10 best mattresses for better sleep, according to Telegraph experts and readers

As soon as you start to wake up with discomfort, it’s time to consider whether you need a new mattress. Even the best mattress needs to be replaced around the seven-year mark, so that’s why we’ve tested 45 – from major brands, including Simba, Emma and Dreams – to help you choose the right one.

“People often believe their mattress is adequate since they spent a lot of money on it,” says Dr. Lindsay Browning, founder of Trouble Sleeping . “But often it transpires that it’s at least 15 to 20 years old. In these cases, it’s unlikely that the mattress is providing the same level of support.”

According to Dr. Browning: “An ideal mattress should support your back and spine, allowing the spine to remain in a neutral position during the night”. Our guide to choosing a mattress runs through this in detail, but here’s what to consider:

Side sleepers need pressure relief to cushion their shoulders and hips. A hybrid mattress, with its combination of memory foam and springs, should offer the right balance.

Back sleepers need to prevent their torso from sinking too far into the mattress. Medium-to-firm pocket sprung mattresses are best, because each spring works individually, tailoring its cushioning to different body parts.

Front sleepers (or stomach sleepers) should opt for medium-firm or firm mattresses – whether that’s memory foam, pocket sprung or hybrid – to ensure even distribution of weight.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to mattresses, plus FAQs with advice from our sleep experts.

Telegraph readers have given us their verdict too, helping us to whittle down the 45 tested to our 10 best mattress recommendations.

The best mattress: At a glance

In a hurry? These are our top recommendations for each category: