Not all mattresses are designed equally, and if you're looking for a superior level of comfort, then we think it has to be Beautyrest. With luxury mattresses as well as adjustable base sets, you can get the complete package from a name you trust.

And thanks to a Labor Day sale, you can save up to $900. You can choose from a range of options with different levels of firmness and features to meet your needs. Scroll down to discover our top picks from the sale.

If you'd like to know about other ways to save, then head over to our Beautyrest coupon codes hub for all the latest offers.

Beautyrest Labor Day Sale

Our top picks from Beautyrest

Why we love Beautyrest

Beautyrest is a mattress brand owned by Simmons Bedding Company and has been on the market since 1925. Known for its luxury product range, the brand rose to prominence in part thanks to promotion by some well-known figures such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Mattresses are manufactured with premium breathable cooling materials and designed with the brand's trademark Pocket Coil technology. All of this contributes to the level of comfort and support that the body craves.

Most Beautyrest orders include free White Glove delivery, which means a number of free services are included as part of your order. Upon arrival, RXO will set up one bed in a room of your choice.

Serta is the go-to company for anyone wanting a comfortable bed and mattress combo. Their iComfort Pro or Serta iComfort products are some of the best mattresses around, while the baselogic foundation works for a range of sleepers thanks to its adjustable design.

Why not join Serta in celebrating Labor Day by saving up to $925 on mattresses and bases. The offer is available on a select range of products, and we've picked out our favorites down below.

If you'd like to explore other ways of saving money at Serta, then head over to our dedicated Serta coupon codes hub for more offers.

Save up to $925 on mattresses and bases

Our top picks from Serta

Why we love Serta

Serta is well known for selling the best mattresses, protectors, bed frames, pillows and sheets. With a focus on using high-quality materials, including inner springs, gel-infused memory foam, latex and hybrids, Serta delivers time and again.

It has four mattress collections to choose from: Serta, Perfect Sleeper, Arctic and iComfort. Each mattress has a select set of features which give them their individuality. The Serta website is incredibly easy to navigate, and you'll quickly be able to find the best mattress for you.

The best way to help guarantee a good night's sleep is to buy a mattress and base that deliver a superior level of comfort and support. By investing in the latest coil technology, temperature management, and pressure relief materials, your body will have the very best chance of enjoying all the precious sleep you need.

If you're craving this type of mattress but haven't been able to afford it, we have a big money-saving 4th of July sale just for you. Right now, at Beautyrest, you can save up to $700 on mattresses and adjustable base sets.

The sale runs until July 8, 2025, so if you're keen on taking advantage of the discounts, we suggest you don't hang around. If you missed this deal, you can also check out our Beautyrest coupon codes hub for the latest ways to save.

Save up to $700 at Beautyrest

Our top picks from Beautyrest

Why we love Beautyrest

Beautyrest mattresses feature premium breathable cooling materials and are designed with the brand's trademark Pocket Coil technology. The company's attention to detail and quality results in the creation of mattresses that offer superior comfort and the support that the body craves.

Beautyrest is a mattress brand owned by Simmons Bedding Company and has been on the market since 1925. Known for its luxury product range, the brand rose to prominence in part thanks to promotion by some well-known figures such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Serta is inviting you to join them in celebrating the 4th of July by saving up to $725 on select mattress sets. The deal is available on the ICOMFORT PRO™ and PERFECT SLEEPER X™, and others.

As manufacturers of some of the best mattresses around, Serta is known for delivering quality at an affordable price. That way you can guarantee you'll get a great night's sleep without breaking the bank.

This sale ends on July 8, 2025, so if you're looking for a new mattress, now is the time to buy. If you'd like to explore other ways of saving money at Serta, then head over to our dedicated Serta coupon codes hub.

Save up to $725 on select mattress sets

Our top picks from Serta

Serta: a name you can trust

Serta manufactures and sells the best mattresses, protectors, bed frames, pillows and sheets. That means all of your sleeping needs are taken care of by the much-loved brand.

The company has four mattress collections to choose from, including Serta, Perfect Sleeper, Arctic and iComfort. Every mattress is made up of high-quality materials, including inner springs, gel-infused memory foam, latex and hybrids, which are a combination of springs and foam.

Big Fig is offering some great savings across all their products in celebration of the Fourth of July.

By using the code 'FIREWORKS' at checkout, you can save a whopping 25% off any Big Fig mattress. That includes the Classic, Luxe, and Firm models, all designed and manufactured by Big Fig.

The savings don't end there! When you add a mattress to your cart, you’ll also get 25% off sitewide, including the adjustable base, platform bed, foundation, and bedding – like the Premium Cooling Sheets and Adjustable Pillows.

If you missed out on this deal, check out our Big Fig promo codes hub for more ways to save money right now.

Today's Big Fig Deal

Our top picks from Big Fig

Why we love Big Fig

Big Fig mattresses support 550 lbs per sleeper and use a combination of high-density foam and individually wrapped coils to prevent mattress sag and deliver quality support, as well as firmer edge foam to give you plenty of edge support.

To keep things from getting too hot in the night, there's also ThermoGel cooling technology in the fabric cover, as well as perforated gel-infused latex foam underneath to allow plenty of airflow and breathability.

Every mattress is also backed up by a 20-year warranty, which demonstrates Big Fig's belief in their products. The guarantee includes both free repair and free replacement for the entirety of 20 years.

Looking for a mattress that is specifically designed for a bigger figure. If you're a plus-size sleeper, the Big Fig mattress is made for you. And right now you can order one without it making a huge dent in your bank balance.

By using code 'NOSWEAT' at checkout, you can save a whopping 25% off any Big Fig mattress. That means the Classic is now only £1549, the Luxe is down to £1799, and the Firm is just £1299.

If you missed out on this deal, check out our Big Fig promo codes hub for more ways to save money right now.

Today's Big Fig Deal

Our top picks from Big Fig

Why we love Big Fig

Big Fig mattresses support 550 lbs per sleeper and use a combination of high-density foam and individually wrapped coils to prevent mattress sag and deliver quality support, as well as firmer edge foam to give you plenty of edge support.

To keep things from getting too hot in the night, there's also ThermoGel cooling technology in the fabric cover, as well as perforated gel-infused latex foam underneath to allow plenty of airflow and breathability.

Every mattress is also backed up by a 20-year warranty, which demonstrates Big Fig's belief in their products. The guarantee includes both free repair and free replacement for the entirety of 20 years.

When you lie down at the end of a long day, you want to make sure it's onto a mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. That way, you can rest assured your mattress isn't going to get in the way of securing the precious shut-eye your body deserves.

Serta manufactures some of the best mattresses and are currently running a Memorial Day sale where you can save up to $925 at Serta. Offers are available on a select range of mattresses and bases, and we've picked out our favorites down below.

The sale runs through to May 27 2025, so if you're looking to upgrade, then we'd recommend taking a look at which deals are available. If you'd like to explore other ways of saving money at Serta, then head over to our dedicated Serta coupon codes hub.

Our top picks from Serta

Why we love Serta

Serta sells a variety of sleep products, including the best mattresses, protectors, bed frames, pillows and sheets. It has four mattress collections to choose from: Serta, Perfect Sleeper, Arctic and iComfort. These collections are made up of high-quality materials, including inner springs, gel-infused memory foam, latex and hybrids, which are a combination of springs and foam.

If you’re unhappy with your order, you can return it within 120 days of receiving it, thanks to the Serta 120-Day In-Home trial. To start a return, fill out the returns form on the Serta website.

We all know how important a good night's sleep is. Waking up refreshed and able to take on the day with vigour makes life so much more rewarding. To make all this possible, you need a mattress and base that provide a superior level of comfort and support. For that you need look no further than Beautyrest.

And thanks to a Memorial Day sale, you can save up to $900 at Beautyrest. You can choose from a range of options with different levels of firmness and features to meet your needs. Scroll down to find out more details on all the best deals that are available.

All offers run between April 29 and May 27 2025, so if you're keen on taking advantage of the discounts, we suggest you don't hang around. If you missed this deal, you can also check out our Beautyrest coupon codes hub for the latest ways to save.

Our top picks from Beautyrest

Why we love Beautyrest

Beautyrest is a mattress brand owned by Simmons Bedding Company and has been on the market since 1925. Known for its luxury product range, the brand rose to prominence in part thanks to promotion by some well-known figures such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Mattresses are manufactured with premium breathable cooling materials and designed with the brand's trademark Pocket Coil technology. All of this contributes to the level of comfort and support that the body craves.

Most Beautyrest orders include free White Glove delivery, which means a number of free services are included as part of your order. Upon arrival, RXO will set up one bed in a room of your choice.

Purple specializes in mattresses, bedding, bed frames, seat cushions and other sleep accessories that help deliver a good night's sleep. They design and manufacture a variety of mattresses, including the Essential, Premium and Luxe collections.

They stand apart from their competition by guaranteeing comfort and support thanks to its GelFlex Grid that is built into its mattresses. It was also their cooling capabilities that saw them shoot up to the top of our best cooling mattress guide.

With Black Friday suddenly upon us, Purple.com has a fantastic offer on mattresses and bases. That means, for a limited time only, you can bring the overall cost down by up to $1,500. Find eligible products on Purple's Black Friday page.

With this deal expiring on 9th December, you may well have missed out on the offer. Fear not. Purple has some fantastic deals throughout the year and you can find them on our Purple coupon codes hub.

Our top picks from Purple

Why we love Purple

Purple is known for their fantastic customer service, as evidenced by the fact that if you buy one of their Hybrid Premier mattresses, they'll set it up in your home for free. This service is available on Purple, Purple Plus, and Purple Hybrid mattresses but at an additional charge of $200.

Purple customers can take advantage of the referral program that offers discounts every time they refer a new customer to Purple. This reward is typically around $75 off a mattress purchase and $50 off a pillow or bedding purchase.

If you love Purple's products, then you can sign up for their newsletter for all the latest news, product launches and sales. new sign-ups will also benefit from $50 off their first mattress purchase.

Emma Sleep is a leading sleep brand that operates in over 30 countries. They manufacture a wide range of sleep-related products, including mattresses, pillows, and bedding. They are unique in allowing customers to try their mattresses in the comfort of their home with a 200-night trial.

The 10-year manufacturer's warranty provides long-term peace of mind. Confidence in their products stems from in-depth research and testing to create mattresses that truly meet a wide range of sleep needs. This demonstrates a clear dedication to customer satisfaction.

If you're looking for a new mattress, then make use of our exclusive Emma Sleep code at checkout to benefit from a $70 discount when you spend $700. We've also collated all the offers available over at our Emma Sleep coupon codes hub.

Top picks from Emma Sleep

Enjoy the very best comfort with Emma Sleep's hybrid mattresses, meticulously crafted to provide spinal alignment and support for any sleeping position. Their mattresses are also conveniently vacuum-packed and rolled up for easy delivery.

Recognized for their exceptional quality, Emma Sleep mattresses have won numerous awards across the globe and are a trusted brand.

Eight Sleep has released the new Pod 4 and Pod 4 Ultra smart mattress covers, which offer temperature regulation, snore detection, heart rate tracking, and other features designed to aid sleep. 

Like its predecessor the Pod 3, the cover can be used on any existing mattress, so  if you think you’ve already bagged one of the best mattresses, you won’t have to worry about upgrading. 

The Pod 4 and Pod 4 Ultra pack all the basic tracking functions from heart rate variability, respiratory rate, to sleep stage tracking - the sort of functions you might find on the best fitness trackers, featuring a total of 36 advanced biometric and environmental sensors.

There are a number of exciting new features that set it apart from its previous models, Eight Sleep states the Pod 4 has been “clinically validated” to enhance your sleeping experience, adding an extra hour to your sleep time while reducing your wake time, up to three hours per month. 

Its major algorithm boost over the Pod 3 helps to improve snore detection by up to 45%, picking up on snoring for up to two individuals in one bed, without the added hassle of relying on wearables. 

The new mattress base, exclusive to the Pod 4 Ultra, adjusts to provide ‘Reading’ and ‘Sleeping’ body positions. If the Pod 4 Ultra picks up on snoring, the Base can respond by elevating the head, reducing and even stopping snoring, all without input from the user. Clever, eh? The Pod 4 also packs a new thermal engine which, according to Eight Sleep, will be able to reach temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit in hot weather conditions.

The Pod 4 is available now for $2,549 / £2,699 / AU$3,999, and Pod 4 Ultra for $4,049 / £3,849 / AU$6,249.  

Analysis: The internet of things

Smart mattress covers fall into that category of tech that makes you ask the question “why?”, much like wearable exoskeletons or AI-powered shoes. However, a mattress cover which can auto-regulate temperature, act to prevent snoring as it happens, and track your health like one of the best sleep trackers certainly sounds appealing.

According to Eight Sleep’s CEO Matteo Franceschetti, “most humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping on foam mattresses that do nothing to improve their sleep”. So with the launch of the new Pod 4 and Pod 4 Ultra, the mission is simple; to “continue to prove that technology can be used to understand what each person needs for optimal sleep”. 

Turns out the best smart rings, billed as the sleep-tracking form factor to watch in 2024, aren't the only game in town. Who needs a ring to improve your bedrest, if your bed does the job by itself? 

You might also like

• Which Saatva mattress topper should I buy? All the different options compared
• Two months with the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover and I’m a grudging water-cooled mattress convert
• The best hybrid mattresses in 2024

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow: two-minute review

I’m always on the hunt for the next great pillow. I’ve tested dozens of high-end bed pillows, and several were very good. However, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow may be the very best pillow that I’ve ever tested (it’s definitely in my top five). I love thick, plush pillows, and this one falls in that category. However, it’s the reason why this pillow is so thick and plush that impresses me: it’s made of mulberry silk.

Now, silk in general, is a soft and luxurious material. But mulberry silk takes this experience to another level. I’ve tested mulberry silk pillowcases and head scarves that reduce hair frizzing and dryness. I also have mulberry silk pajamas that are also luxurious and tend to wrinkle less. And my mulberry silk sleep eye mask is smooth and cooling.

But how would a pillow with silk filling perform? Marvelously. The 100% mulberry silk filling is both strong enough to be durable, and soft enough to feel like I’m at a 5-star hotel. And the bamboo cover is also smooth and soft to the touch. While the pillow is soft, it also provides enough support that I avoid waking up with aches and pain. It works well for back and side sleepers, but may not be ideal for stomach sleepers. 

I tested a pair of the Cozy Earth Silk Pillows for over two weeks to see how they compare to the rest of the best pillows on the market. And if you really want to elevate your sleep comfort to another level, check out our guide to this year's best mattresses for all budgets.

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow review: price & value for money

• Luxury pillow with a premium price
• 100-night trial period, 10-year warranty
• Currently 20% off

At $299 (currently on sale for $239.20) in the standard size, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is absolutely a premium pillow – and it’s at the top of that category as well.  However, this long-strand mulberry silk pillow is like the crème de la crème of pillows. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re on a budget, but if you’re prepared to splurge, it’s definitely worth considering.

The king size pillow is regularly $349 (currently on sale for $279.20). Cozy Earth also makes a Bamboo Down Alternative Pillow for $115, and a Bamboo Down Alternative Body Pillow for $195.  

Another one of the best pillows I’ve ever tested is the Purple Harmony Pillow, which combines a honeycomb-patterned GelFlex grid over a latex core. It’s a super-squishy pillow that moves when I do, and has temperature-regulating features. The pillow comes in a low, medium, and tall pillow height, making it ideal for any type of sleeper. The pillow, which should only be spot-cleaned, is $199.

If you prefer a down pillow, the Casper Down Pillow has a multi-chamber design. The outer pillow consists of ethically-sourced 80% white duck down, and a 20% feather outer chamber. The inner pillow consists of 60% white duck down and 40% feather inner chambers. This provides an ultra-soft experience, similar to sleeping on a cloud, but also thick enough to be supportive. The pillow is cool to the touch, machine washable, and regularly priced at $139.

Cozy Earth provides free shipping for thes pillow. There’s also a 100-night trial, and a 10-year warranty. In comparison, Purple Harmony provides a 100-night trial period and a 1-year warranty, and Casper provides a 30-day trial period and a 1-year warranty.

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow review: design and materials

• 100% mulberry silk fill
• Bounces back but needs to be fluffed
• Breathable bamboo viscose shell

The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is filled with 100% mulberry silk that’s made exclusively for the company. It provides a supremely comfortable feel that’s soft as a cloud, but also thick enough to be supportive. The long strand mulberry silk is actually softer than other types of silk, and this is what creates such a luxurious feel.

Some pillows start off feeling soft, but then they start clumping – meaning there are soft spots in places, and also spots where the filling is now missing. However the filling in the Cozy Earth pillow never clumps. In fact, Cozy Earth guarantees this won't happen.

I have a set of standard size pillows, but they're also available in king size. The cover is made of 100% premium viscose from bamboo, which is designed to stay cool.

The pair of Cozy Earth Pillows arrived safely in a cardboard box. Inside, each pillow was in a stylish fabric bag with zipper closure, along with vegan leather handles and trim. I’d give the company full marks for presentation. Upon unzipping each bag, the pillows were encased in plastic as a sanitary measure. Since the pillows were not compressed, they didn’t have to expand, and I was not subjected to any off-gassing.

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow review: care and allergies

On its website, Cozy Earth recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning the silk pillows. However, according to the tag attached to the silk pillow, it can be machine washed in cold water using normal detergent. However, no fabric softener or bleach should be used. Also, the pillows should not be put in a spin cycle. They can be machine dried on normal, or hung to dry.

The website also recommends using a protective pillowcase – in fact, a pillowcase is required to validate the manufacturer’s extended warranty. Cozy Earth also states that if you’re using a pillowcase and washing that pillowcase on a regular basis, then regular or excessive washing of the pillow is unnecessary.

Cozy Earth also recommends fluffing the pillow on a regular basis to maintain the loft and shape. In addition, it can be aired in the sunlight occasionally to keep it fresh. The pillow is OEKO-TEX certified, which means that it’s free from harmful chemicals. 

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow review: comfort & support

• Plush yet supportive
• Best for side or back sleepers
• Refluffing is recommended

For over two weeks, I slept on a pair of Cozy Earth Silk Pillows to see how comfortable and supportive they were. The pillows provided an extremely comfortable experience, while also being supportive.

The pillows had a cloud-like softness, and were light and fluffy. They’re stuffed with 100% mulberry silk, which has a luxurious feel. The light and airy pillows were also able to cradle my head and neck in cocoon-like comfort. However, they bounced back when my head moved to another position. 

Since the pillows have a mid to high-loft, they were the perfect height for me. I’m a combination sleeper, and this height works well for side and back sleepers. However, for sleeping on your stomach, the pillows may serve to be too high. Granted, not all side, back, and stomach sleepers are alike, so keep that in mind.

Cozy Earth recommends fluffing the pillows on a regular basis. In lieu of doing this, I just tossed them in the dryer for a few minutes.

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow review: temperature regulation

Mulberry silk is designed to resist mildew and eliminate moisture better than cotton, and I found that the Cozy Earth Silk Pillows kept me warm at night while sleeping. In addition, the cover is made from a 100% premium viscose from bamboo fabric, which is also designed to provide a smooth and cool sensation.

Even underneath winter bedding, the pillows seemed to regulate my body temperature, so I never woke up hot.  I tested the pillows during the fall/winter season, in Birmingham, AL, which tends to have mild winters.

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow review: specs

Should you buy the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow?

Buy it if...

✅  You’re looking for a luxury pillow: This 100% mulberry silk pillow isn’t cheap. It’s a top-of-the-line pillow that’s designed to provide the ultimate in luxury. Sleeping on the pillow feels like your head and neck are cocooned in comfort, but it’s also supportive enough to avoid any aches and pains.

✅ You don’t like down or down alternative: Down pillows can poke you and may cause your allergies to flare up. On the other hand, down alternative pillows may not provide the same level of comfort. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is an alternative to both.

✅  You want a breathable pillow: The fill and the cover combine to provide a pillow that doesn’t trap heat. It regulates your body’s temperature to keep you cool while you sleep.

Don’t buy it if...

❌ You’re a stomach sleeper: The pillow is a better choice for side and back sleepers. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, you may find the loft too high to keep your head and spine aligned while you sleep. As a result, you may wake up with aches and pains. 

❌ You like to adjust the fill: While the cover does unzip, technically, the pillow isn’t designed to add or remove fill. Doing so may render your pillow useless, and also void your warranty.

❌ You like to wash your pillows and covers: Cozy Earth recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning your pillow. If you’re the type who likes to wash pillows on a regular basis, again, you may end up voiding your warranty. And even if you do wash it, the company warns against using the spin cycle, so it will take forever for the pillow to dry.

How I tested the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

I slept on a pair of Cozy Earth Silk Pillows for over two weeks, testing for performance, comfort, and support. These tests were conducted during the fall/winter season. Since I tend to sleep hot – but I love all of the stylish fall and winter bedding – I slept with the HVAC off to avoid getting overly hot in my mild climate.

• View the Zoma Livingstone bed at Zoma

Zoma Livingstone bed frame: two-minute review

Zoma is best known for its mattresses, but it also makes accessories including bed frames. For this review I tried out the Zoma Livingstone, the only one in the range to have under-bed storage. So how does it compare to the best bed frames?

At TechRadar we review plenty of the best mattresses, and it helps have a decent bed frame to complement your mattress. I recently reviewed the Zoma Hybrid mattress, but this frame can be used with all hybrid, foam and innerspring mattresses. I was pleased that I felt supported on this frame. It’s suitable for holding a combined weight of 500lbs, and I didn’t get any creaking from moving about on the mattress or when launching off the side of the bed to get up in the morning (or during the night).

It’s available in a double and king size (I tested it in the king size), and it’s only available in grey. This is the colour of the plush material that upholsters the frame. It’s a neutral tone that I feel will suit a range of bedroom themes, regardless of how comic book character or plain you’ve opted for.

It was a total pain to assemble though. The Zoma Livingstone arrives in three boxes, flat-packed. It took three hours for two of us to put it together. This was because the instructions are not easy to follow, and all the different-sized nuts, bolts and washers are mixed in with each other. The lifting mechanism is also heavyweight, and I struggled to reach towards the back of underbed storage because I couldn’t lift the mattress and frame any higher.

Priced just under £1,000, is the Zoma Livingstone for you? Keep reading my review to find out. Note, this particular Zoma frame is only available in the UK – Zoma US has its own separate range.

Zoma Livingstone bed frame review: specs

Zoma Livingstone bed frame review: price & value for money

• Available in double and king size only
• Only available to buy direct from Zoma
• High price for a flat-pack item of furniture

The Zoma Livingstone is available in a double and king size, only. At the time of writing the double was out of stock and no price was displayed. The king size has an RRP of £999. It is towards the upper price range of an under-bed storage frame which is likely to be due the use of a quality material and reinforced frame structure.

While I can’t deny that the material is lovely and the structure is solid, it does arrive totally flat-packed. Generally, flat-pack furniture means a lower price – but not in this case.

The Zoma Livingstone does get discounted, but not often. At the time of writing it was full price. You also get free shipping, although there’s no option to upgrade) and 1-year guarantee.

Zoma Livingstone bed frame review: design & materials

• Use of high-quality materials
• Reinforced design
• Available in a double or king size, only

The Zoma Livingstone is an ottoman-style bed frame. This means that there is integrated under-bed storage which is accessed by a lifting mechanism.

It’s made with a combination of sprung wooden slats and a solid metal frame, upholstered in a grey plush material. This material is sumptuous to the touch, and easy on the eye. It’s not available in any other colour.

The frame is also the only one in the Zoma bed frame range to offer storage. The Zoma Genesis is the closest match which exudes a similar grandeur with large headboard and linen upholstery; Zoma Fusion is also wrapped in a linen upholstery yet has a 94cm headboard and the Zoma Astley is crafted from solid hardwood. The Genesis is available in double, king and super king sizes, the Fusion is available in a single, double and king size and the Astley is available in a single, double and king size.

The only sizes that the Zoma Livingstone is available in are double and king size. The double measures 145 x 204cm and king-size measures 160 x 214cm. The headboard height is 110cm on both available frame sizes.

While there are no visible cleaning instructions to reference on the frame, it does say in the assembly instructions that “for cleaning you may use a damp cloth (not wet)”. The instructions also advise that the frame may stain or mark if allowed to come into contact with wet or damp objects as the materials used have not been Scotchgarded.

Zoma Livingstone bed frame review: performance

• Solid and comfortable to rest on
• Decent amount of storage
• Heavy to lift, despite the hydraulics

The Zoma Livingstone is a lovely bed to look at, and sleep on. The design and materials have made it an attractive frame to have, with the neutral décor being suitable for any bedroom theme.

To sleep on it was solid. I didn’t notice any noise from the bolts (or other components) when turning in the night. It didn’t creak when launching off the edge of the mattress during the night, or in the morning, either. Zoma advises that it can comfortably support up to 500lbs; my husband and I have a combined weight of 434lbs and have no complaints about the support.

The Zoma Livingstone is suitable for all types of mattress (hybrid, foam or innerspring). The Zoma Hybrid mattress (also on test) felt well supported, however it didn’t fit the frame entirely; there’s a few inches of space between the mattress and the edge of the frame. Although this didn’t affect the performance, it did mean that dust gathered – and it became a trap for socks. We also frequently bumped our legs into the edges of the frame, which is something that we haven’t had before when the edge of the mattress meets the edge of the frame, or overhangs.

