13 Best Soft Mattress UK – Expert Buyers Guide (2023)

Last Updated on 19 Apr. 2020 comments (18)

Looking to lie on a cloud of softness while you drift off to sleep?

Look no further!

I’ve found the best soft mattresses and given a short review of each. And I’ve linked through to where you can buy them so you can check out the price and see some more information.

Here’s a quick rundown of all the best soft mattresses on this list. Click the name to go to Mattress Next Day and order yours

5 BEST SOFT MATTRESS UK REVIEWED

Now it’s time for the main event! I’ve gathered together some of the best soft mattresses and given you a short review of each so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.

1. Top Pick & Best For Side Sleepers- Studio Memory Foam Softer Mattress By Silentnight

Studio Softer By Silentnight Next To Bed

  • Comes Rolled In A Box
  • Soft Memory Foam
  • 5-Year Guarantee
  • 26 cm Deep

Price & reviews

The Studio By Silentnight Softer Mattress is an ideal choice for a soft mattress, it’s fully memory foam and comes rolled up in a box so is nice and easy to get into the room you need it to. Only the Super king size comes delivered flat, the single, double, and king size all come in a box.

This is straying towards being a medium-soft mattress so is slightly firmer than some of the other ones on the list but still a soft feel overall and like all soft mattress it’s good for side sleepers.

There is also Geltex inside which provides the much-needed breathability which is often missing from memory foam mattresses. It also gives it a little more bounce than a regular memory foam mattress. And the 26 cm is nice and deep so you can comfortably sink into it.

Overall the best soft mattress for side sleepers and just best soft mattress overall!

2. Softest Mattress – Happy Beds Premier Spring Quilted Fabric Mattress

Brand: Happy beds
Material: Spring

  • 20 cm thick
  • Damask cover for durability and comfort
  • Needs flipped periodically
  • Free UK Delivery

Price & Reviews

Everything you could want from a soft mattress, it’s open spring so the classic feel of mattress where the whole thing bounces.

It’s only 20cm deep which isn’t the thickest but for the rock bottom price this sells for I’d say it’s worth it, very comfortable and made with classic fillings for natural cooling and comfort.

The Damask cover makes it look stylish but also offers breathability for hot sleepers and makes it that little bit softer to lie on because it’s quite a flexible material. Usually reserved for higher end mattresses, provides an extra touch of quality to the mattress.

Happy Beds offer free UK delivery which is a big plus and you get a 5-year guarantee to ensure you’ve bought a quality product.

3. Best Budget Soft Mattress – Happy Beds Star Spring Quilted Fabric Mattress

Brand: Happy beds
Material: Spring

  • Made in the UK
  • Free UK Delivery
  • Damask cover for durability
  • Padded top for comfort
  • Damask cover for extra softness
  • 20 cm thick

Price & Reviews

If you’re on a budget there’s no better choice than Happy Beds, Low price, top quality, free delivery and a 5-year guarantee.

This mattress has a very soft feel to it with an open spring system to give you soft support while still being very comfortable. This has more of a padded top than the above mattress and has the same 20cm depth, which again is not the thickest but this mattress is an absolute bargain.

It’s got a damask cover for added durability to back up the 5-year guarantee and it works on most bed frames.

all there is to it, it’s comfortable, it’s cheap and it’s a soft feel. Perfect.

4. Best Luxury Soft Memory Foam mattress – Mammoth Shine Advanced Softer Mattress

Mammoth Shine Advanced Softer Mattress

Brand: Mammoth
Material: Memory Foam

  • Medical Grade Foam
  • 5-Year Guarantee
  • 0% Finance Available
  • Tencel Cover

Price & Reviews

Mammoth have produced an extraordinary mattress, originally designed to help injured athletes recover it is now available to everyone.

The medical grade foam is specially designed to give maximum support and comfort as soon as you lie on it.

The cover is made with Tencel which is a material designed to naturally cool the body and wick away any moisture, ideal for night sweats, and it’s hypoallergenic.

Although it’s more expensive it comes with a 5-year guarantee so you can be sure you’ll get your monies worth from it.

Overall one of the best soft mattresses on the list, great support lovely soft feel and a 5-year guarantee.

