We’ve answered all your pressing questions about buying a mattress!

Which mattress is the best?

Everyone has different preferences and requirements; some might prefer a softer mattress, others might be suffering from back or neck pain. As comfort is a vague and subjective concept, many independent agencies, such as Consumer NZ have tested various mattresses, taking different aspects into consideration. Oftentimes their results are an invaluable resource when buying a mattress. Our comparison and reviews of Top5 mattresses should also provide you with the necessary information you need to make your choice!

How long does a mattress last?

Most mattresses tend to last around 10 years before showing signs of wear and tear. Over time the mattress might begin to sag and lose its bounce. However, most mattress retailers generally recommend replacing your mattress every eight years. Most of us sweat during the night, this moisture along with the skin cells we shed accumulate in the base of the bed and create a breeding ground for dust mites and other bacteria. So, while a mattress might last for 10 years, for hygiene reasons its best to replace it after 8!

How do I know when I need a new mattress?

Your body will let you know! If a mattress is worn out you’ll probably start suffering from back or neck ache, as it won’t be able to offer the necessary support anymore. You might wake up feeling tired and less than refreshed. Even if you don’t notice any changes in the quality of your sleep, you’ll probably start to feel the springs through the surface of your mattress. If you’ve had your mattress for a while, you could also inspect it for indentation marks- a sure sign of wear and tear.

How much should I spend on a mattress?

We spend a large amount of our day in bed, so a mattress should naturally be pricier than your sofa. However, as there are so many cheap mattresses on the market, many people struggle to part with a lot of money, when choosing a mattress. While most healthy people won’t necessarily need the most expensive mattress, it should be seen as an investment- especially into your health. A good quality mattress will not only enable you to sleep soundly every night, but also prevent aches and pains in the long term. Therefore you should choose a mattress that uses good quality materials, offers a long guarantee and is suitable for your sleeping position and body type. A good quality single bed mattress generally costs between $600 and $850. But many retailers frequently have sales or offer discount codes, allowing you to save some money on your mattress.

How do I know if a mattress is right for me?

The only way to really know if a mattress is right for you, is by testing it out. Thankfully many mattress retailers offer a 100 night trial, so you get enough time to sleep on the mattress and to determine whether it is comfortable enough for you and if it is causing you any discomfort. As it takes a while for your body to adjust to a new mattress, you should make use of the 100 night trial. If the mattress isn’t right for you, you can just return it!

Should a mattress be firm or soft?

Which mattress firmness level is right for you will generally depend on your body type, sleeping position and personal preference. Some people prefer to sleep on a softer surface, while others will need the support a medium-firm mattress provides to prevent back aches and pains. Generally, a mattress that is that is too firm can inhibit circulation, while a soft mattress doesn’t support the hip and shoulder area sufficiently. Most people get on well with a mattress described as medium-firm.

How do I keep my mattress clean?

During the night we sweat and shed many skin cells. These all accumulates at the base of the bed and attract dust mites and other bacteria. So it’s incredibly important to keep your mattress clean. Changing the bedding regularly, airing the bed out often and quickly removing stain should help keep your mattress cleans and limit the amount of dust mites in your mattress. Some mattress retailers also sell mattress protectors which protect your mattress from excess moisture and stains, are easily removed and washed.

Choosing the best mattress

By taking a look at our Top5 mattress comparisons and in-depth reviews and taking the tests done by independent testing agencies such as Consumer NZ into consideration, you should find choosing a mattress much easier. You’ll be able to determine which mattress suits your needs and fills all your requirements.

Trying out the mattress

If you’ve chosen to buy a mattress online, don’t forget most companies will offer you a 100 night trial. While most mattress stores allow you to lie on their mattresses that short period is not sufficient to get a good feel of the mattress and to determine whether or not it is the right mattress for you. That’s what makes buying a mattress online so handy. You can try the mattress out in the comfort of your own home and if it doesn’t fit your needs you can simply return it, risk-free.