The best memory foam mattress 2024: 9 of the top options

The best memory foam mattresses will provide you with sink-in, contouring comfort, so you feel cushioned and supported in just about every sleeping position, and they're usually the most cost-effective way of investing in a new mattress.

Most of our best mattress picks feature at least some memory foam, but if you want a bed filled with nothing but foam then here's the place to find all the top options. With a memory foam bed you'll get a body-hugging, pressure relieving feel, without the bounce that comes from sprung mattresses. Memory foam is an excellent option if you suffer from sore joints as it cradles you gently, enabling you to sleep better and for longer.

Most memory foam mattresses are a good choice for side sleepers, because their contouring surfaces help relieve pressure on shoulders and hips; that said there are also some fine firmer options that'll better suit back and stomach sleepers. And memory foam is brilliant at absorbing motion, so they're worth looking into if you're regularly disturbed by a fidgety partner. The downside? Foam has a tendency to trap heat, and some memory foam beds can get hot in the night, but many have temperature-regulating features to minimise the risk of this.

Most memory foam mattresses come vacuum-packed and rolled in a box for convenient delivery, and they're typically some of the cheapest on the market; we've included information on the best prices with all our top picks. Got all that? Let's take a look at the best memory foam mattresses around, for a range of sleep styles and budgets. 

The quick list

In a hurry? Here are the basics on our nine best memory foam mattress picks; if you like what you see you can either head straight to a store page, or click through to our more detailed write-ups.

The best memory foam mattresses in 2024, as chosen by experts

Ready to find your perfect memory foam mattress? We've listed the leading options below, sorted by the factors you're likely to be looking for. 

Best memory foam mattress overall

The Emma Original is our top pick for the best memory foam mattress, simply because it ticks nearly all the boxes: it's an affordable bed-in-a-box that provides plenty of comfort and pressure relief for all sleeping positions.

Design
The Emma Original consists of three layers of foam. It starts with a breathable top layer, followed by a supportive memory foam layer, finished with a base layer of thick foam featuring zoned cutouts to improve spinal alignment. In addition, you have two cover options. The standard one (which we reviewed), is soft, breathable, and removable – so you can take it off when it needs cleaning. If you upgrade to the 'comfort' cover (included on the 'Original Plus' model – the only difference between the two versions), you'll get a more cushioned, plusher cover.

Comfort and performance
The Emma Original delivers some of that 'hug' feel that people expect from memory foam. You won't sink completely into it, but you'll feel embraced by the plush surface. Firmness is subjective, and our testers felt the Emma might be a little too firm for very lightweight bodies, and a little too soft for heavier bodies. For most sleepers, however, the Emma Original is likely to be perfectly comfortable and supportive. We rate this as the best mattress for side sleepers, as the plush foams cradle the sleeper's shoulder and hip in a dreamily comfortable way.

There were a couple of areas in our review where the Emma scored a little lower, and they're both common flaws with all-foam mattresses. First, despite several features geared towards temperature regulation, it can sleep warm. Second, the edges are prone to sloping when pressure is applied, which can make it harder for those with limited mobility to get out of bed. If you struggle with overheating at night and/or need a sturdy edge, consider upgrading to the Emma Luxe Cooling mattress, or trying the Levitex (#2).

Value for money
You'll almost always find either the standard Emma or the Plus version on sale, and discounts alternate between the two. If the one you want is full price, it's worth waiting for the offer to switch. Based on those discounted prices, the Emma Original is consistently one of the best value memory foam mattresses around, blowing most of the competition out of the water when it comes to price vs quality. Note that the brand does have an annoying habit of shifting the RRP, so focus on the final sale price, not the amount of money off. It comes with a 10-year guarantee and a 200-night trial.

• Read more: Emma Mattress review

Best memory foam mattress for support

The Levitex Sleep Posture Mattress has been created specifically to keep the sleeper's spine perfectly aligned and supported, and while lots of bed brands make these kinds of claims, Lexitex has the clinal testing to back it up. The thinner design looks simple, but the Levitex foam offers a surprisingly luxurious feel and excellent support.

