DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress UK review 2024: hotel quality at an affordable price

Editor's note

• Original review date: December 2022
• Updated with different cover
• Launch price (double): £949
• Official price now: £1,649

Updated: January 2024. The DreamCloud has been on sale in the UK since 2020, and we originally reviewed it in December 2022. Since then, this mattress has undergone one small revision: the mostly-white cover has been replaced with a new cover with blue edges, matching the design of the US version. The main body of the mattress is functionally identical, so this update doesn't affect the findings in our review.

Ruth Hamilton

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress: two-minute review

Even after just one night's sleep on the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress, you'll notice that luxury is ingrained into the design. How does five layers of support sound? Pretty dreamy, right? As soon as you turn in for the night, you're greeted with 29cm worth of mattress thickness which gets to work by moulding, holding and supporting your frame as you sleep without feeling like you are sinking. Plus, the edge support is pure magic and as is the motion isolation. It gives many of the best mattresses a run for their money, thanks to the mattress' strong and sturdy makeup, and you'll also find it in TechRadar's best mattress for side sleepers roundup. 

It's hard to detail negatives about the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid, because it really does do what it says on the tin. However, if I was being really picky, I did find that this mattress ran a little hot at times, even with the mattress' top layer, which is supposed to be 'breathable'. However, the temperature  was just right for 19 out of 21 nights tested. One other point to weigh up about this mattress is how heavy it is. 

At full price, it's very expensive, but in reality, constant DreamCloud mattress sales mean you'll never pay full price – although it still sits in the upper mid-range price bracket. While the build quality feels luxurious, there are close competitor models that cost less, and could sway those on a tighter budget away. There's no arguing the extras aren't excellent though: you get an impressive lifetime guarantee and a generous 365-day sleep trial, which matches the best on the market. All in all, I think it's a price worth paying to sleep easy at night. 

Visiting from the US? We're reviewing the UK model here. For our review of the US DreamCloud, toggle the flag dropdown in the main navigation bar.

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review: materials & design

• 28cm deep hybrid mattress
• Three foam layers and 15cm of pocket springs
• Luxury quilted top cover

Like all the best hybrid mattresses, DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress is made with a combination of foam and sprung layers, each of which promote good spinal alignment, support and all over pressure relief. 

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress has five different layers. Hot sleeper? Or sleep next to one? The top layer is the brand's ‘luxury quilted cooling layer' which is crafted with cooling technology to help you sleep minus the sweat. The second layer has the ‘dream plush' memory foam to provide breathable, contouring support. 

The third layer is another supportive foam, while the fourth is the brand's reinforced edge spring unit, which in layman's terms is 15cm of pocket springs that give the mattress added bounce and support while minimising motion transfer. The last layer is made from high-density foam that provides the strong foundation for a well rounded sleep. 

The cover isn't removable, which means you should invest in one of the best mattress protectors if you want to keep your DreamCloud in tip-top condition. It does, however, have sturdy handles, which are particularly welcome as this is quite a heavy mattress and it would be near-impossible to manoeuvre otherwise.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review: price & value for money

• The brand's only mattress in the UK
• Always on sale for around 57% off RRP
• There are similarly luxurious models that cost less

This mattress sits in the upper-mid range price point of the mattress world and we think you get a decent amount for your money. At RRP, a single is £949, rising to £1,899 for a super king. However, in reality you should never have to pay that price – as well as DreamCloud coupons there's a constant DreamCloud deal that runs year-round, knocking around 57% off. Most other big bed brands do a similar thing – check our general mattress sales guide for an overview (Black Friday mattress deals in late November traditionally offer some of the best prices of the year). 

Here are the official ticket prices for each size of the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid, alongside the prices you can expect to pay:

• Single RRP: £949 (normally sells for £408.07)
• Double RRP: £1,649 (normally sells for £709.07)
• King RRP: £1,749 (normally sells for £752.07)
• Super King RRP: £1,899 (normally sells for £816.57)

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress is pricier than the likes of the Brook + Wilde Elite (around £500 for a double, based on typical discounts), which I think offers a similarly luxurious sleep experience, and the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid. It's also pricier than the Emma NextGen Premium (double usually around £400), although that one perhaps does feel a little less high-end. However, it's on a par with the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress, for which a double is usually priced around the £760, and a it's a fair bit cheaper than the Simba Hybrid Pro, which is usually around £1,199 for a double. 

While this isn't the most affordable mattress on the market, you do get a lot of luxury for that price tag, and the 365-night sleep trial and forever warranty beat most of what DreamCloud's competitors offer.

