Memory Foam Mattresses

Why choose a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam creates a cushioned surface that moulds around your shape, helping spread pressure more evenly as you settle into your sleeping position. This can make it particularly appealing for:

• Side sleepers: Extra cushioning can feel comfortable around pressure points such as the shoulders and hips.

• Couples: Foam absorbs movement well, helping reduce how much you notice your partner turning during the night.

• Sleepers who like closer support: Memory foam offers a more body-hugging feel than a traditional sprung surface.

• A wide choice of comfort: Compare different firmness levels, foam constructions and cooling features.

How to choose the right memory foam mattress

Start with the feel you prefer. Memory foam is known for its close cushioning, but different mattresses can range from soft options to firm memory foam mattresses. Your sleeping position can help guide your choice. Side sleepers often prefer enough cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while sleepers who enjoy a sturdier surface may favour a firmer feel.

Next, look at how the mattress is constructed. Foam density can influence how substantial and responsive the mattress feels, but a higher density does not automatically mean it will be right for you. Compare density alongside firmness, mattress depth and the other comfort layers.

If you tend to sleep warm, look at the materials used around the foam. Some mattresses include cooling gel layers, more breathable open-cell foam structures or breathable covers designed to improve airflow and reduce the dense feel associated with traditional memory foam.

For couples, memory foam can be useful because it absorbs movement well. However, all-foam mattresses may have a softer edge than designs with reinforced pocket sprung borders, so consider edge support if you regularly sleep close to the side of the bed.

Finally, check product-specific details. Weight limits, cover-care instructions, warranties and certifications vary between mattresses, so confirm these on the individual product page before ordering.

Why shop at MattressNextDay?

Next day delivery - Available on eligible in-stock mattresses across the UK mainland.

Lowest price promise - Compare memory foam mattresses with extra reassurance around price.

Old mattress removal - We’ll save you the hassle and take your old mattress with us when your new one arrives.

Excellent reviews - Check verified customer reviews before choosing your mattress.

Award-winning retailer - Buy from a three-time NBF Online Bed Retailer of the Year.

British-designed quality - Choose British-designed mattresses built with carefully selected materials.

Need help choosing your next mattress?

Tell us how you sleep, the firmness you prefer and what you’d like to spend. MattressFinder™ will quickly narrow the range to options that suit you. Find your perfect mattress.

Buying guidance for memory foam mattresses

Choosing a memory foam mattress is easier when you understand how its cushioning, temperature and support compare with other mattress types. These practical points can help you decide whether memory foam matches the way you like to sleep.

Memory foam vs pocket sprung mattresses: Which is best for you?

Memory foam and pocket sprung mattresses offer noticeably different feels:

• Memory foam mattresses: Mould more closely around your body for cushioned, contouring comfort. Foam also absorbs movement well, which can be helpful if you share your bed.

• Pocket sprung mattresses: Individual springs respond separately as you move, creating a more responsive surface with greater airflow through the spring structure.

Memory foam may suit you if you enjoy a closer, body-hugging surface. Pocket springs are worth considering if you prefer easier movement, a more traditional feel or greater airflow.

Does memory foam make you sleep hot? Cooling technologies explained

Traditional memory foam can feel denser than a sprung mattress because there is less open space for air to circulate. That does not mean every memory foam mattress will feel the same.

Some designs use cooling gel-infused foam, more open foam structures or breathable covers to help manage heat and encourage airflow. If sleeping temperature is important to you, compare these features rather than relying on the mattress being described simply as memory foam.

Also consider your bedding and mattress protector, as these form part of the overall sleep surface. A very thick or less breathable protector can influence how the mattress feels.

Delivery, recycling, and guarantees

Free next-day delivery to most locations - Need your memory foam mattress quickly? Free next-day delivery is available across the UK mainland on eligible in-stock mattresses.

Free weekend delivery - Choose a weekend delivery slot, if available, so your mattress arrives at a convenient time.

Choose a delivery date - Select your preferred delivery date at checkout to make replacing your mattress or planning around moving day easier.

Learn more about our delivery and returns policies.

We make old mattress disposal easy for you

Just £39 to responsibly dispose of your old mattress - Add old mattress removal at checkout for £39, and MattressNextDay will collect your old mattress when your new one arrives.