Design
There's a relatively simple build to the Levitex mattress. At the base is 10cm of high resistance foam and at the top is 10cm of clinically tested Levitex foam. This foam has been designed to improve pressure relief, postural management, and proprioception (that's how well you can sense your body positioning). At just 20cm tall, the Levitex is on the thin side, but it feels far more luxurious than it looks.

Levitex is pretty emphatic that this isn't memory foam, it's Levitex foam. But as there's no concrete definition of what a memory foam is, and it's mostly down to how the brand wants to describe it, we think it's fair to include Levitex in this roundup.

Comfort and performance
Levitex claims it took the founders five years to perfect their foam and find the perfect balance of softness and firmness – and our testers thought this was time well spent. This is a really excellent mattress. Our lead tester found it made their body feel light, comfortable, and supported from head to toe. Rated medium-firm (we gave it 8/10), there's little sink, and the foam bounces back quickly when compressed. We recommend it highly for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers. The support really is that good. However, if you want that classic memory foam 'hug', consider the Emma Original (#1) or the Hypnia (#3)

While Levitex might claim it isn't a memory foam, in many ways, it does perform like a memory foam. Our tester found it offered impressive motion isolation as well as body contouring that helped relieve pressure – just what you'd expect from a memory foam. 

Whatever type of foam it is, the Levitex is among the best. The edge support is a real highlight, as the bed stays supportive from the centre to the perimeter. Great if you want to stretch out, and the sturdy feel means you can push on the edges to maneuver out of bed in the morning. The foam is also very breathable, keeping the bed at a neutral temperature even on hot nights.

Value for money
Levitex is in the upper mid-range price bracket, but we found it had a premium feel. Unlike many mattress brands, Levitex rarely runs sales, although you might get lucky on a major sale days. However, for an upper mid-range price, the extras are decidedly budget. Levitex offers just a 44-night trial and only a five year warranty. A 44-night trial is still over the three-week window it can take to adjust to a new sleep setup, but the 5 year warranty is really too short, given that you'd expect your mattress to last 7-10 years.

• Read more: Levitex mattress review

Best memory foam mattress for couples

Most of the best memory foam mattresses isolate motion well, but the Hypnia Supreme Memory mattress really stands out in this area. All of our review panel commented on how well this mattress absorbed movements, and combined with a surface that will work for a variety of sleep styles, it's a great choice for couples.

Design
At the top of the Hypnia Supreme is.a layer of graphite-infused cooling foam, designed to draw heat away from the body. Beneath this sits a layer of premium memory foam, followed by a base layer of multi-zoned foam that supports the key pressure points. The quilted AirWave cover is breathable, and removable for easy cleaning.

Comfort and performance
We gave this mattress a 5.5/10 firmness rating, similar to the medium rating given by Hypnia (and comparable to the Emma Original at #1). It feels soft and cushioned, while still providing good pressure relief, particularly for side sleepers. Front and back sleepers may prefer something a little firmer, such as the Levitex (#2). In addition, those with a heavier build might find the mattress too soft.

The highlight of the Hypnia Supreme mattress is the motion isolation. We expect good motion isolation from a memory foam mattress, but the Hypnia Supreme really stood out in this area. Our tester gave the mattress full marks, commenting that their partner could toss and turn without the movement disturbing the rest of the mattress. And while we might expect the sumptuous surface to get warm, our tester had a different experience, finding the bed stayed a neutral temperature overnight. However, be aware that while the edge support is generally fine, it's lacking at the corners.

Value for money
You can go ahead and ignore the Hypnia Supreme RRP. The mattress is never offered at full price, plus the RRP tends to fluctuate with the discount. We've found the mattress typically falls in the mid-range price bracket, which is good value for the quality. The extras are also good: Hypnia offers a 200-night trial and a 15-year guarantee (only the Nectar at #5 offers all-round better extras).

• Read more: Hypnia Supreme Memory mattress review

Best memory foam mattress for back sleepers

The firmer build of the Simbatex foam mattress makes it our top choice for back sleepers. While the medium-firm surface offers excellent temperature regulation and support, the feel can be divisive, especially if you're after the classic memory foam experience.  

