review 2024

Editor's note

• Original review date: September 2022
• Brook + Wilde now under new ownership
• Pricing of the Elite unchanged since review

Updated: March 2024. It's been interesting times for Brook + Wilde since we reviewed the Elite in 2022. In early 2023 we noticed a lot of complaints about mattresses not being delivered, and the brand went into liquidation a few months later and was bought by the company that actually manufactures its beds. Things appear to be running well, now; the Elite is the same quality mattress, at the same price as when we reviewed it, and we're able to wholeheartedly recommend it.

Ruth Hamilton

Brook + Wilde Elite mattress: two-minute review

Brook + Wilde’s small range of luxury mattresses are some of the most coveted on the market and its Elite model is one of the best mattresses I’ve slept on. You don’t just need to take my word for it – the Elite has won a host of awards. The brand manufactures all its mattresses in the UK, concentrating on beds that offer superb support and pressure relief throughout the night. 

Most of Brook + Wilde’s mattresses come in three firmness ratings, and the Elite is the cheapest option to give you that choice. The Soft is rated 3/10 on the firmness scale and is ideal for side sleepers or those with a smaller build or weight. The Medium is rated 5/10 and best for back, side and combination sleepers. Finally, the Firm is rated 7/10 and provides all the support that front sleepers need. It’s also an excellent choice for those who suffer from back problems and heavier weight sleepers.  

For four weeks, I slept on the Brook + Wilde Elite Firm mattress. The main testers were of lighter and average weight, but one of them suffers from back problems and found that sleeping on the Elite Firm showed a marked improvement of these problems and a reduction in pain levels. But with the three different firmness, it’s easy to find a mattress here that will suit your own sleeping style and position.

The Brook + Wilde Elite also excels in other key performance categories. I felt secure whilst sitting on the edge of the bed and it remained comfortably cool throughout testing. The Elite's blend of high-quality foam and pocket springs makes it so that couples can toss and turn without disrupting their partner.

I've hardly found fault with the Brook + Wilde Elite mattress, and although I wish it came in a broader range of sizes (there are only four options, and no EU sizes listed), it turns out it's possible to contact B+W and get a bespoke mattress made in the size you need. And while it's not recommended for sleepers weighing over 18 stone, even on the highest firmest level, again you can speak to Brook + Wilde about a bespoke extra-firm build.

Price-wise, the Brook + Wilde Elite sits firmly in the luxury hybrid bracket, with an RRP of £1,299 for a double and £999 for a single. That's comparable to the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid and Simba Hybrid Pro. But you’ll often find fantastic offers on Brook + Wilde's website and discounts up to 55% off during mattress sales. 

If you're unsure of which firmness to buy, the Elite mattress comes with a 200-night trial period. There’s also a 10-year warranty included. Free setup of the mattress is standard and you can also choose to have your old mattress picked up and disposed of at the same time. Just know that delivery will take up to four weeks, so plan accordingly.

Brook + Wilde puts a lot of work into sustainability as well, with all parts from old mattresses recycled, biodegradable packaging and sustainable timber. It supports a third-party non-profit organisation that, amongst other things, plants a tree each time a mattress is sold.

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: design & materials

• 28cm hybrid mattress
• Four foam layers and two layers of pocket springs
• Breathable and washable top cover with 4-way stretch

The Elite mattress is made up of eight layers and is a generous 28cm deep. The breathable top cover has a 4-way stretch and can be removed for washing. Underneath, you’ll find a memory foam protector that prevents friction between the foam and the top cover so both layers move freely and the foam is more receptive. 

Next up is a thermo-regulating top layer with open cell foam that does an excellent job of keeping sleepers cool along with easing stress on pressure points. Below that is Brook + Wilde’s unique ‘Wave Technology’ foam layer, which adds differing levels of support along its surface to aid spinal alignment. All the foams used in Brook + Wilde mattresses are CertiPUR-certified toxin free.

Below the top foam layers is a double layer of springs to give the mattress bounce and push back, making it easy to change positions during the night. The first layer of 1,000 pocket springs is followed by another layer of 2,000 springs. 

The Elite is completed by a support base designed to add structure to the mattress and support to the bottom layer of larger pocket springs, and a non-slip base that ensures your mattress stays where it’s put. 

• Design score: 5 out of 5

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: price & value for money

• Cheapest mattress in Brook + Wilde’s line-up
• Competitively priced with similar luxury hybrids
• Discounts include up to 55% off plus free gifts (such as an iPad)

The Brook + Wilde Elite mattress is very much a luxury hybrid, with prices comparable with the list price of its closest rivals. At £1,299 for a double, it's cheaper than the RRP of both the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid at £1,649 for a double, and Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress, which is £1,290 for a double. 

Here's the official pricing for all four sizes of the Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress:

• Single: £999
• Double: £1,299
• King: £1,399
• Super King: £1,499

However, there are ways to save on the Elite mattress. We've seen as much as 55% off plus generous free gifts that include an iPad in the past. Right now, code SLEEP knocks 50% off, dropping a single Elite mattress to £499.50 and a double to £649.50. That beats DreamCloud's current 57% off sale, which yields a price of £709.07 for a double. When the Panda Bamboo Hybrid is reduced you can get it for £967.50, but sales at Panda come a lot less regularly than at other sleep brands.

