Foam Mattress Buying Advice: 5 UK Options Compared

Foam mattress buying advice: the short answer

The best foam mattress depends on your preferred firmness, budget, tolerance for heat and whether you want an all-foam or hybrid construction. Foam is a strong option if you want contouring, pressure relief and less movement across the bed. Memory foam is less suitable if you dislike a sinking feel or want the airflow and bounce associated with springs.

For a clear starting point, choose the IKEA ÅGOTNES if the lowest listed price is your priority, the IKEA ÅBYGDA if you want memory foam with a 10-year guarantee, or Dormeo Fresh if a 200-night trial matters most. The IKEA ÅKREHAMN is the most direct choice if you are deciding between firm and medium-firm versions. These are different buying propositions, so compare construction and aftercare rather than price alone.

Top 5 foam mattresses in the UK

This shortlist assigns each model to a specific use case. Prices below are the listed prices from the named retailers; the figures can differ by mattress size or promotion.

The IKEA prices and product features come from the retailer’s catalogue and product pages for ÅFJÄLL, ÅBYGDA and ÅKREHAMN. Dormeo lists Fresh from £159 and describes delivery and trial terms on its memory-foam mattress page.

Foam mattress or memory foam mattress?

A standard foam mattress uses foam for support and cushioning. A memory foam mattress uses viscoelastic, temperature-sensitive polyurethane foam that reacts to pressure and heat, then moulds around the sleeper’s contours. That distinction matters when comparing an inexpensive foam mattress with a model designed to provide a closer, slower-response feel.

Foam mattresses generally offer contouring and pressure relief. Dormeo says that memory foam distributes body weight across the mattress and is designed to support pressure points such as the neck, hips and knees. A hybrid combines foam comfort layers with springs, adding more bounce and airflow than an all-foam design.

When comparing products, check whether the description says “foam”, “memory foam”, “foam-topped hybrid” or “hybrid”. These labels describe different constructions and should not be treated as interchangeable. Foam density and firmness are also different: firmness describes how the mattress feels, while density describes the foam material.

How to choose firmness and construction

Firmness is a personal preference, but the product’s stated version gives you a useful basis for comparison. The ÅKREHAMN is available in both firm and medium-firm versions, while the ÅBYGDA is described as a medium-firm memory-foam mattress. If you prefer a more yielding, contouring feel, memory foam is the relevant construction to investigate; if you want more bounce and airflow, a hybrid with springs is the alternative.

Memory foam is known for contouring and motion isolation, which can reduce the sensation of movement across the bed. Springs generally provide more airflow, while hybrids combine foam comfort with spring support. These differences are more useful buying criteria than treating every foam mattress as the same.

Foam mattress sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King and Super King

Measure the bed frame before ordering. The UK standard sizes listed by Dormeo are shown below.

Dormeo states that most of its memory-foam mattresses are available in Single, Double, King and Super King, with some Small Double and European sizes also available. For an unusual bed, eFoam offers made-to-measure mattresses in Single, Double, King, Super King and custom dimensions, with seven thickness options and optional memory-foam layers. Its mattresses are supplied without a cover, although quilted Coolmax covers can be bought separately.

How to avoid the main disadvantages of a foam mattress

The main potential drawbacks are heat retention, excessive softness, reduced bounce and an initial off-gassing odour. “Off-gassing” means the smell released by some new foam products after unpacking.

• If you sleep hot: consider open-cell memory foam, which contains internal air pockets intended to improve ventilation and heat dispersal. A hybrid may offer more airflow because it uses springs.
• If you dislike sinking: choose a firmer surface or consider conventional foam or a hybrid rather than a deep memory-foam feel.
• If smell concerns you: allow the mattress to ventilate after unpacking in line with the product’s instructions.
• If you need a custom shape: compare made-to-measure suppliers. GB Foam Direct recommends a memory-foam top layer over a firmer, thicker high-density foam base.

Dormeo advertises free UK delivery and a 200-night trial on its listed memory-foam models. IKEA describes the ÅBYGDA as a memory-foam mattress with a washable cover and a 10-year guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Is a foam mattress good or bad?

A foam mattress can be good for contouring, pressure relief and reduced movement transfer. It may be a poor fit if you sleep hot, dislike a sinking sensation or want the bounce and airflow associated with springs. Open-cell foam and hybrid construction can help with ventilation, but the choice depends on the design and your preferences.

What are the disadvantages of a foam mattress?

Potential disadvantages include heat retention, an initial odour, excessive softness and less bounce than a sprung mattress. Full memory foam can feel less breathable than a sprung or hybrid mattress, although open-cell constructions are intended to improve airflow.

Which is the best foam mattress in the UK?

The best choice depends on the feature you value most. Choose the IKEA ÅGOTNES for the lowest listed price, the IKEA ÅBYGDA for memory foam with a 10-year guarantee, Dormeo Fresh for a 200-night trial, and the IKEA ÅKREHAMN if you want to choose between firm and medium-firm versions. The IKEA ÅFJÄLL is the straightforward option for a basic 12 cm foam mattress with resilient foam and a washable quilted cover.