Best Mattress Under £300 UK 2026

£150 – £300|Updated 2026-06-17|5 products reviewed

Spending under £300 on a mattress in the UK doesn't mean settling for poor sleep — several bed-in-a-box brands now deliver genuinely comfortable foam and hybrid mattresses at this price point. The key is knowing which corners are cut (usually edge support and cover quality) and which features still hold up well. For most UK buyers replacing an ageing spring mattress, this bracket offers the best value-for-money improvement in sleep quality.

What to Look For

  1. 1Memory foam vs hybrid: At this price, memory foam mattresses tend to be thicker and more supportive than budget hybrids — save hybrid for the £300–£500 bracket where spring counts actually matter
  2. 2Check the depth: Budget mattresses under 20cm can bottom out for heavier sleepers — look for at least 22cm total depth if you weigh over 12 stone
  3. 3Trial periods still apply: Emma, Silentnight, and Dormeo all offer 100+ night trials even on their cheapest models, so you can return if it's not right
  4. 4UK double sizing: Always verify the mattress fits UK standard sizes (Single 90×190cm, Double 135×190cm, King 150×200cm) — some budget brands ship EU dimensions
  5. 5Wait for sales: January, Black Friday, and Bank Holiday weekends regularly drop £300 mattresses to £180–£220, making premium-feeling foam beds very affordable

Our Top Picks

1
EmmaTop Pick

Emma Original Mattress

typeMemory Foam
depth25cm
firmnessMedium (6/10)
trial200 nights
guarantee10 years

Pros

  • 200-night risk-free trial with free returns
  • Three foam layers provide good pressure relief for side and back sleepers
  • Breathable Airgocell foam top layer reduces heat build-up
  • 10-year guarantee and free UK delivery

Cons

  • Edge support is average — not ideal for sitting on the bed's edge
  • Takes 48–72 hours to fully expand and off-gas

The UK's best-selling budget mattress with a 200-night trial and three-layer foam design that suits most sleep positions.

2
SilentnightBest Value

Silentnight Studio Memory Mattress

typeMemory Foam
depth22cm
firmnessMedium-Firm (6.5/10)
trial60 nights
guarantee5 years

Pros

  • Silentnight's Eco Comfort fibre cover is hypoallergenic and recyclable
  • Zoned support base keeps your spine aligned across different body weights
  • Rolled delivery fits through tight UK staircases and doorways
  • Frequently on sale under £200

Cons

  • Thinner at 22cm — heavier sleepers may feel the base
  • No extended trial period like bed-in-a-box competitors

Trusted UK brand offering a solid memory foam mattress with Eco Comfort fibre at a consistently low price.

3
Dormeo

Dormeo Memory Plus Mattress

typeMemory Foam
depth22cm
firmnessMedium (5.5/10)
trial60 nights
guarantee15 years

Pros

  • Ecocell foam base provides 8x more breathability than standard foam
  • Memory foam comfort layer moulds well for side sleepers
  • Compact roll-packed delivery with quick expansion
  • Good motion isolation for couples sharing a bed

Cons

  • Cover fabric feels basic compared to Emma or Simba
  • Firmness runs softer than listed — stomach sleepers may want something firmer

Italian-designed memory foam mattress with Octaspring-inspired tech at an entry-level price point.

4
VesganttiBest Hybrid

Vesgantti Pro Hybrid Mattress

typeHybrid (Pocket Spring + Foam)
depth24cm
firmnessMedium-Firm (7/10)
springsIndividually pocketed
guarantee10 years

Pros

  • Pocket springs give better airflow than all-foam options — good for hot sleepers
  • Comfortable pillow-top feel with memory foam quilted layer
  • Strong edge support lets you use the full mattress surface
  • Consistently priced under £250 even outside sales

Cons

  • Spring noise is noticeable when rolling over at night
  • Memory foam layer is thin — pressure relief is limited for side sleepers

A surprisingly capable pocket-sprung hybrid at a budget price, offering bounce and airflow that pure foam can't match.

5
Sweetnight

Sweetnight Twilight Memory Foam Mattress

typeGel Memory Foam
depth25cm
firmnessMedium (6/10)
coverRemovable, machine washable
guarantee10 years

Pros

  • Gel memory foam layer actively draws heat away from the body
  • Three-zone support design with firmer centre section
  • CertiPUR-certified foams with low VOC emissions
  • Removable and machine-washable cover

Cons

  • Brand is less established in the UK than Emma or Silentnight
  • Off-gassing smell can linger for 3–5 days after unboxing

A gel-infused foam mattress that sleeps notably cooler than competitors at this price — ideal for warm bedrooms.

Editor's Note

At the sub-£300 level, Emma Original and Silentnight Studio dominate UK reviews for good reason — both use CertiPUR-certified foams and offer trial periods that remove the risk. If you run hot at night, look for open-cell foam or gel-infused layers rather than dense memory foam. Avoid mattresses under £100 from unknown brands on Amazon — they often use low-density foam that sags within 6–12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mattress under £300 in the UK?
The Emma Original is widely considered the best mattress under £300 in the UK, offering three foam layers, a 200-night trial, and 10-year guarantee. The Silentnight Studio and Dormeo Memory Plus are strong alternatives if you prefer a firmer feel or lower entry price.
Is a cheap mattress worth buying?
A budget mattress from a reputable brand (£150–£300) is absolutely worth buying — modern foam technology means sub-£300 mattresses outperform expensive spring mattresses from a decade ago. Avoid unbranded options under £100 as they typically use low-density foam that loses support quickly.
How long does a budget mattress last?
A well-made budget mattress (£200–£300) from brands like Emma or Silentnight should last 6–8 years with proper care. Rotating it every 3 months helps prevent body impressions. Mattresses under £150 tend to last 3–5 years before noticeable sagging.
Do budget mattresses come with free delivery in the UK?
Yes, most bed-in-a-box brands including Emma, Dormeo, and Simba offer free UK delivery on all mattresses regardless of price. They arrive vacuum-packed in a box and expand within 24–72 hours. Returns during the trial period are also typically free.
Affiliate disclosure: UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.

You might also like