Best Mattresses 2024 - The Definitive New Zealand Buyer Guide

Find the best mattresses with our definitive guide, including options from Sealy Posturepedic, King Koil and SleepMaker, among others.

Updated 2 January 2024

Rest is priceless. In that sense, having a mattress that keeps you cool and comfortable is essential. That is why we have prepared this guide to help you choose the best mattress in New Zealand.

Our Mattresses Buying Guide Covers:

Know This First - The Three Types of Mattresses Explained

There are three different types of mattresses:

1. Spring mattresses

Continuous coil
Bonnell
Pocketed coil

2. Foam mattresses

Memory foam
Gel-infused foam
Polyfoam

3. Hybrid mattresses
The increasing segmentation of the market has made other types of mattresses available such as adjustable bed mattresses, futons, waterbeds, and air mattresses. However, this guide will focus on the most common types of home mattresses in New Zealand.

Spring Mattresses

This is the best known and most traditional type of mattress. As the name suggests, this type of mattress is composed of a layer of springs surrounded by soft materials, ranging from natural fibres to foam. Within this category, there are subgroups depending on the type of spring used, continuous coil, Bonnell, or pocketed coil, each of them designed for a different level of support. Due to their simple design, these are usually the most economical mattresses on the market. However, due to their construction, they are also usually the noisiest.

Spring Mattresses, What We Like

Firmness. Although they are available in various firmnesses, they are generally firmer and more supportive than the rest. This makes them ideal for people who require back support.
Price. These are usually the cheapest mattresses because of their simple design and construction.
Availability. They are generally available in all sizes and comfort levels. In other words, they are the most common type of mattress on the market.

Spring Mattresses, What We Dislike

Lifespan. Since most of the support work is done by the springs, these mattresses tend to last less than hybrid or foam mattresses. For reference, you can expect a lifespan of approximately 5 to 7 years.
Noisy. As time goes by, these mattresses tend to get louder and louder to the point of being really annoying. This is one of their main disadvantages, which is why they have evolved into the hybrid type.
Poor ergonomics. The cheaper models are often too firm or do not offer uniformity of comfort, especially towards the edges. This makes them less comfortable than other types of mattresses in general.

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are very popular in New Zealand today because of the convenience and variety available on the market. These mattresses use a combination of foams and materials of varying densities to provide softness, support, and durability. Typically, this is the type of mattress that side sleepers like best as it tends to adapt better to their sleeping posture. Among its major disadvantages is that many of these mattresses trap body heat which can be very uncomfortable, especially during the summer. However, for many Kiwis, these drawbacks are more than compensated because they don't use springs, which makes them quiet.

Foam Mattresses, What We Like

Enhanced pressure relief. Because they tend to be softer than spring mattresses, they are ideal for side sleepers, restless sleepers, or people with painful joints. All this is possible thanks to the use of materials that absorb movement and, in the case of memory foam, even adapt to the body for enhanced pressure relief.
Silent. Their springless design using different layers of foam of different densities makes these mattresses quiet and soft.
Durable. Quality foam mattresses are usually much more durable than their spring counterparts. Proof of this is their average lifespan of 8 to 12 years.

Foam Mattresses, What We Dislike

May trap body heat. Depending on the type of materials used in its construction, this type of mattress can be "hot" because it traps body heat. However, the latest generation of materials tends to minimise this effect.
Expensive. Top of the line and brand name models are usually more expensive than traditional spring mattresses. This is due to the use of exotic materials such as memory foam, gel, and others.
Not for everyone. While available in a variety of comfort levels, these mattresses tend to be softer than traditional mattresses, which may not be to the liking of many.

Hybrid Mattresses

You can think of hybrid mattresses as a combination of traditional spring mattresses and foam mattresses. The result is a softer, more comfortable mattress that combines the advantages of both designs and very few of their disadvantages. In other words, they are quiet, soft but supportive, regulate body temperature much better, and adjust to different sleeping positions. All in all, these mattresses are usually the best of their kind, and for this reason, they are often the most expensive.

Hybrid Mattresses, What We Like

Soft. Hybrid mattresses are usually soft enough to offer a higher comfort level without losing the necessary support for the spine and back.
Excellent ergonomics. Branded hybrid mattresses often incorporate technologies and materials that suit all types of people, regardless of their sleeping habits.
Quiet. While they are not as quiet as foam mattresses, they are quiet enough to go unnoticed during the night, even if you are a restless sleeper.

Hybrid Mattresses, What We Dislike

Pretty expensive. Comfort comes at a price, and in the case of hybrid mattresses, this price is usually quite high. Expect to pay thousands of dollars for high-end hybrid mattresses.
Too soft for some. Although they are available in various comfort levels, hybrid mattresses are often too soft for some people. In fact, because they do not absorb movement as well as foam mattresses, they are often not the best choice for restless sleepers.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Mattress in New Zealand

When choosing which mattress is best for you, consider the following factors:

Comfort Level: Generally, you can get mattresses with different levels of comfort/firmness, including medium, firm, soft, extra firm, extra soft, and others. Since these are subjective levels, our suggestion is to try the mattress before you buy it. Many shops allow you to try the mattress for one night, which is perfect for getting an idea of what to expect in terms of comfort.
Sleeping position:. Everyone has a different way of sleeping. Some prefer to sleep on their side, some on their back, some on their stomach, and many people change position several times during the night. While, in theory, some types of mattresses are more conducive to one sleeping style than others, it is best to test the mattress as suggested in the previous point.
Price: Depending on your budget, your options may be limited to spring or foam mattresses. However, thanks to advances in materials and manufacturing processes, hybrid mattresses are also available at reasonable prices today. If you can choose between the three types, our recommendation is to first favour brand name mattresses with hypoallergenic materials that offer a generous warranty, even if it means buying a spring mattress.
Size: Last but not least is the size of the mattress. We advise you not to rely on standard sizes, as in some cases manufacturers make mattresses with a few millimetres or even centimetres difference. In other cases, there are also sizes that can be confusing, such as King, Super King, and Californian King mattresses. Always double-check the measurements and compare them with your sheets to avoid headaches later on.

Four of the Best Mattress Available in New Zealand Right Now

Choosing the best mattress currently available in New Zealand is not an easy task. We have compiled our list (in no particular order) based on average consumer reviews collected from consumer.org.nz as well as other sources both in New Zealand and overseas.

1. Best Budget Mattress: Dunlop Living Foam Single Mattress

More details: Dunlop Living Foam Single Mattress
Pricing: From $159

What We Like	What We Dislike
Inexpensive Thicker than regular foam mattresses Easy to clean Available in single and double sizes	Not recommended for regular use Cheap materials

If all you require is a mattress for occasional use, then nothing beats a foam mattress. They are economical, practical, lightweight, and easy to wash. Available in the most common sizes for this type of application (single and double), this type of mattress can save you a lot of money when you have a visitor. However, it should be noted that mattresses of this type are not the best for people who are overweight or suffer from back problems.

Dunlop Living Foam Single Mattress Key Features

Recommended for: spare beds, occasional usage
Mattress Feel: medium
Mattress Type: foam
Available Sizes: single, double
Warranty: 12 months

2. Best Firm Mattress: SleepMaker Sleep Support Classic Queen Mattress

More details: SleepMak er Sleep Support Classic Queen Mattress
Pricing: From $899 (reference price for Queen size)

What We Like	What We Dislike
Affordable Quiltex and Dunlop foams Allergy-control materials Duracoil coil design for firm support Proudly made in New Zealand	Offer less pressure relief on joints

Hybrid mattresses do not necessarily have to be prohibitively expensive. