Tested by If you’re on a mission to improve your sleep (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), the Good Housekeeping Institute is here to help. Our experts have spent months testing all the latest launches for your bedroom, prodding, poking and pulling them apart in the lab, as well as sending them out to our reader panel to curl up with every night.
And we take it very seriously. We’ve bounced on countless mattresses to test their support, smeared bedding with everything from makeup to mustard to see how well it cleans up, and even downed glasses of water before bed to check whether sleep trackers pick up those middle-of-the-night wake-ups (and trips to the loo).
After analysing 115 products in the lab – from shape-shifting beds that lift you at the touch of a button to air purifiers that double as sunrise alarms – and collating feedback from our panel of sleepers, we’ve totted up the scores to bring you our winning buys for 2026. So you can sleep easy.
Meet the experts
How we test sleep products
Our experts first assess the quality and design of each product in the lab, putting them through multiple wash tests to check for shrinkage and any changes in colour, texture or finish. We examine stitching, check construction and see how well each piece holds its shape.
To see how they perform, night after night, we also send samples to our panel of at-home testers, who snuggle up with them over several weeks. They share detailed feedback on comfort, breathability, ease of use and, most importantly, performance. We then use all this data and feedback to award the scores.
All prices quoted are for UK doubles and you'll find links to our full roundups to shop below the winners.
We're giving our VIP Members the chance to win a heatwave sleep bundle, packed with clever buys to keep you comfortable on hot nights, all approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute. To enter, visit ghmembers.co.uk. Not a member? Join today!
Best mattresses
Score: 94/100
This pocket sprung mattress was a big hit with our panel – everyone enjoyed great sleep over the trial and agreed they’d recommend it to others. It’s quiet, temperature regulating and supportive. Note, it requires regular turning, which is a two-person job due to its weight.
Score: 92/100
A dreamy combination of foam and spring, this comes handily boxed up for easy delivery and set-up. Our panel liked its supportive, firmer design, which was quiet even when their partners tossed and turned at night, and everyone slept well during the trial.
Score: 89/100
Featuring 1,000 pocket springs surrounded by open cell foam, this great-value mattress is comfortable, supportive and distributes weight evenly. It also absorbed movement from partners and helped to regulate temperature.
Score: 87/100
This deep pillow-top hybrid design stood out for its balance of cushioning and support. Our panel found it comfortable night after night, with several saying it relieved aches, too. The layered design gives it a premium feel.
Score: 86/100
Designed to keep night sweats at bay, this hybrid mattress combines a cooling top layer with gel foam and a pocket spring core. Testers rated it highly for stability with minimal disturbance from fidgety partners, and they enjoyed a fresher, more comfortable sleep.
Best mattress toppers
Score: 93/100
Combining 2,100 micro-springs with layers of foam, this topper delivered stand-out support, transforming our panellists’ mattresses and boosting comfort. The bamboo cover is naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic and machine washable for easy care, while the ventilated mesh border keeps thinks breathable.
Score: 92/100
Thanks to mesh sides to maximise airflow, this topper scored highly for temperature regulation and stopped our testers from overheating. It’s not ultra plush, but it provided sufficient cushioning for most. It’s machine washable for easy cleaning.
Score: 88/100
Combining a plush, down-like filling with a breathable cotton cover, this topper adds a soft, cosy layer without using feathers. It impressed our panel with its secure fit – thanks to sturdy corner straps – staying firmly in place throughout the night, while its hypoallergenic design makes it a good choice for allergy sufferers.
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Best mattress protectors
Score: 100/100
Made from 70% bamboo, this lived up to its waterproof claims, protecting our mattress even when we poured a glass of water on it. It was quiet to sleep on, washed and tumble dried well, and is even available in a cot size for little ones (not tested).
Score: 96/100
This is designed with comfort and hygiene in mind. Featuring a hypoallergenic ‘miracle membrane’ to guard against common allergens, along with moisture-wicking fabric, our experts rated it highly for its secure fit and effective protection.
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Best pillows
Score: 96/100
If you’re hot headed, this double-sided pillow is for you. One side is made of soft, antibacterial bamboo, while the other features a cooling gel pad – so you can flip it to the cold side whenever things heat up.
