But a higher price doesn’t automatically guarantee a better mattress for everyone. What matters most is finding a mattress that suits your specific needs — whether that’s firm support, pressure relief, or temperature regulation. An expensive mattress might offer a premium experience, but if it doesn’t align with your sleep preferences, it might not be worth the investment.
What are the benefits of a cheap mattress?
Aside from providing buyers with a better mattress deal, value-wise, than their premium counterparts, an inexpensive mattress can often do away with some of the more superfluous mattress features. For instance, while a gel-infused mattress may boast some serious sleep appeal, you might find that similar and more affordable materials and technologies can offer the same spinal support and breathability. Take the Simbatex foam alternative within Simba’s bed-in-a-box foam rolled mattress; it “provides 30x more airflow than standard memory foam” according to the brand, not to mention supporting the shoulders specifically with its zoned foam layer, much like a gel-infused mattress.
We believe that this, alongside other high-end mattress technologies, like wool-fill and ‘no-flip’ models, do not define the perfect double, king or single mattress. Of course, there are benefits to be had of an extra 3-7 layers of foam, pocketed coils and/or tufting but, in 2024, the cheap mattress market has a lot to be said for it.
How often should you replace your mattress?
As a general rule of thumb, you should be looking to replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years. Over time, even the best mattresses can lose their support and comfort, leading to disrupted sleep and potential aches and pains. But the actual lifespan of your mattress can vary depending on factors like the quality of materials, how well it’s cared for, and how much use it gets.
Signs that it’s time to replace your mattress include visible sagging, lumps, or indentations, waking up with stiffness or discomfort, and noticing that you sleep better on other beds (like in hotels). If yours is affecting your sleep quality or showing significant wear and tear, it might be time to start shopping for a new mattress, even if it hasn’t quite reached the 7-year mark.
What is a reasonably priced mattress?
A reasonably priced mattress in the UK typically ranges between £200 to £600, depending on the size, materials, and brand. Within this range, you can find quality options that offer a good balance of comfort, support, and durability. Memory foam mattresses and pocket-sprung models are often available in this bracket, too, providing various levels of firmness and comfort features to suit different sleepers.
While it’s possible to find a low-price mattress for less than £200, these may compromise on quality or longevity. On the other hand, spending more than £600 can get you premium features, such as advanced cooling technology, higher coil counts, or hybrid designs that blend memory foam with springs for enhanced support.
Ultimately, if you’re after bang for your buck, it’s worth stretching to the best you can afford – you won’t regret investing in your sleep.
How do we test and review the best budget mattresses?
We’ve rifled through the good and bad comments of multiple cheap mattresses (and there were some awful ones), so you don’t have to. Not to mention we – as a team of fashion, interiors and beauty experts – happen to know a thing or two about which brands in the sleep industry have earned their respective places as the ‘best’. Plus, with a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR, of course some of our testers have trailed a cheaper mattress in our time, be it as a student or first-time home owner.
After more sleep content? Shop weighted blankets and mattress toppers, the best duvets, best pillows, anti-allergy pillows and cooling pillows. We’ve also got silk bedding, mattress protectors, mattresses for back pain, silk pillowcases and linen bedding to keep you cool all year-round, plus body pillows, and pregnancy pillows to invest in if you’re expecting.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.