5.Best Soft Spring Mattress – Reylon Pocket Wool Silk Cashmere Mattress

BEST SOFT SPRING MATTRESS REYLON POCKET WOOL SILK CASHMERE MATTRESS

Brand: Reylon

Material: Pocket Spring

  • 26 cm deep
  • Soft knitted cover
  • Natural filling
  • 5-year guarantee

Price & Reviews

This is a great choice because of it’s natural fillings, although it’s more of a medium soft feel than a soft, but it’s got a soft knitted cover that makes it feel that little bit softer.

This is actually a mattress in a box and gets delivered all rolled up, couple that with a 5-year guarantee and you’re onto a winner.

Apart from that you’ve got edge support and no roll together making it the right mattress for couples while giving plenty of support to anyone who sleeps in it.

A superb choice of a soft spring mattress.

Soft Mattress Type Explained

There are a couple of different materials you want if you’re looking for a soft mattress, memory foam or pocket spring.

Soft Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory Foam Mattress

Foam and Memory Foam Mattresses are ideal soft mattress materials because foam can be made to be very soft! It’s also completely hypoallergenic and gives you extra support working to ease pressure points and helping with spinal alignment keeping your back and joints happy through the night.

Memory foam moulds with your body heat so as your warm body lies on the mattress it heats up the foam which causes it to soften and hugs to your body. Memory foam is my favourite type of mattress because I’m a light sleeper and it works to lessen motion transfer, so when your partner moves you don’t feel it leaving you sleeping soundly through the night.

Not all memory foam mattresses are made the same and the “>most common firmness level is medium-firm but I’ve found a soft mattress that you’re going to love in the Studio by Silentnight.

More On The Best Memory Foam Mattress

Soft Pocket Spring Mattresses

Pocket springs are individually wrapped springs that all get lined up inside the mattress. Far superior to open coil springs which are all fused together in a big grid, individual pocket springs can move independently of each other.

The softness comes from the spring tension so again not all pocket spring mattresses are soft but the right one will give you a super soft bed to sleep on.

Pocket springs are a great choice if you still want a bit of bounce in your bed and want softness without a sinking feeling.

More On The Best Pocket Sprung Mattress

HYBRID MATTRESSES

Lastly we have hybrid mattresses which are a combination of a comfort layer of memory foam as the top layer and an inner filling of pocket springs giving you the best of both worlds. Extra support from the memory foam and the added familiarity of the pocket springs for extra bounce.

Sleeping Positions And Soft Mattresses

These are just general guidelines, if you have a personal preference then don’t let me stop you!

Side Sleepers – As a rule soft mattresses are best suited to side sleepers. They sink in further which is what you need on your side so your shoulders and hips sink down keeping your spine aligned. If you swap between back and side sleeping then I’m sure you’ll still get on fine on a soft mattress, just think about what position you tend to wake up or fall asleep in.

Back Sleepers – Back sleepers get on OK with sort mattresses but not the best, they can cause some pressure on your spine from the way you sink in. But if you sleep on your back and know you get on fine with a soft mattress then dive right in.

Stomach sleepers – If you’re a stomach sleeper then a soft mattress will be a no go. You need a firmer mattress to keep your head propped up properly so you don’t end up with unnecessary pain in your neck. I’ve got more on Frim mattresses here.

Soft Mattresses And BACK PAIN

Back Pain

Soft mattresses can be very comfortable to sleep on but they have one major drawback, and that’s a lack of back support.

It’s not so bad if you sleep on your side because there’s not as much pressure on your spine. But if you’re a back sleeper, you need to be aware that if you ever wake up with a sore back then it will likely get worse if you buy a soft mattress.

If you’re worried but still want to get a soft mattress then go for a memory foam option, memory foam provides extra support along your back and supports your joints where you need it most.

I’ve got a guide to the best mattress for back pain here, but generally, you’re going to want a firm mattress or at least a firmer one in general than soft for the support you need.

But often a new mattress can be all you need to help ease a sore back, because old mattresses tend to sag and lose the support along your spine leaving you without that much-needed pressure relief your mattress should give you.

But if you do want a soft mattress still then make sure you go for a memory foam one, that’ll give you the best support possible while still being a soft feel and giving you a good night’s sleep.

Problems of A Soft Mattress

Every mattress firmness comes with its own problems, it’s just about finding the right one for you, and the main problem of a soft mattress is that it tends to be hot.

Hot Sleepers Beware – Becuase you sink deeper into a soft mattress it can wrap around you leaving you feeling hot and uncomfortable. It’s not always the case but if you’re prone to overheating then you might want to consider a firmer mattress or consider getting a cooling mattress topper to put on top to help you stay cool and comfortable all night long.

Heavier People May Be Too Heavy – Soft mattresses are just that, soft, so if you’re on the heavier side you might just sink through and end up with extra pressure on your joints. Generally soft mattresses are ideal for people about 10 stone or under, but it’s personal preference again, if you weigh more than 10 stone and want a soft mattress then go right ahead!

Higher Price – Soft mattresses are actually one of the hardest types to make, they have a lot of materials inside them and usually a few foam layers at least which drives up the price. You can still get some affordable soft mattresses but they’re more uncommon.

Other Soft Mattresses Reviewed

Bed Butler COMFORT Pocket Spring MATTRESS

Bed-Butler-Soft-Mattress-Review

Brand: Bed Butler
Material: Pocket Sprung

  • Air Vents To Control Temperature
  • 1000 Spring Count
  • Lower Back Support
  • 5-year Guarantee

Price & Reviews

3000 Pocket Springs is absolutely phenomenal and makes the low price seem even better.

The mattress has been treated to make it hypoallergenic which is good and they’re designed it with lower back support in mind which is ideal for a soft mattress.

The mattress is made with air vents on the side which help keep air circulating underneath you. This helps keep it fresh and keeps you cool through the night so you can sleep comfortably.

Overall, the spring count makes this an absolute bargain and the 5-year guarantee shows it’ll stand the test of time and see you through many a night.

TEMPTATION 2000 SOFT MATTRESS

MillBrook-Temptation-Mattress-Review

Brand: Millbrook
Material: Pocket Sprung

  • Damask Cover
  • 2000 Spring Count
  • Hypoallergenic

Price & Reviews

The Millbrook pocket sprung mattress provides a soft feel without the need for memory foam, and the 2000 spring count is great value for the price.

There are convenient handles sewn on to the side which makes turning the mattress all the easier, and the traditional damask cover is lovely and soft.

This is a great one for couples because the edge support the mattress provides and the pocket springs mean you can move without disturbing your partner.

Overall, a great soft mattress for couples who don’t want memory foam.

Rest Assured Harewood 800 Pocket Memory Mattress

  • 28 cm deep
  • Hybrid memory foam and spring
  • Air vents
  • 5-year guarantee

Firmness: Soft-Medium

Sizes: Single, doule, king size and super king size

Price & Reviews

Rest Assured are actually a sub brand of the mattress company Silentnight, so while you might not have heard of it you can be sure that it’s made to the highest quality with Silentnight above it.

The Rest Assured Harewood is made up of 800 pocket springs which is on the lower end but keeps the price down and is fine for a soft mattress, and memory foam to offer excellent pressure relieving comfort at an excellent price point.

It also got approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute which means it’s made to a high quality and provides an assurance of durability and quality.

An excellent cheap soft mattress.

Wool Luxury Soft 2000 Mattress

  • 28 cm deep
  • Layers of natural wool
  • Quilted Cover
  • 5-year warranty

Firmness: Soft

Price & Reviews

This is a great choice for hot sleepers thanks to the natural wool inside which provides breathability and moisture wicking to keep you cool and comfortable.

The innersprings are 2000 pocket springs which is up in the realm of luxury. It’s absolutely soft rather than soft-medium and the cover is quilted for an extra comfort layer that keeps you snug.

It’s built as a one-sided mattress so you don’t have to flip it at all, just rotated with th seasons from head to toe but it’s got turning handles built in to make this easier.

One of the softest mattresses available.

I’ve got more wool mattresses reviewd here.

Silentnight Geltex 1850 Mirapocket Pillow Top Mattress

  • 29 cm deep
  • Good fo hot sleepers
  • Good for all sleeping positions
  • Hypoallergenic
  • 5-year guarantee

Firmness: Medium-Soft

Sizes: Single, double, king size and super king size

Price & Reviews

This mattress features in my list of Silentnight mattress reviews as the top luxury choice in part because of the luxurious Gel memory foam pillow top.

