There's no single most comfortable mattress. There's the one that's most comfortable for you. The average person spends about a third of their life in bed, so it’s essential you choose the right mattress for your needs. Finding what's best for you depends on how you sleep, how firm you like your bed to feel, whether you run hot or cold, and whether you share your bed with someone who likes something different.

We've been handmaking beds in Britain since 1904, and we hold a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III, so we've learned a lot about comfort, what makes a mattress comfortable, how to choose the right firmness, and which Hypnos mattress might suit you best.

Always remember, the best way to find your comfiest mattress is to lie on it. When you've narrowed down your shortlist, find your nearest Hypnos stockist to try them out in person.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• What makes a mattress comfortable?

• The mattress firmness scale: soft, medium, medium firm or firm?

• The most comfortable mattress for your sleeping position

• Comfortable mattresses for hot sleepers

• Compare Hypnos mattresses

• Feel the difference in a showroom

• Your comfort questions answered

What makes a mattress comfortable?

Comfort comes from two things working together:

• Support. The springs or core of the mattress keep your spine in a natural line, whatever position you sleep in. Without good support, a mattress can feel lovely at first but leave you stiff in the morning.

• Softness. The upper layers and fillings decide how the mattress feels when you lie on it: how much you sink in, how it cushions your shoulders and hips, and how cool or warm it sleeps.

A comfortable mattress gets both right for your body. That's why we build every Hypnos mattress with our patented ReactivePRO™ pocket spring system for support, and only the finest natural comfort fillings such as wool, cotton, natural latex, kapok and allo for comfort.

The mattress firmness scale: soft, medium, or firm?

Firmness is the biggest factor in how comfortable a mattress feels, and it's personal. Our mattress firmness scale helps you find the right level.

Soft - You sink in and feel cushioned all over

Side sleepers and lighter sleepers

Medium - Balanced cushioning with gentle support

Most sleeping positions, couples with different preferences

Medium-firm - Supportive, with a comfortable layer on top

For Back sleepers and people who want more support without a hard feel

Firm / Extra Firm  - You lie on the mattress rather than in it

Great for front sleepers, back sleepers and heavier sleepers

Why a medium firm mattress is so popular

A medium firm mattress is the most searched-for firmness in the UK, and for good reason. It gives your spine steady support while the upper layers cushion your shoulders and hips. For many people, it's the best balance of comfort and support.

Medium firm vs firm mattress: a medium firm mattress gives a little more cushioning on top, so it feels softer as you lie down. A firm mattress gives very little and keeps you on top of the surface. If you're unsure, start with medium firm and try both in a showroom.

Is your mattress too firm or too soft?

• Too firm: you wake with aching shoulders or hips, or you feel pressure points when lying on your side.

• Too soft: you sink so far that your back feels unsupported, or it's hard to turn over.

If either sounds familiar, a different firmness could make a big difference. A Hypnos comfort layer can also fine-tune how your current mattress feels.

Soft or firm mattress for back pain?

There's no single answer. Many people with back pain find a medium-firm mattress comfortable, because it supports the spine without pressing on the hips and shoulders. A mattress that's too soft can let your back sag. If you have ongoing back pain, speak to a healthcare professional, then try different firmnesses in person.

Side sleepers

When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips take most of your weight. The most comfortable mattress for side sleepers lets them sink in slightly while keeping your spine straight. Look for a soft to medium firmness with a generous comfort layer, such as a Hypnos pillow top mattress.

Back sleepers

Back sleepers usually need even support along the whole spine. The best mattress firmness for back sleepers is typically medium firm: supportive enough to stop your lower back sagging, with enough cushioning to stay comfortable. [Suggested Hypnos ranges]

Front sleepers

Sleeping on your front can push your lower back into an arch if the mattress is too soft. A firmer mattress keeps you level. Suggested Hypnos ranges, e.g. Orthos Support

Hip and shoulder pain

If your hips or shoulders ache when you wake, your mattress may not be cushioning these pressure points. Many people find more comfort with a mattress that has deep, natural upper layers over supportive pocket springs, often in a medium or medium-firm feel. Try lying on your side in a showroom to feel the difference. If you have ongoing joint pain, check with a healthcare professional.

