Can I return a mattress bought in-store?

Unlike online purchases, you have no automatic right to return an in-store mattress unless it's faulty. However, most UK high-street retailers offer commercial return policies (typically 30-60 days with conditions). Always check the store's specific policy before purchasing.

What happens to returned mattresses?

Most returned mattresses are donated to charities like the British Heart Foundation or recycled through specialist mattress recycling facilities. Some brands refurbish and sell them at a discount. Very few end up in landfill—UK regulations encourage recycling.

Do I need the original packaging to return a mattress?

No. Most UK retailers don't require original packaging for returns—it's typically destroyed during setup anyway. The mattress just needs to be clean, undamaged, and free from stains. Some retailers provide collection bags.

Can I return a mattress if I've slept on it?

Yes, that's the whole point of a sleep trial! Retailers expect you to sleep on the mattress to test it properly. However, the mattress must be kept clean and undamaged. Use a mattress protector to prevent stains that could void your return.

What is the 14-day cooling-off period?

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, any product bought online or over the phone in the UK comes with a 14-day cooling-off period. You can cancel for any reason—you don't need to give a justification. The countdown starts the day after delivery.

Can I exchange my mattress instead of returning it?

Many UK retailers offer comfort exchanges, allowing you to swap your mattress for a different firmness or model. This is often preferred to a full return as it doesn't involve logistics costs. Check your retailer's specific exchange policy.

What if my mattress is faulty?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you're entitled to a full refund within 30 days if the mattress is faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose. After 30 days, the retailer must offer repair or replacement first. Common faults include excessive sagging, broken springs, or manufacturing defects.

How long should I try a mattress before returning?

Most sleep experts recommend trying a new mattress for at least 21-30 nights before deciding. Your body needs time to adjust, especially if switching from a very different mattress type. Many brands enforce a minimum trial period (typically 14-30 nights) before accepting returns.

Consumer Rights UK

UK Mattress Trial & Return Policies Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about mattress trial periods, your statutory rights under UK consumer law, and how to return a mattress if it's not right for you.

Written by

David Patel

Technical Editor

Published: 22 January 2026

Updated: 22 January 2026

Quick Navigation

Retailer Comparison Your Consumer Rights Return Process Common Issues FAQs

Customer receiving mattress delivery in UK home with trial period calendar showing 200 nights

Most UK mattress brands offer generous trial periods from 100 to 365 nights

Buying a mattress is a significant investment—the average UK household spends between £400 and £1,200 on a quality mattress. Yet no matter how long you spend testing one in a showroom, you won't truly know if it's right until you've slept on it for several weeks. That's why trial periods exist.

The good news? UK consumers have strong legal protections when buying mattresses, especially online. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 gives you a 14-day cooling-off period for any online purchase, while the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you against faulty or misrepresented products for up to six years.

Beyond your statutory rights, most major UK mattress brands offer generous trial periods—typically 100 to 365 nights—allowing you to test your mattress in real sleeping conditions before committing. This guide explains your rights, compares retailer policies, and walks you through the return process step by step.

UK Mattress Retailer Trial Period Comparison

Compare trial periods, return costs, and warranty lengths from the UK's most popular mattress retailers. Data accurate as of January 2026.

Retailer	Trial Nights	Return Cost	Refund Time	Conditions	Warranty	Rating
Emma Sleep	200 nights	Free	5-10 working days	Must try for 21 nights minimum	10 years	Excellent
Simba Sleep	200 nights	Free	10-14 working days	Must sleep on for 21 nights	10 years	Excellent
Nectar Sleep	365 nights	Free	5-10 working days	30-night break-in period	Lifetime	Excellent
Eve Sleep	100 nights	Free	14 working days	14-night minimum trial	10 years	Very Good
Otty	100 nights	Free	5-7 working days	14-night break-in period	10 years	Very Good
Dreams	40 nights	£49.99	14 working days	Original packaging not required	8 years (varies)	Good
Bensons for Beds	40 nights	£50	14 working days	Comfort exchange available	5-10 years	Good
John Lewis	35 nights	Free	14 working days	7-night minimum trial	Varies by brand	Good
Silentnight	60 nights	Free	7-14 working days	Via authorised retailers	5 years	Good
IKEA	90 nights	Free	14 working days	Must be clean and undamaged	25 years	Very Good

Best Trial Period

Nectar Sleep

365 nights + lifetime warranty

Best for Free Returns

Online Brands

Emma, Simba, Eve, Nectar, Otty

Best High Street

John Lewis

Free returns + Never Knowingly Undersold

Your UK Consumer Rights When Buying a Mattress

UK law gives you strong protections when purchasing a mattress. Here's what you're entitled to under current legislation.