Design and materials
Simba is best known for exceptional hybrid mattresses (you can take a look at our Simba Hybrid Pro mattress review to learn more), but this all-foam model is a great addition to the line-up. The top layer consists of Simba's proprietary graphite-infused Simbatex foam, designed for increased breathability. Beneath this is a layer of supportive response foam, which should help keep the spine aligned throughout the night. Finally, a layer of zoned high-density foam provides structure and stability. The breathable knitted cover is removable.

Comfort and performance
The SImbatex is slightly unusual for a memory foam, leaning towards the higher end of the firmness scale – we rate it 7.5/10, or medium-firm. This is excellent for stomach and back sleepers, especially as the foam provides light body contouring to cradle the hips and back. However, side sleepers might find it too firm and unyielding. The Emma Original (#1) and Hypnia Supreme (#3) are better for side sleepers.

Simba's proprietary Simbatex foam is infused with heat-filtering graphite particles and features an open-cell structure that, according to Simba, provides 30 times more airflow than standard memory foam. While we can't guarantee that number is accurate, the Simbatex is definitely highly breathable for a memory foam mattress. However, despite the medium-firm build, edge control fell short. The Levitex (#2) has better support around the perimeter and a similar feel.

Value for money
One potential sticking point might be price – although it's one of Simba's cheapest models, the Simbatex is more expensive than many of the entries in this list. You can definitely get a memory foam of comparable quality for less. That said, we do rate Simba highly as a brand, so it might be worth the investment, especially for back and stomach sleepers. And Simba does offer semi-regular discounts, so keep an eye on our Simba sales page. You also get a 200-night trial and 10-year guarantee for your money.

• Read more: Simbatex Foam Mattress review

Best memory foam mattress for a long trial

Nectar is a big name in the memory foam mattress world, and with good reason. In our Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review we described this option as a good all-rounder for enjoying better sleep for less. While it won't be for everyone, it's a mattress that should suit a large range of sleepers. 

Design and materials
The Nectar Memory Foam is 25cm deep with three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foam, including a 7-zone base layer for targeted support. On top of the base is a layer of pressure relieving memory foam, and then a layer of dynamic support foam to offer cushioning and contouring where your body needs it. The quilted cover has been designed to draw heat away from the body, for a cooler sleep experience.

Comfort and performance
Nectar ranks the memory foam mattress as a 6.5 on the firmness scale, or medium, and we agree. It delivers a cradling sensation without too much of a sinking feeling, balancing a little push-back with comfortable contouring. Best for back sleepers, average weight side sleepers should also find the mattress offers enough pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. However, those with a lighter build might find the Nectar feels too firm, and might prefer the Emma Original (#2). 

Overall, the Nectar performed well across our testing, without particularly standing out. The motion isolation was good, but we expect this from a memory foam bed. It stays a relatively neutral temperature, but lacks the impressive cooling of the Simbatex (#4). And while the edge support is average, the Levitex (#2) outperforms in this area.

Value for money
For the price, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is a strong option – especially when you factor in the extras, which are the best of any model in this list. You get a 365-night trial (matched only by the Eve at #9), which means you have a full year to work out if this bed is right for you. And a forever warranty, for complete peace of mind.

• Read more: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review

Best luxury memory foam mattress

The Tempur Original offers that deep sink-in 'hug' we associate with a classic memory foam mattress. This cushioned embrace offers a sumptuous feel that can be somewhat divisive – but if you love to sink into your mattress, there's really nothing else quite like the Tempur.

Design and materials
There are three standard layers to the Tempur Original – a top layer of soft Tempur Comfort material, a middle layer of Tempur Support material, and a base layer of stabilizing Durabase technology foam.

The exact configuration and thickness of these layers will depend on the height you choose. There are three to pick between: the 21cm Supreme, the 25cm Elite, and the 30cm Luxe. The Elite and Luxe both come with two layers of Durabase foam plus an upgraded QuickRefesh cover. All Tempur Original covers are removable and machine washable.

Comfort and performance
Tempur was the first company to take the original memory foam developed by NASA and use it to make mattresses, so when you try a Tempur, you'll find it feels quite different to other memory foam beds. The Tempur material softens around your body so it can adapt almost immediately to your position. This deep hug keeps you cradled in place, which can make it hard to move during the night. Perfect for some people, uncomfortable for others. The Hypnia Supreme (#3) also delivers a softer feel, but without that super-sink of the Tempur.

