Memory Foam Mattresses
Updated
Memory foam changed the mid-market mattress. Slow-bounce comfort that suits side-sleepers especially. We've got over 1,000 here from Robert Dyas, The Range, MattressNextDay and other UK retailers, all in one place to compare. read more…
3,420 Memory Foam Mattresses from 13 UK Retailers in May ’26
Memory foam mattresses: what to look for
Memory foam (technically viscoelastic polyurethane) responds to body heat and pressure, conforming to the sleeper's shape and slowly recovering when weight is removed. It's the right answer for sleepers who want pressure-point relief, who share a bed with a restless partner (foam doesn't transfer movement), or who like the "hugged by the bed" sensation. It's the wrong answer for sleepers who run hot, since foam traps heat.
Density is the spec that decides longevity. 50kg/m³ and above is the spec that holds shape over five-plus years. Below 50kg/m³ and the mattress will start to sag where you sleep within 18-24 months. Most retailers don't advertise density figures prominently; ask before buying anything over £400.
Foam type matters:
- Traditional memory foam: holds heat, slow response, deepest body-contour. The classic feel.
- Gel-infused memory foam: cooling layer addresses the heat-retention problem. Costs £50-£150 more.
- Phase-change memory foam: more advanced cooling, used by brands like Coolflex. £100-£300 more than basic foam.
- Latex foam: not technically memory foam, but often grouped with it. Cooler, more responsive, more expensive.
Hybrid mattresses (memory foam comfort layer over a pocket-sprung core) combine the best of both: spring support, foam comfort, less heat-retention than all-foam. The fastest-growing mattress segment in the UK.
Bed-in-a-box brands (Emma, Simba, Eve where stocked) are mostly memory-foam or hybrid construction. Roll-packed delivery handles narrow stair turns that traditional flat-pack mattresses can't.
The brands and retailers we list
We pull around 5,200 memory foam mattresses across the UK retailer network. Coolflex covers the cooling-layer end specifically. Silentnight and Sealy run hybrid memory-foam ranges across the value-to-mid bracket.
Filter by size: single, double, king-size or super king memory foam mattresses. Read our mattress buying guide for firmness, position and weight decisions. Or filter the grid above by brand or price. Prices update daily.
Frequently asked questions
Do new memory foam mattresses smell?
Yes, for 2 to 7 days after unboxing. The smell is off-gassing from the polyurethane manufacturing process (called VOCs, volatile organic compounds). Open windows in the room, leave the mattress to expand without bedding for 48 hours, and the smell fades. CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX certified foams emit fewer VOCs and the smell clears faster.
Who should not buy a memory foam mattress?
Hot sleepers, stomach sleepers, and anyone with reduced mobility who needs to roll easily. Memory foam traps heat (1 to 2C warmer than pocket-sprung), softens under the abdomen of stomach sleepers and pushes the lower back into a curve, and the hug makes turning over harder for older sleepers. Hybrid pocket-sprung with a foam comfort layer suits these groups better.
Memory foam vs latex: what's the difference?
Memory foam (polyurethane) is heat-responsive: it softens under body warmth and contours slowly. Latex (natural or synthetic rubber) is bouncier, cooler and faster to recover when you move. Latex lasts 12 to 15 years to memory foam's 7 to 10. Latex costs 50 to 100% more for the same size. Both are foams; they sleep noticeably different.
Can memory foam mattresses go on adjustable bed frames?
Yes, most modern memory foam (and hybrid) mattresses are designed for adjustable bases. The foam flexes without cracking. Avoid pure latex on adjustable frames; the latex fights the bend. Check the mattress warranty too: some pocket-sprung models void warranty when used on adjustable bases, but memory foam typically does not.
How firm is a "medium-firm" memory foam mattress?
6 to 7 on the UK 1-to-10 firmness scale. Medium-firm is the most-bought spec because it suits back sleepers, side sleepers up to 90kg, and most couples. Below medium-firm (4 to 5) is for lighter sleepers and side-sleeping only. Above firm (8-plus) is for heavier sleepers and back-pain support. Most retailers list firmness on a number scale; if not, ask before ordering.
