Best mattress 2026 – how to choose the right firmness and type

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A mattress is one of the few things you use every day for many years. Yet many people choose on a five-minute feel in a shop or a good offer. The result is sometimes a mattress that feels great the first night and poor after six months.

This guide helps you understand the differences between types, firmness and materials, and gives you four clear picks. We do not quote prices – they vary widely and campaigns are common. Use check current price.

Who is this guide for?

• Anyone replacing a mattress after many years
• Couples with different needs
• Anyone considering buying online
• Anyone wondering whether an expensive mattress is worth the money

How we evaluate

We do not have a mattress test lab and we do not measure pressure points. Nobody can say which mattress is best for your particular body. Instead we:

• Construction and materials: foam, springs, hybrid, layers and durability.
• Owner reports: we read many owner reviews and look for recurring descriptions of comfort, ventilation, edges and durability.
• Terms: trial period, return rights, warranty and pick-up.
• Availability: can you try it in a shop, or only online?
• Price relative to quality.

Scores are editorial judgements.

Our picks

Emma Original – best for trying at home

Emma Original is a foam mattress with a medium-firm feel that many find easy to live with. It is delivered in a box and sold with a trial period, which reduces the risk of buying wrong. Foam can be warmer than springs and may feel too soft for heavier sleepers.

Tempur Original – for pressure relief

Tempur is synonymous with memory foam. The mattress conforms to the body and can give good pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. It is expensive, and some find it warm. Ideally try it in a shop.

Jensen (pocket spring) – a traditional spring mattress

Jensen offers spring mattresses at several price levels. Springs give better airflow than foam and suit you if you sleep hot. You can often try them in a shop. It can be hard to compare models because names vary between retailers.

Carpe Diem Beds – Swedish quality

Carpe Diem is a Swedish brand focused on quality and materials. It is expensive but often appreciated. The range is smaller than at the big chains.

Comparison criteria

Mattress type

• Foam/memory: conforms to the body, good pressure relief, can get warm.
• Pocket spring: airy, bouncy, good support.
• Hybrid: combines springs and foam.
• Latex: elastic and durable, often heavier.

Firmness

There is no standard. ‘Firm’ at one brand may be ‘medium’ at another. Read the manufacturer’s description and owner reviews.

Body weight and sleeping position

• Side sleepers: softer relief for shoulders and hips.
• Back sleepers: medium-firm that supports the lower back.
• Stomach sleepers: firmer to avoid sagging in the lower back.
• Over 100 kg: choose a firmer, sturdier construction.

Trial and return terms

This is usually the most important. Look at number of nights, fees, pick-up and condition requirements.

Ventilation

If you often get hot, choose spring or hybrid with an airy top layer.

Common mistakes

• Trying it for five minutes in a shop: a mattress needs weeks of testing.
• Buying on price or sale: ‘sales’ on inflated prices are common.
• Forgetting the bed base: an old frame can ruin a new mattress.
• Ignoring your partner: couples should try together.
• Expecting a miracle for back pain.

Verdict

• Best for trying at home: Emma Original.
• Best for pressure relief: Tempur Original.
• Best if you sleep hot: Jensen with pocket springs.
• Best for quality-minded buyers: Carpe Diem Beds.

Always look at the trial terms first, then the mattress. You will find more guides in the Mattresses & sleep category. If you sit at a desk a lot, our office chair guide is also worth reading.

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