Score: 96/100
This memory foam pillow is designed to mould to your head and neck, whatever your sleep style, and everyone who tried it enjoyed supportive shuteye. Its soft cover washed easily, and it’s relatively breathable.
Score: 90/100
This adjustable pillow lets you tailor the loft to suit your sleeping position. Our panel praised its versatility, finding it both supportive and comfortable. It maintained its shape well overnight and stayed cool, delivering a plush, hotel-like feel.
Score: 78/100
Ideal for side sleepers, this pillow offers full-body support from shoulders to knees, ensuring better alignment and easing pressure on the joints. Its temperature-regulating design helped testers stay cool, and it doubles as a backrest for reading and relaxing.
Best duvets
Score: 98/100
Our testers had nothing bad to say about this premium 4.5 tog duvet, which should see you through hot nights in comfort. The filling is made from recycled plastic bottles, it’s breathable and it comes with a sturdy bag for easy storage in winter.
Score: 97/100
This is a duvet in two parts (one is 4.5 tog, and the other is 9 tog), which can be joined for maximum warmth when it gets colder. Testers praised its premium feel and described it as a ‘game-changer’ for year-round comfort.
Score: 94/100
Warm but not too weighty, this affordable duvet earned an enthusiastic thumbs up from all testers. Despite its size, it’s easy to fit into a duvet cover, and it looked invitingly plump on our panellists’ beds. Our experts were impressed with its quality after washing too.
Score: 88/100
Wool is great for bedding thanks to its natural temperature regulation, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic properties. The British wool used here is traceable and it’s paired with a 100% cotton cover. Our panel found it luxurious and comfortable, saying it kept them snug without overheating.
Score: 92/100
The clue is in the name; this is like sleeping on a cloud. We were impressed with the silky-smooth fabric, and testers found the breathable bamboo kept them at just the right temperature overnight. Note, it’s on the heavy side.
Best bedding sets
Score: 99/100
Soft, breathable and comfortable, this organic cotton set wowed our panel. Testers loved its smooth sateen finish and said it struck the perfect balance between warmth and breathability. It was easy to put on, stayed securely in place overnight and washed brilliantly.
Score: 96/100
Made with 400 thread count Egyptian cotton in a percale wave, this bedding wouldn’t be out of place in a five-star hotel. It was a huge hit both in the lab and with our testers at home. Everything fitted perfectly, washed well, and felt gorgeously soft against the skin.
Score: 96/100
All our testers would recommend this luxurious linen set. The fabric was soft to touch, yet still breathable so they didn’t overheat at night. It also retained its shape and vibrancy after multiple washes, and each set comes in a reusable bag for storage.
Score: 95/100
This soft Egyptian cotton set is a more affordable option and comes in an array of colours, with pillowcases sold individually, so you can mix and match if you like. It held up well after washing and the duvet has a zip fastening so you can change the sheets with ease.
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Best blankets
Score: 95/100
As the name suggests, this sherpa fleece is ultra soft and cosy, making it ideal for snugging on the sofa or adding an extra layer of warmth in bed. There’s room for two underneath and it washed well, maintaining its quality after several cycles.
Score: 84/100
This generously sized blanket can be layered over a duvet for extra warmth or used on its own in warmer weather. Made from linen, it softens over time while maintaining a breathable feel, and the reversible two-toned design (available in 12 colourways) adds a chic touch.
Score: 83/100
Designed to curb overheating at night, this uses heat-absorbing, moisture-wicking fabric to help you stay dry and comfortable. It was a hit with hot sleepers on our panel, with many reporting a noticeable difference during heatwaves and menopausal night sweats. It washes well and packs neatly away, too.
Best bed frames
Score: 96/100
Our panellists loved everything about this frame, from receiving delivery to nodding off. The slatted base felt sturdy, the tall headboard was secure, and the underbed storage was a big hit. It’s best suited to a standard mattress, as heavier or deeper options can make the hydraulic lift less effective.
Score: 93/100
You can add two or four sturdy, smooth-moving drawers if you want to make the most of the empty space within this divan base. Most testers found the frame relatively easy to build and liked that it has wheels to get it into position. Their mattresses fitted well on top, and everyone found it comfortable to sleep on.