One of the most attractive aspects of the Zoma Livingstone was, for me, the storage underneath. The amount of storage available is the size of your mattress (double or king size) which is loads. To access it, there’s a material tab attached to the base end of the frame – this needs to be tugged upwards. I found that the combined weight of the mattress and the  base made them quite hard to lift, so I wouldn’t recommend this frame for anyone who needs to be able to easily access storage with little effort. 

While the suspended frame and mattress stays in place thanks to the hydraulic lifts, I also struggled to access the storage towards the head of the bed because the frame will only lift to 40in / 101.6cm. The fabric cover that attaches to the underside of the frame with Velcro wasn’t quite large enough, either, so we had a flappy end piece that was detached underneath the headboard-end.

Everything stayed in place when lifting the bed. To put it back down, I found it easier to push the suspended mattress and frame down with my hands, rather than pull the material tab, which I’m certain would cause friction burn and a pulled muscle if yanked on too hard.

Zoma Livingstone bed frame review: customer experience

• Good customer service up to the point of delivery
• Unclear assembly instructions takes 2 adults, 3 hours
• No option to upgrade

Within a few days of the order for the Zoma Livingstone being placed, I received a text message confirming a delivery time slot. On the day of delivery I received a phone call from the delivery drivers to say that they were on their way and that they would be with me within the hour. The customer service was seamless, from that point of view.

The Zoma Livingstone arrived in three boxes. I wasn’t expecting this. Given the size and shape of the boxes (big and thin), my first impression was a bit of an “uh-oh” moment; it was totally flat packed. The delivery drivers wouldn’t carry the boxes up our stairs; it was delivered to our hallway, only. There was no option to upgrade.

If there was an option to upgrade, I would have totally paid the money to have the bed frame delivered to our bedroom and assembled; it was a nightmare. The boxes were big and heavy to carry up the stairs. Although I managed to do this on my own, I advise that two people carry the boxes. 

Assembly of the Zoma Livingstone was made difficult by the unclear instructions, and components not being marked. All the nuts, bolts and washers were mixed together, and there were three different sizes of them. It took a while to sort through all of them, and yet more time to measure them to figure out what should go where.

With the help of my mum, it took almost three hours to assemble the Zoma Livingstone. While all the necessary parts were included, it would have been super helpful to have the nuts, bolts and washer sizes clearly marked to take the guesswork out of it all. There was a lot of faff and fiddling with the small parts to get them secured onto the frame, too. Had partial assembly been a delivery upgrade, it would have been welcome.

It’s worth noting that the instructions are written in a small font and not very well laid out for easy reading. There's also no digital version of the instructions added to the website, which is something I feel would be helpful if you ever misplace the instructions after taking it down for a house move or (like me) you’re triple checking that it’s been set up correctly if something isn’t quite right.

I struggled to get the lifting mechanism to work. At first, I thought it was broken. But then I asked a brand rep to send over the instructions (because I misplaced them) and I figured out that the hydraulic arm had been installed the wrong way round. FYI: the thicker part of the hydraulic arm needs to be secured to the base, not the bit that lifts. This issue was resolved and I was able to access the storage beneath.

The Zoma Livingstone comes with a one-year warranty. This isn’t a very long time considering the price you pay for it, the effort required to assemble it and the fact that competitors who are offering similar frames provide a five-year guarantee.

Should you buy the Zoma Livingstone bed frame?

Buy it if…

✅ You need storage space: The Zoma Livingstone is an ottoman-style storage bed which lifts the mattress (with a firm pull of a tab) to access the storage space beneath.

✅ You want a plush-looking frame: High quality material has been used to wrap around the frame, and it looks fancy.

✅ You already own a mattress: There’s no need to go out and buy a new mattress to fit on the Zoma Livingstone; It’s compatible with foam, hybrid or innerspring mattresses.

Don't buy it if…

❌ You're on a budget: Priced at £999 for a king-size, the Zoma Livingstone is not a cheap bed frame. There are much more affordable options to choose from.

❌ You don’t do flat-pack: Just don’t get the Zoma Livingstone if you don’t like flat-pack. It's a hefty piece of bedroom furniture that took three hours for two people to assemble.

How I tested the Zoma Livingstone bed frame

I slept on the Zoma Livingstone for 4 weeks. I assembled it myself (with my mum's help) and have used it to store bed linen. I tested it in the king-size frame, alongside the Zoma Hybrid mattress.

When you're curled up on your best mattress, it can feel like the rest of the world simply disappears. But as comfortable as your bedding cocoon might be, if you want to get the best night's sleep, then it's important to consider your entire sleep environment – and that includes the temperature in your bedroom. 

“We suggest maintaining a cool bedroom temperature for optimal sleep,” says James Higgins, founder and CEO of Ethical Bedding. "It supports the body's natural dip in core temperature that occurs during sleep, promoting deeper and more restful sleep cycles.” In the bedroom, this translates to an ambient temperature around roughly 65 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 degrees Celsius.

A cooler bedroom isn't just a way to save on your heating bills – these lower temperatures are a way to keep your environment in sync with your circadian rhythms. In this guide, we'll take a look at why lower temperatures are better for your rest, plus some advice on how to achieve that perfect sleep environment.

How temperature affects sleep

Ambient temperature plays an important role in how well we sleep, so you want to avoid a bedroom that's too hot (or too cold). A study from 2015 found that high temperatures could cause fatigue, while research from 2022 linked increased temperatures during the night to worse sleep efficiency and quality. And a 2012 2012 study concluded that temperature was a key factor in sleep quality, with heat affecting sleep stages and thermoregulation.

If you're struggling to sleep in hot weather, try opening a window at night or using an electric fan to cool the room. Taking a lukewarm shower in the evening and drinking a glass of cold water can also help keep your body temperature down. 

And consider the role your bed itself might play. A cooling pillow is an easy way to upgrade your sleep setup – we have some excellent options in our best pillow guide – or if you regularly struggle with night sweats, consider investing in one of the best cooling mattresses.

Can it get too cold in the bedroom?

Although we recommend keeping the bedroom on the cooler side – so your environment supports your body as it prepares for sleep – don’t make your bedroom frigid. “There is a point where the room gets too cold,” says Lisa Artis, deputy CEO at Simba Sleep’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity. She warns that a cold bedroom “could cause you to wake up and take a while to get back to sleep while you warm up. Especially when the outside temperature drops to its lowest in the early hours.”

Temperature, light, and comfort are all important for achieving a good night's rest, and if your icy bedroom leaves you shivering, it will be hard to get comfortable. We have some advice on how to keep your bedroom warm without turning the heating on, so you can stay cozy during a cold snap.  

And sometimes, it is better to prioritize comfort over the cooler nights. Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert at And So To Bed suggests that, “when you are unwell you might want your room a little hotter or cooler than ‘sleep recommendations.’ It's always important to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.” 

However, as anyone who has spent the night searching for the cooler side of the pillow can attest, a lot of the time, what your body wants is a lower temperature in the bedroom. Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite bedding choices for maintaining this perfect ambient temperature. 

Bedding for maintaining the right temperature

For UK sleepers...

For US sleepers...

In recent years there has been an increasing amount of interest in how music can be used to help aid sleep. We're not talking about white noise here – we're talking about actual songs with melodies and, sometimes, lyrics. There have been a number of studies digging into the particular musical characteristics that help you physically relax and unwind.

Emma – one of our best mattress brands – was so intrigued by the idea that it worked with a composer to create its own album of original compositions, scientifically designed to be the perfect sleep playlist. Scores of Sleep, Vol 1 is now available to stream for free on Spotify, and includes 11 original tracks that form one ultra-soothing bedtime album. 

At the launch event (where pretty much everyone nodded off), we spoke to Angela Kondinska, a neuroscientist and sleep specialist who now works on the Emma product development team, to find out more about the potential of music to help us wind down. Here are her tips for how to integrate music effectively into your sleep routine. 

1. Look for these specific characteristics

There have been a few studies exploring the relationship between music and sleep, but the one that inspired Emma's album came from the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus. The 2023 study analyzed over 220,000 tracks from Spotify sleep playlists, looking for common characteristics. 

It found that, compared to playlists in general, sleep music tended to be:

• Quieter
• Less energetic and less lively
• More likely to be acoustic 
• More likely to be instrumental (without lyrics)
• Less 'danceable'
• Slower

I imagine none of those will come as a particular surprise, but they're still worth bearing in mind when selecting an album or playlist to put on in the evening. Anything that makes you want to get up and dance, or sing along, is likely having the opposite effect to the one you're looking for. 

2. Pick whatever genre appeals

At part of the Aarhus study, researchers conducted some analysis into if certain genres were better suited to sleep music than others. In that study, based on Spotify's genre tags, the most popular genre was 'sleep' (not terribly helpful, with ~47k occurrences), followed by pop (~30k) ambient (~13.5k) lo-fi (~13.5) and rap (~7k occurrences; a bit of a curve ball). 

However, other studies had different results. A 2018 study from the UK found classical music the most popular for sleep (32%), then rock (11%) and pop (8%). An Australian survey from 2020 that asked participants what kind of music helped them sleep, and found that classical was most widely effective (18.5%), then pop (12.3%) and ambient (12.3%).

The Aarhus study concluded that, "The studies agree that no single type of music is most listened to by the general population to fall asleep, accentuating the need for music-based sleep interventions to include many different choices of genres." 

That's good news, because another part of Angela's advice is to focus on your own preferences when choosing what music to integrate into your bedtime routine. Trying to force yourself to do anything – whether that's listening to a certain type of music or taking up evening yoga, or whatever – isn't going to be relaxing if you don't naturally find it relaxing. Even if it's 'supposed' to be good to sleep. 

"The more we say, 'Okay, you have to do this, [the more] stress builds up, and then we end up sleeping less because of the stress," she elaborates. "The big thing is likability, so people should enjoy the songs they listen to." Aside from the original Emma sleep album, the brand has a range of playlists in different genres for people to explore. So if you're more of a hip hop person than a classical person, there's a playlist for you...

3. Make it repetitive 

Once you've found your playlist, give it a chance to work. "What usually brings a lot of relaxation is repetitiveness. Our brains love being able to predict something," says Angela. Listening consistently each night, at the same point in your evening routine, will help amplify the relaxing properties of your sleep music. 

If, once you've given it a fair chance, it's clear that music isn't going to be the thing that helps you drop off, try something else. "Allow yourself to explore in a curious way. There's a long list of sleep tips. Try out different things… and see what works," suggests Angela. "If [one thing] doesn't work, that's okay, because there's something else that will work." 

Many of us will spend at least part of our evenings scrolling social media. And while you probably have an inkling it might not be the best thing to promote sleep, you might not have really considered the impact it could be having on your nightly routine. We spoke to a sleep expert to dig into exactly why browsing social media is such a bad idea before bed, as well as providing some easily actionable tips to help you limit your evening doomscrolling.

How can social media impact your sleep? 

"Several studies have found a link between excessive social media use and sleep difficulties," says Theresa Schnorbach, a psychologist and sleep scientist who works with Emma (one of our best mattress brands).

"Social media is deliberately designed to stimulate and excite you – that is precisely why it is so addictive and entertaining! As a result, we quickly lose track of time while watching videos or other content, and can easily spend hours on our smartphones, although we could have been sound asleep long ago."

Isn't it the blue light that's the problem? 

Most evening screen time conversations are in the context of the dangers of blue light. Put simply, studies like this one suggest that blue light is especially effective in suppressing melatonin (the hormone that prepares the body to sleep). So staring at a phone screen will make you feel awake and alert – not ideal when you're meant to be winding down. 

However, Theresa thinks the focus on blue light might be overshadowing the real problem. "[The addictive nature of social media] has shown to be in fact more dangerous than the blue light that is so often talked about in the media," she says.

How to limit your evening screen time

Cutting down on social media time is easier said than done. Here are some tips for adding structure to your evening, with activities that will help you wind down, rather than perk up. 

1. Set an alarm or screen limit

Going in with a vague plan to 'cut down on social media in the evening' isn't going to be effective for most people. Create some self-imposed rules that mean you actually stick to your intentions. "Setting an alarm for bedtime or using screen limit features on apps can help a lot to prioritize sleep," suggests Theresa.

Recommendations for when to stop looking at social media in the evening vary, but a minimum of one hour before you plan to go to sleep is a good starting place. If you have a smart speaker, you can set up an Alexa sleep routine that kicks in at the same time each night and doesn't require screens to switch on or off. 

2. Swap in other activities

"To promote relaxation in the evening, make time for activities that are actually good for you," suggests Theresa. "Be it reading, going for a walk, listening to calm music, connecting with family and friends, yoga or more. Just stay away from activities that are too stimulating or trigger negative feelings."

All of these activities can help the body prepare for sleep, so pick the ones that appeal to you rather than trying to micromanage your sleep based on what others say should help. Using music to help you sleep is something Emma has been looking into specifically recently, and even coming up with its own album of original music that has been scientifically designed to be the perfect sleep playlist.

3. Try a bedtime box

If you're struggling to put your phone down, you could try a bedtime box. This is essentially a box of activities or evening essentials (a book, some sleep tea... whatever appeals to you). Take it out in the evening when it's time to start your nightly routine, then remove the nighttime contents and replace it with your phone or tablet. That then gets put away for the night, to be retrieved in the morning. As well as creating a clear break between 'daytime' and 'sleep time', the idea of having specific activities that you save for bedtime might help turn it into something you look forward to.

Whether you’re a casual exerciser or a seasoned athlete, you probably wouldn’t mind adopting foolproof, healthy hacks to improve your physical abilities. Perhaps you already have a few in your toolkit, such as cross-training and staying on top of your protein intake and hydration status. 

Yet there’s one in particular that’s completely free and proven to improve everything from endurance and reaction time to muscle recovery, as well as providing countless benefits for your overall health. In case you haven't guessed, it’s simply getting enough sleep – and sleeping well, at that (ideally on the best mattress for your sleep requirements).

Read on to discover how the quantity and quality of your sleep can either help or hinder your physical performance and overall fitness regimen.

The relationship between sleep and exercise

A bidirectional relationship exists between sleep and exercise. Not only can exercise improve sleep by helping to regulate your circadian rhythms (aka biological clock or sleep-wake cycles) and assisting thermoregulation to induce sleep, but getting enough shuteye can also benefit your physical performance in a number of ways.

A large body of research demonstrates the benefits of improving sleep duration in athletes. A 2017 review published in Current Sports Medicine Reports notes that increases in sleep duration and quality alike are linked to improved performance, competitive success, and a lower risk of injury and illness in athletes. As such, adequate sleep can optimize health, enhance athletic output, and boost participation during training.

More specifically, a range of studies have investigated the impact of set hours of sleep amongst different types of athletes:

A small 2019 study (of 9 participants) found that cyclists and triathletes maintained better endurance after extending their usual sleep time by 30 percent over 3 nights, concluding that they should sleep more than 8 hours per night to optimize performance.

A small 2011 study (of 11 participants) found that men’s college basketball players who slept for more than 10 hours a night for up to 7 weeks experienced faster sprint times, improved shooting accuracy, increased vigor, and a stronger sense of physical and mental well-being during practice and games.

A small 2015 study (of 12 male and female participants) found that college tennis players who increased their sleep by approximately 2 hours, to sleep at least 9 hours daily (including naps) for a week, significantly improved their serving accuracy.

By and large, athletes and those who train rigorously will require more sleep than most people, due to their extensive output and subsequent heightened requirements for recovery. Still, these results show just how crucial getting enough quality sleep truly is, when linked to various markers of physical performance and well-being.

Frequent sleep issues will take a hit on your health in general, creating a domino effect that can hinder your athletic abilities.

“This could include feeling tired all the time, being more likely to have impaired decision-making and reaction times while working out where you could get hurt, and having trouble with performing at your best both physically and mentally,” says Dr. Harris. “Poor sleep can also disrupt your hormones and weaken your immune system, making it harder for you to get the most out of your workouts and increasing the risk of you getting sick.”

Disturbed sleep can affect everyone from occasional joggers to elite athletes. For instance, a 2022 study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology investigated 10 NBA seasons’ worth of data to see how jet lag affected pro basketball players’ performance and game outcomes. Home teams subjected to eastward jet lag (i.e., in which they ‘lost’ time and played in direct opposition to their biological clock) were linked to:

• Reduced wins
• Fewer points scored
• Fewer rebounds
• Less effective field goal percentages

The researchers concluded that this type of circadian rhythm disruption — which involves impaired sleep quality — may have significant consequences on both game performance as well as recovery.

The bottom line

In short, if you want to improve pretty much any marker of athletic performance as well as facilitate recovery thereafter, it’s imperative to prioritize sleep as best you can. “To stay healthy and perform your best while exercising, it's important to get enough good quality sleep every night,” Dr. Harris reiterates. Doing so won’t only support the likes of vigor, speed, endurance, and reaction time — but also more generally promote hormonal health, immune function, and physical and mental well-being.

Even one night of poor rest can throw your exercise regimen or sports performance off track. In these cases, it’s best not to exert yourself too much as you may heighten the risk of injury and adverse outcomes. “Getting a bad night's sleep can make you tired the next day and affect how well you exercise, but an easy fix for this is to make sure you get enough rest that night and the nights following,” says Dr. Harris.

Of course, sleeping well is often easier said than done, namely if you have a history of sleep issues. In addition to following healthy dietary, lifestyle, and sleep hygiene practices, it’s best to consult your physician or a sleep specialist if you struggle with sleep regularly. This will benefit both your physical performance and overall health, helping  you to score wins at the gym, during sports, and wherever else life takes you.

I've been using an eye mask every night for over a decade, and at this point, I consider a mask almost as essential for good sleep as my bed. Still, while I recognize it's worth investing in the best mattress, I always opt for cheap eye masks. So when offered the opportunity to switch my basic £6 mask for the £160 Aura smart sleep mask I was curious, but skeptical. How much can you really improve an eye mask?

But the Aura mask isn't any old sleep mask. It's a smart mask, fitted with a built-in light and speakers, connecting to the Aura app via Bluetooth to bring you wind-down meditations and wake-up lights. Head to my Aura smart sleep mask review, to learn more about what it does and how it works. It's expensive for an eye mask, but it's also unique. If you want all the benefits of using a sleep mask combined with a meditation app and a sunrise alarm, there's nothing else like the Aura.

Having used the Aura for several weeks, I can definitely see the benefits of this high-tech upgrade. With that said, I'm not ready to write off the cheap-and-cheerful basic masks I've been using for the past 10 years, especially if all you're looking for is a dark environment to help you drift off. Here's are 5 things I've learned... 

• Save 39% on the Aura Smart Sleep Mask via Aura

#1. The Aura does the basics better

Mostly what I want from a sleep mask is for it to keep things dark and stay on my face – two things my £6 eye mask does pretty well. So I was surprised to find that one of the biggest benefits of the Aura eye mask was just how much it improved on the basics.

My regular eye mask does a good job at blocking out light. I have an east-facing bedroom that catches the sun pretty early in the summer, and with my eye mask on, I can avoid being woken up two hours before my alarm is set to ring. 

However, I didn’t realize how much light got around my mask until I switched to the Aura. This was total darkness. With my regular eye mask, I can notice a difference when I hold my hands in front of my face. With the Aura, if I held a pillow over my face there was no change in the light level. It could have been midnight or noon, and I wouldn't have known.

Compared to the elasticated band of a standard eye mask, the Aura also has a more secure and comfortable fit. The wide straps of the Aura come with a slight stretch, a velcro fastening, and an anti-slip design on the interior, and together these features ensure the fit is just right. Ii was also comfortable from the get go (elastic eye masks tend to be too tight at first) and didn't budge during the night even when I tossed and turned (I've woken up with my normal mask around my neck on more than one occasion).

Is this worth the £150 price jump? On its own, no, but it's essential that Aura covers these basics to make the sleep mask functional. The reality is that if you use the Aura overnight, the blackout feature is the one you'll be getting the most use out of. In addition, if the Aura runs out of battery (which I'll cover in more detail below) these basics ensure it remains functional.

#2. In-built light is a major benefit

The main feature of an eye mask is to block out light, a feature I highly appreciate at 5am when the sun floods my east-facing bedroom. But at 7am, when I need light to indicate to my body clock it's time to wake up, this blackout is less desirable. Until now, the only way to deal with unwanted darkness has been to remove my mask when my alarm goes off, press snooze, and doze a few more minutes in the day light.

The Aura, however, neatly navigates the entire problem with an efficient solution. Fitted with an internal LED light, the Aura slowly increases brightness just before your alarm is set to sound, for a natural feeling wake-up similar to the best wake-up lights. While it can't entirely match the sunrise, it's significantly better than the total darkness I usually get when waking up with an eye mask. And because the light is determined by my alarm, it doesn't wake me up before I'm ready (something I can't say about the sun).

By fitting this light, Aura has taken one of the biggest downsides of an eye mask – total darkness in the morning – and turned it into an advantage. With the wake-up light, I had a gentle brightness kicking my body into gear whenever I wanted to get out of bed, and not a minute before.

#3. The sweaty head problem got worse

A sweaty head is a typical downside of the eye mask, and while the Aura can improve on a standard mask in a lot of ways, this is still an issue. If anything, the Aura makes overheating worse. Bigger and bulkier than your usual sleep mask, the Aura adds extra fabric to my face in a way that's particularly noticeable on warm nights.

If you struggle with the night sweats, this is going to be a major disadvantage. Instead of the Aura, you might want to consider a fabric upgrade – a breathable and moisture wicking silk sleep mask can help keep you sleep in hot weather. Otherwise, if you want to use the Aura, expect a few sweaty mornings (and maybe think about investing in one of the best cooling mattresses).

#4. An eye mask can be part of your sleep routine

Putting on my eye mask was always the last thing I did before going to sleep and while I recognized it was essential to my sleep hygiene, I wouldn't have considered it part of my bedtime routine.

But the Aura eye mask makes itself part of your bedtime routine. The built-in speakers play your choice of wind-down meditations and white noise, for an immersive experience beneath the mask. Used in bed, it's great for people like me who struggle with the transition from 'awake' to 'ready for sleep'. You're essentially being forced to into a calm, relaxing headspace.

With the Aura on, you can't do anything but pay attention to what's happening inside the mask. And because of that total blackout and secure fit, you have to make a conscious decision to remove the Aura. With a normal sleep mask, it's so easy to lift the corner, take a quick peak at your phone, and expose yourself to blue light.

Before the Aura, I thought the only role my sleep mask played in my rest was to block out light. The Aura shows that an eye mask can contribute more than just a dark environment, especially for those who might find stress or anxiety keeps them awake (many of the meditations are focused on achieving a calm mind). 

#5. Charging is a pain

To use the Aura sleep mask properly, you need to charge both the mask itself and your phone (for access to the Aura app). A basic eye mask never needs to be plugged in – something I hadn't considered an advantage until I forgot to charge my Aura.

Aura does inform you of the exact battery life when you connect to the app, and I highly recommend checking this when you wake up in the morning. It's very easy to underestimate how much battery you need to get through the night, which is I learned the hard way when the mask died at roughly 4am one morning.

The Aura alerts you when it's powering off and that's not something you want to hear in the midst of your dreams. But it's better than not being informed, and only discovering the mask has shut down when you aren't woken up. Luckily, when it happened to me, I had set my phone alarm to ring a few minutes after the (presumed) Aura alarm, so the loss of power wasn't a huge issue. However, having had it happen once, I can't bring myself to use the Aura without a back-up alarm. Just in case.

Without any power, the Aura is still useful as an eye mask (see the total blackout mentioned above). However, it loses a huge amount of functionality. And while consistent charging is something you'll learn in time, when the Aura loses battery, you miss out on a vital part of your pre-bed routine, plus your morning alarm. And with fewer opportunities to power up (it can't be done overnight because the cable connects to the mask) charging becomes a habit you need to develop fast.

It it worth upgrading your sleep mask?

I'm going to cop out here and say yes and no. It's a major price jump from a simple sleep mask to the Aura smart mask, but you also get a lot of unique benefits, including the speakers and wake-up lights. And the Aura also has the advantage of doing the basics better, which means you're still getting total darkness and an improved fit.

However, if the blackout effect is all you're after, a basic eye mask is almost as good as the Aura and significantly cheaper. Plus, you don't have to worry about charging it. And it won't ever run out of battery when your alarm is set for early the next morning.

A warm shower is a relaxing part of the bedtime routine, and when you're ready to drift off at the end of your wash, who wants the rude awakening of a hot and noisy hair dryer? But before you put your wet head on your best mattress, you need to think about what that water might be doing to your bedding.

Rex Isap, bed expert and CEO at Happy Beds warns that sleeping with wet hair is bad for more than just your split ends. “When your pillows and bedding absorb the water from your hair, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal growth as they thrive in a damp environment."  

And all that growth doesn't stay tucked up in your pillow. As Rex explains, "this fungi could then be transferred to your scalp or face, putting you at risk of fungal infections." Gross and dangerous – here's why it really is worth grabbing your best hair dryer before bed.

#1. Wet hair can result in a moldy mattress

Going to bed with wet hair might seem like a harmless habit, but it could be causing serious harm to your mattress. “If the water from your hair touches your mattress during sleep, this could cause water damage," warns Rex.

“Water-damaged mattresses are more susceptible to the growth of mold," says Rex. "If inhaled or touched, this could result in an allergic reaction such as red eyes and sneezing." 

Once a mattress is wet, it takes a long time to dry. Beneath the bedding, this moisture can't dissipate, and instead gets trapped within the layers of your mattress. As well as mold, this damp can allow dust mites and bed bugs to thrive, as well as result in staining – "not to mention the fact it could cause an unpleasant smell in your bedroom,” says Rex.