Couples who like different things

If one of you likes a softer bed and the other a firmer one, you don't have to compromise. Hypnos Zip & Link beds combine two single mattresses on linked bases, so each side can have its own firmness [confirm this option with product team].

Heavier sleepers

Heavier sleepers usually need extra support to stop the mattress dipping over time. A firmer mattress with [a higher spring count / deeper construction] will keep its shape and stay comfortable for longer.

Comfortable mattresses for hot sleepers

If you wake up too warm, the fillings in your mattress matter as much as its firmness. Searches for the best mattress for hot sleepers in the UK have more than doubled in the past year, and natural fillings are one of the simplest answers.

• Wool naturally regulates temperature. It draws moisture away from your body, helping you stay cool in summer and cosy in winter. Explore our Wool Origins collection.

• Cotton is breathable and soft, with a fresh, light feel. See our Cotton Origins collection.

• Other natural comfort materials such as Natural Latex, plant fibres, Kapok and Allo add comfort without trapping heat. 

Unlike some foam mattresses, a natural fibre mattress lets air move freely, so heat doesn't build up during the night. It's one of the reasons so many of our customers say a Hypnos is the comfiest mattress they've slept on!

Handmade in Britain

Every Hypnos mattress is handmade by our craftspeople in Buckinghamshire, using only the finest natural materials. We're proud to hold a Royal Warrant as bed makers to His Majesty King Charles III. Read our Royal Warrant story.

If you're looking for the best luxury mattress in the UK, or a British-made mattress you can rely on, that exquisite care and craftsmanship is exactly what you'll experience when you lie on a Hypnos mattress.

Feel the difference in a showroom

Comfort is personal, so the best way to choose is to lie on a mattress yourself. Hypnos mattresses are available from hundreds of trusted retailers across the UK, where you can try different firmnesses and get expert advice.

Tips for testing a mattress

1. Wear comfortable clothes and take off your shoes.

2. Lie on each mattress for at least 10 minutes, in the position you normally sleep in.

3. If you share a bed, test it together with your partner.

4. Compare two or three firmnesses side by side.

5. Ask about delivery, aftercare and your Hypnos guarantee.

Find your nearest Hypnos showroom →

Determining the best Hypnos mattress for you depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, sleeping position, body type, and any specific sleep-related issues you may have. 

The best firmness level for your sleeping position can vary depending on whether you sleep on your front, back or side, however, other factors can influence this. Personal preference, body weight, and specific comfort needs can also influence your ideal firmness level.

Your hips and shoulders should be able to sink down a bit so that your spine remains straight. Appropriate mattress firmness depends a lot on body weight; a lighter person may prefer a softer mattress, while a heavier person may prefer a firmer mattress to provide the right amount of comfort and support.

ARE FIRM MATTRESSES BETTER FOR BAD BACKS?

Firm mattresses are often recommended for individuals with back pain or bad backs, but it's important to note that mattress preference can vary from person to person. While some people find relief and support from a firm mattress, others may find it uncomfortable and prefer a softer one.

To determine the best firmness for you, Hypnos always recommends that you try out different mattresses and assess how they feel in your preferred sleeping position. Visiting your nearest Hypnos showroom and seeking advice from sleep specialists can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific requirements. The most important advice we can give to bad back sufferers is to find the right mattress for you!

Hypnos beds can be found around the world in stately homes, luxury hotels and even on yachts and cruise ships!

Each mattress is individually made to order and can be tailored in terms of size, comfort level and appearance to ensure a customised and personalised solution. Hotel beds tend to be made to hospitality specifications, so whilst the exact beds supplied to a hotel may not be available in retailers, there will be similar products made from the same materials, in the same factory, which will feel just as, or even more comfortable.

All of our main collections are available through our national network of retailers, and our retailers are expertly trained to help you select the Hypnos bed that provides both you and your partner with the optimum amount of comfort and support.

Please visit the ‘find a retailer’ section of our website to locate your nearest Hypnos retailer, or alternatively visit our Buckinghamshire showroom to see our entire core range on display.