Black Friday Mattress Guide 

Gifting a mattress for Christmas might sound unconventional, but there’s actually no better gift than a good night’s sleep.

A good-quality double mattress will outperform a decade-old mattress for less than £300. Upping your budget to £500 opens the door to more top mattresses.

Mattresses make great gifts for older kids, teenagers, and parents. They might not be fancy, but they serve a practical purpose and could well become the most important present you buy for many years.

Join us below for our top tips on gifting a mattress this Christmas.

Mattress in a box

Want the perfect surprise this Christmas? A mattress in a box arrives neatly compressed in a present-sized package. You’ll get everything needed to set it up; most boxes have handles to help you sneak it under the tree. At around 20kg, you might need a helping hand to move it, but the look on their face will be worth it.

Memory foam

Memory foam provides amazing comfort for a reasonable price. The foam moulds to your body shape and keeps your spine aligned all night long. A quality double will set you back around £300, and cooling technology is built in to prevent you from getting too warm. It’s perfect for someone who tosses and turns at night.

Latex foam

Looking for something natural? Latex foam bounces back faster than memory foam and keeps you cool all night. You can pick up a good natural latex foam double for under £600 or an artificial latex foam one for under £400. Latex is great for anyone with allergies, too — it naturally fights off dust mites and other nasties. 

 
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Silk 1000 Pocket Spring Memory Foam Mattress. RRP £679, Now £335.48 (Available from Bedstar)

Natural fillings

Natural fillings like wool and cotton help regulate your temperature better than any fancy technology. You’ll find these in premium mattresses starting from £500 for a double. They need turning every few months, but with proper care, they’ll give someone the best sleep they’ve had in years.

Open coil and pocket springs

Open coil mattresses give you the best value for money, with some starting at just £300 for a double. Want something better? Pocket springs work independently for more support, and you can get a quality double for around £400. Both options let plenty of airflow through, helping improve your recipient’s comfort. 

Hybrid mattresses

Get the best of both worlds with a hybrid. These clever mattresses combine springs with foam layers on top. While they’re pricier – expect to pay £500+ for a good double – they’re worth every penny if you like springs and foam. Anyone struggling to choose between foam and springs will love this option.

 
Pictured: Sleepeezee Jessica 1800 Pocket Gel Mattress. RRP £949, Now £662 (Available from Bedstar)

Sleep trials

Sleep trials are useful because they give you 30, 60, and sometimes over 90 nights to try a mattress. However, there’s a caveat – any damage or spills could nullify the trial, so you must buy your recipient a mattress topper. That topper will change the feel of the mattress, so sleep trials aren’t always that useful. 

Warranties

The longer, the better, but keep in mind that mattress warranties have exclusions for misuse and accident damage, which can be highly interpreted. For instance, if a spring breaks, your mattress manufacturer might question why. Any accidental damage, such as your kid jumping on the bed, will render your warranty mute. 

Mattress recycling 

Since you’re gifting a new mattress this Christmas, disposing of the old mattress is important. Your local recycling centre should take it — drop it off or book a slot for the council to pick it up. Some charities also take old mattresses (check out the British Heart Foundation), but your old mattress must be in good condition. Check their terms first.