14 Days

Cooling-Off Period (Online Purchases)

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have 14 days to cancel any online mattress purchase. The countdown starts from the day after delivery.

Online & phone orders only

30 Days

Short-Term Right to Reject

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if your mattress is faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose, you can reject it within 30 days for a full refund.

All purchases (online & in-store)

6 Months

Repair or Replace (Reversed Burden)

Within 6 months of purchase, if a fault develops, it's assumed the fault was there from the start. The retailer must prove otherwise or offer repair/replacement.

Manufacturing defects only

6 Years

Long-Term Right to Repair

Up to 6 years after purchase, you can still claim for repairs if you can prove the mattress was faulty from the start. The burden of proof is on you.

Manufacturing defects only

Important: Online vs. In-Store Purchases

The 14-day cooling-off period only applies to online and phone orders. If you buy a mattress in a physical store, you have no automatic right to return it unless it's faulty. Always check the store's commercial return policy before purchasing in-store.

How to Return a Mattress: Step-by-Step Guide

The return process is simpler than most people expect. Here's exactly what happens when you return a mattress in the UK.

Contact the Retailer

Reach out via email, phone, or online portal. Most brands have dedicated return request forms. Keep your order number handy.

Pro tip: Email provides a written record—useful if disputes arise.

Schedule Collection

The retailer will arrange a courier to collect your mattress. Most offer free collection, but some high-street stores charge a fee (typically £40-£60).

Pro tip: Be flexible with dates—peak times may have longer waits.

Prepare the Mattress

Remove all bedding. You don't need the original box (it's often destroyed during delivery). Ensure the mattress is clean and free from stains.

Pro tip: Stains may void your return—use a mattress protector from day one.

Await Collection

A courier will collect the mattress from your home. Some services require you to bring it to the front door; others collect from the bedroom.

Pro tip: Confirm whether you need to be home or if they'll collect from outside.

Receive Your Refund

Refunds are typically processed within 5-14 working days after collection confirmation. The money goes back to your original payment method.

Pro tip: Chase up if you haven't received confirmation within 14 days.

Common Return Problems & How to Solve Them

Sometimes returns don't go smoothly. Here are the most common issues UK consumers face and how to resolve them.

Retailer says the trial has expired

Check your order confirmation for the exact delivery date. The trial starts from delivery, not purchase. If within 14 days of delivery (online), you have statutory rights regardless.

Charged a return fee unexpectedly

For online purchases within 14 days, retailers cannot charge you for returning a mattress (only reasonable collection costs). Check their T&Cs—if unclear, report to Trading Standards.

Mattress has a stain—return rejected

Some retailers reject stained mattresses. This is within their commercial rights. Always use a waterproof mattress protector from day one to protect your investment.

Retailer is unresponsive

Send a recorded delivery letter. If no response within 14 days, escalate to your credit/debit card provider (Section 75 or chargeback). Report to Citizens Advice.

Mattress developed a fault after 6 months

You'll need to prove the fault existed from purchase. Get an independent assessment or photos of the defect. The retailer must offer repair, replacement, or partial refund.

Where to Get Help

Citizens Advice

0800 144 8848

Trading Standards

Via Citizens Advice

Section 75 Claim

Contact your credit card provider

Protect Your Trial: Use a Mattress Protector

The single most important thing you can do to protect your trial rights is use a waterproof mattress protector from day one. Stains—even small ones—can void your return. A good protector costs £20-40 and could save you hundreds.

Prevents stains

Protects warranty

Extends mattress life

Blocks dust mites

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about UK mattress trial periods and returns.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Mattress?

Now you know your rights, browse our expert-tested mattress reviews to find the perfect match—all with generous trial periods.