It’s made with Geltex which is a support foam that works to cradle your body easing pressure points while offerieng unrivaled breathability to keep you cool.

Plus, the 1850 pocket springs is nice and high and allows you to sink in to a deep sleep. This is a great choice for couples becaus ethe combination of pocket springs and memory foam allows you to move without disturbing your partner. And less disturbance means a deeper more restful sleep.

More pillow top mattresses here

HYBRID SIGNATURE MATTRESS

Kayflex-Mattress-Review

Brand: Kayflex
Material: Hybrid

  • 1500 Pocket Springs
  • Made in the UK
  • 1-year Guarantee

Price & Reviews

Kayflex have a great hybrid mattress with 75mm of memory foam and a spring count of 1500. Generally, the higher the spring count the more luxurious the feel with 1000 being low, 2000 being high and 3000 being luxury.

So 1500 is the perfect level to give you a nice soft feel with plenty of comforts. It’s got a 25 cm depth so will sit fine on any bed and the hybrid combination gives it a really comfortable feel. Extra support from the memory foam keeps it soft but the springs give it a little bit of resistance when you lie on it for maximum comfort.

Again a 1-year guarantee isn’t ideal but it does have a 5-year warranty so it’ll definitely last.

Overall, a great mattress for those who aren’t ready for a full memory but still want a soft feel.

Savile Organic Cashmere Superb 5000 Pocket Mattress

  • Wool, Cashmere and Horse hair filling
  • 27 cm deep
  • Egyptian Cotton Filling
  • Hypoallergenic

Firmness: Soft-Medium

Sizes: Single, double, king size, super king size and super king size zip and link

Price & Reviews

This is the upmost luxury in terms of mattresses, it’s made with a whopping 5000 pocket springs which is amongst the highest you’ll ever find. Plus the outside is egyptian cotton and the inside is made with wool, horse hair, cashmere, and silk fillings top it off.

It’s organic certified which is a nice touch and it’s hypoallergenic so free from dust mites and allergens for a healthier cleaner sleep through the night.

No roll together so you and your partner can sleep comfortably and air vents in the side to work with the breathable materials to keep you comfortable and content from the moment you lie down.

If you want a luxury soft mattress this is it.

Hyder Beds Cassini 5000 Pocket Natural Mattress

  • Dual sided
  • Wool, silk, and cashmere fillings
  • 26 cm deep
  • 5-year warranty

Firmness: Medium-Soft

Sizes: Single, double, king size, super king size and super king size zip and link

Price & Reviews

What’s intersting about this mattress is it’s dual sided, one side is great in winter offering natural fillings for warmth and comfort, then in sumer you can flip it and the otehrside is made to be cooling and stop you overheating.

It’s also got the 5000 pocket springs at a much lower price than the above mattress, and I can’t figure out why, it seems a little too cheap for the advertised level of luxury. But it could simply be an older model and so come down in price.

I’m still impressed, the fillings are all natural and top notch and the cover is a soft fabric even if it isn’t organic cotton and the dual sides offer something quite unique.

F.A.Q ON THE BEST SOFT MATTRESS

WHAT SIZES ARE AVAILABLE?

Most of the mattresses recommended are available as small single, single, small double, double and king size. But click through to Mattress Next Day to see what they have available.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY OLD MATTRESS?

I’ve linked through to Mattress Next Day where you can buy your mattress and for an extra fee they can take your old bed and mattress away with them which is by far the easiest way to deal with it!

Conclusion

I hope these soft mattress reviews helped and you can now find a comfortable plush mattress to help you get a great night’s sleep, whether it’s got a memory foam layer on top, pocket springs in the middle or comes as a bed-in-a-box I hope you’ve found something for you.

Happy sleeping!