If you've gone to sleep with wet hair the night before, instead of making your bed first thing, pull the sheets back in the morning and give your mattress time to breathe. And if you're worried your previous pre-bed shower routine might have damaged your mattress, we have some advice on how to get rid of dust mites and how to get rid of bed bugs. 

The best mattress protector can help limit harm from wet hair, while investing in the best mattress topper can provide an extra barrier of protection. But keep in mind that if you sleep with damp hair, it isn't just the mattress that will be suffering...

#2. You might end up with neck ache

Going to bed with wet hair and waking up with a pain in the neck? It's not just a coincidence – there's an unexpected connection between the two. “Wet hair can result in the fillings of your pillow being unevenly distributed," explains Rex. "This will affect how supportive it is." 

Instead of gently cradling your head, this uneven distribution can hold your neck at an uncomfortable angle. As Rex says, "this can lead to physical issues such as back and neck pain, as your neck and spine should be aligned when you sleep."

Wet hair is also a reason why pillows can turn yellow, especially if you haven't done a very good job washing out the shampoo and conditioner. And similar damp staining might mean you have a lot of work to do next time you clean your headboard. Although, at least when your headboard gets damp, it isn't against your skin. Which brings us to the next problem...

#3. Damp pillows can cause skin infections

As Rex mentions, going to bed with wet hair turns your pillow into the kind of damp, warm environment that bacteria and fungi love. When you lie on your pillow, this fungi can then transfer to your bare skin, potentially resulting in an infection.

“One of the most common fungal infections of the skin is ringworm, which can cause a dry, scaly, or itchy patch on the affected area. It is frequently spread through contact with items infected with this type of fungi, including bedding, according to the NHS website," says Rex.

Worried about infections? We have some advice on how to clean your pillows, which you should aim to do roughly every six months (even if you always go to bed with dry hair). Additionally, it's worth investing in some pillow protectors – fabric socks that sit between your case and pillow. This added barrier can prevent too much moisture from your damp hair seeping into your pillow.

But the best solution is to simply dry your hair before going to bed. If you don't have a hair dryer, we can help you find one that will make drying your hair as quick and easy as possible – check out our guide how to buy a hair dryer.

What to do if you go to bed with wet hair

Despite your best intentions, do you still find yourself occasionally going to bed with wet hair? Here's what you can do to limit the damage it does to your mattress. 

#1. Get rid of the worst of the moisture

While dry hair is best, if you don't have time for a full blow dry routine, the next best option is to remove the worst of the moisture. Use a microfiber towel or have a quick blast with the hair dryer so your hair isn't sopping wet by the time you get into bed.

#2. Regularly clean your mattress

You should deep clean your mattress twice a year anyway, but if wet hair is causing water damage, you might need to do it more regularly. However, stripping the bed, washing your sheets, and spot cleaning stains once a week gives the mattress a chance to air out and you a chance to deal with small problems before they become major issues. This regular cleaning doesn't have to be a massive chore – you can clean your mattress with household products, and if you wait until the last hours of the weekend for your big tidy, you might even find this so-called Sunday reset helps you sleep. 

#3. Invest in mattress and pillow protectors

It's worth buying mattress and pillow protectors even if you don't go to bed with wet hair, as they help keep your sleep setup as fresh as possible. As well as adding a barrier between you and your bedding, these protectors are significantly easier to wash than a mattress or pillow. So if things do get damp, you can simply whip off the protectors, give them a wash, and keep the mattress beneath clean.

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow: two-minute review

The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is the cheapest pillow of the two that Panda makes, but it doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s one of TechRadar’s best pillow selections and offers a luxurious feel with its soft bamboo cover. I’m a huge fan of the Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress, which is rated by TechRadar as one of the best mattresses currently on sale in the UK. But how did the pillow match up?

Like most memory foam pillows, the Panda isn’t going to win any design awards. It’s a lump of memory foam (three layers, to be exact), covered with a mesh polyester internal pillow protector and finished with a bamboo/polyester cover. Pick the pillow up and feel it, and it’s a different story. The bamboo cover feels luxurious to the touch and is really soft – this is a pillow you’ll want to lay your head on. I love the little panda face in the corner as well.

Not everyone is a fan of memory foam and, as someone who loves a soft pillow, I did initially find the Panda way too solid. But over time, I appreciated the neck support. As a lightweight side and back sleeper, the loft suited me perfectly. However, both my husband and I found it difficult to change positions on the pillow and neither of us particularly enjoyed the moulding sensation of the memory foam. However, if you are a fan of the memory foam ‘hug’, the Panda is a great pillow to go for. At under £50 it’s also very good value for a high-quality memory foam pillow.

Panda Bamboo Pillow review: price & value for money

• Mid-range pricing, but a premium feel
• 30-day trial and 10-year warranty
• Rarely discounted

The Panda pillow retails at £44.95 and comes in one size, fitting neatly into the mid-range pricing bracket. With its high-quality bamboo cover, it feels like a premium pillow and looks extremely smart (or, at least, as smart as a lump of foam can look). There’s a 30-day trial period, which is a real godsend if you’re not used to the feel of memory foam and need time to decide if it suits your sleeping style.

The 10-year warranty is particularly generous for a pillow – none of the other pillows in our best pillow round-up have longer than three years. And if you decide during the 30-day trial period that the pillow isn’t for you, you can return it for a full refund. Next day delivery and returns are also both free.

Panda discounts aren’t common. I’ve seen the occasional 10% off, but this is generally only around major sales events. I'd recommend bookmarking our mattress deals page, as it will keep you up to date with when the brand is having a sale. 

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow review: design & materials

• Removable and washable cover
• Three layers of visco memory foam
• Internal mesh polyester inner cover

Like most memory foam pillows, the Panda is essentially just a lump of memory foam and not particularly enticing shape-wise. At 12cm deep, 40cm wide and 60cm long, it’s slightly shorter than a standard pillow at 70cm, but it still fits neatly into a pillow case. The 70% bamboo cover is the winning touch here – it feels soft and luxurious, and really adds a premium touch to the pillow.

I also really liked the inclusion of the inner mesh polyester cover, which acts as a natural pillow protector. This is stitched around the pillow to help protect the foam. Speaking of the memory foam, it’s Reach-certified, meaning no harmful chemical were used during manufacturing. And the bamboo cover is naturally breathable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making this a great choice for allergy sufferers.

The pillow arrived wrapped in a reusable bamboo bag and a 100% biodegradable box, made from recycled paper that can obviously be recycled again. It was ready to sleep on straight out of the box and, somewhat unusually for memory foam, I didn’t notice any off-gassing at all.

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow review: care & allergies

The bamboo cover is removable and can be washed on a cool wash of up to 40 degrees before being hung to dry. The memory foam can only be spot cleaned but, with the two covers in place, it should be well protected.

The memory foam in the pillow is Reach-certified and the pillow conforms to the OEKO-TEX standard, meaning that the whole pillow is free from harmful chemicals that could cause skin irritation. As I already mentioned, the bamboo cover is also naturally breathable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making this a great choice for allergy sufferers.

If you join Panda’s mailing list, the brand protects five trees. And the pillow is vegan- and bird-friendly, as well as only using bamboo from FSC approved forests where wildlife habitats are protected and monitored.

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow review: comfort & support

• Medium-firm feel
• 12cm loft
• Best suited to back and side sleepers

As I mentioned at the top of this article, I had some quite differing feedback on this pillow from people I asked to test it. Both my husband and I struggled with the ‘hug’ of the memory foam, although it’s clearly not as pronounced as with some memory foam pillows. Despite this, I could see and feel how supportive it was around the neck and do think it would be an excellent choice for those prone to neck pain.

I would describe this pillow as medium-firm, with a medium loft of 12cm. It’s pretty lightweight for a memory foam pillow and overall it retained its shape well after getting up in the morning. But my husband, who weighs more than I do, found it quite difficult to change position during the night, feeling that the memory foam had a tendency to settle in one place, which then made his head just want to fall back into that ‘groove’.

Side and back sleepers should enjoy the feel of this pillow, which is nicely supportive but doesn’t throw the spine out of alignment. But a friend who sleeps on her stomach who tried the pillow felt that her head was being raised too high to keep the spine aligned.

I also gave the pillow to another friend who usually sleeps on a Tempur memory foam pillow. He had quite a different experience. As someone who is used to the heavier Tempur pillow and the more pronounced ‘hug’, he felt that the Panda wasn’t supportive enough for side sleeping. He also felt that the Panda compressed far more than a Tempur pillow and offered less resistance to a sleeper’s head. My feeling is that this makes the Panda pillow an excellent choice for memory foam novices, combining the best of memory foam along with a lighter feel.

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow review: temperature regulation

Memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, which can make for an unpleasantly hot sleeping experience. But Panda has been clever here with the inclusion of a bamboo cover.

Bamboo is naturally breathable and helps to encourage airflow. This, combined with the inner mesh cover, meant that I never felt warm on the pillow. Neither did my husband, which is perhaps of more relevance, as he has a tendency to sleep warm. The pillow doesn’t feel cool to the touch but does feel fairly neutral. For context, we were sleeping in a room that was around 14-15C overnight.

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow review: specs

Should you buy the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow?

Buy it if...

✅ You sleep on your side or back: The Panda pillow is nicely supportive and does a good job of keeping the spine aligned in both these sleeping positions. And while there is a distinctive memory foam ‘hug’ to the pillow, you won’t sink in too far.

✅ You sleep hot: Memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, but the Panda’s bamboo cover did an excellent job of keeping my husband (a hot sleeper) cool and comfortable through the night.

✅ You suffer from neck pain: Once you get used to the feel of the Panda pillow, you will start to see how supportive it is around the neck. If you suffer with neck pain, this pillow could help to alleviate it.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You’re a stomach sleeper: This pillow’s loft is too high for a stomach sleeper and is likely to throw the spine out of alignment if you’re lying on your front. Instead, consider a low loft foam pillow such as the 8cm Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow.

❌ You change positions a lot: The Panda pillow wasn’t always easy to change sleeping positions on, with the foam wanting to push a sleeper’s head back to their original sleeping position. A more traditional pillow, such as the Simba Stratos Pillow that's filled with down-like fibre clusters, might be a better alternative.

❌ You’re not a fan of the memory foam ‘hug’: Even though the Panda has quite a light memory foam ‘hug’, it still contours and wraps itself around your head to a certain degree. For some people, this will just be a feeling that they can’t get used to; for more bounce and less hug, try the Origin Coolmax Latex Pillow.

How I tested the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

I slept on the Panda pillow for two weeks and also asked my husband and other friends to try the pillow out for differing opinions. There’s only one style and loft of pillow available. I tested the pillow during both a slightly chilly spell and an unseasonably warm patch, which gave a great indication of how the pillow performed in different temperatures. I also tested the pillow in a variety of sleeping positions to see which were most comfortable and supportive.

Resident Home – parent brand of Nectar and DreamCloud, among others – released its Cloverlane Mattress in late 2023 as a direct response to the popular Saatva Classic. From the Euro-top and gold and white color scheme to multiple firmness levels with an emphasis on lumbar support, I think it's clear where Resident drew its inspiration from. But as you'll find out in my Saatva Classic vs Cloverlane Hybrid showdown, each mattress stands out for its own reasons.

The Saatva Classic emerges as the winner here – it does reign as the best mattress overall. However, the Cloverlane is a slightly better value since it offers most of the same perks and a comparable level of performance to the Saatva for less money. (It's also available as a full-foam bed, if that's your preference.) Still, if you have the cash to splash, I think it's worth spending it on the meticulously-handcrafted Saatva.

Keep scrolling for my complete head-to-head between the Saatva Classic and the Cloverlane Hybrid. You can also check out my Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress review or read our Saatva Classic mattress review to help you arrive at a decision. Both beds are discounted during regular mattress sales so no matter what, you'll be scoring a deal. 

Saatva Classic vs Cloverlane Hybrid: Specs

Saatva Classic vs Cloverlane Hybrid: Design

• Both mattresses feature three firmness levels & chiropractor approval
• The Saatva Classic is a handcrafted innerspring with minimal foam
• The Cloverlane is a mass-produced, foam-heavy mattress

Both the Saatva Classic and the Cloverlane Hybrid come in three firmness levels and share a few design elements: a Euro-top with specialized lumbar zone quilting and gold accents against an off-white exterior. Chiropractors rate them as some of the best mattresses for back pain, with Saatva being awarded a seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, and the Cloverlane receiving an endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association. 

The Saatva Classic is an innerspring hybrid with minimal foam. There is a localized strip of memory foam paired with Saatva's Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire, plus high-density foam rails for edge support. The rest of the mattress consists of pocketed coils with a reinforced middle for lower back support, and a base of 13-gauge tempered steel springs to prevent sagging and trapped heat. The 3-inch Euro pillow-top is wrapped in an organic cotton cover with a specialized botanical antimicrobial treatment to prevent mildew and mold.

The Cloverlane Hybrid is much more reliant on foam. There's also an all-foam version with a 9-inch foam support core instead of 8-inch wrapped coils with a dense foam wall found in the hybrid version. Both iterations feature a 2.5-inch layer of transitional support foam and two inches of gel-infused memory foam, with a half-inch thick strip of latex across the middle for lumbar support. It's capped by a 1.75-inch plush foam Euro-top cloaked in a moisture-wicking blend of polyester, cotton, and polyethylene. 

Aside from firmness, Saatva also allows you to tailor the height of the mattress to your comfort (11.5 or 14.5 inches). Meanwhile, the Cloverlane is adorned with 16 brass air vents for added breathability. You'll find side carry handles on the Cloverlane and the 14.5-inch Saatva Classic. Saatva makes it clear they produce mattresses without fiberglass, but it's unknown whether Cloverlane mattresses contain fiberglass. Both beds use CertiPUR-US certified foam.

In my opinion, the craftsmanship is what truly sets these two mattresses apart. The Cloverlane isn't poorly made, but its poly-blend cover doesn't look or feel as luxe and cozy as Saatva's tufted organic cotton cover. Plus, each Saatva Classic mattress is handcrafted to order at one of its US-based factories while the Cloverlane is mass-produced and placed in a box (albeit flat), which means you may risk some off-gassing the longer it's sealed.

Winner: Saatva Classic. Design-wise, there are similarities but Saatva's beautifully handcrafted beds take the W here. Both mattresses arrive flat via free White Glove Delivery, but the Cloverlane still arrives in a box and opts for a more utilitarian poly-blend cover, which I think diminishes the "luxury" vibe the brand is aiming for. However, I do give Cloverlane credit for adding side handles, which will make it easier to rotate and move.

Saatva Classic vs Cloverlane Hybrid: Price

• Cloverlane hosts an evergreen sale that cuts up to $700 off
• Saatva mattress sales range from $200 to $500 off
• Both include free in-room delivery, a 1-year trial, and forever warranty

The Cloverlane launched in late 2023 with up to $700 off the retail price, and that offer has held steady with a queen-size going for $1,499. These sale prices apply to the hybrid and full-foam versions of the Cloverlane, which is an unusual (but welcome) practice since hybrids typically cost more. You can add a specialty cooling cover with extra heat-wicking fibers for $199 extra, or add a bedding bundle with down pillows, percale sheets, and a mattress pad (up to a $696 value) from $199

Saatva mattress sales run all the time but those deals are more fluid. Regular discounts shave $200 to $300 off the list price, but we occasionally host exclusive offers that cut as much as $500 off, dropping the price of a queen Saatva Classic to as low as $1,595. (It regularly fetches around $1,800 during standard sales after another bump in MSRP.) 

Price-wise, the Cloverlane costs around $100 to $400 less than the Saatva Classic, though that differential will vary based on whatever promotion Saatva is running at the time. Both beds include a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery with optional mattress removal – although Saatva adds foundation removal. Returns are free with the Cloverlane; Saatva charges a $99 fee. 

Winner: Cloverlane Hybrid. An evergreen discount of up to $700 won't leave you wondering how much you'll save on a Cloverlane mattress (provided the ticket price remains steady, of course). It's less than the Saatva Classic while offering most of the same amenities – with free returns, to boot. Among luxury mattresses, the Cloverlane is one of the best values out there.

That said, if you have the extra cash to spare, I'd strongly recommend spending it on the Saatva Classic, which boasts a nicer quality of craftsmanship and comes with free foundation removal if you need it.

Saatva Classic vs Cloverlane Hybrid: Comfort & support

• Saatva and Cloverlane both come in three firmness levels
• Each mattress also features targeted lumbar support
• However, the all-foam Cloverlane may offer more sinkage

The Saatva Classic and Cloverlane Hybrid both come in three firmness levels that equate to plush (3-4/10 firmness), medium-firm (5-7), and firm (8). We've personally tested the Firm Saatva Classic and a Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid.

Variable firmness allows you to choose a bed that's a right fit for your sleep style and body type. Softer mattresses are ideal for smaller individuals and side sleepers while firmer beds will suit heavier bodies and stomach and back sleepers. Medium-firm beds should work for back and combi sleepers, as well as those with back pain.

Don't expect much sinkage with either the Saatva Classic nor the Cloverlane Hybrid. The Saatva Classic is mostly made of coils which gives it a bouncier feel, even at its softest. Meanwhile, I slept on a Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid and was surprised at how solid it felt the first couple of weeks – and even after breaking it in I still felt it skewed medium-firm. There's a chance the all-foam version of the Cloverlane yields more of that sink-in sensation if that's what you're after, but you'll still need time to break it in.

The Saatva Classic and Cloverlane Hybrid sport stronger coils and specialty quilting in the center to promote proper alignment. To relieve lower back pressure, Saatva incorporates a memory foam lumbar crown and an Active Spinal Wire while Cloverlane uses a strip of latex. Each bed uses different measures to accomplish the same thing, but in my opinion one isn't noticeably better than the other here. (I tested the Saatva RX mattress, which has a similar construction to the Saatva Classic.)

Winner: Draw. The Saatva Classic and Cloverlane Hybrid offer multiple firmness options and targeted lumbar support so you can choose the level of comfort you need without sacrificing proper alignment. For a more pronounced sink-in sensation, you may want to opt for the all-foam version of the Cloverlane.

Saatva Classic vs Cloverlane Hybrid: Performance

• The Saatva Classic's design is built for cooler sleep
• The Cloverlane's foam helps it excel in motion isolation
• Choose the Saatva Classic for consistent edge support

In addition to comfort and support, we also evaluate how well a mattress can regulate temperature (so you don't overheat at night), isolate motion (so you and your partner don't annoy each other with your movements), and how sturdy the edges are (so you'll know how much of the surface you can comfortably use).

Temperature regulation

The Saatva Classic and the Cloverlane Hybrid each do a fine job of preventing heat from being trapped. Given its lack of foam and dual layer of coils, Saatva may have a tiny edge here, although the Cloverlane's brass air vents are a nice touch. Still, if you deal with severe night sweats, one of the best cooling mattress may be a proper fit.

Motion isolation

Motion isolation prevents movements from traveling across a mattress surface. This is where the Cloverlane Hybrid's use of foam works to its benefit, as it does a great job of dampening most movements. The firmest version of the Saatva Classic also performs well in this area, but you should still anticipate some bounce. Memory foam mattresses tend to be the most effective at limiting movement so the all-foam Cloverlane might be your best bet if you sleep with a restless partner.

Edge support

Edge support is important to anyone wanting to use the full surface of their mattress for sleeping, or who needs a sturdy edge to push up off in the morning. The Saatva Classic's high-density foam rails yield fantastic edge support whether you're sitting or sprawling. Notably, this appears to be the sentiment across Saatva's spectrum of firmness levels. In contrast, the edge support of the twin Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid I tested was inconsistent, particularly when sitting along the middle perimeter. However, there's a possibility that firmer, larger versions of the bed fare better here.

Winner: Saatva (but barely). The Cloverlane Hybrid and Saatva Classic are near-equal when it comes to overall performance, but sturdier edges and a slightly cooler sleep experience put Saatva just over the top. If you're most concerned about limiting motion transfer, either version of the Cloverlane Mattress should be on your radar. 

Saatva Classic vs Cloverlane Hybrid: which one should you buy?

Buy the Saatva Classic if...

✅ You're willing to spend for a handcrafted luxury mattress: You'll pay more for a Saatva Classic than a Cloverlane Hybrid, but in return you'll have a beautifully handcrafted mattress that's made to order and delivered straight to your bedroom, with mattress and foundation removal if you need it. 

✅ You want a mattress made without fiberglass: Cloverlane doesn't make it clear whether it uses fiberglass, but Saatva proudly advertises its use of a natural, plant-based thistle flame retardant in place of fiberglass. If you're sensitive to fiberglass or simply prefer not to sleep on a mattress that has it, go with the Saatva.

✅ You have mobility issues: With its exceptional edge support and the ability to choose your mattress depth, the Saatva Classic will offer peace of mind to sleepers who need to take their time getting in and out of bed due to an injury or health condition.

Buy the Cloverlane Hybrid if...

✅  You want the same perks as a Saatva for less: The price differential between the Cloverlane and Saatva Classic may only be a matter of a few hundred bucks, but for the most frugal shoppers among us, every dollar counts. You can spend less for a Cloverlane Mattress while availing of most of the benefits that come standard with a Saatva. 

✅  You want a mattress that's mostly (or completely) foam: The Cloverlane is available as a hybrid or all-foam mattress, with no change in price between them. If you want the deep pressure relief and superb motion isolation of a foam-based bed, you'll have that option with the Cloverlane. Even if you choose the Cloverlane Hybrid, you'll still find more foam within than you would with the Saatva. 

✅ You'd rather not pay for returns: Both mattresses come with a one-year sleep trial, but Cloverlane covers the return delivery fee if it doesn't work out. (Saatva charges $99.)

Those on the quest for better sleep have probably heard that bright lights and restful slumber are incompatible. Evening screen time can affect how well you sleep, as can light pollution from the street that illuminates your room when you’re tucked under the covers. 

Exposure to either source can throw your circadian rhythm (AKA sleep-wake cycles) off balance, thus standing in the way of falling asleep quickly and achieving quality rest, even if you've invested in the best mattress. However, you may be surprised to learn that a very specific type of light exposure in the evening can actually improve sleep… and it’s none other than the light from a sunset.

Keep reading to learn about the primary benefits of watching a sunset and how doing so can boost your sleep quality and well-being. Plus: what to do to mimic the restorative powers of natural sunlight for better rest.

How light exposure affects sleep

Just as your diet, exercise routine, and general health status can dictate how well (or how poorly) you sleep, so can your exposure to light throughout the day.

“Light is an important modulator of sleep (and wakefulness),” says Nilong Vyas, MD, board-certified pediatrician, sleep coach, and founder of family sleep consulting service Sleepless in NOLA in New Orleans, Louisiana. Again, it holds a massive influence over your circadian rhythm. “When this system is in harmony, it promotes physical and emotional benefits.”

In simple terms, bright light exposure signals wakefulness, which makes it beneficial in the morning. Meanwhile, darkness is conducive to settling down to sleep at night.

“Before the overt use of artificial lights and electronic devices and less frequent outdoor time, the rising and setting sun set people's sleep-wake cycles,” Dr Vyas explains. “However, we now have to put more effort into optimizing our cycles through systematically timed light and dark stimulation.”

These points considered, Dr Vyas says specific light wavelengths can signal to the brain that it’s time to wake or sleep. “Exposing the retinas to light at certain times of day helps set the sleep-wake cycle,” she shares, which is where the benefits of watching a sunset for sleep comes in.

According to a 2020 study published in the journal Current Biology, the light wavelengths at both sunrise and sunset have a major impact on brain centers that regulate not only your internal clock but also alertness, mood, and cognitive function. The researchers explain that the cone photoreceptors in the eyes respond to:

• Short wavelength blue light, such as the kind illuminating your devices and streaming from artificial light sources
• Long wavelength orange and yellow light and contrasting light, which exists at sunrise and sunset

The latter wavelengths can be immensely helpful for your sleep patterns, as it “stimulates the cone photoreceptor inputs to specific neurons in the eye that regulate circadian rhythms.”

3 benefits of watching a sunset

Dr Vyas says that watching a sunset can improve sleep in a few ways.

1. It boosts melatonin levels

“The sunset activates the signal to the brain that it will soon be time for sleep by increasing melatonin levels,” she says. Melatonin is the famed sleep hormone, and its night time release is crucial to facilitate a smooth transition from wakefulness to sleepiness.

(Exposure to blue light and environmental light pollution close to bedtime suppresses the secretion of melatonin, Harvard Health explains — hence why both sources are red flags as far as sleep hygiene is concerned.)

2. It promotes deeper, more restorative sleep

“Increasing exposure to light waves at sunset resets the circadian rhythm, precipitating deeper and more restful sleep overnight,” Dr Vyas continues.

3. It supports relaxation and sleep latency

“If done regularly, watching the sunset can be an activity that creates a relaxation state in the body,” the sleep expert continues. Watching the sunset can inspire a sense of awe, which — when experienced on a daily basis — can reduce stress and help alleviate somatic health symptoms including insomnia and fatigue, per a 2023 article in the journal Scientific Reports.

When your body and mind are at ease — from watching a sunset, enjoying fresh air in nature, or any combination of contributing factors — you set the stage for shorter sleep onset (aka sleep latency), says Dr Vyas. In other words, you’ll have a much easier time drifting off to sleep.

How to mimic a sunset if you can't see one

Though it’s a worthy goal to watch a sunset — for your sleep, relaxation, and exposure to nature’s wonders alike — it might not be possible to catch it regularly. In this case, you have a few options at your disposal.

