Hybrid mattresses seem to be having a moment, even among the best kids mattresses – while the two main mattress types used to be foam or springs, these clever mattresses combine the best of both worlds for optimum comfort, support and longevity. This magic formula is used on the Stompa s flex airflow pocket mattress, so we were keen to see the outcome.
Stompa’s collection has one sole focus, and that’s a child’s bedroom – everything from the bed frame to the mattress, and a few accessories thrown in for good measure.
The Stompa trademark was established back in 1960 by a Norwegian family. The brand enjoyed great success in Scandinavia, but in 1980 was introduced in the UK. Now, a British/Danish-owned brand and family-run in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, it has become a well-trusted household name in the market.
That very reputation has been recognised by the National Bed Federation, the recognised trade association representing UK manufacturers of beds and their suppliers, giving buyers peace of mind when navigating the world of the best mattresses.
"Your child does most of their growing whilst asleep, so it is important that the mattress is of sufficient quality to support them properly," recommends Simon Williams, spokesperson for the National Bed Federation. "Ensure it is made by a reputable manufacturer, ideally an approved National Bed Federation member, and purchase it from a trusted retailer.”
With the likes of Simba, whose single mattresses start from around £480, dominating the hybrid bed-in-a-box market, how does this cheaper Stompa alternative fare?
Read more: Best mattress, tried and tested
How we tested
With the help of my five-year-old mini tester, I assessed the Stompa S flex airflow mattress on the following criteria...
- Comfort: My young tester slept on this mattress for more than a week, and I tried it out, too, just to make sure the comfort really was there (spoiler: I’d happily sleep on this mattress myself). I noted any features that elevated the comfort level, including the layers and the cover.
- Support: Again, I looked for elements that would provide good support for my tester, such as the construction and the number of layers, and whether the materials used would stay in good condition after repeated use.
- Breathability: My little helper and I tested this mattress during a heatwave, so we were able to put its breathability to the test. I paid attention to apparent temperature regulation and checked that my tester was comfortable and dry.
- Price: I factored in the cost and quality of the mattress to determine whether it is a worthy investment.
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Stompa S flex airflow pocket mattress
Sizes available: Single, continental extra-long single, small double, double
Mattress depth: 15.5cm
Mattress type: Hybrid
Why we love it
- Durable design with five-year guarantee
- Comfortable and temperature-regulating construction
- Zip-off cover can be washed at 30C
Take note
- Takes 24-48 hours to decompress fully once unboxed
- Zip-off cover can't be tumble dried
Stompa s mattress design and features
Firstly, we were pleased to see that the bed-in-a-box mattress industry doesn’t just apply to adults, with our Stompa S flex airflow pocket mattress arriving in a slim red box. Many children’s mattresses are following suit with this space-saving, economical way of packaging and delivering. And it’s safe to say our mini tester was fascinated by the big unrolling of the mattress, and watching it “grow”. It suggests three to four hours for it to be at 90 per cent fulfilment, but 24 to 48 hours for it to be a fully risen bake.
With mattresses, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. You’re not going to see it in its natural state very often, so Stompa’s no-thrills approach to the look of the mattress is spot on – a white knitted quilted top, grey on the border and a rather oversized, in our opinion, red Stompa label.
As with most hybrids, there are a lot of layers inside – six, to be precise – all playing different roles to maximise comfort.
At the core, you’ll find 1,000-count pocket springs, encapsulated in a wall of foam, so the weight is evenly distributed and supported. This is then topped by an airflow comfort layer, allowing air to circulate, regulating temperature and moisture levels. It’s also bed bug-resistant and hypoallergenic and adds a level of springiness.
Dropping down to the bottom, there’s a supportive base layer made from a durable foam, which is known for its longevity and ability to withstand long-term use. You’ll also find the zip at the base, to remove the cover. Stompa counts the base cover as a layer, which we think is a little tenuous.
The grey border, however, is soft, flexible and again boasts breathable attributes. Lastly, the top cover has a luxury feel to it, with a knitted fabric, quilted with a layer of soft, hypoallergenic fibre, which has been perforated to allow for body moisture to be wicked away.
We were also impressed to hear that the brand has recently introduced a CertiPUR-approved free foam, which is better for the planet with no added TCPP (toxic fire retardant) and can be 100 per cent recycled. It also ensures you won’t get that industrial-like smell when you unroll it!
Stompa s mattress comfort and performance
We’ve had no bedtime wakes. Generally speaking, she’s a good sleeper, but as we’ve experienced a recent heatwave and a change in mattress, we were half expecting a disturbance. We needn’t have worried.
The standout feature for us has to be the mega four-inch 1000-count pocket springs, which are well covered by a springy, comfort layer that contours the body, optimises airflow, keeps nasty bug beds at bay, and also happens to give a good level of bounce. But we were beyond chuffed with the breathability too – our somewhat clammy five-year-old’s temperature was regulated and the result is a dry one.
Naturally, the grown-ups tested it out too, and we’d take no issue sleeping on this medium-firm mattress ourselves.
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Stompa s mattress practicality and flexibility
Stompa’s purse-friendly layered mattresses are tested on kids aged three to ten, and testing with our five-year-old, we can see it lasting her through her primary school years. Stompa mattresses are also covered by a five-year guarantee against faulty workmanship or faulty materials, although we can’t see ourselves making use of that.
At 15.5cm deep, the s flex can be used on any UK or continental-sized bunk bed, which offers flexibility as families grow, particularly given the durability which will see this mattress stand the test of time.
Unlike other children’s mattresses, this one comes with its own zip-off base cover, which can be washed at 30 degrees (but not to be tumble dried). It’ll help keep this mattress in tip-top condition and be useful for bed spillages, leakages or whatever else is thrown at it. It’s a no-turn mattress too, so that’ll save a job, but it does suggest rotating it from time to time.
Buy now £229, Stompa.com
Should you buy the Stompa S flex airflow pocket mattress?
I can’t fault the Stompa S flex airflow mattress. It’s cool, comfortable, supportive and great value at £229. The finer details, such as the zip-off cover and choice of materials get big ticks from me, too. If you’re looking for a durable kids’ mattress with a decent guarantee, this could be the ideal option.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s product reviews section, IndyBest, employs knowledgeable reviewers to test products as you would use them in real life, to bring you an impartial list of the very best.
Rebecca Moore is an experienced parenting writer. She has been contributing her recommendations to IndyBest readers since 2020, but began writing about baby and children’s products long before this. Whether taking the best strollers for a spin, recruiting the help of mini testers to find the best children's toys, or assessing the best cot mattresses, Rebecca puts in the work to bring readers honest, thorough reviews. As a parent, she looks for longevity and value for money – she won’t recommend anything unless she thinks it's worth your money.
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