Score: 88/100
This all-in-one divan bed and mattress set is a convenient option, pairing a sturdy base with a firm, supportive pocket-sprung mattress that’s ideal for back and front sleepers. It feels stable once assembled, while the neutral upholstery and tall headboard give it a premium look. Storage options are available, with drawers that run smoothly and feel well made.
Best dressing gowns and cooling pyjamas
Score: 95/100
Live the boutique hotel life on a budget with this soft waffle dressing gown. Our testers liked the lightweight cotton fabric and cosy hood (which helps dry your hair after a shower). It also washed well and comes in white or mint green.
Score: 95/100
Bold, striped and cosy, this dressing gown adds a luxurious touch to your mornings. Its thick, premium fabric is plush yet breathable, keeping you warm without being stifling. There was minimal shrinkage or fading in our wash tests, so it stays looking and feeling like new.
Score: 89/100
Our testers were fans of the lightweight Tencel material, which felt soft against their skin and stopped them overheating, despite the longer layers. As well as looking good, they do good – Stripe & Stare is a B Corp committed to promoting sustainability and female solidarity.
Score: 85/100
Designed for those experiencing hot sweats during perimenopause and menopause, this lightweight set is made from moisture-wicking lyocell with added cooling tech. Testers confirmed it helped reduce night sweats and kept them at just the right temperature as they slept.
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Best sleep tech
Score: 94/100
This electric diffuser quickly fills the room with spa-worthy scents to help you unwind and drift off. It also features a dimmable night light and a guided breathing mode that gently pulses to help steady your breathing as you wind down. It’s easy to set up and will look great on any bedside table.
Score: 91/100
This air purifier is designed to create a cleaner sleep environment, effectively removing dust and airborne particles that can disrupt breathing at night. It doubles as a sunrise alarm and sound machine, with a gentle sunrise simulation and soothing noises to ease you into the day.
Score: 84/100
These sleep buds minimise background sounds, from traffic to snoring, using active noise cancellation and adaptive snore-masking tech. You can stream your own audio or choose from built-in sleep sounds, while sleep tracking and a secure, comfortable fit help support uninterrupted rest.
Score: 78/100
This lightweight band wraps around your upper arm to track your sleep without getting in the way. It provides detailed insights, including sleep stages, breathing rate and recovery metrics. There’s also a smart alarm that uses gentle vibrations to wake you during lighter sleep stages, so you feel less groggy in the morning.
Score: 76/100
This humidifier helps maintain a comfortable moisture level in your bedroom, with a responsive humidistat and low energy use for overnight use. You can add a drop of your favourite essential oil to the aroma stone for a subtle, soothing scent, while the soft mood lighting helps create a calming atmosphere.
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Best adjustable beds
Score: 87/100
This is a great option for maximising storage, with a lift-up ottoman base and customisable features including dual zones on king sizes and optional massage functions. Testers praised its sturdy build, quiet mechanism and easy-to-use controls, while the adjustable sections help you find a comfortable position. It also comes with a free mattress, with upgrade options available.
Score: 86/100
This high-tech design features a built-in LG smart TV that delivers an immersive viewing experience before neatly tucking away into the footboard. Testers liked that the adjustable base, controlled with a wireless remote, lets you easily change position for watching TV or relaxing. It scored bonus points for extras like LED lighting and a media tray.
Score: 81/100
This adjustable divan set combines a hybrid mattress with a base that lets you sit up, lie down and adjust as required. Testers found it quick to set up and easy to use, with a smooth, quiet motor. The mattress was described as comfortable and supportive, while the premium look impressed.
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Best sofa beds
Score: 85/100
Swapping between sofa and bed was fuss free in testing, thanks to the smooth, robust mechanism and cushions that neatly tuck away underneath. The soft-touch fabric proved durable in testing, resisting scratches and handling everyday stains with ease.
Score: 82/100
This sofa bed stands out for its stylish design and impressive stain resistance, with spills beading off the fabric rather than soaking in. Testers found it comfortable for both sitting and snoozing, with high-quality upholstery that looks chic and feels great.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