“If watching the sunset regularly is too difficult, several devices are available for purchase that mimic evening lux values to improve overnight sleep quality and quantity,” Dr Vyas shares. Many of today's best smart lights have settings that can mimic a sunset. 

One option is the TUO Circadian Smart Bulb, which uses patented, UV-free technology based on findings by the University of Washington’s leading vision and neuroscience centers (including the research cited above). This light connects to WiFi and adjusts based on your personalized sleep schedules and lighting preferences, helping to mimic both a sunrise and a sunset.

Other lighting technology such as SAD lights and sunrise lights are also available, though they won’t target the same part of the eye (and elicit the precise benefits of a sunset outlined above).

All the while, there’s no shortage of hacks to optimize your sleep that include but go beyond lighting considerations alone. Some of the most effective and foolproof sleep hygiene tips worth adopting include:

• Limiting screen time in the hours leading up to bed
• Dimming lights as part of your bedtime routine
• Investing in blackout curtains or shades to block light pollution
• Setting a cool and breathable bedroom environment
• Using a white noise machine or app to drown out noise pollution
• Ensuring you have the best mattress for your body type and sleeping position

Hello to the long weekend and an extra big hello to a massive mattress saving – the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is currently 20% off, taking a double down to just £480. That's the cheapest price we've seen for this mattress since we started recording prices in 2022 – we recommend spending your bank holiday weekend snatching up this bargain. That way, by the time the next bank holiday rolls around (May 6th, not that I’m counting), you’ll be able to celebrate your lie-in in style. 

The Nectar memory foam mattress is a hugely popular bed with a versatile sleep surface and a strong all-round performance that has earned it a place in both our best mattress and best memory foam mattress guide. You can learn more about our experience with our Nectar memory foam mattress review. 

Otherwise, keep on reading to see why this Nectar mattress deal should bring some sunshine to your Easter weekend. And if that doesn't catch your eye, you can find the rest of the spring savings with our mattress sales hub.

This deal is for the UK Nectar memory foam mattress – if you're in the US, you can get a queen size Nectar memory foam mattress for just $649 in the Nectar spring sale, which is an equally impressive saving (although, you won't get the long weekend thrown in for free as well).

Buy it if...

✅ You want a mattress that cradles you: The Nectar memory foam mattress doesn't have the deep sink of a softer all-foam mattress, but it's also not a bed you lie on top of. Instead, those cushioned upper layers will gently cradle your body, with an initial softness that gives way to a sturdy support.

✅ You want premium extras: While the Nectar is a mid-range mattress, the extras are undoubtedly premium. You can enjoy a 365-night mattress trial – that's a full year to try out the bed – plus a lifetime guarantee with your purchase. 

✅ You share a bed: Good motion isolation is when a mattress is able to absorb movement on one side so it doesn't disturb a person sleeping on the other. The Nectar memory foam mattress is great at this and, combined with the versatile sleep surface, this makes it a particularly comfortable choice for couples.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You're a side sleeper with a lightweight build: The Nectar mattress has a medium-firm feel without the plush cushioning of other memory foam mattresses. Lightweight side sleepers might prefer the softer surface of the Emma Original – you can learn more with our Emma Original mattress review (and there's 20% off with the Emma spring sale).

❌ You want a more luxurious feel: As a mid-range mattress, the Nectar doesn't deliver the premium sleep experience that you might expect from the very best beds. In our Panda Bamboo Hybrid mattress review we noted how this bed suits similar sleep styles (back and combi) while also delivering a luxury finish. There's a rare Panda 25% off sale running right now.

❌ You sleep hot: Memory foam mattresses can sleep hot and while the Nectar isn't terrible in this area, frequent night sweat-sufferers might prefer a more breathable bed, such as the Nectar Premier Hybrid. Our tester was impressed with the overall cooling capabilities during our Nectar Premier Hybrid review, and this bed is in the same Nectar Easter sale, with a double down to just £740.

Browsing our guide to the best hybrid mattresses and wondering whether this type of bed is right for you? Most of the best mattresses around are hybrids, and there are some excellent advantages to this build style. So if you're shopping for a new bed, it's a good place to start.

By definition, hybrid mattresses are multi-layered mattresses that contain at least two different types of materials. It can be any combination of materials, but hybrids usually combine springs with some kind of foam. And while their properties vary depending on their exact design, hybrid beds can be excellent at delivering support, pressure relief, and cooling. 

We've taken a look at the down-sides of buying a hybrid mattress, but now it's time to explore the flip-side: what are the advantages of buying a hybrid bed? And as you're about to find out, there's quite a few of them. Let's get started...

#1. Good temperature regulation

If you tend to wake up sweaty and uncomfortable – even in the middle of winter – then you want to pay attention to this performance factor. A mattress with good temperature regulation stays an even, cooler, temperature throughout the night to prevent you from overheating. And it's an area where hybrids beds can excel. 

The dense structure of mattress foams mean they can cling on to body heat. Manufacturers have come up with all kinds of fancy ways to stop memory foam mattresses from sleeping hot – we’re talking copper-infusions, phase-change materials, perforated air channels, and that’s just the tip of the all-foam cooling iceberg. But if your mattress also contains coils, it's always going to be better at regulating temperature. The gaps between the springs leave space for air to circulate, allowing heat to dissipate.

Of course, some hybrid mattresses are better than others at cooling. If your hybrid has a thick layer of memory foam at the top, it still might run a bit warm. But, overall, we expect the majority of hybrid mattresses to offer better temperature regulation than an all-foam mattress. (If you really struggle with overheating at night, you want one of the best cooling mattresses.)

#2. Stronger edge support

If the center of your mattress feels sturdy but the sides sink as soon as you sit on them, your bed has bad edge support. Edge support refers to how stable the perimeter of the mattress is, and it’s a necessary component if you push against the edge of the bed to get up in the morning (particularly for those with poor mobility). It’s also an important feature for those who share a bed, especially if your partner likes to stretch and you often find yourself clinging to the edges.

Overall, hybrids tend to have better edge support than all-foam mattresses. Hybrid beds can increase edge support by using thicker, stronger coils at the perimeter, adding foam railings to the side, or a combination of the two. If you want to starfish across the full surface of the bed without feeling like you're rolling off, it's worth considering a hybrid.

#3. They’re easy to move around on

The spring layer found in most hybrids makes them more responsive and easier to change position on, compared to a slow-moving foam mattress. With a bouncy hybrid, you can switch sides and the surface will meet your new position almost immediately, allowing you to stay comfortably supported even if you toss and turn. Beds with more sink, like many of the best memory foam mattresses, can be a struggle to move around on, as the foams hold onto your old position.

#4. They suit back and stomach sleepers

We tend to associate hybrid mattresses with a firmer feel and memory foam mattresses with a softer feel. Now, there’s lots of variation within that (there are softer hybrids and firmer memory foam mattresses) but broadly, hybrid beds have a more supportive feel than a cushioned memory foam.

This makes them a good choice for those who sleep on their back or stomach and therefore requires extra support at the hips or lower back. We also recommend hybrids for those with heavier bodies, as the combination of coils and cushion materials can provide head-to-toe support. All the mattresses in our best mattress for bigger bodies guide are hybrids.

#5. Hybrids are versatile

Hybrids are mattresses that combine two types of materials – and that leaves a lot of room for variation. Typically, hybrids consist of springs and foams. Some use more springs and less foam, others opt for more foam, less springs, and some have an even balance of the two. Check out two of our favorite hybrids – the Saatva Classic and the Helix Midnight. In our Saatva Classic mattress review, we noted the thin layer of foam meant this hybrid felt more like an innerspring mattress. Whereas in our Helix Midnight review, we found the multiple layers of foam created a more sumptuous experience.

You can also find a wide range of comfort materials used in hybrids. Some stick with softer memory foams, others use latex (most of our best organic mattresses combine springs with latex), and you can even find natural cushioning materials, such as wool. And there are plenty of spring variations to consider as well. Although many hybrids use just one layer of springs, some have multiple, including layers of responsive micro-coils.

And a hybrid doesn't need to be springs and coils. That might be what we expect from a hybrid mattress, but technically any material combination can count. Check out our Purple mattress review – this bed contains a GelFlex Grid and foams, giving it a completely unique feel.

All this results in a style of bed that suits a vast range of people. So if you're thinking of buying a new mattress, a hybrid is a great place to start trying out different surface feels, to see what you need in a bed.

Can’t start your day without a hearty dose of coffee? Regularly brew a cup of green tea after lunch? While these caffeinated drinks offer health benefits that go beyond helping you perk up and stay focused, relying on them in high quantities and/or drinking up too late in the day could mean bad news for your shuteye come nightfall, and having even the very best mattress may not be enough to lull you off to sleep.

If you can’t bear to part ways with your go-to sources of caffeine, it’ll be in your best interest to at least cap off intake at a certain point in the day; it's also useful to know that the best time in the morning to drink coffee is 10am, not first thing.

We spoke to a dietician to discover if there’s an ideal time to stop caffeinating for the sake of better sleep, and also learned why caffeine and sleep are at odds with each other, as well as finding out about some surprising sources of the stimulant you may also want to steer clear of.

When should I stop drinking caffeine before bed?

“It is suggested that most people should stop consuming caffeine at least six hours before bedtime [to avoid] disruptive effects on sleep,” says Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, founder and director of Real Nutrition in New York City.

According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, participants who consumed 400 milligrams of caffeine 0, 3, or 6 hours before their regular bedtime led to significantly disturbed sleep compared to placebo groups.

People who are sensitive to caffeine and/or have ongoing sleep issues may want to cease caffeinating even earlier than the six-hour mark. On the other hand, some may take to a post-dinner shot of espresso just fine and have no difficulty catching their ZZZs within a few hours’ time.

In short, the ideal caffeine cutoff time will be based on the individual, so the six-hour mark is a decent general guideline. “The timing may vary due to the high variability of individual responses to caffeine consumption based on sex, age, diet, health, metabolism etc.,” Shapiro explains. “Depending on the individual, the effects of caffeine consumption can last up to 12 hours.”

The amount of caffeine present in the beverage will also play a role, she adds. For example, a large cup of coffee can pack over 400 milligrams of caffeine, while a bottle of iced tea can offer 20 to 50 milligrams per serving. Caffeine content will vary based on factors such as the size of the drink, brands, and brewing times.

What caffeine does to your body

“Caffeine is a stimulant that increases activity in your brain and nervous system, and increases circulation of neurotransmitters including cortisol and adrenaline,” Shapiro explains. (Cortisol is known as the stress hormone yet it also helps us stay alert. Similarly, adrenaline helps prepare us for fight-or-flight mode and allows us to react quickly.)

Short-term effects of caffeine, she continues, typically include:

• Mental alertness
• Physical energy
• Increased breathing
• Faster heart rate

Caffeine isn’t without its risks. Shapiro warns that high doses, frequent use, or potential adverse effects may include:

• Restlessness
• Excitement
• Tremor
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Physical and/or psychological dependence

Why caffeine disrupts sleep

Most people reach for caffeine since it helps them stay awake, so it makes sense that it’d be at odds with falling asleep.

“Caffeine acts primarily on receptors in the body that are related to functions of the brain associated with sleep, arousal, and cognition,” Shapiro explains. “Adenosine receptor agonists in the brain generally promote sleep, and caffeine promotes wakefulness by antagonizing [i.e., inhibiting or counteracting] those receptors.”

In other words, caffeine disallows certain sleepiness cues to kick in when they should—which is how coffee, caffeinated tea and the like can prevent a good night’s rest.

In addition to affecting sleep latency (i.e., the time it takes to fall asleep), caffeine may also worsen sleep quality. In a 2021 randomized controlled trial in healthy men, published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms, those who had 150 milligrams of caffeine three times in the daytime over 10 days experienced the following sleep issues compared to a placebo group:

• Delays in REM sleep (a sleep stage that heavily influences subjective sleep quality)
• Greater difficulty waking up
• Feeling more tired upon arising

What foods and drinks contain caffeine?

You likely already know that coffee, some teas (namely black and green tea), and energy drinks contain caffeine. However, they’re not the only dietary items that pack the stimulant.

According to Shapiro, additional sources of caffeine you may want to cut off by the afternoon include:

• Soft drinks, such as soda
• Gum
• Some protein bars
• Chocolate/cacao
• Some medications

Moreover, it’s worth remembering that the terms ‘decaf’ and ‘caffeine-free’ aren’t interchangeable. The former indicates that caffeine was removed from a given product and trace amounts will likely remain present. Meanwhile, the latter indicates that caffeine wasn’t in a given product (such as the majority of herbal teas) to begin with.

The takeaway

If you struggle to fall asleep at night, you may find relief by ceasing caffeine intake 6 hours before bedtime. However, since caffeine tolerance varies by the individual, you might need to extend this timeline, sometimes to as long as 12 hours.

It could also benefit your ZZZs to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume (i.e., going from two cups to one cup daily) or perhaps even slowly taper off caffeine entirely.

Last but not least, you can always add items that promote better rest—such as chamomile tea and tart cherry juice—into your nightly regimen.

Our best hybrid mattress guide contains some of the most popular (and most comfortable) beds on the market, so if you're thinking of upgrading your sleep setup, this is an excellent place to start. And occupying the top spots on our list are two incredible beds – the DreamCloud mattress and the Helix Midnight mattress. But which hybrid is right for you?

Here at TechRadar, we've had the opportunity to test out both these mattresses – head to our DreamCloud mattress review and our Helix Midnight mattress review for the in-depth results. To cut a long story short, these hybrid mattresses use a combination of springs and foams to deliver exceptional support, and they're both good enough to earn a place in our overall best mattress guide.

In this article, we'll break it down and compare exactly how the the DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight match up in a range of specific areas. Overall, we think the DreamCloud mattress is the better hybrid bed, winning three categories and drawing the fourth. An affordable yet high quality bed, the DreamCloud hybrid mattress has a versatile sleep surface that will suit a range of people. 

However, this isn't quite the runaway victory you might expect from those results. The Helix Midnight puts up a good fight, especially as the softer surface makes it one of the very best mattresses for side sleepers as well as those with a lighter build. Preference plays a big role in which mattress to choose, so let's dive into this DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight showdown and see what's happening.

DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight mattress: specs

DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight mattress: design

• Both hybrid mattresses containing a combination of springs and foam
• Both feature a variety of foams, including memory foam
• Premium upgrades available for both – more layers and increased cooling

Both the DreamCloud and the Helix Midnight are hybrid beds, meaning they contain springs and foams (you can learn more with our memory foam vs hybrid mattress explainer). 

The DreamCloud contains six internal layers, plus a cashmere upper cover and a shift-resistant lower cover. At the top is a layer of quilted gel memory foam, designed to be both contouring and breathable. Beneath this sits a layer of support foam, followed by a layer of adaptive, cushioning, gel-infused memory foam, before a dynamic transition foam. Next comes the springs – individually wrapped coils, with thicker springs placed around the perimeter for support. Finally, there's one more layer of foam, this time to provide stability at the base.

The Helix Midnight features five internal layers, plus a breathable knit cover (or you can upgrade to the GlacioKnit cooling pillow top cover, for roughly an extra $350). The top layer consists of a Helix-blend memory foam, crafted to provide sleepers with unique pressure relief. Beneath this sits two layers of response foam, offering cushioning alongside ergonomic support. Then there's the individually wrapped springs – up to 1,000, depending on the mattress size – with reinforced coils at the lengthwise sides. At the base is a layer of DuraDense foam, for stability and durability.

The DreamCloud has the slightly more complex design, and it also comes with handles, which make it easier to move. The Helix Midnight is both handle-less and heavy (a queen weighs 100 lbs, compared to the 78 lbs DreamCloud). If you want to shift the Helix Midnight, you'll probably need to call in a second pair of hands.

If you like the sound of either mattress but you'd prefer something a little more luxurious, good news: you can opt for a premium upgrade. For the DreamCloud, you can upgrade to the Premier, which is taller with upgraded cooling, or the Premier Rest, which is even taller again and has even better cooling. 

But for the biggest choice of upgrades, check out the Helix Midnight. This is available as the the Helix Midnight Luxe, which is taller, comes with a cushioned pillow top cover, and has an additional layer of cooling memory foam. Or there's the Helix Midnight Elite – it's more than twice the price, but you'll get two additional layers of micro-coils, plus a GlacioTex cushioned cover is included as standard. For a more affordable upgrade, add the GlacioTex cooling pillow top cover to the Helix Midnight (you can also add a GlacioTex cover to the Helix Midnight Luxe). There are a lot of ways to customize this bed.

Design winner: DreamCloud

The DreamCloud just takes this thanks to its extra layer and the convenient handles. But it's a tough call, as they're both solid designs.

DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight: price & extras

• DreamCloud is lower-mid range with a year trial and lifetime warranty
• Helix Midnight is mid-range with a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty
• Both mattresses are always discounted

DreamCloud is priced at $1,332 for a queen, which puts it in the upper mid-range price bracket. However, you never have to pay full price at DreamCloud. Sales run throughout the year, with a queen typically sold for $799. If you're lucky, you might be able to grab it during a DreamCloud half price sale, when the queen sells for $665, putting it in the lower-mid range.

Similarly, while the Helix Midnight has an MSRP of $1,373.80, you should never pay full price. The Helix Midnight evergreen sale always knocks off 20%, taking a queen down to $1,099 and you can expect Helix to throw in a freebie as well (typically a pillow set). And like DreamCloud, Helix occasionally offers a bigger discount – you'll often be able to nab 25% off around the major sale days.

In the evergreen sale, the DreamCloud offers incredible value for the price. It has a luxurious look and feel, and while it might not deliver the longevity and performance of a premium mattress, it goes above and beyond the mid-range price bracket. And although the Helix Midnight isn't quite so affordable, it's still great value for money.

When it comes to extras, DreamCloud again over-performs for the price: you get a full 365 nights to test the mattress, plus a forever warranty. The 100-night mattress trial and 10-year warranty of the Helix Midnight can't compare (although these are fairly standard extras).

Price winner: DreamCloud

DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight: comfort & support

• DreamCloud is a medium-firm bed (7.5/10)
• Helix Midnight is a medium bed (5.5/10)
• DreamCloud is best for back sleepers, Helix Midnight suits side sleepers 

DreamCloud describes the hybrid mattress as "luxury firm", rating it 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale (with one being super-soft and 10 being ultra-hard). Our tester disagreed slightly, rating it as medium-firm and placing it at 7.5 on the scale.

This makes the DreamCloud a pretty versatile mattress. Our tester found it comfortable in a range of sleep positions, and rated it highly for alleviating joint and back pains (it's one of our best mattresses for back pain). The medium-firm feel will probably suit back sleepers best, but it can also work for side and stomach sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers might need something softer, while stomach sleepers with a heavier build might prefer something firmer. Overall, however, this is a mattress with a wide appeal.

We typically expect hybrid mattresses to be on the firmer side, but the Helix Midnight bucks that trend with a medium feel and a contouring effect. The official rating from Helix spans five and six out of ten, and our tester largely agreed, rating it a 5.5 (or medium).

A softer feel provides more cushioning at the pressure points, which is why we recommend this bed for side sleepers – in fact, the Helix Midnight is among the best mattresses for side sleepers. However, back and stomach sleepers, as well as those with a heavier build, might need to opt for something firmer.

Comfort winner: draw

It really comes down to personal preference here, as the DreamCloud and Helix Midnight suit different sleep styles. Want something firmer? Go for the DreamCloud. Prefer a softer cushioning? Helix Midnight is the winner.

DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight: performance

• Both are breathable mattresses (with cooling upgrades for hot sleepers)
• Both have strong motion isolation
• DreamCloud offers slightly better edge support

We test all our mattresses in three key areas: temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support. These attributes help us understand how the mattress performs during the night.

Despite neither mattress being a cooling bed, we were impressed with the temperature regulation of both the DreamCloud and the Helix Midnight. Hybrid mattresses are typically breathable thanks to those open coils, and these beds stay an even temperature throughout the night. Very hot sleepers might want to invest in a cooling upgrade – the premium version of both beds come with increased cooling capabilities – but the average sleeper should be pleasantly comfortable.

Motion isolation refers to how much disruptive movement travels across the bed. Simply put, if one person moves, can the other person in the bed feel it? Both the DreamCloud and Helix Midnight mattress impressed our testers with how well they trapped motion, meaning if you share with a restless partner, you should be able to sleep undisturbed (or, at least, not go barreling towards a sleep divorce).

Finally, edge support. This describes how strong a mattress is at the perimeter. Do the sides collapse when you push against them? Or can you sit on the edge of the mattress and still feel a sturdy support? While both mattresses are rated highly in this category, the DreamCloud just comes out on top. With the Helix Midnight, our tester felt the edges showed a "notable amount of sinkage" when they were reclining at night. This sinkage wasn't an issue with the DreamCloud.

Winner: DreamCloud

DreamCloud vs Helix Midnight: which should I buy?

Buy the DreamCloud if...

✅ You sleep on your back: The DreamCloud offers good support for a range of sleeping positions, but the medium-firm feel is best suited for back sleepers. it hits the sweet spot between supporting and cushioning, offering impressive pressure relief while keeping your spine aligned.

✅ You push against the edge of the bed to get up: With reinforced coils placed around the perimeter of the mattress, the DreamCloud provides edge-to-edge support. If you push against the side of the bed to get up in the morning, you'll find a stable base with the DreamCloud.

✅ You're on a tighter budget: You never have to pay full price for the DreamCloud hybrid, with an evergreen discount making this mattress excellent value for money. Even better, you'll get a 365-night trial to decide if the bed's for you, plus peace of mind thanks to a lifetime warranty.

Buy the Helix Midnight if...

✅ You sleep on your side: Softer than your usual hybrid, the Helix Midnight offers comforting pressure relief for side sleepers. Your hips and shoulders will feel cushioned while the spine has ample support, for a dreamy experience.

✅ You want a hybrid without the bounce: Due to that layer of springs, hybrids are known for being bouncier beds than their all-foam counterparts. However, the softer top foam layers of the Helix Midnight give the bed a plusher feel, resulting in a mattress that provides a contouring pressure relief, instead of the responsiveness of a traditional hybrid. Although not quite the 'hug' you'd expect from the best memory foam mattresses, the Helix Midnight offers a nice middle ground.

We might traditionally associate Easter with chocolate and bunny rabbits, but how about bamboo, pandas, and a brand new mattress? With 25% off the Panda Bamboo Hybrid mattress, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a premium sleep experience. But act fast, as Panda sales are rare, and they never last for very long.

The Panda Bamboo Hybrid has earned a spot in our best mattress guide thanks to its overall quality build and highly supportive feel – you can learn more about why we rate this mattress so highly in our Panda Bamboo Hybrid mattress review. One of the best hybrid mattress picks, the Panda is perfect for stomach and back sleepers, or anyone seeking a long-lasting, supportive bed.

Not sure if this premium bed is the one for you? Stick around to discover why this spring saving from Panda is one mattress sale you don't want to let pass you by. 

Buy the Panda Bamboo Hybrid mattress if...

✅ You want to invest in quality: Our reviewer was impressed with the thoughtful build, overall durability, and luxury feel of this mattress. We think this bed is worth the money at full price, which makes this rare sale an opportunity to grab a bargain.

✅ You sleep on your back or stomach: With a medium-firm feel and strategically zoned springs helping keep the spine aligned, the Panda hybrid is a good choice for stomach and back sleepers. It's firm enough to keep the hips and lower back supported, while the soft bamboo cover and comfort foams add gentle contouring and cushioning.

✅ You want edge-to-edge support: Thanks to its impressive edge support, you can make the most of every square inch of the Panda hybrid surface without sinking. Good edge support also helps those with limited mobility who need to push against the side of the bed to get up. Press against the sides of the Panda and you'll find a stable base.

Buy the Panda Bamboo Hybrid mattress if...

❌ You're a lightweight side sleeper: The Panda hybrid is a versatile mattress, but lightweight side sleepers might find it a little too firm at the hips and shoulders. In our Brook + Wilde Elite mattress review, we were impressed by the multitude of firmness options – lightweight side sleepers should opt for 'medium' or 'soft'. You can claim 50% off the Brook + Wilde Elite with the code UPTO60.

❌ You're on a tight budget: The Panda is a premium-priced mattress. While this discount is a big one, it's still not the most affordable bed. Check out our Emma NextGen Premium mattress review for a more budget-friendly hybrid with a similar feel. A double Emma NextGen Premium mattress is just £503.30 in the Emma spring sale. Alternatively, consider a mattress topper. In our Panda Bamboo mattress topper review, we found it was a budget-friendly way to update an old mattress. And it's just £125.96 for a double in the Panda sale.

❌ You're sensitive to strong smells: Our tester noted a strong mattress off-gassing smell that hung around for a week once the Panda Bamboo was set up. This scent should disappear eventually, and ventilating the room can help it clear quicker, but for those first few nights, you might experience a bit of a smell. 

If you want your best hybrid mattress to provide you with supportive sleep for as long as possible, you need to take good care of it. More often than not, that means you have to rotate your hybrid bed.

Rotating a hybrid adjusts where the pressure is placed overnight. Instead of always lying on the same springs and foams, causing them to repeatedly compress and eventually sag, your weight will be distributed to different parts of the bed. Rotating can keep your best mattress at its best. In this guide, we’ll dive into rotating a hybrid mattress, including when you don’t need to do it. For more information on how, when, and why to turn your bed, check out our guide to flipping and rotating mattresses.

Rotating a hybrid can be a little difficult, because the presence of springs mean they tend to be heavy beds (that’s one of the disadvantages of a hybrid mattress). However, it doesn’t need to be done very often, and it’s worth the effort for the comfort regular rotation will deliver. And on the flip side, most hybrid mattresses don’t need to be flipped.