Brook + Wilde regularly offers other deals, including a free iPad with your purchase or a free set of bedding, but you can only use one voucher at a time so choose wisely when you buy. Keep an eye on TechRadar's guide to the best mattress deals to find out when it's the best time to treat yourself to a new Brook + Wilde mattress.

• Value score: 4.5 out of 5

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: comfort & support

• Three firmness ratings, designed to suit all sleepers
• The Firm mattress helped with alignment and back pain
• Not recommended for individual sleepers above 18 stone

The Brook + Wilde Elite mattress is the cheapest B+W option to come in three firmness levels: Soft (3/10), Medium (5/10) and Firm (7/10). This is something neither DreamCloud nor Simba offer with their luxury hybrids, which each come in one firmness level. Thus, the Elite is a good choice for sleepers who want to customise their bed to suit their sleep style and body type.

I tested a Brook + Wilde Elite Firm mattress to see if it would help with my back pain. Both my husband and I noticed that we were springing out of bed far more easily after sleeping on the Elite, and there was a marked improvement in my back pain overall.

The Firm mattress is also ideal for stomach sleepers, as it keeps the body aligned and prevents a sleeper’s head from sinking too far into the mattress. It’s also good for heavier sleepers, although it should be noted that Brook + Wilde doesn’t recommend the mattress for an individual sleeper of above 18 stone (although you can have a couple weighing up to 18 stone each on the same mattress). I believe heavier sleepers of above 18 stone wouldn’t find even the firm mattress supportive enough and may feel slightly bogged down in the memory foam.

Meanwhile, for dedicated back sleepers and combination sleepers without any particular pain, I’d recommend the Medium firmness, which will provide gentle cushioning to support and contour the body. Dedicated side sleepers and those who enjoy a ‘hug’ from their mattress will want to choose the Soft firmness, as it will envelop the body more – similar to the best memory foam mattresses.  

• Comfort score: 4.5 out of 5

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: performance

• Breathable design with excellent temperature regulation
• Minimal motion transfer, so it's a great choice for couples
• Excellent edge support yields a wider sleeping surface

I tested the Brook + Wilde Elite Firm mattress in a standard double for around four weeks before writing my review. I tested it in all major areas of performance, including temperature regulation, motion isolation and edge support. Here's what I discovered...

Temperature regulation 

I tested the Brook + Wilde Elite mattress with a summer duvet (tog rating 4.5) and a thick fake fur throw. Regardless of the bedding, I felt comfortable sleeping on this mattress; the Elite kept me cool and dry throughout the testing process.

The excellent temperature regulation of the Elite mattress is down to the way the mattress promotes airflow through its layers with a breathable top cover, cooling memory foam and well spaced-out pocket springs.

There's also a brilliant thermo-regulating top layer, with open cell foam that does an exceptional job of keeping sleepers cool. Considering the mattress contains memory foam, which is notorious for trapping body heat, I was amazed by how good a job it did at keeping me cool.

Better yet, the Brook + Wilde Elite mattress can be used with an electric blanket. That's good news for cold sleepers who need added warmth without the risk of overheating themselves.

• Temperature regulation score: 5 out of 5

Motion transfer

The Brook + Wilde Elite Firm mattress is an excellent choice for those sharing a bed with a restless sleeper as it does an exceptional job of isolating motion. Considering that the bed has ‘bounce’ from the double layer of springs, it’s amazing how well the memory foam and ‘Wave Technology’ keeps motion transfer pretty almost non-existent. 

This was backed up by the series of drop tests I conducted by placing an empty wine glass on the bed and dropping a 6kg weight on the mattress at various intervals from the glass. When I dropped the weight from 10 and 25 inches away, the empty glass didn't wobble at all. However, the glass did gently topple over when the weight was dropped from 5 inches away so you may feel a slight disturbance at close range but perhaps not enough to totally derail your sleep.

Regardless, I found the results of my drop test particularly impressive as I was testing the Firm rated mattress, meaning the foam did not have as much sinkage to absorb the motion. I imagine the Soft and Medium levels will transfer even less motion, especially from close range. 

Based on my findings, the Elite mattress is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to be disturbed by their partner moving about at night. 

• Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Edge support

The excellent edge support was one of the first things I noticed about the Brook + Wilde Elite mattress. Even after only the initial four hours of recommended inflation of the mattress, I felt secure sitting on the edge of the bed without fear of falling off.

Furthermore, once it was properly settled, I tested the edge support of the Elite Firm mattress using a 20kg weight, noting that it sank a little less at the edges than in the middle of the bed (just over 2 inches at the edge to 2.7 inches in the middle). In all, that's exceptional edge support. Note that this may differ when it comes to the other softer mattresses in this line.

My test results here are promising for individuals with mobility issues who need to easily get in and out of bed when moving from a sleeping position. It also bodes well for anyone who likes to sit on the edge of the bed whilst getting dressed and people who are prone to stretching out and sleeping right against the edge.

