A good mattress is one of the most important investments for your child, as sleep supports growth, concentration and mood. Safety comes first: every children’s mattress should carry a BS7177 fire safety label, and if used on a bunk or cabin bed, it must sit at least 16cm below the safety rail. After that, consider firmness and fabric for comfort and support.
Simon Williams from the National Bed Federation recommends a medium firmness for most children. “It’s important that the mattress supports them properly without being too firm or too soft,” he says. For allergies or sensitive skin, foam mattresses are generally better, while natural fibres like cotton or bamboo are preferable to synthetics.
Testers aged six to 16 tried numerous mattresses in their bedrooms, considering comfort, support, temperature regulation, care, value for money, and delivery and setup. The Panda Bamboo Hybrid Mattress impressed with its six layers, including 960 pocket springs and a bamboo cover. It offered perfect medium firmness and excellent temperature regulation, though it is too thick for bunk beds. It comes with a 10-year guarantee.
The Stompa S Mattress is a budget-friendly hybrid at just over £200. It expanded to under 16cm deep, ideal for bunk beds. A 10-year-old tester found it super comfortable, with a soft cushioned top layer and pocket springs providing good support. Active airflow tech helped regulate temperature and wick moisture.