But before you start moving your bed around, keep in mind that you don’t need to rotate all hybrid mattresses. Some hybrids feature zoned layers that are designed to only be used one way round.

When not to rotate a hybrid mattress

Some hybrid mattresses contain zoned support – extra reinforcement where your body needs it most. In many cases, this zoned support is at the center of the bed, so the mattress can be rotated without affecting the feel. However, sometimes this reinforcement is more localized, and rotating the bed will put the support in the wrong place. This will make the mattress uncomfortable to sleep on, and it can also affect the longevity. 

If you’re not sure whether you need to rotate your hybrid mattress, check any information that arrived with the mattress when it was delivered, or head across to the brand website, where you should find the information you need.

Two hybrid mattresses that require rotating

And one that doesn't

I fell asleep at the last press event I attended. It's not as bad as it sounds. In fact, instead of being wildly unprofessional, it was actually what the hosts were hoping for.  

The event was to launch Scores of Sleep, Vol 1 – an album that's been composed specifically to lull you to sleep. Emma (one of our best mattress brands) looked at a study exploring the characteristics of sleep-promoting music, then worked with composer Torben Brüggemann to create a series of original tracks that would provide the perfect bedtime playlist. 

The whole thing was performed live, with Torben on keyboard, along with an electronic artist and string quartet, to an audience tucked up on Emma mattresses. Sure, it's one of the weirder press events I've been to, but it certainly illustrated how effective Emma's album is: I fell asleep during the final tracks, but judging by the (thankfully quiet) snores around, I was one of the last to nod off. 

Not everyone has a string quartet to serenade them off to sleep, but Scores of Sleep, Vol 1 is available to stream for free on Spotify, so you can listen to it from the comfort of your own bed. Perhaps it'll be even more relaxing without an array of strangers snoozing nearby? I couldn't say.

Sleep music characteristics

What makes Emma's sleep album so effective? There have been a few studies exploring how we use music to regulate our behavior in everyday life, but Emma's starting point was a 2023 study from the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus. Researchers analyzed over 220k tracks from Spotify sleep playlists to find common features. 

Compared with other general playlists, they discovered the sleep tracks tended to be quieter, less energetic and less 'danceable', so the listener is less motivated to move to them, as well as being more likely to be acoustic and instrumental. They also found a specific tempo (around 105 BPM) that was most relaxing. These characteristics were used to inform Emma's original compositions.

How to use music in your evening routine

I spoke to neuroscientist and sleep specialist Angela Kondinska, who now works on the Emma product development team, to find out more about the brand's vision for the album. She explained that the idea of releasing it on Spotify was so that people could use it how they want to, whether that's to help them relax before bed, as part of their sleep routine, or as a playlist to actually fall asleep to.

She's also keen to emphasize that one of the most important things when it comes to any aspect of your evening routine is to find something that appeals to you, rather than trying to shoehorn something in just because you've been told it should help. Lots of people find white noise soothing, for instance, but if irritates you it's never going to help you relax and sleep. (In general, Angela thinks it's time to stop micromanaging sleep.)

"The big thing is likability, so people should enjoy the songs they listen to," she says. If Scores of Sleep isn't your thing, it's far from your only choice. In fact, Emma has also curated a range of sleep playlists, in genres from pop to hip-hop, as well as rating popular artist's most sleep-inducing tunes. 

Bedrooms should be a sanctuary for sleep; a place where you can switch off from the world and focus on relaxation. So it's no wonder that sleep experts are united in their dislike of the office bedroom. But for many remote workers, a desk in the bedroom is a necessity for quiet working conditions, even if sleep suffers as a result. 

I'm a hybrid worker, and when I'm at home, my bedroom is my office. However, I really love my sleep and having spent three years working from the same corner of my room, I've found ways to stop my home office from disrupting my dozing. And because I know how important it is to get as much sleep as you need, I want to share my tips with you.

But before we get started – if your office is in the bedroom, it's important that your setup is as comfortable as possible. Our best mattress and best pillow guides ensure your sleep is supported, while our guide to the best office chairs can take care of you during the day.

Why are bedroom offices bad?

Having your office in your bedroom erodes the distinction between 'work' and 'rest', as these two very different activities happen in the same place. This can cause the stresses of the day to follow you into the night, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

Without a clear separation between your office and your sleep environment, you might struggle to switch off at the end of the day. Your desk is just over there, why shouldn't you check a few emails before settling in for the night? But this is a bad idea on several levels. 

As well as exposing yourself to sleep-disrupting blue light, you'll also be exposing yourself to the stress and anxiety associated with the office. (No matter how much you might love your job, answering emails is no replacement for counting sheep.) Rest, relaxation, and work can become jumbled into one big mess, resulting in disrupted nights and a lack of focus during the day.

How I make my bedroom office work

While I'd rather my desk wasn't in my bedroom, unfortunately, it's the only viable place for it to be – and I know many people share the same problem. But after multiple years working from the same corner, I've come up with some tricks to ensure I don't take a day at the office to bed with me:

1. The morning is just as important as the evening

I can talk a lot about how important it is to put away work at the end of the day (and I will do, in a bit). But it's also important to step away from work at the start of the day. During what might be considered my commute, I make a conscious effort to stand back from the 'office' part of my bedroom until my work day officially starts.

The 10-3-2-1-0 sleep method recommends stopping work two hours before you go to bed, and I recommend echoing that in the morning. By giving myself at least an hour away from my desk, I can wake up, get ready, and get my brain into gear before starting work. By waiting for my drowsiness to (mostly) clear, I avoid associating sleepiness with checking my emails.

2. Introduce lots of light

My desk is in a corner that doesn’t get a lot of light (and, unfortunately, in a country that doesn’t get a lot of sunshine). This isn’t great for my circadian rhythm, which needs light in the morning to help me feel awake, and dark in the evening to help me drift off. Low light all day means my body clock isn't sure what's going on.

For that reason, on the days when the clouds aren’t cooperating, I use a SAD wake-up lamp to create my own daylight. Giving off a strong white light, the lamp makes it feel like a bright morning, even when my desk is still in the dark. In the afternoon, I either switch it off or swap to a softer, calmer light to get me ready for the evening wind-down. This way, when I go to bed at night, the lighting doesn't remind me of being in the office, and my body clock feels like it has followed the natural rhythms of the day. Which brings me to my next point...

3. Get outside at the end of the day

Remaining active is an important part of sleep hygiene, and exercise can help you sleep. But when I'm working from home, I lose out on a lot of basic activity simply because all my rooms are so close together (my best fitness tracker might barely register triple digit steps). To counter this, I make an effort to get out almost as soon as I finish work every day. Not only does this get me moving, which helps me sleep, it also sets a distinct end to the day, which, again, helps me sleep.

On the occasions when I can't get out for whatever reason, I make sure to leave the bedroom when I put my work down. Even if it’s just to go and stand in the kitchen, stepping back from the office means I can’t pick up my laptop for just a few more minutes that accidentally stretches into an hour. 

4. Stay out of bed

With the bed right behind my desk chair, it can be hard to resist the lure of crawling under the covers with my laptop. But I've tried working from bed and as well as being super uncomfortable (beds are not made to be desks) it's also disastrous for my sleep and my work. During the day, it feels like I should be sleeping. At night, I can't shake off the feeling that I should be at work.

To help me resist bed working (it's harder than you think – I write about mattresses all day), tidying my sheets is an important part of my morning routine. I also quickly declutter my bedroom, so it feels less like a cozy bedtime space, and more like a work environment.

5. Stick to a bedtime routine

I'm a hybrid worker, and the days I'm in the office look very different to the days I spend at home. To avoid this from completely disrupting my schedule and giving me social jet lag, I try to keep to a consistent bedtime routine.

I start my wind-down at roughly the same time every night, whether I've been at home all day or I'm not long off the train. And while my mornings look pretty different depending on where I'm working, I try to keep some consistency by setting my 'at-home' alarm within an hour of my 'in-office' alarm. By giving myself time in the morning to wake up and time in the evening to switch off, my work feels contained, and doesn't encroach on my sleep.

The best hybrid mattresses are among the very best beds around. They're breathable, they provide excellent support and pressure relief, and they suit a wide range of sleepers. So are there any down-sides to a hybrid mattress?

As a general rule, hybrid mattresses are heavier, more expensive beds, with a higher level of motion transfer. But before you assume a hybrid isn't the best mattress for you, check out this guide, where we'll talk you through the down-sides of a hybrid bed (and why they might actually turn out to be an advantage).

Hybrids are usually more expensive

Hybrid mattresses have a reputation for being a more expensive style of bed, and that’s generally accurate. The majority of mattresses in our best luxury mattress guide are hybrids, and when considering how much to spend on a mattress, prepare for a higher price tag if you're set on a hybrid.

But there's a reason why you can expect to pay more. Hybrid mattresses take their name because they’re composed of two or more different materials (typically springs and foams, but there are variations). The price of these different materials, combined with the complexity of the manufacturing process, leads to an increased cost for the consumer.

While hybrid beds might pricier on average than memory foam or innerspring mattresses, you can still get a hybrid on a budget – several are featured in our guide to the best cheap mattresses. 

And at the other end of the spectrum...

Hybrid mattresses have more motion transfer

Motion transfer refers to when movement made on one side of the bed can be felt on the other. If your mattress has good motion isolation, your bed partner can toss, turn, and even get out of bed, and you’ll hardly know they’re moving. The best memory foam mattresses have excellent motion isolation, as the dense foam absorbs the vibrations from tossing and turning.

But because hybrids are often built with coils, they tend to be bouncier, resulting in increased motion transfer. There are ways to limit this. Many hybrid beds use pocket coils rather than a continuous coil, because the individual pocketing helps contain motion. In addition, top layers of cushioned comfort materials (often foams) can absorb movement before it reaches the springs. So even though when comparing memory foam vs hybrid mattresses, memory foams will generally have better motion isolation, hybrids can still be a good choice for couples.

Hybrid mattresses are heavier

With all those weighty springs, hybrid mattresses can be a heavy beds. Take one of our favorite hybrids, the DreamCloud. A queen-size DreamCloud hybrid weighs 78lbs (roughly 35kg). In comparison, in our Nectar memory foam mattress review, we noted a queen weighs only 66lbs (roughly 30kg). Both beds are from the same parent company (Resident Home) but have a noticeable weight difference.

Because of this extra weight, hybrid mattresses can be hard to maneuver. If you live alone, you might want to pay for white glove delivery to get your bed setup (or enlist several helpers). And once it's on the bed frame, you might find it harder to clean the mattress.

This might be where you expect us to explain how sleep brands are reducing the weight of hybrid mattresses – but that’s not really happening. It’s just something you have to expect with a hybrid. But luckily, you rarely need to flip a hybrid mattress, and as they can last for a while, once your bed is in place, it should only need to be moved slightly every few months to be cleaned (and sometimes rotated).

Cloverlane Mattress: two-minute review

The Cloverlane Mattress debuted in late 2023 as Resident Sleep's new luxury label. (Resident is the company behind Nectar and DreamCloud – two of the best mattress brands around.) It's available as a hybrid or all-foam bed and comes with three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm). 

For one month, I slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress in Plush Soft, which is deemed the best level of firmness for pressure relief. In addition to my experience, I asked four volunteers to nap on it as well and conducted a series of objective tests. My full Cloverlane Mattress review is below but if you're short on time, here's the abridged version...

The Cloverlane either has a bed of 8-inch wrapped coils surrounded by dense foam (hybrid) or a 9-inch foam core (memory foam). The core of the Cloverlane Mattress influences its level of firmness. Both versions of the Cloverlane Mattress have multiple foam layers, a latex lumbar support strip, and a polyester-blend cover.

My fellow testers and I found the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid most suitable for side sleeping, but it has a firmer-than-advertised feel. You'll need to give it at least a month before you start to feel more settled into it – and even then, it may still feel firm. Fortunately, you get 365 nights to break this mattress in.

The Cloverlane's lumbar support system – a half-inch thick strip of latex and specialized quilting in the center of the bed – kept me from waking up with stiffness in my lower back. There's all-over pressure relief with the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid, which increases the more you sleep on it.

My drop tests showed that the Cloverlane Hybrid has above-average motion isolation. That result is likely to be even better with the Cloverlane Memory Foam Mattress. However, the hybrid should sleep cooler than the foam version since it has springs to increase airflow along with the breathable cover and 16 brass air vents. (I didn't overheat with my Cloverlane Hybrid at all.)

Edge support, however, was hit-or-miss on my twin test unit. I found the Cloverlane Hybrid supportive enough to keep me from rolling off the bed when I rolled too close to the edges, but some of my testers didn't feel as steady when sitting along the middle perimeter. This could be a different story on larger versions of the bed, but I believe sturdy edges should be a feature of any mattress, regardless of size.

Does the Cloverlane Hybrid do enough to overtake the Saatva Classic as TechRadar's #1 mattress? I don't think so. The Cloverlane is a comfortable bed but it's not meticulously hand-crafted like the Saatva. (The Cloverlane still comes in a box, despite arriving flat.)  The polyester-blend cover doesn't feel as luxe as the organic cotton cover that kept our reviewer comfortably cool in our Saatva Classic mattress review.

The Cloverlane Mattress is always on sale for up to $700 off – a queen-size goes for $1,499 in either hybrid or memory foam. (This is interesting to point out because hybrid mattresses generally cost more than their foam-only counterparts.) It comes with White Glove Delivery plus optional mattress disposal, a one-year risk-free trial, and a lifetime warranty.

Cloverlane Mattress review: Design & materials

• Available as a 15-inch hybrid or all-foam mattress
• Support coils affect the Cloverlane's firmness level
• More utilitarian than luxurious but still well-made

The Cloverlane comes in one height (15 inches), two builds (hybrid and memory foam), and three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm). The Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid is what's being reviewed here.  

The bottom half of the mattress either has 8-inch wrapped coils surrounded by a dense foam wall for edge support or a 9-inch foam core instead. The core of the mattress influences the level of firmness. On top are 2.5 inches of transitional support foam plus 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam. In between those layers is a half-inch thick strip of latex that runs across the center of the mattress for lumbar support.

The Cloverlane Mattress has a Euro-top: 1.75 inches of plush foam wrapped in a blend of polyester, cotton, and polyethylene. Specialty quilting in the middle third complements the latex lumbar layer.

All of the foams in the Cloverlane Mattress are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they've been tested for harmful chemicals and the VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions that result in off-gassing odors. (I didn't detect any obvious smell from my Cloverlane Hybrid mattress.) It's unclear whether the Cloverlane Mattresses have fiberglass.

The poly-blend cover isn't uncomfortable, but compared to a luxury mattress with a tufted organic cotton cover (Saatva Classic) or a soft cashmere-blend cover (DreamCloud), the Cloverlane appears less shiny. However, the side-carry handles are a convenient touch, and the 16 brass air vents are a good way to boost airflow.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Price & value for money

• Has been on sale for up to $700 off from the time it launched
• An upper mid-range mattress, a queen sells for $1,499
• White Glove Delivery and a risk-free one-year trial

The Cloverlane Mattress has been on sale for up to $700 off from the time it launched late last year. Like most Resident brands, you can ignore the MSRPs. A queen Cloverlane mattress sells for $1,499, which is right on the border between TechRadar's upper mid-range and premium pricing brackets. Prices are the same for the all-foam version of the Cloverlane.

Here is the official sale pricing for the Cloverlane Mattress, at time of writing:

• Twin MSRP: $1,199 (usually on sale for $699)
• Twin XL MSRP: $1,499 (usually on sale for $999)
• Full MSRP: $1,999 (usually on sale for $1,399)
• Queen MSRP: $2,199 (usually on sale for $1,499)
• King MSRP: $2,699 (usually on sale for $1,999)
• California king MSRP: $2,699 (usually on sale for $1,999)

Add-ons include a specialty cooling cover with extra heat-wicking fibers for $199 and a discounted bedding bundle with down pillows, percale sheets, and a mattress pad from $199 (up to a $696 value).

Compared to the Saatva Classic, you're paying about $200 to $400 less, depending on the type of Saatva mattress sale running at the moment. That's not a significant differential. Cloverlane and Saatva both offer a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery with optional mattress removal. (Saatva also adds foundation removal.)  Cloverlane offers free returns, while Saatva charges a $99 fee.

Among the broader luxury mattress market, Cloverlane's extras make it an excellent value for money. Side-by-side with the Saatva Classic, however, the difference is negligible. If you have the money to spare, I'd recommend just going for the luxe, handcrafted Saatva and its free mattress and foundation removal. Otherwise, the Cloverlane is a sound choice if you want to spend a few hundred dollars less.

• Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Comfort & support

• Expect a firmer-than-advertised feel at first
• However, the mattress starts to soften after a month
• Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for back pain

The Cloverlane Mattress comes in three firmness levels (based on a 10-point firmness scale):

• Plush Soft (4): Side sleepers, lightweight sleepers, maximum pressure relief
• Luxury Firm (5-7): Couples, back/combi sleepers, sleepers with back pain
• Firm (8): Stomach sleepers, heavyweight sleepers, subtle pressure relief

For the first half of my month-long testing period, my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress felt decidedly firm. I double-checked the mattress tag and my order details to make sure I knew what I was sleeping on. However, by the fourth and final week, I noticed more give around my shoulders and hips. It still wasn't supremely plush – and I definitely wouldn't rate it a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale – but it's slightly softer than when I first laid on it. 

I'm not the only one who noticed this, either. One of my lightweight volunteers tried my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress twice. During her initial trial in week two, she rated it a 10 out of 10 on the firmness scale, but when she tried it again during week four, she knocked that down to a 9 and said she felt more settled. You'll need to make the most of your year-long trial because the Cloverlane may take quite a while to fully break in.

But is the Cloverlane Mattress comfortable otherwise? My fellow testers and I think so. I rate the Plush Soft Hybrid I tested the best for side sleeping for its pressure relief from the top foam layers. I was also comfortable stomach sleeping, particularly during the first couple of weeks when it was much firmer. If you strictly sleep on your stomach, though, choose the Cloverlane Firm.

Most of the back sleepers in my group liked the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress but you'll want to go for the Luxury Firm version for the best balance of support and relief. One of my older back sleepers with arthritis, who tried my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid during week three, said she would have liked more lumbar support.

To objectively test the Cloverlane Hybrid's pressure relief, I placed a 50lb weight at the center of the mattress, where it sank about three inches. That seems on-brand for a Plush Soft hybrid mattress. Moving the weight towards the bottom half of the mattress yielded a similar level of sinkage. 

Is the Cloverlane a good mattress for back pain? After transitioning from the Saatva RX – which is one of the best mattresses for back pain I've ever slept on – I think the Cloverlane's latex lumbar strip and specialty quilting do a good job of picking up where the Saatva left off for me. I didn't wake up with any stiffness or pain in my lower lumbar at any point during testing. By the way – the Cloverlane Hybrid is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.

Cloverlane Mattress review: performance

• Will keep most sleepers at a comfortable temperature
• Absorbs most movement well – good for couples
• Edge support is a mixed bag

For one month, I slept on a slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid mattress in Plush Soft and asked four adult volunteers of varying body types and sleep preferences to nap on it for at least 15 minutes to help provide a broader perspective. I also tested its temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support. Here's what I found...

Temperature regulation

I tested the Cloverlane Hybrid between December 2023 and January 2024, so I endured plenty of frigid nights. Of course, I kept the heat running (around 72 degrees F) and layered up with a polyester blanket and a mid-weight polyester comforter atop my 100% cotton sheets.

The Cloverlane Hybrid did a good job of maintaining temperature-neutral sleep throughout the month I slept on it. I wouldn't say it's profoundly cooling but I'm willing to bet it's more breathable than the all-foam Cloverlane Mattress. (It's a hybrid, after all.) If you deal with regular night sweats, you can add a specialty cover with extra heat-wicking material for $199 more.

Still, the Cloverlane Mattress is built with breathability in mind. In addition to the aforementioned cover, there are 16 hand-installed brass vents along the base to boost airflow. (The vents are on the hybrid and memory foam versions.) It may not have the same effect as a dedicated cooling mattress but for most people, the Cloverlane Mattress should be comfortable enough.

• Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Motion isolation

To test the motion isolation of my twin-size Cloverlane Hybrid, I performed a drop test with an empty wine glass and a 10lb weight. I dropped the weight from six inches above the surface from three distances to simulate three levels of motion transfer. In addition to that, I also noticed how quickly the weight settled.

When I dropped the weight from four inches away, the glass fell over. I repeated this drop for insurance and the glass didn't drop but it did wobble quite a bit. These results suggest that it's perhaps not the best choice for couples with a restless partner.

Fortunately, the empty glass remained steady when I dropped the weight from 12 and 25 inches away. This means you're unlikely to be disturbed if your partner gets in or out of bed. Meanwhile, the 10lb weight settled into the surface after a few short bounces, indicating good absorption of movement. 

The all-foam version of the Cloverlane likely performs even better here, but the Cloverlane Hybrid has a nice bouncy rhythm while maintaining a low level of motion transfer. Either way, I think the Cloverlane Mattress will allow most couples to sleep uninterrupted.

• Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5

Edge support

To test the edge support of my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid mattress, I placed a 50lb weight on the middle perimeter, where it sank about three inches. It was the same result when I put the weight at the very foot of the bed. That's the same level of sinkage I measured at the center of the bed – which is usually a good thing, but that's quite a deep drop for the edges.

Among my fellow testers, opinions were mixed. Along the middle, my lighter and taller volunteers said they were comfortable but the shorter sleepers in my group felt unsteady. (Everyone felt at ease sitting at the foot of the bed.) Meanwhile, I tend to roll toward the edge when I sleep, but the Cloverlane's edges kept me from falling overboard.

Of course, I can only speak for a twin-sized Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid. There's a possibility larger, firmer versions perform better here. There currently aren't any reviews that mention the Cloverlane's edge support. But if you want a mattress that's known for strong edges on even the smallest bed sizes, read my Awara Natural Hybrid mattress review, which I also tested in a twin.

• Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Customer service

• Arrives flat but still comes in a box
• Includes White Glove Delivery and mattress removal
• One-year trial with free returns

The Cloverlane Mattress arrives flat via free White Glove Delivery. The most I had to do was schedule a delivery time, which was not the smoothest experience. However, your mileage may vary here as you'll be dealing with a local logistics company. Fortunately, the day of the delivery went off without a hitch as the delivery crew arrived right on time. The whole process took less than 10 minutes, and that even included the free mattress removal. 

Interestingly, my Cloverlane Hybrid arrived flat but still came in a box. The two delivery drivers removed my mattress from a giant brown box from the back of their truck before taking it into my home. I peeked at the mattress tag, which says it was manufactured in August 2024. I received my mattress in December 2024, about four months later. Despite that, my Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress didn't have an obvious off-gassing smell, and it was ready to sleep on right away. It's not your typical bed-in-a-box. 

The Cloverlane comes with a one-year warranty, with free returns if you're not happy with it. There's also a lifetime warranty, which includes a free replacement with a factory defect for the first 10 years you own the mattress. Beyond that, you'll just have to pay a $50 transportation fee each way for repairs.

• Customer service score: 4.5 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Specs

Should you buy the Cloverlane Mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You have a bad back: Between the free in-room delivery and the specialized lumbar support, the Cloverlane should relieve many sleepers with back pain. I didn't wake up with stiffness in my lower back throughout my month of sleeping on the Cloverlane Hybrid. The American Chiropractic Association gives it its seal of approval.

✅ You want to customize your comfort: The Cloverlane is available as a hybrid (reviewed here) or all-foam mattress in three firmness levels. There's no price difference between the two types of builds, either, which is rare. (Hybrids are usually more expensive than foam beds.)

✅ You want a bed that's easy to move: The side carry handles will make rotating your mattress much less of a challenge. They're also handy if you move house often or like to rearrange your space regularly.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You can afford a Saatva: The Saatva Classic boasts better craftsmanship and a more sumptuous appearance than the Cloverlane Mattress. If you have enough for Saatva, make that your choice. It's only about $200 to $400 more than either version of the Cloverlane Mattress. Plus, Saatva offers free mattress and foundation removal.

❌ You don't want a bed with a long break-in period: My Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid was definitely firm at first, and one month later I'd downgrade it to a medium-firm. You'll need to be patient and allow yourself time to fully break this mattress in. Fortunately, Cloverlane gives you a year to do that.

❌ You'd rather buy a mattress without fiberglass: Cloverlane doesn't make it clear if it uses fiberglass in its mattresses. If you're sensitive to fiberglass or simply don't want to sleep on a bed that has it, check out our vetted list of the best fiberglass-free mattresses.

Cloverlane Mattress review: Also consider

How I tested the Cloverlane Mattress

I slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid mattress in Plush Firm every night for one month between December 2023 and January 2024. My review is a combination of real-world experience and objective tests.

In addition to my perspective as a 5-foot-4, 145lb side/stomach sleeper with a lower back issue, I asked four adult volunteers to nap on the Cloverlane for at least 15 minutes in their usual positions. Our testers ranged in size from 5ft 4 and 125lbs to 6ft and 185lbs, and one of them deals with arthritis. 

It's another cold winter here, so I'll sometimes add a polyester blanket to my regular setup: a mid-weight polyester blend comforter and 100% cotton sheets. My bedroom temperature is usually around 72 degrees F.

• First reviewed: February 2024

It's Sunday, 3pm, when it hits you: in just a few hours the weekend will be over. You probably want to hide under the covers and pretend it's Saturday morning again, but is the better solution for the so-called Sunday Scaries actually to grab those covers, strip the bed, and get cleaning?