Related Reading

Best firm mattress
Best Medium mattress
Best mattress for bad back
Best overall mattresses
Best Cheap mattress
Best Weighted Blanket
Best Duvets in the UK

Comments (18)

  • Adrianne Smyth
    August 23, 2018 at 6:27 pm

    We bought a zip and link and my husband loves his mattress. I had a slightly softer one but I am having immense trouble, loads of shoulder pain, on my old mattress (very old but comfy) my shoulders could sink i n but not on this one. I wake feeling 100 years old and cannot straighten up. My shoulders are so painful.
    I wonder if you can recommend a really soft mattress which I can use to replace the horrid hard one. Need not zip or link.

    • Kieran
      August 24, 2018 at 10:18 am

      What a nightmare!

      You can get yourself a Kayflex Hybrid that should do the trick nicely. It goes up to a super king size and is a single mattress not a zip or linking one.

      Hope that helps!

  • Thomas Dean
    October 7, 2018 at 4:59 pm

    Hi Kieran
    Mattress nextday do not seem to have a promo code box anymore on their site. Do you know if they ever did/recently removed, as we can’t get your 10% discount.

    • Kieran
      October 8, 2018 at 8:36 am

      Hi Thomas,

      I just checked and they do still have it, it might just be earlier in the checkout process than you expected. When you click view basket you can view it under your item on the left

  • Jane Bunyan
    October 25, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    Please would you be kind enough to supply a cost for a single soft memory foam mattress with the 10% reduction. Also how much is the cost of removal of your old mattress.

    With thanks Jane Bunyan

    • Kieran
      November 5, 2018 at 3:47 pm

      Hi Jane,

      I don’t sell the mattresses I just review them I’m afraid! You’ll have to click through to get details on pricing and services.

  • Norman
    November 22, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    I am interested in the bed butler but want a firm bed to support my lower back. The company I am looking to buy it from offers a firm option but I am put off by your review which suggests it is soft bed. Is that the case?

      • Norman
        November 24, 2018 at 9:44 pm

        Thanks!
        Just to let you know I spoke with the company and that particular bed/model only has a 1000 spring count and not 3K.

        I ordered the bed anyway.

        • Kieran
          November 27, 2018 at 7:08 am

          Woops! My mistake thanks for catching that! 🙂

  • Svea
    March 10, 2019 at 10:13 am

    Hi Kieran
    Great to finally nd this kind of review in UK.
    I’m having problem with find the right mattress . I’ve try a few all of them to firm for me. Ca. You please recommend me the SOFTEST mattress sold in UK please? I’m a side slipper and the last one I’ve try it’s a Dormeo soft ( which its memory foam with infuse of Aloe -nice touch …) but it cause my so much pain on my ribs that I feel scared to try any other.
    Kind regards

    • Kieran
      March 11, 2019 at 6:28 pm

      Hi Svea!

      I’m sorry to hear that, it actually sounds lie something that might be worth talking to your doctor about? Even a medium-soft mattress shouldn’t cause you rib pain so that would be my first port of call before you try a softer mattress.

      Sorry I couldn’t be of more help,

      Kieran

  • Olwyn Lambert
    April 4, 2019 at 5:25 pm

    Hi Kieran,
    I bought a Nectar mattress last year but I’m having to return it as it’s so uncomfortable- very firm it’s causing shoulder & hip pain. Can you recommend an alternative that’s cool and soft, we went with the Nectar as it came in a box – our staircase has a low ceiling and a turn.
    Thank you

  • Janet
    July 16, 2019 at 8:24 am

    Can you recommend the softest sink in mattress please we have bought a dormeo it’s being returned we are not sure to go for a memory foam again or a classic spring mattress

  • Natalie
    April 19, 2020 at 7:43 pm

    Hi Kieran, this is a very useful post but I’ve been seeing a lot of articles about back pain. I believe a soft mattress would suit me perfectly as I am a side sleeper and have wider hips than my knees; I experience severe upper hip pain on medium firm/firm mattresses that extend down my leg throughout the night. Can you recommend any of these listed for hip pain relief?
    Much appreciated!

    • Kieran
      April 20, 2020 at 10:31 am

      Hi Natalie,

      I wouldn’t normally recommend a soft mattress for dealing with hip pain, I’ve got my best pain mattresses here, but if it’s a soft mattress you’re after I’d go for the Studio by Silentnight, the memory foam will provide excellent support to your aches. But always speak to a medical professional if you’re dealing with pain!

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