The Tempur Original is best for side sleepers, delivering excellent pressure relief at the shoulder and hips. However, back and stomach sleepers, as well as those with a heavier build, might find they sink too much. In addition, while that close hug can feel comfortable at first, over time, you may find it exacerbates aches and pains.

As you might expect from the embracing foam of the Tempur Original, motion isolation is excellent. You're really held by the mattress, making tossing and turning a struggle, and keeping movement contained. But, perhaps unsurprisingly for such a close foam, reviews indicate that the mattress can get hot in warm weather.

Value for money
The Tempur Original is a premium mattress and sales are rare. But as it has a truly unique feel, it might be worth the cost. However, it's not for everyone, and you might need to make the most of the 100-night trial to determine if it's right for you. There's also a 10-year guarantee.

Best budget memory foam mattress

The Simbatex Essential Foam mattress is Simba's most affordable - and most basic - bed. It's a thinner alternative to the Simbatex Foam mattress at #4, with only two layers. However, it has a similar firm feel and much the same temperature-regulating properties, for a significantly lower price.

Design and materials
The Simbatex Essential Foam mattress has just two foam layers. The top layer of Simba's open-cell Simbatex foam is infused with graphite to help you sleep cooler, but doesn't deliver the sink-in feel you get from standard memory foam. Underneath is a zoned high-density foam base, designed to provide support and pressure relief for your shoulders and back. Finally, there's a breathable knitted cover. At 18cm tall, it's thinner than we normally recommend for an adult mattress, but good for a child or teenager.

Comfort and performance
Like the Simbatex Foam mattress, the Simbatex Essential is a firmer option that we rate at 7.5/10. As it only has a thinner layer of contouring Simbatex foam, it's a mattress you lie on top of, rather than sink into. It's best for stomach and back sleepers with an average to lightweight build, while side sleepers might find they lack cushioning at the pressure points.

The temperature and motion isolation are both good, but the edge support is lacking, so you might find it hard to sit on the edge of the bed. Overall, it would work well in a spare room, but isn't a great choice if you want a main bed for long-term use.

Value for money
The Simbatex Essential is basic but budget-friendly, especially as it's regularly discounted. And even though it's a cheaper option, you still get the impressive Simba extras: a 200-night trial and a 10-year guarantee.

Best memory foam mattress under £300

Memory foam is one of the most affordable mattress materials, and if you're on a really tight budget, check out the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress. It comes in at a very low price and offers decent quality – we rate this one of the best cheap mattresses, as well as one of the best mattresses on Amazon.

Design and materials
The Zinus Green Tea consists of three foam layers. The memory foam top layer is the focal point, infused with green tea for apparently improved freshness. The middle layer consists of comfort foam, while a high density foam makes up the base. It comes in two height options – 20cm and 25cm – but we recommend choosing the 25cm model, to ensure you're getting the support you need.

Comfort and performance
Let's be frank: in terms of materials and features, this mattress simply doesn't compare with the other beds on this guide. We'd hesitate to use it as our main bed, because it doesn't provide the level of support an adult body needs night after night. 

With that said, it does appear to deliver a good amount of pressure relief, with the contouring top layer helping keep your body comfortable. It should be best for side sleepers, especially those who plan on using the bed short-term, or in a guest room. But for everyday use, the Emma Original (#1) has superior support.

What about the green tea infusion? Intended to absorb sweat, smells, and reduce the risk of mould, we're not entirely convinced on the science, but reviewers seem happy. However, as the bed isn't great at temperature regulation, you might need all that sweat absorption. If you sleep hot, consider the Levitex (#2) or Simbatex (#4), instead.

Value for money
If price is your number one priority and all you need is a basic mattress, you could do a lot worse than the Zinus. Unsurprisingly there's no trial period, but there's a 10-year guarantee and, assuming you order from Amazon, a 30-day return policy.

Best memory foam mattress for firm support

The Eve Original is a firmly supportive memory foam mattress that we recommend for front and back sleepers. It isn't one of our stand-out favorites, but it's a good all-rounder.