Regular sheet changes are essential to keeping your best mattress and best pillow in tip-top shape, and Sunday afternoon might be the perfect time to wash and change your bedding. "By doing it at this time, you can distract yourself from any negative feelings and, instead, experience the positive outcomes of a tidy space," explains Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO at Mattress Next Day.

Known on TikTok as the Sunday Reset, this weekend clean helps banish the Sunday Scaries – the looming stress of going back to work. And Martin thinks he’s nailed the exact time to switch your bedding: 3pm. “The optimal time for a Sunday reset of your bedroom is between 3-5 pm," he says, "aligning with the period when people typically experience Sunday blues.” Here’s what you need to do...

Why change your bedding on Sunday afternoon?

“Cleaning your bedroom and changing your sheets on a Sunday is recommended as this is known by many as the wind-down day of the weekend,” says Martin. He explains that opting for a Sunday reset leaves Saturday free for socializing while ensuring you start the new week without chores lingering over your head. “There's nothing worse than going into a new week with a long to-do list.”

This Sunday declutter can help you sleep for a few reasons. First, you won't lie awake stressing over all the cleaning you meant to do over the weekend, but never got round to. Beyond that, those fresh sheets themselves might also help you drift off. “A study from The National Sleep Foundation found that people sleep better when their bedrooms are comfortable and tidy,” explains Martin. “Starting each week with a fresh and clean bedroom can improve your sleep."

“You must get the best rest before the start of your week, without disrupting your circadian rhythm. Any disruptions can cause sleep disturbances that can impact your cognitive function,” says Martin. By completing your Sunday Reset, you set yourself up for a more productive Monday and a better week overall.

And the good news is, your Sunday Refresh starts off with the simplest step: let your mattress breathe. “Once a week, you should be pulling back your bedding and letting your mattress air,” says Martin. “This gives your mattress the chance to spring back into shape, whilst evaporating any excess moisture.”

Start your Sunday cleaning by doing nothing? That’s just what I like to hear. Then when the Sunday Scaries hit mid-afternoon, move on to cleaning your headboard, then fluff your pillows, and change your bedding. A quick spot-clean should keep you bed looking fresh, but once every six months, it’s time to deep clean your mattress.

With your bed refreshed and your mind successfully distracted, you can enjoy the rest of your evening, satisfied with a job well done. You might even look forward to going to bed on Sunday night – who doesn’t get excited about curling up with fresh sheets?

Emma Original pillow: two-minute review

The Emma Original pillow is a firm yet spongy pillow that capably supports your head whilst maintaining its form and keeping cool. I was a little wary of its firmness when I started using it, but I needn't have worried. During my three weeks of testing I never woke up feeling any discomfort – in fact I slept on it just as soundly as with any of the best pillows on the market.

The pillow holds its shape and firmness thanks to its gel foam, memory foam and soft foam layers. These separate layers mean you can flip the pillow over for a slightly different firmness to support your body frame and sleeping position. Personally, I found the soft gel layer provided slightly more immediate comfort. Both the outer soft and gel layers feel a bit hard when I first lie on them each night, but within minutes my head sinks in comfortably, and feels reliably supported throughout the night.

At full price, the Emma Original Pillow sits in the premium price bracket, but it's fairly common to see a discount that takes it down into the mid-range, making this a high-performance all-rounder that won't break the bank if you catch it at the right time.

If you want to pair this pillow with an equally comfortable bed, be sure to take a look at our guide to this year's best mattresses for all budgets.

Emma Original pillow specs

Emma Original pillow review: price & value for money

• Premium at full price, often discounted into mid-range
• High quality materials
• 2-year warranty and 30-night trial

With an RRP of £69, the Emma Original pillow sits in the premium price bracket, but at time of writing there's a regular discount that knocks 25% off and takes it down into the mid-range price bracket. For that money though you get high-quality materials (this is the brand behind one of the best memory foam mattresses, after all). A 30-night trial (with the security of a money back guarantee if you're not happy with it during that period), a two-year warranty and free delivery further help to cushion the blow if you're working to a budget.

The Original is the most affordable option in this brand's pillow range. Its synthetic stuffed option (details in our Emma Premium Microfibre pillow review) has an RRP of £109 but is often sold at £65, while an option with more advanced foams (covered in our Emma Premium Pillow hands-on review) is a much bigger investment at £115. Yes, they all have confusingly similar names.

Other memory foam pillows might slightly undercut the Emma Original pillow on price, but in terms of performance I'd say the cost and customer service add-ons mean you're getting good value for money, especially when you buy during an Emma sale period.

Emma Original pillow review: design & materials

• Removable and machine-washable polyester cover
• Three different-feeling foam layers
• Foam layers can be removed to adjust loft

The Emma Original pillow is made of three foam layers and a polyester case. One one side, a feather-light Gel Foam layer that's designed to hug your neck comfortably and maintain a stable temperature. In the middle, a Visco Memory Foam layer, which is meant to distribute weight evenly. Finally, on the other side there's the High Resiliency Extra foam layer. This is the softest of the three and is there for extra pressure relief.

The layers tuck inside a polyester cover, which zips open. Depending on how you sleep, any of these layers can be removed to give a lower loft. 

Emma Original pillow review: care & allergies

The pillow's polyester case can be removed and machine washed at up to 60°C (which is the temperature required to get rid of dust mites). The three foam layers aren't washable, and should just be left to dry in the event of anything getting spilled on them. Speaking of the cover, this has been tested by Emma to be hypoallergenic and non-toxic. The cover and foam layer inserts also comply with relevant ignitability regulations.

Emma Original pillow review: comfort & support

• Firm memory foam layers
• Two different sleep feels
• Remains a comfortable temperature overnight
• No need for re-plumping

I used the Emma Original pillow as my main pillow for three weeks for this review. To begin with I was wary of how firm it would be – the first time I tried it out it felt very hard. Fortunately, though, I found the pillow softened and moulded to my head after a few minutes of lying on it, although each night it did still feel hard to begin with.

What’s more, the Emma Original pillow has some flexibility in terms of use. The outer foam layers provide different levels of support, meaning you can flip the pillow over for a more comfortable sleep experience depending on your preference. The spongy gel foam layer is the firmest choice, whereas I found the soft but still somewhat firm foam layer cushioned my head slightly faster.

I slept on my side throughout and felt thoroughly supported every night; not once did I need to turn it over or plump it. The pillow has a high loft, but if the height or comfort are not quite to your taste you can easily adjust either by removing one or two of the three foam layers. I'm primarily a side sleeper, so all three layers together suited me perfectly; back sleepers would benefit from either two or three layers, while stomach sleepers would do best with just one layer.

Emma Original pillow review: temperature regulation

The Emma Original pillow is cool to the touch and remains at a similar temperature throughout the night. I tested it both with and without a pillowcase during the winter months in a heated bedroom and was never woken up by trapped warmth or overheating. Flipping over the pillow for a coolness shot was never required as it stayed at a comfortable room temperature level all night long and did not wake me up.

Should you buy the Emma Original pillow?

Buy it if…

✅ You're sensitive to heat. I found that the Emma Original pillow remained at a consistent temperature all night long and never woke me up with the need to flip it over to the cool side.

✅ You've never tried a memory foam pillow before. This was my first time using one, and while it took a while to get used to the hardness, the 30-night trial would give me the confidence to take a chance on it.

✅ You want some firm support. The three foam layers work together brilliantly to make your head feel cushioned, and pressure is reliably spread to prevent any aches or strains developing while you sleep.

Don't buy it if…

❌ Hardness is an issue. The Emma Original Pillow remains firm night after night, meaning you might want to try something a little softer. Luckily Emma has just the thing in the shape of the Emma Microfibre Pillow, which is in roughly the same price range too.

❌ You're shopping to a budget and can't wait for a deal. Even though the Emma Original pillow is quite reasonably priced, the 25% discount is too tempting to pass up. If you have the time to wait for the discount to come around, hold off on adding it to your basket.

❌ You specifically want a more breathable pillow. While the Emma Original pillow is ideal in terms of temperature, it isn't geared towards breathability. The Emma Premium Foam Pillow has an Ultra-Dry Plus cover which caters to this need and lets your skin breathe during the night.

How I tested the Emma Original Pillow

I tested the Emma Original pillow over the course of three weeks in the winter months. During these nights I had the heating on in order to keep the pillow at room temperature and provide a controlled environment to conduct a fair test. 

Each night I slept on my side, but I can easily see back or front sleepers benefiting from its foam layers too. The pillow was tested both with and without a cover to ensure that I could gauge the coolness accurately.

Achieving consistently better sleep is sometimes a matter of habit. Good sleep hygiene encourages making sleep-positive adjustments to your environment and pre-bed behaviors. By regularly practicing good sleep hygiene, quality rest becomes a matter of routine.

Proper sleep hygiene encompasses your day and night, but while it might seem intimidating at first, sleep hygiene primarily relies on small but significant changes. And the more you do it, the easier it becomes, until sleep hygiene doesn't feel like any effort at all – it's just what you do before bed.

In this guide, we'll explore why good sleep hygiene matters and how to develop your own sleep-friendly routine. For sleep hygiene to be effective, it's important that your environment supports your rest, so make sure to check out our best mattress guide if your bed isn't providing the support you need.

Why is sleep hygiene important?

Sleep hygiene prepares your body and mind for good sleep, and while it relies on consistency to work, it also delivers consistency. By practicing correct sleep hygiene, you should be able to enjoy high quality, high quantity sleep almost every night. Essentially, sleep hygiene turns good sleep into a habit. 

Why is habit important? Studies – plus a lot of anecdotal evidence – show that humans are creatures of habit. We like routine, often doing the same things everyday, sometimes without even realizing. Regularly practicing sleep hygiene teaches our body the routine of going to bed, until good sleep becomes something that happens without thought or effort.

And one of the biggest benefits of proper sleep hygiene is that it’s so easily incorporated into your pre-existing daily routine. It’s not about making a massive, drastic change, but about small, habitual adjustments that should gradually become second nature. 

Without sleep hygiene, you could find your habits are actually holding you back from getting the rest you need. A bad sleep hygiene routine – like bright lights in the evening and big meals before bed – might inadvertently be keeping you awake and accumulating sleep debt. And research shows that frequent lack of sleep can have both short-term and long-term implications on health. Which is why you want to replace those bad sleep habits with a good sleep hygiene routine.

"Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night," explains Lisa. "Practicing good sleep hygiene can help prevent or alleviate common sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea."

And while even with the best sleep hygiene it's impossible to guarantee every night is a good night – we can't always avoid busy evenings, stress, or changes to the routine – these good habits will make it easier to return to quality rest after a few nights of disruption.. 

Is sleep hygiene the same for everyone?

While the general rules of sleep hygiene are the same for everyone, it’s important to personalize your routine to suit your needs. Take a gradual approach when determining what proper sleep hygiene looks like for you. For example, move your bedtime by 15 minutes, rather than an hour. The rules we've outlined below should act as a starting point, from which you build your own good habits.

“Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, metabolism, and cardiovascular health," explains Lisa. "By prioritizing sleep hygiene, you can reduce the risk of various health problems."

Sleep hygiene can improve sleep, but it won’t work for everyone. If you’re suffering from severe insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders, consult with your doctor to find the best course of action.

5 rules for sleep hygiene

These overarching rules from the basis of sleep hygiene. They prioritize schedule and repetition, and they aren't just focused on those last few minutes before bed – what you do during the day is also important. As well as behavioral aspects, sleep hygiene focuses on your environment, so make sure to think about your bedroom. And remember that these rules are general, not specific, and need to be personalized to your needs.

1. Set a sleep schedule

A sleep schedule determines when you go to bed and when you wake up, to ensure you're getting as much sleep as you need. If you want to keep a close eye on your schedule, the best sleep trackers provide the exact data. Otherwise, a sleep diary can help you create an overview of just how much shut-eye you're getting, and when.

Find your sleep window
Pay attention to when you feel sleepy and when you feel awake to determine your sleep window. This is the best time for you to sleep and you can use it to schedule your drop-off and wake-up times. Learning your sleep chronotype can also help you build a schedule that suits your natural inclinations.

Wake up at the same time everyday
"Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock," says Lisa. If you can’t stick to the exact time, try to roughly wake up in the same time window throughout the week. This can help you avoid the groggy effects of social jet lag; when your weekday and weekend alarms are so far apart they're almost in different time zones.

Get out of bed if you can’t sleep
Lying in bed when you can’t drift off erodes the connection between ‘bed’ and ‘sleep’, so if you can’t fall asleep after 15 minutes, it’s time for a change of scenery. Move to a different room if you can, and pick up a relaxing hobby for a few minutes, before heading back to bed. Known as the 15 minute rule, this technique also works if you wake up in the middle of the night.

2. Have a sleep-friendly bedtime routine

A relaxing bedtime routine prepares the body and mind for rest, lulling you into the perfect headspace for sleep. This routine should be followed nightly and adapted to suit your own needs and interests. 

Set a time to wind-down
There should be a point in your evening when you switch into pre-sleep mode, and it shouldn’t be 10 seconds before you go to bed. Start your wind-down at least 30 minutes before your bedtime, to get you into a calm headspace.

Enjoy relaxing activities
"Engage in activities that help you wind down before bed, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation," suggests Lisa. Choose the right activities, and your bedtime routine can be the best part of your day.

Put away blue light
"The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, so try to avoid screens (phones, computers, TVs) at least an hour before bedtime," says Lisa. At least one hour before bed, put down your smartphone and pick up other sleep-friendly activities.

Save the bed for sleep
Most of your bedtime routine should take place outside the bedroom, so you don't start to associate the mattress with being active. Reserve the bed for sleep and intimacy, and on the weekend, avoid bed rotting.

3. Optimize the bedroom for sleep

Sleep hygiene encompasses environmental factors, not just behaviors. Your bedroom should echo the calm feeling you've created during your bedtime routine, to keep you in that relaxing headspace. "Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet," says Lisa.

Choose the right mattress
A supportive sleep surface is essential to enjoying pain-free, consistent sleep. Discover your bed needs with our guide ‘how to choose a mattress’, and find the perfect sleep setup with our best hybrid mattress and best memory foam mattress guides.

Don’t forget the pillow
"Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows that don’t make you too hot or cold," advises Lisa. Sleeping on a bad pillow could be the reason why you keep waking up with a pain in the neck. A pillow should cradle your head and help keep your spine aligned through the night. Our best pillow guide can help you one that works for you.

Clean up clutter
A messy room is a catalyst for bad sleep, causing feelings of stress and guilt by reminding us of incomplete tasks. Decluttering your bedroom clears away this anxiety, but if you’re low on time, here’s a quick hack – only clean the parts of the room visible from the bed.

Get the right temperature
“We sleep better when we are a little cooler,” says Dr Lindsay Browning, neuroscientist, psychologist and sleep expert at And So To Bed. “I’d recommend bedrooms are kept cooler than the rest of the house as our core body temperature drops overnight.” Around 16 to 19 degrees Celsius (60 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit), is ideal.

Block out light
Bright light signals to the body clock that it’s time to wake up, while dim light indicates it’s time for sleep. Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to keep light out when you’re in bed.

4. Consider your daytime routine

What we do during the day has a direct impact on your sleep, and while you shouldn't spend the entire day waiting to go to bed, you want to avoid bad habits that will have you lying awake all night

Eat well
A healthy diet is important for your sleep, putting your body in the best place to achieve optimum rest. While there are some foods that can help you sleep (such as cashews and pumpkin seeds), don’t think of them as the equivalent of a sleeping pill. Aim to incorporate them into your diet throughout the day, if you want to feel the benefits.

Avoid eating late at night
As well as what you eat, it’s important to consider when you eat. Lisa recommends to avoid: "heavy meals and spicy foods close to bedtime, as they can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep." Eating late at night can keep you up, as your body is focused on digestion, and not sleep. In addition, lying down after eating can cause indigestion, which further contributes to bad sleep.

Choose drinks carefully
Lisa advises to; "avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep." The 10-3-2-1-0 sleep method recommends cutting out caffeine 10 hours before bed and alcohol three hours before bed. In general, try to hydrate consistently throughout the day, instead of late at night, so you can avoid waking up to go to the toilet.

Get active
Exercise can help you sleep by regulating your body clock. "Engage in regular physical activity, but try to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime as it can be stimulating," says Lisa. If you have to exercise before bed, keep things light – a relaxing walk or light stretching should work.

5. Keep it regular

Sleep hygiene, much like regular hygiene, isn’t a one and done kind of activity. Consistency is key. Just like you should brush your teeth every morning, you should commit to sleep hygiene every night.

But because sleep hygiene is all about habit, the more frequently you do it, the more natural it becomes. With regular repetition, it won't feel like you're practicing sleep hygiene – you'll just be going through your day-to-day routine.

While sleep hygiene should become habit that doesn't necessarily mean it has to remain static. Over time, you might need to gradually adapt your sleep hygiene to suit life changes, such as aging (our sleep needs change with our age), growing kids, or even a new job. However, with a good basis of routine in place, you should find these small adjustments won't disrupt your overall sleep habits.

The Easter bunny is bringing something very special this year, with a massive 25% off our favourite hybrid mattress in the Simba sale. This huge saving is excellent news for anyone who wants to start their spring cleaning by getting rid of their old mattress and boosting their sleep.

We recently awarded the Simba Hybrid Original the number one spot in our best hybrid mattress guide, and if you take a look at our Simba Hybrid Original mattress review, it's easy to see why. Our tester described the Simba Hybrid Original as "one of the most comfortable mattresses [they'd] ever had", praising how it offered just the right amount of support and softness while still delivering top quality temperature regulation and motion isolation.

Simba mattress sales have undergone a bit of a shake-up recently and we're not seeing the same number of deals we used to. So if you want to save big on a bed from one of the best mattress brands in the UK, I recommend taking a close look at this Simba sale. Read on to find out why the Simba Hybrid Original mattress is my top pick...

Buy it if...

✅ You like to move around in the night: There's a bit of bounce to the Simba Hybrid Original mattress, which makes it easier to switch sides and move around (the mattress won't hold onto you in the way a softer foam can). And the medium-firm feel surface suits a range of positions, so if you're restless, you feel supported no matter how you're lying.

✅ You share a bed: Hybrid mattresses aren't always known for their motion isolation, but the Simba Hybrid Original actually performs pretty well in this category – if your partner moves around, your sleep shouldn't be disrupted. And with edge-to-edge support, two people can stretch out on the bed without it starting to sink at the sides.

✅ You want to save: Simba sales are no longer the permanent presence they once were, so act now if you want a discount on a high quality mattress. When this 25% off sale is over, we don't know when the next one will come along. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You like to sink into the bed: Although there's an upper layer of foam to the Simba Hybrid Original, it doesn't off the sink-in feel of an all-foam bed. If you like a bed that hugs you in your sleep, take a look at our Emma Original mattress review. There's also 20% off the Emma Original right now.

❌ You're a lightweight side sleeper: The Simba Hybrid Original suits a lot of sleep styles, but lightweight side sleepers isn't one of them, unfortunately. If this is you, consider a bed with a softer sleep surface. In our Brook + Wilde Elite mattress review, we noted this luxury hybrid suits everyone, because you can pick a firmness. Save 40% in the Brook + Wilde spring sale.

❌ You want.a more sustainable bed: Simba is a certified B Corp, and the Hybrid Original has been designed to use minimal foam to limit its carbon footprint. However, if you want a mattress that prioritizes natural materials, consider the recently-launched Simba Earth range. Combining traditional materials with the latest technology, the Simba Earth Source mattress is the most affordable option, and there's 25% off.

Trying to choose between the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress and the Panda Bamboo mattress? You have a tough decision on your hands – these are some of the very best hybrid mattresses on the market. They have some similarly excellent features – top-notch temperature regulation, firm and reliable support, and surprisingly good motion isolation. They're both premium beds, but with the quality to justify the cost. Lucky for you, we're here to help you figure out which is the best mattress for you, and where you should invest your money. 

Our testing team has had a chance to properly try out both these beds, and you can learn more about their experiences with our Panda London Bamboo Hybrid mattress review and Simba Hybrid Pro mattress review. 

Overall, we rate the Panda as the better mattress, although it's a tight call. Both mattresses have a similar feel and price, but while the Simba has the more complex design, the Panda performed slightly better in our tests. Still, if you're a back or stomach sleeper after a bed with a firmer feel, then you're going to want to take a close look at this Simba Hybrid Pro vs Panda Bamboo hybrid mattress showdown.

Simba Hybrid Pro vs Panda Bamboo mattress: specs

Simba Hybrid Pro vs Panda Bamboo mattress: design

• Both are hybrid mattresses featuring spring and foam layers
• Simba has seven internal layers, including wool and micro-coils
• Panda has four internal layers, including bamboo-infused foam

The Simba Hybrid Pro is a 28cm tall mattress, featuring seven internal layers, plus a cover. The design is pretty complex: at the top is a layer of wool, followed by a layer of breathable and cushioning Simbatex foam, then two layers of Aerocoil springs with zoned support, then a layer of stabilizing foam, even more springs for edge-to-edge support, and a final foam layer to create a sturdy base. There's a lot going on.

This complex arrangement of springs and cushioning materials is designed to balance support with comfort. Sustainability is also a consideration for Simba – by using wool and spring in place of synthetic foams, the brand can keep its carbon footprint lower. 

The Panda Bamboo Hybrid is 27cm tall and has fewer layers (four plus a cover), but don't be fooled into thinking it's a simple design. At the top is Panda's uniquely engineered BioCell foam, an open-cell foam infused with bamboo for odour-resistance and enhanced freshness. Beneath this sits OrthoAlign foam (another Panda speciality), a dense foam for optimal spinal alignment. Then there's the coils – a layer of multi-zonal springs offers support across the body. Finally, there's the comfort base, made with stabilizing foam. 

Simba might have the more complex design, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's better. Our reviewer gave the bed 4.5/5 in this area, and noted it didn't feel "especially luxurious" – although it does come with handles, something the Panda lacks, and which improves maneuverability. The Panda Bamboo design, however, did receive full marks from our tester, who was impressed with how the layered design translated into a comfortable sleep surface.

Both companies also have a focus on sustainability. Simba is a certified B Corp company, and the Hybrid Pro was actually redesigned in 2023 with a focus on sustainability. Panda isn't a B Corp, but each mattress is part of the Panda Circle of Life initiative, which includes environmental manufacturing standards, minimal plastic packaging, and a recycling promise. 

Winner: Draw

The Simba has the more complex design, plus those handles, but our tester was so impressed by the Panda they gave the bed full marks.

Simba Hybrid Pro vs Panda mattress: price & extras

• Both are premium mattresses with occasional sales
• Simba offers 200-night trial and 10-year guarantee
• Panda offers 100-night trial, 10-year guarantee, free white glove delivery

There's very little difference in terms of price when it comes to the Simba Hybrid Pro and the Panda Bamboo Hybrid. The Simba Hybrid Pro double mattress has an RRP of £1,229, while the Panda Bamboo double has an RRP of £1,290. There's not much in it. 

Simba mattress sales used to be fairly frequent, but discounts happen less often now. You might even need to wait for a major holiday to get a saving. However, signing up for the Simba mailing list will often net you money off your first order, so that's one way to save.

Sales are even rarer at Panda. While we do expect to see money off the Panda Bamboo Hybrid a few times a year, it only tends to happen around the major holidays, and the deals never stick around for long. So even though mattress sales are generally pretty common, with these two beds, expect to pay full price.

In terms of extras, we're again looking at a pretty similar picture. Simba's 200-night mattress trial beats Panda's 100-night, but both offer a 10-year guarantee. And Panda comes out on top when it comes to delivery, providing free white glove delivery and free old mattress removal. Simba does offer free standard next day delivery, but you'll have to pay extra for VIP delivery, and there's an additional charge for old mattress removal.

If you're looking to save money, you might want to consider the more affordable Simba Hybrid – we rated it highly in our Simba Hybrid Original mattress review. But make sure to check out our Simba Hybrid Original vs Simba Hybrid Pro mattress showdown, to see how the budget bed compares to its premium equivalent.

Winner: Simba Hybrid Pro

The prices are similar, but the SImba is just that bit cheaper, plus you're generally more likely to find a sale running at Simba than Panda.

Simba Hybrid Pro vs Panda: comfort & support

• Simba rates the Hybrid Pro medium-firm, we rate it firm (8/10)
• Panda rates the Bamboo Hybrid 7/10, we rate it 7.5 (medium-firm)
• Both beds are best for stomach and back sleepers

Simba describes the Hybrid Pro as medium-firm, but our tester felt firm was more accurate, rating it an 8/10 (with 10 being the firmest). This is good for back and stomach sleepers, providing ample support at the hips and lower back. However, it's too firm for most side sleepers and lightweight sleepers, who are likely to need more cushioning.

Panda rates the Bamboo Hybrid mattress as a 7/10, but our tester gave it a 7.5/10, which puts it at the high end of the medium-firm bracket. Again, this is ideal for front and back sleepers. For side sleepers, the results are mixed – our tester felt comfortable, but other side sleepers might prefer something softer. 

Top layers of comfort materials provide both mattresses with a gentle cushioning, so you won't feel like you're lying on a board. But while there's some light contouring, these beds definitely won't 'hug' you the way the best memory foam mattresses do. If you want plenty of cushioning at the shoulders and hips, check out our Emma Original mattress review instead. 

Both mattresses should appeal to those with bigger builds, as the firmer surface offers ample support. Heavier bodies should feel stable, and not like they're sinking through the mattress. However, those with a light build might benefit from a softer cushioning.

