Best Cheap Mattress | Top 6 Beds!

Finding the best cheap mattress in the UK doesn’t mean compromising on comfort, support or quality. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast fitting out a guest room, a young professional upgrading your first flat, or a tradesman needing a good night’s sleep after a long day, there are great affordable mattresses out there to suit your needs. This updated guide will walk you through the top 6 budget-friendly beds on the market that won’t break the bank, but still offer excellent value and performance.

We’ve taken into account durability, sleep comfort, firmness, materials, warranty, and price to help you choose the right mattress for your budget. Our picks are perfect whether you're furnishing a stylish Airbnb, designing your own bedroom retreat, or upgrading the kids' room. Let’s dive into the top affordable mattresses available in the UK now.

1. Emma Original Mattress – Best Overall Cheap Mattress

The Emma Original Mattress is one of the most awarded mattresses in Europe—and for good reason. Despite its mid-range price, it delivers exceptional comfort and support, stacking up competitively against far more expensive rivals. For those redecorating on a budget, or outfitting multiple rooms in a renovation project, Emma hits the sweet spot of affordability and performance.

This mattress features a three-layer foam construction that adapts to your body while maintaining proper spinal alignment. It’s especially good for side and back sleepers. What you get is that "sink-in" memory foam feel without overheating, thanks to the breathable Airgocell foam layer on top. Additionally, it's protected by a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning—great for parents or landlords.

The Emma Original comes with a generous 200-night trial and a 10-year warranty, giving peace of mind to buyers who want to invest in a quality mattress without gambling their budget. It often comes with regular deals and discounts, making it an even smarter choice for value seekers in the UK.

2. Silentnight 3-Zone Memory Foam Mattress – Best for Side Sleepers

Silentnight is a trusted British brand, and its 3-Zone Memory Foam Mattress offers great comfort for side sleepers at a surprisingly low cost. Designed with ergonomic zoning, it targets different areas of your body—providing softer support at the shoulders and firmer at the hips and lower back.

This mattress is ideal for wood-frame beds or guest rooms where you want to keep costs down but comfort up. It's also CertiPUR certified, meaning it's entirely free from harmful chemicals—important if you’re outfitting a child’s room or looking out for eco-conscious clients as an architect or designer.

Another bonus? It arrives rolled and boxed for easy home delivery—no need for specialist logistics services—and is quick to unbox and sleep on. It’s particularly useful if you’re flipping buy-to-let properties and need to fit a mattress into tight stairwells or loft spaces.

3. Dormeo Memory Plus Mattress – Best Budget Foam Option

The Dormeo Memory Plus mattress delivers the plush feel of memory foam at a budget-friendly price point. Popular across online retailers in the UK, this mattress has a 14 cm depth, making it slim enough for bunk beds or cabins, yet comfortable enough for regular adult use.

It uses Open Cell memory foam for enhanced breathability and is infused with added carbon fibres to help reduce allergens. That’s a selling point for tradespeople or tenants working in dust-heavy environments or for those looking for greater hygiene and freshness in bedding.

The Dormeo Memory Plus is great for platform-style bedframes and divan bases, and its medium-firm feel suits most UK sleepers. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty, this model represents a long-term saving even if you’re shopping short-term.

4. IKEA HÖVÅG Mattress – Best Innerspring Budget Mattress

If you're searching for a traditional feel with sturdy spring support, the IKEA HÖVÅG pocket sprung mattress is a top contender. This model has won praise for its build quality and affordability. It comes in both medium-firm and firm options—ideal for customised comfort depending on the occupant’s weight and sleep style.

The individually wrapped pocket springs help distribute weight evenly and isolate motion, making it a great choice if you're furnishing a couple's bedroom on a tight budget. The thick, knitted fabric surface layer gives the HÖVÅG a slight bounce without compromising stability.

Professionals outfitting rental properties often trust IKEA for quick availability and easy shipping. The HÖVÅG is no exception. It's roll-packed for easy transportation and fits perfectly within minimalist or Scandinavian-style design schemes popular in modern UK homes.

5. Simba Hybrid Essential – Best Entry-Level Hybrid Mattress

Simba is another well-known UK brand in the mattress space, and their Essential Hybrid model strikes a great balance between support and affordability. Its responsive design combines layers of cooling foam with up to 1,500 titanium Aerocoil springs for a comfortable, bouncy yet supported feel.

This makes it a great solution for young professionals setting up their first flat, or anyone replacing a worn guest bed in modern décor without spending over £500. It also aligns well with modern furniture designs thanks to its slim profile and stylish cover pattern.

The Simba Hybrid Essential comes with a 200-night sleep trial and 10-year guarantee. Its breathable design also works particularly well for hot sleepers, as foam alone may lead to overheating. This hybrid design keeps things cooler—important if your renovation relies on minimal ventilation or compact bedroom layouts.

6. OTTY Aura Hybrid Mattress – Best for UK Homes with Varying Needs

The OTTY Aura Hybrid is a versatile and affordable hybrid mattress built specifically with UK homes in mind. It blends multi-layer comfort foam with a supportive spring core—ideal for bedrooms where multiple types of sleepers might rotate in (such as a guest bedroom in a rental or shared accommodation).

It’s hard to beat the Aura when it comes to ergonomics and value. This is a solid all-rounder mattress that delivers on pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support. The hybrid design makes it compatible with nearly all bed bases—from slatted frames to storage divans.

The Aura Hybrid comes rolled and boxed for easy UK-wide delivery, and it’s designed to be long-lasting, even with repeated use. Maintenance is minimal—rotate it occasionally, and you'll enjoy years of solid performance. DIY remodelers and Airbnb hosts alike often favour OTTY for its blend of function and budget-friendly pricing.

Comparison Table: Top 6 Cheap Mattresses (UK)

Final Thoughts

Choosing a mattress doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive. With a bit of research and knowledge of your sleep needs or property design objective, you can find the best cheap mattress to suit your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re furnishing a first-time buyer’s flat, kitting out your new rental property or simply refreshing your bed on a tight budget, these top-value choices are proven winners across the UK.

Don't forget to take advantage of trial periods and warranty offers where available, giving you the chance to test your investment without fully committing right away. Affordable doesn’t mean low-quality, and with the options above, you’ll sleep soundly knowing you’ve found the perfect bed without overspending.