Design and materials
Eve describes its three layers of foam as 'whopping', but it's actually pretty standard for a memory foam mattress. Here, there's a dense base layer to prevent sagging, followed by a soft memory foam layer for pressure relief, and finished with a top layer of springy 'Evecomfort' foam for breathable support. 

Comfort and performance
If you're looking for a memory foam mattress with a firmer feel, the Eve Original is a great choice. The breathable foam uses unique 'contour zones' to ensure there's ample pressure relief where it's needed, while the springy top layer offers support across the body. Eve recommends the mattress for front, back, and side sleepers, but we think it might be too firm for some lighter side sleepers – a softer bed, like the Emma Original (#1), might be better.

The Eve Original delivers impressive motion isolation, so couples who want a firmer support might prefer this mattress to the Hypnia Supreme (#3). However, although it does come equipped with a moisture-wicking breathable cover, the temperature regulation is a little disappointing.

Value for money
The Eve Original is an upper-mid range model when it's not on sale, and a mid-range model when it is on sale. Eve sales are pretty frequent, but the discount tends to jump between the Original and the upgraded Premium memory foam model. No matter the price, the extras are excellent. The Eve Original comes with a 365-night trial and a 10-year guarantee.

Buying info

Is a memory foam mattress the best choice for you?

There's a lot to be said for memory foam mattresses, and most sleepers will get on perfectly well with them. Certainly if you're used to traditional sprung mattresses, the gently enveloping hug of memory foam can feel a little disconcerting at first, but it's worth getting used to; you'll get much better pressure relief and body contouring, and if you suffer from sore joints or other aches and pains you should soon feel the benefits.

Another great advantage of memory foam is its motion isolating qualities; anyone who shares a bed with a restless sleeper will appreciate how memory foam dampens movement, meaning that you're a lot less likely to be disturbed by a partner who's constantly tossing and turning in the night.

If you've looked into the best memory foam mattresses before, you may have learned that they have a bit of a reputation for retaining body heat. This isn't entirely undeserved. Memory foam mattresses can sleep hot, but it's primarily a problem with older and cheaper memory foam. Most modern memory foam mattresses use a variety of tricks to help you stay cool at night, including cooling covers, cuts in the foam to promote airflow, and foam that's infused with temperature-regulating gel, copper or graphite. That said, if you do tend to sleep hot, you may get on better with a specific cooling mattress, or a hybrid mattress with spring layers that allow air to flow through.

Beyond the heat issue, there are other reasons why memory foam might not be the right choice for everyone. If you sleep on your stomach, many memory foam mattresses won't give you enough support, while if you're a combination sleeper who changes position a lot in the night, you may find that memory foam hug to be just a little too restrictive. And if you're of heavier weight, you could find that you sink too deeply into the foam and end up with too much pressure on your joints.

The final potential problem with memory foam mattresses is that you may experience a strong chemical smell after you unpack your new mattress and it inflates to full size. This is known as mattress off-gassing, and while it's harmless it can be quite overpowering, and it can take a day or more to dissipate fully.

If you do decide on a memory foam mattress, be sure to give it all the help it needs by investing in the best mattress protector to go with it. And if you feel it could use a little comfort boost (or if you'd simply like a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of your current mattress), a good mattress topper can make a world of difference. And finally, there's no point in upgrading your bed but sticking with the same old pillows; our guide to the best pillows can help maximise your bedtime comfort levels.

When's the best time to buy a memory foam mattress?

One thing you need to know about the memory foam mattress business is that sales tend to happen all year round; with a few exceptions it's near-impossible to buy a new mattress at the RRP. However some times of year are better than others for buying a new mattress; the Black Friday mattress sales generally represent the best opportunity to find the mattress of your dreams at the lowest price.

If you miss Black Friday you can usually find the same prices carried forward to the Cyber Monday mattress deals, and occasionally some brands will run even bigger sales on that day, so it can sometimes pay to wait. More often than not, mattress brands will keep their prices lower throughout December and into January, the traditional winter sale periods.

Unlike in the USA, where Presidents' Day, Labor Day and Memorial Day tend to see big mattress discounts, there aren't many similar sales events in the UK. Easter and bank holidays may trigger larger discounts from mattress brands, but in general if you want to save on your new mattress, your best bet is to keep an eye on our guide to the latest mattress sales.