Comfort winner: draw

Both mattresses have a similar appeal – back and stomach sleepers – and a similar rating on the firmness scale – 7.5-8/10. While the Panda has a slightly wider appeal due to the medium-firm build, it's really a matter of preference.

Simba Hybrid Pro vs Panda mattress: performance

• Both have excellent temperature regulation
• Both provide good motion isolation, although the Panda is slightly better
• Panda has superior edge support, Simba Hybrid Pro is weaker

Hybrid mattresses are generally known for their good temperature regulation. The gaps in the springs provide ample room for air to circulate and cool, especially in comparison to the dense build of a memory foam, which can trap heat.

So it's no surprise to learn that both the Panda Bamboo and Simba Hybrid Pro have excellent temperature regulation. The Panda just edges out on top, scoring 4.5/5 compared to the Simba Hybrid Pro's 4/5. This is thanks to its breathable bamboo infused foam and a surface that never feels hot to the touch.

As well as temperature regulation, we also test mattresses for motion isolation: how much movement travels from one side of the bed to the other. Hybrids aren't always known for their motion isolation properties – the bounce of springs can create a lot of motion transfer – but both the Panda and the Simba Hybrid Pro performed strongly. Again, the Panda mattress takes a slight lead, as the Hybrid Pro is a bouncier bed. But, overall, both mattress offer a quiet night even if you share with a restless partner.

Finally, edge support – and this is where the Panda Bamboo Hybrid pulls out ahead. Edge support refers to how strong the mattress is at the perimeter. Beds with poor edge support tend to collapse and sink at the sides, making it hard push out of bed or sleep across the entire surface.

The Panda Bamboo has strong edge support, with minimal sinkage. Our tester felt stable and supported when sitting on the corners of the bed, and found they could really spread out during the night without ever losing that sturdy base beneath them. 

The Simba Hybrid Pro, however, has average edge support. Our tester felt stable lying on the edge of the bed but they were less sturdy sitting up. While it's not disastrously bad, those with mobility issues could struggle to maneuver off the bed, as those sinking sides don't offer much push back.

Performance winner: Panda

Simba Hybrid Pro vs Panda: which should you buy?

Buy the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress if...

✅ You need time to make your decision: Although Simba doesn't have the best extras on the market (check out our Nectar memory foam mattress review for a bed with a 365-night trial) 200 nights beats the 100 offered by Panda, and provides a long period to adjust to your new mattress and see if it's right for you.

✅ You're hoping to save some money:  Simba has historically been more generous with discounts than Panda, and frequently offers money off for making your first order. So if you're shopping with a tighter budget, Simba is still a better bet for a bargain.

✅ You plan on moving the mattress around: The Simba Hybrid Pro comes with handles, which makes it easier to pick up the bed and move it around. This isn't the most important feature, but if you know a move is on the horizon (remember, a mattress can last for seven to 10 years), it's worth thinking about convenience.

Buy the Panda Bamboo Hybrid mattress if...

✅ You need strong edge support: The edges of the Panda Bamboo Hybrid feel just as firm as the center of the bed, meaning you can press, sit, or lie on the edges without the mattress collapsing beneath you. This is best for couples who like their space and those who push against the bed to get up in the morning.

✅ You want to take the hassle out of buying a new bed: As well as tkaing the mattress to the room of your choice, Panda will remove any excess packaging and take your old bed – and it's all for free. No more awkwardly navigating the staircase by yourself with a bulky bed. And in several years time when your Bamboo Hybrid mattress eventually wears out, Panda promises to take it off your hands.

✅ You spend some of the night lying on your side: The Panda has a slightly softer build (we rate it medium-firm) which, compared to the firm Simba, is more preferable for side sleepers. While dedicated side sleepers might want to opt for something softer altogether, combination sleepers who spend the night lying every which way might benefit from the versatile support of the Panda.

Spring is officially here, but for all the pleasures of the season, it can play havoc with your sleep. One minute you're in a cold snap, the next day you wake up sweating. Blossoming flowers bring cheerful buds, weeping eyes, and sniffly noses. Lighter evenings are lovely but bright mornings rouse you at 6am (and April showers mean some days you hardly see the sun at all at all). How can we stop this changeable season from changing our sleep?

While the best mattress supports your sleep whatever time of year it is, you might need a little help snoozing comfortably throughout the night in spring. I asked sleep expert and CEO of Ethical Bedding James Higgins about the challenges of this transitional season – and what you can do about it.

How to sleep better in changeable weather

Brighter mornings, warm but changeable weather, and allergens can all damage your sleep in spring. Here are some tips for maintaining good sleep hygiene throughout the transitional season.

1. Choose breathable bedding

For many of us, spring means hotter days and warmer evenings. That makes it the perfect time to reassess your bedding situation, suggests James. “Consider switching to lighter bedding materials suitable for spring's milder temperatures to avoid overheating.” 

As well as weight, think about materials. As James explains, “moisture-wicking fabrics can help maintain a comfortable sleep environment by drawing away sweat, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable throughout the night." 

2. Keep your bedroom a steady temperature

Transitional seasons like spring tend to have changeable weather patterns, but in your bedroom, you want to keep the temperature even. Our core temperature naturally drops in the evening, indicating to the body that it's time to wind down. James recommends keeping your bedroom "cool and conducive to sleep" – that's around 16-19 degrees Celsius, or 60 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Defeat allergies by keeping things clean

Many of us have to admire the spring blooms through the weeping eyes and running noses of allergies. A nuisance during the day but a major sleep disruptor at night. The best way to prevent allergies from ruining your sleep is to keep everything clean: that means you, your bedding, and the air.

A shower or bath before bed is not only a calming part of the bedtime routine, but a way to ensure any pollen clinging to you doesn’t get stuck to your bedding. For the same reason, make sure to regularly change your sheets – and spring is a great time to deep clean your mattress. If you’re really struggling, invest in one of the best air purifiers, to filter out pollen and other allergens that might be floating around your bedroom.

4. Upgrade your pillow

You can never quite predict what the weather is going to do in spring, so you don't want to completely overhaul your sleep setup. A few warm nights might convince you to swap out your winter duvet, but when the temperatures inevitably drop at some point, you'll wish you'd stuck with the higher tog. But there are some parts of your bedding that can benefit from a spring shake-up

“Replace or adjust your pillows to ensure they provide the right support and cooling comfort for your head and neck," says James. Switching your pillow can prepare you for warmer weather, but it's not so big a change you'll regret it during a cold snap. Our best pillow guide has some excellent options (and I've picked out my favorites below).

5. Block out the early morning light

Mornings are getting lighter and brighter – great when you're alarm goes off, but it can be unwelcome at 6am. “As the transition from winter to spring can bring variable temperatures and increased daylight, ensure your bedroom supports sleep by using blackout curtains to block out early morning light,” suggests James.

During the day, however, you want to spend as much time in the sunshine as possible. "Make it a priority to spend time outdoors during daylight hours to help reset your internal clock," explains James. "This can be especially beneficial as the days start to get longer in the spring."

Our top bedding picks for transitional seasons

For sleepers in the US...

For sleepers in the UK...

For a deluxe upgrade...

What convinces you to go on vacation? Is it a chance to discover new places? The thought of a few weeks spent soaking up the sun? Or are you part of the growing trend of people leaving their best mattress behind and traveling with the aim of getting a good night’s sleep?

The Hilton Trend Report, a survey of over 10,000 travelers from nine countries, has found that the top reason people want to travel in 2024 is to 'rest and recharge'. Sleep tourism – or the chance for a good night's kip – is motivating people’s vacation choices, from what they pack to where they stay. 

A good night's rest drives travel choices

While the promise of a luxury hotel at the end of your journey might be enough to get you sleeping soundly, the Hilton report found travelers are taking relaxation into their own hands.

Because even the best hotels can't promise quiet neighbors, 33 per cent of those surveyed listened to music or a podcast to help them sleep on vacation, while 22 per cent broke out the earplugs. Although, with 10 per cent of travelers taking their own white noise machine with them, perhaps it won't be long before in-room noise machines become standard.

And gone are the days you’d choose a hotel based on the pool, the restaurant, and the proximity to the local cultural sites. Nowadays, it’s all about the bed. Okay, not quite, but 27 per cent of survey respondents said “staying with a trusted brand with a consistently good mattress” was important if they were traveling to relax.

We’ve long praised the virtue of the hotel bed, as luxury hotels have a tendency to kit their room with the best luxury mattresses. (You can actually purchase the Serta mattress used by Hilton hotels for your own home, and while it’s a premium bed, it’s cheaper than paying to spend every night in a Hilton.) 

Beyond the mattress, 18 per cent admitted to bringing their best pillow with them when they traveled. Discerning pillow packers should look out for a pillow menu – a fixture of five-star hotels – which features a selection of pillows for you to take your pick from. 

In response to this survey, Hilton has teamed up with sleep science expert Dr Rebecca Robbins to create a series of Hilton sleep retreats hosted at the Grand Wailea’s Kilolani Spa in Maui. While a vacation to Hawaii probably sounds restful enough to many of us, these retreats take relaxation one step further, aiming to provide an “all-encompassing journey into the science and practice of achieving a restful, restorative sleep”.

If you’re going to have to miss out on the Hilton sleep retreat, there are still ways to improve your sleep when you travel. Avoid the first-night effect with our guide to sleeping better on the go, and consider investing in some white noise for sleep, to prevent other guests from disturbing your slumber. Finally, choose a light-blocking sleep mask, and you won't know where you're falling asleep – maybe you're in Maui after all.

With the correct care and upkeep, the multiple supportive layers of the best hybrid mattresses can provide comfortable sleep for many years. Which brings us to the question: do you need to flip a hybrid mattress?

For the most part, the answer is no. A hybrid mattress is one that includes layers of different materials (usually foams and springs). Few hybrid mattresses need to be flipped as these inner layers are designed to go one way up. Flipping a hybrid mattress will likely lead to an uncomfortable night, and might even damage your mattress. Only double-sided hybrid beds need to be flipped, and these are not very common

Mattress flipping is generally done to distribute pressure evenly across the bed, helping your best mattress stay supportive for longer. But even without flipping, a well-built hybrid mattress should last for seven to 10 years. 

In this guide, we'll explore why you don't need to flip a hybrid mattress, and the rare exceptions to this rule. If you're still unsure about whether your hybrid bed should be flipped, either check the brand website, or any instructions that have been provided.

Many modern hybrids feature multiple different layers of materials. Generally, the softer, more cushioned materials go on the top (there might even be a pillow-top or Euro-top), while the sturdier layers are at the bottom to create structure and stability. If the mattress is flipped, you'll find yourself sleeping on the robust base, while the comfortable cushioning cradles your bed frame. The top side should be clearly labeled, but it you can't spot it, check out the brand website or look for an information leaflet in the delivery packaging.

With all that said, there are some hybrids bed that are designed to be flipped – for example the Layla Hybrid mattress. These generally have a stable layer at the core with a different firmness level either side. However, it's tricky to create two very distinct feels within one mattress, so the difference between the two is likely to be subtle. These flippable hybrids aren't hugely common, and it should be obvious when you purchase that that's what you're buying.

2 hybrid mattresses that don't need to be flipped...

And one that does

Dream of sinking back into a fluffy pillow but the reality is closer to sad pancake? Even the best pillows will eventually start to lose their oomph if they aren't cared for, and you might find your sporadic fluffing attempts have failed to stop the pillow sink. Don't worry, I'm here to help you fix it – but first, grab your tennis balls. 

No, perfecting your serve isn't the key to pillow perfection. Instead, Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, recommends placing your pillow in the dryer with a tennis ball or two. The tennis ball should beat out the lumps, returning your pillow to its plumped-up best. And he has some more advice on transforming your home sleep setup into a luxury hotel bed. Follow these tips for finishing your best mattress with the fluffiest five-star pillows.

3 steps for the fluffiest hotel-like pillows

To be clear, I'm mainly talking about pillows that are filled with either down or synthetic fiber stuffing here. Memory foam pillows that contain a solid block of foam are impossible to plump (and don't lose their shape overnight anyway, so it's a moot point). Some of these tips will apply to the kind of pillow that contains shredded or cubed foam stuffing, but not all. 

Another quick bit of housekeeping: to keep it in the best condition for the longest time, don't forget to clean your pillow – this can stop your pillow turning yellow. And consider investing in a pillow protector (it's like a mattress protector, but for your pillow). Now, let's get into how to create unbeatable fluffiness.

1. Fluff your pillows daily

Every morning when you make your bed, make sure to pick up your pillows and give them a quick fluff. Simply hold the pillow at each end and quickly compress and decompress. Do this a few times, until you have the level of plumpness you desire.

As well as giving you that hotel-like feel and appearance, I can recommend this tip for your overall sleep happiness. A few seconds of fluffing gives the pillow its shape back, so your head doesn't settle into the groove you left the night before, and your neck feels more supported.

2. Wash with a tennis ball and sock

When the lumps and bumps have got so bad that even hours of manual fluffing won't make a difference, it's time to break out the big guns: a tennis ball and a sock. Place a tennis ball or two inside your sock and put them into the dryer with your pillow. Then use the dryer on the lowest setting for around 30 minutes. At the end of the cycle, your pillows will be back to top fluffiness. 

The tennis ball will thump around with the pillow, knocking out those lumps, loosening the filling, and bringing back the fluffiness. The sock serves a simpler purpose – it stops the dye from the tennis ball leaking onto your pillows. 

Before you start, make sure your pillow is suitable for tumble-drying, by checking the care label. Not all stuffing types can be tumble-dried, and you don't want to wreck your pillow in the process. And while it probably goes without saying, I'll say it just in case. Make sure you're using a clean tennis ball and clean socks. 

3. Use three pillows

This tip is all about the appearances, but that doesn't mean it's frivolous. A well-made, luxurious-looking bed is much more enticing than a mattress with flat pillows and sheets all over the place. So you'll be more tempted to keep to your bedtime routine and get to sleep on schedule. Three pillows will give your bed that sumptuous and indulgent feel of a five-star hotel room. 

And what do you do with those pillows once you're tucked up in bed? Don't just leave them underneath your head, as you might find this props your neck at an uncomfortable angle. Instead, try tucking a pillow between your knees and hugging one to your chest, to keep you in the best position for sleeping in. 

3 of our favorite pillows for hotel-like comfort

When you think about how well you are sleeping, one factor that probably comes into it is the number of hours you're clocking up each night. All of today's best sleep trackers report this kind of data. But focusing on these numbers could be doing more harm than good, according to Angela Kondinska, a neuroscientist and sleep specialist who works with Emma (one of our best mattress brands). 

"There's a very strong focus on eight hours – that this is the solution for everybody," she says. "I believe a lot of this focus is also the stress around sleep." Rather than setting a mental timer and getting frustrated if you don't hit your hourly goal, here's what to do instead...

1. Explore what works for you

When working out your ideal bedtime routine, don't get too hung up on following external 'rules'. The best approach will always be whatever what works for you.

"It's all about focusing away from micromanaging sleep," she continues. "The more we say, 'Okay, you have to do this, [the more] stress builds up, and then we end up sleeping less because of the stress. And then it creates this cascade."

Instead she suggests trying out whatever methods appeal to you. "Allow yourself to explore in a curious way. There's a long list of sleep tips. Try out different things… and see what works," says Angela. "If [one thing] doesn't work, that's okay, because there's something else that will work."

2. Think about the hours either side of sleep

Rather than concentrating entirely on the time that you're asleep for, Angela recommends widening that out to include the hours either side of bedtime. Figure out a bedtime routine that works for you – that might include saving special activities for bedtime, using music to relax you, trying a bedtime box, or even just adding some structure with something like the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep method.

And while you're at it, take a look at your morning wakeup habits. If you're finding you're hanging about in bed for too long or developing an over-reliance on the snooze button, the 3-2-1 method might be the solution for you. 

3. Give it time

While you're figuring out your routine, don't expect instant results. You need to give each technique at least a few nights' trial to give it a fair chance. "What usually brings a lot of relaxation is repetitiveness – our brains love being able to predict something," says Angela. Sleep studies are never just one night; they're run over a few weeks in order to see the effects.

Angela suggests repeating the same routine every night, so you become familiar with the situation, the tasks, and the order in which you do them. That will help amplify the feeling of relaxation. 

4. Listen to your body

The figure of eight hours a night isn't a hard-and-fast rule in any case. General consensus is somewhere between seven to nine hours, and how much sleep you need varies by age, too, as well as from person to person. So the best way to tell if you've had enough sleep is by listening to your body, suggests Angela. If you wake up after seven hours' sleep and you feel comfortable and awake, then that's fine. If you're an adult and you're sleeping a bit more than 8 hours but you're not having the effects of oversleeping, then that's also fine.

5. Don't rely on 'topping up' with naps 

Angela flags that the focus on hitting a certain nightly quota of sleep means some people will try and 'top up' with naps in the day. "[There's a belief that] we can sleep little, overnight, and then take naps to overcome the sleep debt," she says. "Something that is still important is to have a full night of sleep, and to not chop it up throughout the day." 

That's important because we need our body to go through sleep cycles – starting in light sleep, moving into deep sleep and finally REM sleep to get the full physical and mental benefits. A nap can be useful on occasion, but it's rare you'll be getting your full 90-minute sleep cycle, so it's not a substitute for sleeping in one long block. 

6. Don't panic over a few bad nights

No one likes a sleepless night, but it's not the end of the world, Angela reminds us. "Sleep happens, right?" she smiles. "It's part of life. And sometimes it's okay to have a few nights… of bad sleep."

For the vast majority of us, it's only going to be temporary. "Keep in mind that a good night is coming soon. It could be the next night; it could be in a night or two. So that's okay."

Amazon's Big Spring Sale means savings on all sorts of cool stuff, but if you're hoping to get a discount on a new mattress you'd better prepare yourself for disappointment. I've been writing about mattresses for a long time, and experience tells me that 99 percent of the time you're better off buying direct from the best mattress brands than from Amazon; the actual shopping experience is a lot less frustrating, you'll generally get a longer sleep trial and warranty, and on the whole you'll pay a similar price.

So it was with a heavy heart that I searched for mattress deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale this morning, fully expecting to reject a load of cheap all-foam mattresses from brands with names like TMWRNJ or something. And that's mostly what I saw, except for this absolutely stunning outlier that I'm still not entirely convinced is for reals.

It's on the Awara Premier Natural Hybrid mattress, and it's on the Cal King size (although there's a deal on a twin that's almost as good), but hear me out on this: it's possibly worth booting your old queen size bed and getting a cheap Cal King base to go with this mattress, because it's such a ludicrously cheap deal. Awara's MSRP for this mattress is $2,499 and it usually sells for $1,614, but you can get it from Amazon today for $860.10, and Amazon seems to think that this is a 35% discount. 

I don't know what's going on but this is one of those rare Amazon mattress deals that I believe to be worth your time and money. If you don't think so, there are plenty of other Amazon Big Spring Sale deals to check out, but if you're intrigued by this Awara deal, here's what you need to know:

I'd warn you not to wait on this because stock is low and it's sure to be snapped up fast, but on the other hand I've been watching it for the past couple of hours and nobody seems to have bitten yet, maybe because it's so suspiciously cheap. But hey, the word's out now, so you'd probably best get a move on if you want this epic discount.

If you'd rather err on the side of caution, though, there are less outlandish deals to be had on the Tuft & Needle Original foam mattress, a firm bed that's best suited to back and stomach sleepers. There's up to 30% off, and 20% off the queen size, bringing the price down to $796. You'll get a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty included.

Sometimes it's easy to work out why you can't drift off – a late dinner, a looming test, a noisy neighbor... But other times, it's harder to pinpoint why you're slipping into sleep debt. To avoid letting those bad night's stack up, it's important to identify the cause of those restless nights. If your environment is the problem, choosing the best mattress and best pillow can help. When it comes to behavioral issues, a sleep diary might be the solution.

“Sleep is vital pillar of our health, alongside diet and exercise," explains Lisa Artis, deputy CEO at the Sleep Charity and a sleep diary enthusiast. "But with 40% of the nation struggling with their sleep at any point, it’s important that we educate ourselves on what could be causing those issues, identify patterns and what we can do to improve our sleep. A sleep diary is a great way to achieve this." 

With a sleep diary, you can record the ins and outs of your kip, including how many hours you got, when you went to bed, and how you feel in the morning. By providing a clear overview, you (or your doctor) can use the sleep diary to assess your rest and spot problem areas. Ready to get started? Here's our full guide to creating your own sleep diary.

"By keeping a sleep diary, you can help identify what’s keeping you awake," explains Lisa. "The diary is a useful tool that will help to pinpoint if you’re consistently waking at a similar time, what you’ve done that day, what you’ve eaten etc. to see if there is any pattern." Although a sleep diary can't fix your sleep, it can help you find the source of the problem so you can work towards a solution.

A sleep diary can also give you a different perspective towards your sleep – including identifying misconceptions. For example, you might think your tiredness is due to a lack of sleep, but your sleep diary shows you're getting a good eight hours every night. However, it also reveals your bedtime changes drastically between the weekend and the work week. Thanks to your sleep diary, you can recognize it's not a lack of sleep, but social jet lag from differing sleep patterns that's causing your lethargy.

How long should you keep a sleep diary?

"Start recording your sleep diary as soon as you begin to recognize a problem and complete it over a two-week period," says Lisa. Make sure to keep it consistently during this time period, so you can gather a full picture of your sleep – you don't want gaps that might skew the data.

However, a sleep diary doesn’t have to be a short-term commitment. If you're working towards health and wellbeing goals that might result in an adjustment to your routine, a sleep diary can help you understand what effect these changes are having on your rest. You might even find your sleep diary becomes an enjoyable part of your sleep routine, and a good way to wind-down at night and get going in the morning.

There's room to personalize your sleep diary, so consider what kind of information you want to explore. And don't forget that it isn't just about when you go to bed and when you wake up – a sleep diary is about patterns and routines, so you want to note down what you're doing during the day. Below is a basic outline to get you started with your sleep diary.

Writing a sleep diary: in bed

The bulk of your sleep diary should record the basic data of your sleep, including how many hours you got and when you're getting them. Be honest with your data. If you want to understand your sleep issues, you need accurate information. Make sure to record:

When you went to bed
Importantly, this needs to be the time from when the lights went out and your head hit the pillow, not the time that you planned to go to bed but then sat up for an extra 30 minutes reading. This can help you find when to go to bed based on your internal clock.

How long it took you to fall asleep
In minutes, how long did it take you to fall asleep? You can use a sleep tracker to get a more detailed answer to this question, or make a rough estimate at how long it felt. But avoid watching the clock in your bedroom, as this might keep you awake longer.

How easily you fell asleep
If you’re not sure of the exact timing, this metric is a good way to understand your sleep onset latency (how long it takes you to fall asleep). Were you snoring in seconds? Did you toss and turn before settling down? Or did you lie awake for a while before finally drifting off?

What time you woke up
Although you should try to avoid pressing snooze multiple times, if you did enjoy a few added minutes rest in the morning, record when your alarm went off for the last time – not the alarm you set with the best intentions the night before and ignored (we've all been there).

Did you wake up in the night?
Record how many times you woke up in the night and how long you were awake for. A sleep tracker can help with the details, but it isn’t essential. If you aren’t sure exactly how long you were awake for, record how hard it was to fall back to sleep instead.

What woke you up in the night
Physical, mental, and environmental reasons can all be responsible for nighttime wakings. Were you in pain or uncomfortable? Were you feeling stressed or anxious? Was there too much light or noise? If there was a clear cause waking you up, take note of it.

How many hours you slept for
This is the total number of hours you slept, from when you went to bed right through to getting up in the morning.

Rate your sleep 0-5
With zero indicating terrible and five indicating excellent, note just how well you slept. This should be based on how refreshed you feel in the morning and how comfortable you felt during the night – don't just base it on the hours you've recorded.

Writing a sleep diary: during the day

Your sleep diary shouldn't be confined to what happened during the night. "Sometimes your sleep troubles are a result of bad sleep habits," says Lisa. "For example, drinking too much caffeine before bedtime, not exercising or poor sleep hygiene." Here are the important details to note about your day:

Naps
Naps can be good for your sleep, but if you do doze during the day, make sure to write it in your sleep diary. It will affect the overall amount of sleep you're getting.

Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine consumption
Make sure to note both the quantity and timing of any caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine you consumed. For example: two cups of coffee at 11am, one at 3pm. Timing can be as important as amount when assessing sleep.

Medication
Note down any medications you might have taken during the day, as well as when you took them. Try to be thorough; if you have an aspirin first thing in the morning, you still want to note it in your diary, to get a full picture of your rest.

How active you were during the day
The best fitness trackers can help you get into the details, but if you don't have one, just give a general overview of how much activity you got up to. And don't forget to note the timings: did you exercise before bed, or at another point during the day?

Your bedtime routine
Make a general note of your bedtime routine, including what you did and when you did it. How well did you stick to your planned wind-down?

How you felt during the day?
On a scale of 0-5, with zero being very lethargic and five being energized, how awake did you feel during the day? You might also want to add a journaling aspect to your sleep diary. Noting your emotional wellbeing before going to bed can help you understand how you sleep when you're stressed.

Writing a sleep diary: after two weeks

When you've started to build up data in your sleep diary, it's time to look at it with a critical eye. There are a few important questions you need to ask yourself when assessing the data:

• Do I dedicate enough of my time for sleep?
• Am I consistent in when I go to bed?
• Am I consistent in when I wake up?
• Do I struggle to fall asleep?
• Do I wake up often during the night?
• Do I typically feel well-rested in the morning? Or drowsy?
• How might my daytime activities be impacting my sleep?

