Made in Britain
Foam mattresses
Every mattress in this range has no springs at all: the support comes from reflex foam, memory foam, latex or a mix of them. Foam mattresses are light and quiet and usually arrive rolled, which suits bunk beds, guest rooms and narrow stairs.
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Are there mattresses without springs?
Yes: a mattress without springs gets all of its support from foam, usually a firm base layer of reflex foam with comfort layers of memory foam, latex or softer foam on top.
Reflex foam is a high-density polyurethane foam that pushes back as soon as you press it. Memory foam softens with body heat and moulds to you slowly. Latex comes from rubber tree sap or is made synthetically, and feels bouncy. A spring-free mattress can use one of them throughout or stack two or three, and the mix decides how it feels.
Reflex foam, memory foam or latex: what's the difference?
Reflex foam is springy and supportive, memory foam sinks and moulds slowly, and latex is bouncy and responsive: three different feels, none of which needs springs.
| What to compare | Reflex foam | Memory foam | Latex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made from | Polyurethane foam | Polyurethane foam | Rubber tree sap, synthetic latex or a blend |
| Feel | Springy, even support | Sinks in and moulds to you | Bouncy, lifts you back quickly |
| Moving about in bed | Easy | Slower: the foam recovers gradually | Easy |
| Often chosen for | Children's, bunk and guest beds | Side sleepers and light sleepers | Bounce without springs, and a cooler night than memory foam |
One practical difference: reflex foam and memory foam are polyurethane, while natural latex can affect people with a latex allergy, who should check with their GP before buying latex. For more on the most popular spring-free option, see our memory foam mattresses.
Why choose a mattress without springs?
People choose a mattress without springs because foam is light and quiet with nothing inside to poke through the cover, and because foam mattresses usually arrive rolled, so they're easy to carry up narrow stairs.
- Bunk beds and high sleepers: a light mattress is easier to lift when you change the sheets up top, and slim foam mattresses sit under the maximum mattress line. See bunk bed mattresses.
- Children's rooms: quiet and light, and easy to keep clean under a waterproof protector. Browse kids mattresses for children's sizes.
- Guest rooms and flats: a rolled mattress gets round tight corners. Our rolled mattresses page explains how unboxing works.
- Adjustable beds: foam bends with the base without damage.
Are foam mattresses supportive enough?
A foam mattress can be every bit as supportive as a sprung one, because support comes from the density, depth and firmness of the foam rather than from springs.
Denser foam generally feels more substantial and keeps its shape for longer, so where a maker gives the density, it's worth comparing. Firmness is the next thing to check: every mattress page shows a number from 1 to 10, and most children sleep well at medium to medium-firm. Depth matters too: a standard mattress is about 18 to 25 cm, while low profile mattresses of about 10 to 16 cm suit bunks, trundles and occasional guests. There are honest limits. A soft all-foam mattress can let a heavier person sink through to the firm layer underneath, and foam doesn't let air through as freely as springs, so heavier builds and hot sleepers often do better with pocket springs or a hybrid.
Do foam mattresses sag?
Any foam mattress softens a little with use, and lower-density foam softens sooner, but turning it regularly and giving it a firm, breathable base help it keep its shape.
Turn it head to toe every few weeks for the first three months, then every three months, and only flip it if the maker says it's two-sided. Check the slat spacing the maker recommends, because foam can dip into wide gaps, and don't leave a foam mattress straight on the floor, where moisture can get trapped and grow mould. If a foam mattress has already sagged, a topper will change how it feels but won't fix the dip; that's the time to replace it.
Not sure which spring-free mattress suits your bed? Send us a question with the bed's size and who sleeps on it, and we'll point you in the right direction.
Foam mattresses: your questions answered
Can't see your question? Ask us and we'll get back to you.
What mattress has no springs?
Foam, memory foam and latex mattresses have no springs, and folding mattresses are spring-free too. Every mattress in this range gets its support from foam or latex alone, usually a firm base layer with a softer comfort layer on top.
Are foam mattresses good for kids?
Foam mattresses suit many children: they're light, quiet and usually arrive rolled. Choose a supportive one, medium to medium-firm for most children, with a washable cover or a waterproof protector. For babies under 12 months, follow the Lullaby Trust's advice on a firm, flat, waterproof cot mattress that fits snugly.
Are foam mattresses good for bunk beds?
Foam mattresses are a good choice for bunk beds, because they're light enough to lift when you change the sheets on the top bunk and come in slim depths. The top bunk mattress must sit at or below the maximum mattress line marked on the bed, which is often 15 to 16 cm, but the line on your own bed is what counts.
Is a foam mattress better than a spring mattress?
Neither foam nor springs is better for everyone. A foam mattress is lighter, quieter and usually passes on less movement; a spring mattress lets more air through and usually feels bouncier and cooler. Side sleepers and light sleepers often prefer foam, while warm sleepers and heavier builds often prefer pocket springs or a hybrid.
What is a reflex foam mattress?
A reflex foam mattress is made from high-density polyurethane foam that pushes back as soon as you press it, so it feels springier and more even than memory foam. Reflex foam mattresses are light and supportive, which makes them a sensible choice for children's beds, bunk beds and guest rooms.
Can you put a foam mattress on the floor?
You can put a foam mattress on the floor for a night or two, but left there it can trap moisture underneath and grow mould. For regular use, put a foam mattress on a slatted or breathable base, or lift it and let it air regularly so the underside can dry out.
How long does a foam mattress last?
A foam mattress lasts around 7 to 10 years on the general guide for adult mattresses, though density makes a big difference: denser foam tends to hold its shape for longer than lighter foam. If a foam mattress dips where you lie or you wake up stiff, it's time for a new one.
Are foam mattresses hot?
Foam mattresses can feel warmer than sprung ones, memory foam especially, because it moulds closely around you. Latex sleeps cooler than memory foam, and a breathable cover and lighter bedding help. If you always sleep hot, a pocket sprung or hybrid mattress, with air moving through the springs, is usually the cooler choice.
Not sure which mattress?
Tell us about your bed and how you sleep, and we'll suggest a few that fit.