100% of your mattress is reused and recycled - Your old mattress is broken down into its core components so the raw materials can be repurposed. Instead of going to landfill, 100% of your old mattress is reused and recycled.

A greener way to get rid of your old mattress - Avoid arranging disposal separately with a recycling service designed to make replacing your mattress more convenient.

Find a great value memory foam mattress

Looking for comfortable cushioning at the right price? Explore the latest MattressNextDay sale and compare memory foam mattresses across trusted brands, popular sizes and different comfort grades. Shop mattress sale.

Ask the expert about memory foam mattresses

Choosing a mattress is easier when you know what to compare. Our product experts answer common questions about memory foam mattresses, including density, suitability, temperature, firmness and types.

Martin Seeley, Product Expert at MattressNextDay, answers questions about memory foam mattresses.

Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?

They can be. Side sleepers often prefer more cushioning around the shoulders and hips because these areas press more directly into the mattress.

Memory foam moulds around your shape, so it can create the closer cushioning many side sleepers enjoy. Firmness still matters, though. A mattress that feels comfortable for one side sleeper may feel too soft or firm for another, so consider your personal preference alongside the foam construction.

Does memory foam help with pressure points?

Memory foam moulds to your shape and provides close cushioning, which can help distribute pressure across the sleeping surface rather than concentrating it on areas such as the shoulders and hips.

This may be particularly appealing to side sleepers. However, mattress comfort is personal.

Does memory foam make you hot at night?

Some traditional memory foam can feel denser because it lacks the open spring structure of a pocket sprung mattress. Pocket springs generally allow more air to move through the mattress, while memory foam can feel denser.

If you prefer a cooler-feeling setup, look for mattresses with features such as cooling gel-infused layers, breathable foam structures or breathable covers. The exact cooling features vary by product.

What is cooling gel memory foam?

Cooling gel memory foam combines foam with gel-based technology intended to help manage the temperature of the sleeping surface.

The exact construction varies between manufacturers. Rather than assuming every cooling memory foam mattress performs in the same way, check how the gel layer is used alongside breathable covers, additional foam layers and the overall mattress design.

What does memory foam density mean?

Density describes how much material is contained within a particular volume of foam. It is different from firmness, so a higher-density foam should not automatically be assumed to feel harder.

Density can affect the overall feel and construction of a mattress, but it is only one factor to compare. Firmness, foam depth, additional layers and the sleeper's preferences are also important.

Do memory foam mattresses have weight limits?

Some mattresses have recommended maximum user weights or weight limits, while others may not publish one.

Because these limits depend on the construction of the individual mattress, check the product specification or manufacturer's guidance rather than applying one limit to all memory foam mattresses. This is especially useful when comparing different foam depths, densities and hybrid constructions.

Is memory foam edge support as strong as pocket springs?

It depends on the mattress. An all-foam design may compress more around the perimeter than a pocket sprung mattress with a reinforced border.

If you regularly sit on the edge of the bed or sleep close to the side, look specifically at how the mattress perimeter is constructed. Hybrid and sprung designs may include dedicated edge-support systems, although features vary between products.

Memory foam or hybrid: which should I choose?

Choose memory foam if you prefer a closer, more cushioned surface. A hybrid mattress combines springs with foam or other comfort layers, giving you some of the responsiveness of springs alongside added cushioning.

A hybrid may suit you if you like memory foam comfort but prefer a more responsive mattress. Compare firmness and construction as well as the mattress category.

Should I use a mattress protector with memory foam?

A mattress protector is a practical way to help protect the surface from spills, marks and everyday wear. Choose one that fits the mattress depth correctly and follow any care requirements supplied with the mattress.

If temperature is important to you, you may also want to consider the protector's materials and breathability, as anything placed over the mattress becomes part of the sleep surface.

What certifications should I look for on a memory foam mattress?

Certifications vary between brands and products. If independent material or textile certification matters to you, check the individual mattress specification for certifications such as OEKO-TEX or CertiPUR-US, where applicable.

Do not assume these certifications apply to every memory foam mattress in the range. The product page or manufacturer's information should confirm any certification attached to a particular model.

Do memory foam mattresses come with warranties?

Warranty terms vary between mattresses. Some products may include longer manufacturer warranties, while others have different terms.

Check the individual product page before buying so you know exactly what is included.