While a sleep diary can be a personal thing, a way to assess your own rest, it also has wider applications. If a lack of sleep is having a serious effect on your wellbeing, you might want to speak to a doctor – and your diary can provide much needed data. 

"If you need to see a GP or healthcare professional about your sleep issues, you will have evidence of your sleep-wake pattern which can help with a diagnosis and treatment,” explains Lisa. (The Sleep Charity has it's own sleep diary template you can use as a starting point.)

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow: two-minute review

I love to sleep, and I also love to sleep comfortably. As a result, I also love to test bed pillows, since they play a significant role in determining how comfortably I’ll sleep. And I could tell at first glance that I was going to enjoy testing the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows. Some pillows arrive compressed, and when they’re expanding, it’s a wait-and-see process. Will the pillows be flat, or will they be nice and fluffy?

Since the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows aren’t compressed, I knew as soon as I opened the shipping box that they were going to be a pleasure to review. As I unzipped the individually packaged pillows from their stylish fabric bags (with handles, no less), I knew this level of detail in packaging would probably extend to a high level of detail in making the pillows as well.

And I was not disappointed. The pillows were thick and plush (my favorite two adjectives when describing something that I’m going to lay my head on). The fill is made of memory foam and also down alternative fibers for a cushy experience that’s still firm enough to provide support. They're available in three shape options: Classic, which is recommended for stomach and back sleepers; Curved, which fits to your contours and is best for side and back sleepers; and Ultimate, which features three removable inserts that can be configured for every sleeping position.

I tested a pair of the Sleep Number ComfortFit Classic Pillows for over two weeks to see how they compare to the rest of the best pillows on the market. And if you’re looking for ways to really boost your sleep comfort further, take a look at our guide to this year's best mattresses for all budgets.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: price & value for money

• Premium pillow, premium priced
• 100-night trial period, 1 year warranty
• Currently buy one, get one 50% off

At $99.99, the classic Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow in the standard size is considered a higher-end pillow – although there are competitors with pillows that cost significantly more. However, it’s not a cheap or mid-range pillow. Having tested dozens of pillows, I consider the price to be fair, considering the quality design and materials – in fact, I think it’s a good value for what you get.

The Classic king size pillow is $119.00. Also, the various models have different prices as well. The standard Curved pillow is $119.99, and $139.99 for a king. And the Ultimate pillow, which has three removable inserts so you can find your perfect fit, is $139.99/standard, $159.99/king.

At the time of publication, the pillow was being sold (in every size and shape) as buy one, get one 50% off.

A relatively-comparable alternative is the GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow, which is regularly priced at $139 but on sale for $70. It has a microfiber gel fill, and a breathable cover made of 100% cotton. It’s a fluffy, squeezable pillow like the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow, and while it’s on sale, can save you quite a few bucks. However, it’s not available in different shapes and sizes

If you’d prefer a foam pillow and/or you tend to sleep hot, the Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow has cooling features, as well as a stylish design that allows it to be used without an additional pillowcase. In addition, the cover can be washed. It’s supportive, but not as squishy soft as the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow.

Sleep Number provides free shipping for the pillow. There’s also a 100-night trial, and a 1-year warranty. In comparison, GhostPIllow provides a 101-night trial period and a 5 year warranty, and Nolah provides a 30 day trial period and a 2 year warranty.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: design and materials

• Memory foam and down alternative fibers
• 3 shape choices for side, back, and stomach sleepers
• Breathable Lyocell blend cover

I chose the Classic shape, which is recommended for stomach or back sleepers. However, there’s also an option to get the Curved pillow, which provides enhanced support and works best for side or back sleepers (I’m testing the curved pillows in a future review). In addition, the Ultimate shape has three removable inserts, which can be used for any type of sleeper since the inserts can be taken out (or left in) to customize the pillow. 

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow includes a blend of memory foam pieces and down alternative fibers. The memory foam pieces are moldable, so they fit the shape of my head and neck, and also bounce back when I move your head. The down alternative fibers are designed to imitate the luxurious feel of down. However, alternative or faux down tends to cost less. It’s also a great choice for people who may be allergic to down.

Delivery was uneventful, and set-up was quick and easy, since the pillows were not compressed, so they didn’t need time to expand, and I didn’t have to deal with any potential off-gassing. However, I do want to note that Sleep Number takes presentation very seriously. I was impressed with the individual cloth bags inside of the delivery box. These zippered bags added an extra layer of hygienic protection, and were convenient when storing or transporting the pillows.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: care and allergies

The pillows cannot be machine washed (only the Ultimate shape pillow has a removable cover that can be machine washed). Spot cleaning is recommended for the classic and curved shapes.

The down alternative material is quite suited for someone with allergies, since it’s not actual down – which serves as an allergen for some people. In fact, the pillows are actually hypoallergenic.

The pillow contains CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means that it was made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, phthalates, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, and meets the low VOC emissions standard for indoor air. It’s also screened to be free for fire retardants and other chemicals that have been classified as mutagens or reproductive toxins, or carcinogens.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: comfort & support

• Thick and plush, but not too plush
• Best for side or back sleepers
• Bounces back and does not need refluffing

For over two weeks, I slept on a pair of Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows to see how comfortable and supportive they were. The pillows were very plush, akin to sleeping on a cloud. As a result of the memory foam, the pillows molded to the shape of my head and neck, and when I changed positions, they quickly bounced back and proceeded to cradle me in my next position. And since the pillows contains down alternative, they felt luxurious, and were breathable.

The pillows are a mid-loft version that’s not too high and not too low. In side and back positions, it supported me well. However, it may have been too high to provide consistent support for someone who always sleeps on their side. (The Ultimate shape would do a better job for side sleepers).

I did not need to re-plump the pillows, due to the combination of fill contents in it. This pillow would be great for the average customer who sleeps on their back or side. It may be too high for petite sleepers. 

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: temperature regulation

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows have a breathable Lyocell blend cover. Since neither the fill nor the cover trapped heat, the pillows didn’t get hot while sleeping – even though, as you can see from the photos, I was underneath plenty of bedding.

The pillows didn’t necessarily feel cool to the touch, but I was satisfied that they were not making me hot either, since they were breathable, which allowed any heat to escape. I tested the pillows during the fall season, which in Birmingham, AL is comfortable enough to turn off the HVAC.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow review: specs

Should you buy the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow?

Buy it if...

✅ You want the best of both worlds: The pillow contains both memory foam and alternative down for a unique experience. It’s luxurious and smooth, while also being squishy, soft and supportive.

✅ You prefer down alternative to down: If you’re allergic to down, you’ll appreciate that the pillow mimics down, but it’s hypoallergenic, so it doesn’t have any of the allergens that may cause you discomfort. Also, it doesn’t have any feathers to protrude and poke you.

✅ You want a luxurious feel: These high-end pillows aren’t as expensive as many other types of high-end pillows, so this is an opportunity to upgrade your existing pillows without breaking the bank. You can get a pair of pillows that you won’t have to replace every year.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You’re strictly a side sleeper: The pillow works best for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. If you always sleep on your side, you might not find the height to provide the right combination of support and comfort. (However, the Curved shape is designed for side or back sleepers and the Ultimate shape is adjustable, so it can be customized for side sleepers as well.)

❌ You like to adjust the fill: If you get the Classic shape, you won’t be able to unzip the cover and remove or add fill. So, if you don’t think the amount of fill is suitable for your needs, keep in mind that you’re stuck with that loft. The Ultimate shape pillow is adjustable, but if you want another option try the Layla Kapok Pillow.

❌ You like to wash your pillows and covers: You can’t wash the pillow, and you can’t even unzip the cover and wash it (although I used to toss the pillows in the dryer on the sanitize setting and it didn’t appear to affect performance). The cover is hypoallergenic if that helps, but if you want a fully washable option the GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow could be a good alternative.

How I tested the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow

I slept on the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows for over two weeks, testing for performance, comfort, and support. These tests were conducted during the fall season. Since I tend to sleep hot – but I love all of the stylish fall and winter bedding – I slept with the HVAC off to avoid getting overly hot in my mild climate.

You wake up and check the clock – 2am, plenty of time left to fall back to sleep on your best mattress. Then you check again and this time it's 3am, then 4am, and now you're just lying there watching the clock tick closer to morning. While monitoring the time may seem like a smart way to ensure you're getting the amount of sleep you need, this clock-watching might actually be the reason you can't drift off.

“Many people feel 'pressure' to sleep, and clocks can have a negative effect when patients are sensitive to this,” explains Dr Jake Deutsch, board certified emergency physician and medical advisory board member for Oura. In our Oura review, we found this smart ring sleep tracker was excellent at monitoring your kip without invasive and anxiety-inducing numbers – and Dr Deutsch's advice is to take the clock out of the bedroom altogether. And yes, this does include your phone. If it tells you the time, it's a clock.

For Dr Deutsch, removing the clock is part of optimizing your environment for good sleep. “My sleep hacks include removing clocks, making the room pitch black, cooling the environment, and taking the phone out of the bedroom."

What to do instead of watching the clock

Whether you're yet to drop off or you've woken up in the pitch black, the best thing to do when you can't sleep is get out of bed. The 15-minute rule encourages getting up if you've been lying awake for more than a quarter of an hour, to prevent your brain and body associating being in bed with anything other than sleep (this is also why bed rotting is a bad idea).

We recognize that this sounds like a slightly contradictory rule to mention here – how do you know if you've been waiting 15 minutes when there's no clock? But 15 minutes should be a general guideline, not a set time period. Instead of counting down 15 minutes, wait until you start to feel anxious or frustrated that you can't sleep. That's your cue to get up, go to another room, and take up your bedtime routine until you feel sleepy again.

Removing the clocks can be one way to limit pre-sleep anxiety, but this isn't your only tool for preventing stress from keeping you awake. Our guides 'how to sleep better when you're anxious' and 'how to sleep when you're stressed' are full of tips and techniques, but if stress is severely impacting your sleep, contact your doctor for advice. 

You need to show your bedtime a little bit of TLC – but not in the way you might expect. The best kind of tender loving care you can give your bedroom is this: temperature, light, and comfort. From taking care of your best mattress to adjusting the thermostat just that little bit, TLC can have a big impact on how well you sleep. 

This is an idea I learned from Silentnight's sleep expert Hannah Shore, courtesy of the Sleep Charity’s Sleep Conference, and decided to explore further. Let's break down how temperature, light, and comfort can affect your bedtime, and what you can do about it.

What is TLC for your bedroom?

Want to give your bedroom a little TLC? Here's how to tackle temperature, light and comfort in your room to create an environment that's just right for sleep.

1. Temperature

A natural lowering of your core temperature in the evening is one of the ways your body knows it's time to sleep. Which is why keeping the bedroom just that bit cooler – between 16 to 19 degrees Celsius or 60 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit – can help you drift off. When you open up the bedroom window you're not just letting in a breeze – good sleep is blowing in with it. 

If you regularly wake up sweaty, you might want to reconsider the mattress you’re using. Memory foam mattresses can sleep warm, while the best hybrid mattresses allow air to circulate to keep you comfortable overnight. And if night sweats are really impacting your sleep, check out our guide to the best cooling mattresses.

2. Light

Light has a huge impact on how well we sleep. Bright light tells our body clock that it’s time to be awake, while dim lights and darkness indicate it’s nearly bedtime. Even small amounts of light can make a difference – it’s theorized that might be the reason why the full moon appears to cause bad sleep.

For the optimum sleep environment, you want your bedroom to be nice and dark. Invest in a pair of blackout curtains to prevent outside light from getting in, or for a budget-friendly solution, get yourself an eye mask. 

Don’t forget about the other side of sleep – waking up. While darkness is preferable in the evening, you should aim to introduce light as early as possible in the morning. The best wake-up lights slowly flood the room with mock-sunshine to naturally rouse you, and once you're out of bed, open the curtains to keep the light flowing.

And – sorry – I can’t not mention blue light. Blue light is that disruptive brightness we get from devices such as smartphones. Removing these screens from the bedroom eliminates the temptation for a late night scroll and a sudden exposure to unwelcome light. 

3. Comfort

While it might sound like stating the obvious – of course you need to be comfortable to fall asleep – it’s an aspect of the bedroom you might not have thought about for a while. Is your mattress still supporting you? Or has it started to sag without you noticing? Next time you clean your mattress, give it a thorough and objective once-over. If you can't afford a new bed, the best mattress toppers make a short-term, budget-friendly solution to an uncomfortable sleep environment.

But comfort isn’t just about the bed. It also relates to how you feel in the room. Remove anything that might cause stress or anxiety, such as items related to work. Decluttering can help you sleep because our brains read mess as an incomplete task. A quick clean up can remove the source of pre-sleep anxiety.

And this piece of advice was aimed at children, but I think it’s relevant for all ages – remove anything that might be a potential ‘scary’, such as that dressing gown that looks just like a person in the middle of the night. It will save you from an unnecessary fright when you wake up at 3am. 

Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper review: two-minute review

The Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper is a luxurious offering that’s up there with the best mattress toppers on the market. The Panda London Hybrid Bamboo mattress is one of the best mattresses currently on sale in the UK, but how did the topper match up?

Like all memory toppers, the Panda is a thick slab of material – in this case, a 5cm-deep slab of memory foam. But despite this unprepossessing start, the Panda topper is a beautifully designed and high-quality piece. The cover is made of 40% bamboo and 60% polyester and feels soft and luxurious to the touch. Panda has also added adjustable straps, which are an absolute godsend if you have a deeper mattress like I do. It was easy to get a perfect fit and the topper stayed in place beautifully. I also love the little touch of the panda head embossed on all Panda London products.

I struggle with memory foam as I don’t enjoy the sensation of being enveloped. And I did find the topper a little too snug. Having said that, I could also appreciate how supportive it still managed to be, even with the distinctive memory foam ‘hug’. And, of course, this hug is nowhere near as pronounced as you’ll get on a memory foam mattress. My husband and friends who I asked to try the topper all really enjoyed sleeping on it, feeling it did a good job of soothing aches and pains. I think it’s ideal for back and side sleepers, but I wouldn’t recommend it to those who sleep on their front, as I feel they will sink too far into the topper and lose spinal alignment.

Customer review average for the Panda topper is 4.8 out of 5, with it being praised continuously for comfort levels and support. This high-quality topper definitely justifies its price tag, which I don’t think is at all outrageous.

Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper review: design & materials

• 5cm deep topper with gel-infused memory foam
• Removable and washable bamboo / polyester mix cover
• Adjustable straps

Panda London rightly prides itself on its eco credentials, with the mattress topper being Reach-certified, meaning no harmful chemicals were used during manufacturing. All bamboo is ethically sourced from organic bamboo, pesticide free and vegan friendly, with the topper being delivered in a recycled and recyclable box. When the topper does reach the end of its life, Panda will also recycle it for you.

The mattress topper is simply designed. There’s a 40% bamboo and 60% polyester soft touch cover that feels luxurious to the touch, with the addition of Panda London’s signature panda face in one corner. Inside is Panda’s proprietary 3rd generation Hydro foam, which is gel-infused memory foam with open-cell cooling technology.

The topper has an anti-slip bottom layer of dotted silicone to help keep it in place, but the cleverest touch in my opinion is the four adjustable straps at each corner that mean you can fit the topper exactly to your own mattress and adjust it for different depths. It’s a simple touch, but one that really makes a difference when it comes to ease of use.

Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper review: price & value for money

• Mid-range pricing, but feels like a premium topper
• 30-day trial and 10-year warranty
• Rarely discounted

The Panda topper comes in an impressive number of sizes. Here’s the RRP for each size:

• UK Single: £99.95
• UK Small Double: £134.95
• UK Double: £139.95
• UK King: £159.95
• UK Super King: £174.95
• EU Single: £104.95
• EU Double: £149.95
• EU King: £169.95
• EU Emperor: £199.95

The Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper sits in the mid-range price bracket, but I think its quality more than justifies its price tag. The cover feels incredibly soft to the touch and it’s extremely comfortable to lie on. Plus the clever non-slip bottom and adjustable straps make this topper a real pleasure to use.

Panda doesn’t discount its products very often and you’ll generally find discounts around major sales events. I’d recommend bookmarking our mattress sales page, as it will keep you up to date with when the brand has any offers available. We have seen the occasional 10% off around the holidays but this isn’t a brand that offers evergreen sale prices. Still, I think the topper is well worth the cost even at full price.

Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper review: comfort & performance

• Ideal for back and side sleepers
• Distinctive memory foam ‘hug’
• Great temperature regulation

Although the Panda topper is made of memory foam, I was quite surprised by how much of a pronounced ‘hug’ the topper has. This is not, by any means, a firm topper. There’s a lot of moulding to the body with the Panda and you can instantly feel yourself sinking into it. Of course, the sinkage is nowhere near the level you’d find in some of the best memory foam mattresses but it is quite distinctive for a topper.

I am not a fan of body-hugging toppers or mattresses, and did find the topper far too soft and conforming for my sleeping preferences. However, I am a bit of an abnormality in that despite being a lightweight side and back sleeper, I much prefer a firmer mattress overall. This is not to say, however, that I couldn’t appreciate the support that the topper gave me. It offers some lovely cushioning around pressure points and my husband and friends who tried it said it helped to soothe aches and pains.

I think this topper would be a great fit for back and side sleepers as it offers excellent pressure relief and cushioning. But stomach sleepers are likely to sink too far into the mattress and lose spinal alignment. Combination sleepers might also struggle a little to change position overnight.

We were sleeping on a firm innerspring mattress when testing and the topper did completely change the feel of the mattress, giving it the aforementioned memory foam ‘hug’. Neither my husband nor I could feel the mattress underneath at all, which isn’t surprising considering that the topper is of a decent depth.

Another member of TechRadar's testing team has also slept on the Panda topper. They, like me, tested it on a firm innerspring mattress and while they were on the whole impressed by its quality of build and materials, they found that the transformation it brought about made things just a little too soft for comfort. They also noted that it got a bit too warm for their liking.

I was concerned that the topper might sleep hot because of its sinkage but in fact it did an excellent job of keeping us cool at night. My husband is generally a hotter sleeper, but he didn’t feel overheated at all on the Panda. I think a lot of this is down to the natural temperature regulating qualities of bamboo, but it’s also helped by the open-cell foam. Panda says that the foam has tiny heat-sensitive capsules that react to your body temperature, with the extra space between the cells helping to release heat. It certainly did a good job, although I can imagine a really hot sleeper might still find it a little warm. I’m a fairly reptilian sleeper who usually uses an electric blanket, which you can use with the topper. Fair warning though, when I did so the topper trapped the heat magnificently and even I found it a little on the warm side.

Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper review: customer experience

• Vacuum packed and rolled into a surprisingly compact box
• Free delivery and returns
• 30-night trial and 10-year warranty

The Panda topper arrived in a relatively small box (delivered by a courier), which initially made me wonder if the topper was going to be a little on the weedy side. But there’s some impressive vacuum packing going on here, as once it was released it expanded quickly to form an impressively thick topper.

There was some initial off-gassing smell, but it dissipated after a day and was nowhere near as strong as you can get with mattresses. The topper inflated to its five cm height quickly, but there were visible lines where it had been folded in the box that took a good few days to disappear completely. The box is completely recycled and recyclable by the way – Panda really prides itself on its environmental commitments.

The topper has a 30-night trial so you can see if it’s the right fit for you, which is generous enough, although we have seen longer trials. The 10-year warranty is generous and gives plenty of protection in case anything goes wrong.

Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper review: specs

Should you buy the Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper?

Buy it if…

✅ You want a memory foam ‘hug’: If you’re looking to add some softness and cushioning support to your existing mattress, the Panda topper offers a proper memory foam ‘hug’ that will help support pressure points.

✅ You sleep on your side or back: The Panda topper is particularly suited to side and back sleepers, as it supports the lumbar region whilst still cushioning shoulders and hips.

✅ You want a topper that stays in place: It might sound like a simple thing, but some toppers slide about overnight and can make sleep uncomfortable. The adjustable straps and non-slip bottom mean that the Panda topper offers a perfect fit on every mattress.

Don't buy it if…

❌ You sleep on your stomach: The Panda topper is made of memory foam and there’s a fair amount of sinkage that means I don’t think it would be supportive enough for a stomach sleeper.

❌ You change positions a lot: It’s by no means impossible to change positions on the Panda topper, but the ‘hug’ of the memory foam does mean that it takes a little bit of effort.

❌ You don’t like the sinkage of memory foam: This topper really does mould around you, so if you’re not a fan of that contouring, look for a firmer topper instead, such as the Emma Flip Topper.

How I tested the Panda London Bamboo Mattress Topper

I slept on the Panda topper with my husband for around two weeks at the end of a fairly mild February. There were a couple of chillier nights during the testing period, but we slept under a winter duvet and fake fur throw throughout the two-week period in a bedroom of between 10 and 14C. I also asked a number of friends to try it out to get a better idea of how it performed for different sleeping styles and body weights. 

Read more about how we test

Naps often seem like the enemy of a good night's rest, but when done properly, naps can help you sleep. Excellent news for anyone who likes to spend some quality time with their best mattress. Even better – it might actually be best to take a nap every day.

That's according to Anush Pervez, sleep expert at SleepSeeker. “Napping often gets a negative reputation, with people believing it prevents you from sleeping well overnight. However, napping can be beneficial to your daily routine when properly moderated."

I'm never going to complain about being told to nap more, but I was curious about why napping is best when it's a habit. I asked Anush, and she explained to me that, like your evening sleep routine, it's best to keep things regular when it comes to naps.

Why nap regularly?

“Consistency is key with napping," explains Anush. "If you know napping is something you need in your lifestyle, try and add this to your daily routine. Napping at the same time and for a set interval will help regulate your body clock."

It's no surprise that our body clock prefers rhythmic repetition for good sleep. It's why we encourage you to develop a bedtime routine. But I hadn't considered how this might apply to naps. An unexpected nap at 12 noon can confuse our inner timer – why is bedtime suddenly in the middle of the day, and why is it happening again at night? But when a quick nap at 1pm becomes an everyday experience, your body learns to predict it, and can prepare accordingly.

While daily napping might not sound like the most productive choice, Anush doesn't recommend dozing the day away. “Try to keep your naps short, aiming between 20 to 30 minutes. This will prevent you from feeling overly fatigued when waking up from the slumber and will reduce any interference with your nighttime sleep routine." 

Before taking your daily nap, there's a few things you need to do. First, pick the right time. Early afternoon is a good choice as it's often when we need a refresh, but for a smart approach, Garmin's Forerunner watches can tell you when to nap. Second, set an alarm, to ensure you don't oversleep (a bad idea in the middle of the day). Finally, remember you're in good company – even Super Bowl winning athletes swear by a nap.

And napping shouldn't take priority over a full night's sleep. If you start to find you can't fall asleep at night, then consider cutting out your daytime nap, and see if that helps. You might find you've been oversleeping.

If you're mostly using your Alexa device to time your pasta or tell you if it's going to rain today, you're missing a trick. Alexa also has a bunch of features designed to help you sleep better, and the real benefit here is that using a voice assistant means you're not picking up your phone, and can avoid evening screen time and the distraction of work emails or TikTok. If you want to take things to the next level, you can even chain them together to create an automated Alexa routine (here's more on exactly how to do that).

If you don't have an Alexa-enabled speaker, and this convinces you it's time to invest, our guide to the best smart speakers will help you choose – the 2020 Echo currently has the top spot (you can read about that in our Amazon Echo (4th gen) review). Now read on for five Alexa skills to try tonight for a good night's sleep.

1. Listen to a story

Reading before bed is an effective way to wind down in the evening, but for a more seamless transition into sleep, listening to an audiobook is a great choice. Alexa has a selection of free short stories designed for exactly this purpose: just say “Alexa, read me a nighttime story”. If you have an audiobook already on the go, ask your smart speaker to resume playing that. Set a timer so you don't need to remember to wake up and turn it off.

2. Play white noise

Many people find it soothing to have white noise playing in the background while they drift off to sleep. It can be especially helpful if you're often distracted by noisy neighbors or traffic on the street outside, as the white noise can help mask those sounds to make them less jarring. 

Alexa has a free skill called Sleep Jar that can be used to play calming white noise. There's a library of ambient sounds to choose from, so if the lapping ocean or drizzly rain just makes you need the bathroom, you can pick more general nature sounds or generic white noise instead. 

Say “Alexa, play white noise” or “Alexa, play nature sounds” to launch. (Even if you don't use it for sleep, white noise can still help you relax, as our Sleep writer discovered when she tested it out.)

3. Turn on a night light

Darkness is one important way that your body knows it's time to sleep. However, if you can't doze off in a pitch-black room, there's a skill you can use to turn your Echo device into a low-level nightlight. Say, 'Alexa, open Night Light' and it'll cast a dim glow in your room. Add a time limit, like '... for 30 minutes', to that command, and it'll turn itself off after you've had time to fall asleep, too.

4. Try a guided meditation

It's difficult to sleep when you're stressed. If it's a busy mind that's preventing you from dropping off, Alexa has a guided meditation skill to help calm things down. Say “Alexa, open Guided Meditation” and your speaker will play a different meditation exercise every day. This gives you something relaxing to focus on and helps slow your thoughts.

5. Play soothing music 

You probably know that your smart speaker can play music, but in case it slipped your mind, if podcasts or white noise aren't your sleep aid of choice, perhaps a gentle playlist will do the trick. You could even use the music as a timer for your bedtime routine, so you're not clock-watching while you go about your pre-bed tasks.