Foam Mattresses
A foam mattress is built from one or more layers of foam with no springs inside. The foam mattresses here are reflex and polyfoam builds rather than memory foam, so they feel firmer and spring back quickly rather than moulding to you.
Foam sits firmly at the value end. Simple builds start around £70 and the typical model is close to £160, which makes foam a common choice for guest rooms and children's bunks. The dearest foam models, from Sealy, reach around £730.
If the slow-sinking, contouring feel is what you're after, that's memory foam, which has its own range.
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×What is a foam mattress?
The foam mattresses here use reflex or polyurethane foam rather than memory foam. They feel firmer and recover quickly when you move, and they generally sleep cooler than memory foam because they don't soften and cling to your body heat in the same way. They're also lighter and much cheaper to produce.
Compared with memory foam, reflex foam is firmer and less contouring. Compared with a hybrid or pocket sprung mattress, it lacks the bounce and targeted support of springs, which is part of why foam sits at the value end of the market.
Who foam mattresses suit
- Guest rooms and occasional-use beds, where a modest budget makes sense.
- Children's beds and bunks, since foam is lightweight and affordable, and its firmer support often suits younger sleepers.
- Budget buyers who want a simple, firm surface.
- Anyone who finds memory foam too warm or too soft and wants something firmer.
Who might want a different option
- Anyone wanting pressure-cradling contour should look at memory foam.
- For a main adult bed used every night, a hybrid or pocket sprung mattress usually rewards a modest step up in spend with more comfort and longevity.
- Heavier sleepers who need solid, lasting support, as basic foam can bottom out over time.
What to look for
- Foam density is the clearest signal of how long a foam mattress will last. Cheap, low-density foam softens and sags faster.
- Many foam mattresses are firm or medium firm, which suits children and back sleepers more than side sleepers.
- Thin budget foams are fine for guest and children's use but aren't built for nightly adult sleep, so check the depth.
- Look for CertiPUR certification, which covers foam safety and emissions.
- Some models are contract or guest-grade rather than main-bed mattresses, so check what each one is designed for.
How much foam mattresses cost
Foam is one of the cheapest ways to buy a mattress. Budget reflex builds start around £70 and most cost under £400, with the typical model near £160. The dearest, from Sealy, reach around £730. Some of the least expensive lines don't come with the long trials and warranties that boxed brands offer, so check the terms. For a main adult bed, a hybrid or pocket sprung mattress usually gives more comfort and longevity for the money.
How we compare them
We use information from manufacturer and retailer specifications, verified owner reviews and our own catalogue data across more than 800 construction-checked models, with prices checked regularly across our UK retail partners. You can read more on how we assess mattresses and how we stay independent on How We Make Money.
What's the difference between a foam and a memory foam mattress?
A plain foam mattress uses reflex or polyfoam, which is firmer and springier, and it's usually cheaper. Memory foam is a viscoelastic foam that moulds to your body and holds more heat. If you want contour and cushioning, choose memory foam; if you want a firm, simple surface, plain foam does the job.
Are foam mattresses good for children?
Yes, foam is a common and sensible choice for children's beds and bunks. It's lightweight and affordable, and its firmer support suits growing bodies. Just check the depth and firmness are appropriate for the child and the bed frame.
Are cheap foam mattresses any good?
For guest rooms and children's beds, an inexpensive foam mattress is perfectly serviceable. For a bed you'll sleep on every night, low-density foam softens faster, so it's worth stepping up to a denser foam or a sprung mattress for durability.
Do foam mattresses sleep hot?
Plain reflex foam sleeps cooler than memory foam, because its firmer, more open structure doesn't cling to body heat in the same way. It's still warmer than a sprung or latex mattress, which allow more airflow.
How long does a foam mattress last?
It varies widely with foam density. Budget foams may soften within a few years, while quality reflex foam lasts longer. Density, not price, is the signal to look for if longevity matters.