• Value score: 4.5 out of 5

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review: comfort & support

• A medium mattress with a 6.5 out of 10 rating
• Keeps spine aligned thanks to its five supportive layers
• Contours around your body without feeling like you are sinking 

DreamCloud rates this mattress as a 6.5 on the firmness scale, which it rates as medium-firm but that we put at the top end of the medium firmness band. While both firmness and comfort are subjective, I think this one hits the sweet spot for anyone who's wavering between a firm and medium feel, or indeed as a compromise for couples who can't agree on a medium or firm mattress. The top layer of memory foam gives this mattress enough contouring for sleepers who appreciate a little softness, while the more dense foam underneath provides firmer support.

One tester, who is 6ft and usually sleeps on his side, found the mattress to be softer than his usual preference, yet he still enjoyed restful nights sleep. I (5ft 5 and weighing 60kg) prefer medium-to-firm mattresses and found the support levels to be just right. I think the DreamCloud will be too soft for heavier bodies, however. 

Pressure relief is always important when it comes to a mattress, especially if you suffer from joint pain. When sleeping on my side, I found my joints were comfortably supported, with no pain in the hips or back. While sleeping on my back, I found that the mattress cradled me just enough to keep my spine properly aligned, without feeling that any parts of my body were sinking in too deeply. The DreamCloud might be too soft for heavier-weight back sleepers, though, and I would usually recommend a firmer mattress for stomach sleepers.

But perhaps one of the best things about this mattress is its reinforced coils and supportive foam base. No matter whether you are sitting, perching or twisting and turning, the 15cm of premium pocket springs and sturdy base keep things steady without the bed ever feeling too bouncy. 

DreamCloud mattress review: performance

• Can sleep slightly warm
• Minimal motion transfer
• Edge support is outstanding

Beyond the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid's value for money, design and comfort, I also rated it on the key performance metrics that'll matter to all sleepers. For a good night's sleep you'll want a mattress that regulates temperature well, does a good job of absorbing movement, and has edges that won't squash down when you sit or lie on them. Here's what I found.

Temperature regulation

Being too warm to sleep is a major sleep disruptor and some mattress' materials are much better at dispersing heat than others. Across the three week period, I used 100% cotton duvet covers and a 10-tog duvet and enjoyed many breathable nights sleep. My review took place during a mild UK autumn.

For most nights, this mattress felt about right temperature wise as when your skin touches it, it does remain cool to the touch, moulding slightly to your form. That said, there were some times when this mattress ran a little hot. 

But, overall, it's fair to say that the first luxury quilted layer does work towards providing good breathability and premium softness, distributing heat evenly while you sleep.

• Temperature regulation score: 3.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

Move a lot in your sleep? Or do you sleep with someone who does? Then this mattress is definitely worth your hard earned cash. While you can still feel that there is someone next to you, all that wiggling and turning won't disrupt your sleep – even if you are a light sleeper. The DreamCloud's spring layer is made with pocketed coils that reduce motion transfer, while the foam base layer does an excellent job of dampening movements; together these make a mattress that'll ensure a peaceful night no matter how much you or your partner is rolling around.

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But don't just take my word for it. To help test this theory, I used an empty wine glass and a 8kg kettlebell, dropping the weight at different distances to see how much motion the mattress absorbed. No matter whether we dropped the kettlebell within 25 inches, 10 inches or 4 inches from the glass, the closer the weight got to the glass it wobbled but it didn't topple.

• Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5

Edge support

This is where the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress really came into its own. Good edge support means you can use the whole of the bed without feeling in danger of rolling off in the night, maximising the surface area, and extending its life, helping to prevent premature sagging. It also means you can comfortably sit on the edge without sinking in too deeply or slipping off, whether you're getting dressed or if you have mobility problems and need to lift yourself off the edge of the bed to get up in the morning.

I tested an 8kg kettlebell on the mattress to see what sinkage there was at the middle and edge of the bed. The results: barely any sinkage at all; the base of the kettlebell sunk into the surface of the mattress by a couple of centimetres, but the edges themselves remained straight. This means that no matter where you are slouching, the DreamCloud's coils and supportive foam base work to support you from rolling, dipping or sinking. 

• Edge support score: 5 out of 5

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review: customer experience

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress would have scored full marks if I'd had someone to help get the mattress up the stairs and out of the box, as it was quite heavy to do by yourself. Based on the FAQ section of the site, DreamCloud used to offer two-person delivery to a room of choice (presumably for a fee), but suspended this service when COVID kicked in, and hasn't reinstated it. The brand does offer an old mattress removal service, although it's not clear what's included in that by way of unpacking the new mattress.

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However, generally speaking, it was a super easy unboxing process. Like many of the best other mattresses-in-a-box, the compact nature of the delivery makes it ideal for those who are short on space or are sleeping in a small bedroom. 