• Edge support score: 5 out of 5

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: customer experience

Brook + Wilde offers a ‘white glove’ service as standard with delivery, meaning that it will be taken to a room of your choice, unboxed and even placed on the bed for you. Other brands usually leave it to the consumer to set up the bed themselves, and if 'white glove' service is offered it typically costs extra.

Once on the bed, the mattress is easy to move around by one person, although you don’t actually need to rotate it at all. If you do want to move it around though, Brook + Wilde has sensibly included handles on the mattress. The Elite weighs between 27kg for a single and up to 49kg for a super king – so depending on which size you get, you may want to ask someone to help move it. 

The delivery drivers will dispose of the box for you but it’s worth noting that every single bit of the packaging is recyclable and kept to a minimum. You can also arrange to have your old mattress picked up and taken for recycling at the same time. 

Brook + Wilde recommends leaving the mattress for around four hours before sleeping on it, but do be aware that it can take up to 72 hours for the mattress to fully inflate. You can use any base for the Elite but do remember that this is a deep mattress at 28cm, so make sure your base can cope with this. 

The Brook + Wilde Elite did, like all mattresses containing memory foam, have a slight off-gassing smell when it was first unwrapped. But this smell had completely dissipated within an hour (and with the help of an open window). I was impressed with this, as usually a smell will linger at least whilst the mattress initially inflates (over around four hours) and sometimes for days longer. 

It's also worth noting that these smells come from new foams being vacuum-packed and do not come from any chemicals. The Elite mattress is made from CertiPUR-approved foams that are made without mercury, lead and other heavy metals, carcinogenic chemicals and phthalates. 

• Customer experience score: 5 out of 5

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: specs

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: other reviews

• No reviews on Brook + Wilde site
• 4.1 rating for Brook + Wilde on Trustpilot
• Customers praise quality and overall experience

Searching for other reviews of the Brook + Wilde Elite could well put you off buying it altogether. That's because the company went into liquidation in mid-2023 after an extended period of mattresses not being delivered, and if you go to the first Trustpilot result for Brook + Wilde in the Google rankings you'll find a score of just 3.1 out of 5 and a litany of justifiably furious complaints.

Follow the Trustpilot link for the new owners, Brook + Wilde Sleep, and you'll see a rosier picture, with a score of 4.1 on the basis of 114 reviews, and that score's clearly skewed downwards by a number of 1-star reviews from angry customers of the original Brooke + Wilde.

Positive feedback for the Brook + Wilde Elite remarks how comfortable the mattress is, and there are frequent accounts on how well the Elite helps with back pain. Other praised the delivery service, as well as Brook + Wilde's customer service team, which many users claim is timely and helpful.

Should you buy the Brook + Wilde Elite mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You want firmness options: The Brook + Wilde Elite comes in a choice of three firmness levels - soft, medium and firm - so whatever your sleep preferences there's an option for you. And if you prefer a super-solid bed, get in touch with Brook + Wilde to find out about a bespoke extra firm model.

✅ You get hot in the night: The Elite's combination of a breathable top cover, open cell foam and two layers of springs means that this mattress provides plenty of airflow and does an excellent job of regulating temperature.

✅ You or your partner's a fidget: Even the firm version of the Brook + Wilde Elite, without as much motion-dampening sinkage as the medium and soft models, performed incredibly well in motion isolation tests. So whichever option you go for, you won't be disturbed in the night by a restless partner. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You like a sink-in feel: While the Brook + Wilde Elite does features some memory foam, this isn't a bed that delivers an enveloping body hug. And while many sleepers will be happy with that, if you want a mattress that you can sink right into, you'd be better off with something like the all-foam Emma mattress.

❌ You're in a hurry to get your mattress: Plenty of sleep brands offer next-day delivery, while some will take a few days to get your mattress to you. Brook + Wilde makes every mattress to order, which means you'll have to wait up to four weeks for your bed to arrive. If you're in a rush, though, order the Simba Hybrid Pro before 2PM and it'll be with you the next day.

Brook + Wilde Elite Mattress review: also consider

Panda mattress
You'll currently find the Panda leading our best mattress rankings, and with good reason: it's a premium bed made with eco-friendly bamboo-infused foam and pocked springs, with a firm feel that's best for stomach and back sleepers. The only big downside is that it's not often discounted, so you may have to wait for a bargain.
Read our Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress review

Simba Hybrid Pro
An excellent firm alternative to the Elite is Simba's Hybrid Pro. It's a supportive bed with a responsive feel and good motion isolation; it also comes from a B-Corp and is 100% recyclable. It comes at a great price when discounted, although right now Simba seems to be doing some price adjustments and it's on sale at full price.
Read our Simba Hybrid Pro mattress review

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid
The DreamCloud comes in at a similar price point to the Elite, and while there's only one firmness option, it's a mattress that's a good fit for most sleeping styles, and it delivers a luxurious medium-firm feel with excellent motion isolation and edge support.
Read our DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review