Once you have opened the box, you'll find the mattress rolled up in just two plastic pieces of wrapping. DreamCloud provides you with a handy cutter to help you snip the plastic open without damaging the mattress inside. Once you have done that, and unrolled the mattress onto the bed, there's a second piece of plastic wrapping to cut. Once you've snipped that, in just five minutes the mattress inflates, leaving you wondering how it had ever fitted inside the box. However DreamCloud recommends waiting for at least five hours before using it.

Many vacuum-packed mattresses can emit a peculiar smell after they've decompressed; this is known as off-gassing and while it's harmless, the chemical odour can take the shine off a new bed. There was definitely a ‘new mattress' smell as the DreamCloud expanded, but by the time I checked again five hours later, the smell was practically gone.

Beyond the setup, another thing that really marks the DreamCloud out is its extensive trial and warranty. You get a whole year to try this mattress out in your own home, with the option to return it for a full refund if it simply doesn't work out for you. DreamCloud also provides a forever warranty; for the first 10 years of ownership DreamCloud will replace your mattress with a brand new model if it's defective in workmanship and materials; after 10 years it'll either replace your mattress or repair and re-cover it.

• Customer experience score: 4.5 out of 5

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress specs

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review: other reviews

Pretty much the only place you can buy the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress is direct from DreamCloud itself. Right now (January 2024) on DreamCloud's own website, customers give the mattress 4.4 stars out of 5 from 887 reviews. Meanwhile at TrustPilot, DreamCloud has a score of 4.2 on the basis of 1,779 reviews, with 71% of reviewers awarding it five stars.

On the positive side, some particular themes that came up included: the great pressure relief, the welcomed firmness and the lengthy 365-night trial period. Some users said this year-long trial is very handy because you can really take your time to get used to the mattress to test out whether or not it's right for you. Relief from back pain was another topic that many customers highlighted. With some claiming that the support offered from the mattress has meant they are now back pain free. 

On the negative side, a handful of customers mentioned how heavy the mattress is to move and highlighted the need for two people to get it into place. Others felt that this mattress was quite pricey, while there are also a few complaints about negotiating DreamCloud's returns policy.

Should you buy the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You share with a fidget: The DreamCloud delivers great motion isolation and scored really impressively in our drop tests. This means that if you share a bed with a fidgety partner (or if you're the wriggler in question), nobody need be disturbed by nocturnal manoeuvres. 

✅ You sleep on the edge of the bed: There's some seriously good edge support to the DreamCloud, so if you like to sleep right on the sides you'll be no danger of rolling off, and it also means you can comfortably use the edge of the bed for sitting or getting up easily if you have mobility issues. 

✅ You value good spinal alignment: There's just the right amount of sink to the DreamCloud to ensure that whatever position you sleep in, your joints will be supported and your spine properly aligned.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You sleep warm: The DreamCloud feels cool to the touch, but its foam has a tendency to trap heat and can run a little hot at times. For a hybrid mattress that sleeps comfortably cool, we'd recommend the Emma Luxe Cooling.

❌ You're lighter than average: The medium DreamCloud suits most sleeping positions, but if you're of lower than average weight it could well feel a little too firm, particularly if you sleep on your side. The Brook + Wilde Elite is similarly luxurious and comes in three firmness options so that you can choose a comfort level that suits you best.

❌ You're a bit of a weakling: The DreamCloud's rather heavy, and if you're hoping to move it to your bedroom single-handed you could run into difficulties. The Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress is a great alternative if that's the case, as it comes with free white glove delivery directly to your bedroom. 

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review: Also consider

Panda mattress
The Panda currently sits at the top of our best mattress roundup, and it's a premium option made with bamboo-infused memory foam and zoned pocket springs. It's a firmer mattress that'll suit stomach and back sleepers best, but be aware that it isn't always discounted so you may have to pick the right time to buy it.
Read our Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress review

Simba Hybrid Pro
If you prefer a firmer mattress the Simba Hybrid Pro provides plenty of support  and cushioning for back and stomach sleepers, although it could be a bit too firm for side sleepers. It's a quality mattress with a traditional feel that comes in at a slightly premium price, and it's 100% recyclable, too.
Read our Simba Hybrid Pro mattress review

Emma NextGen Premium
The 25cm Emma NextGen Premium features 18cm of pocket springs, making it responsive and also breathable; there's little danger of overheating on this bed. It's a little firmer than Emma claims, but it's comfortable in most sleeping positions; however the motion isolation and edge support could be better.
Read our Emma NextGen Premium mattress review

How I tested the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress

I tested the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress over a period of 21 nights, sleeping on both my side and my back to get a proper feel for it. I also engaged the services of a second tester who generally prefers firmer mattresses.

In order to properly gauge the DreamCloud's comfort, support, motion isolation and edge support, I used a series of standardised tests using a kettlebell to get objective measurements.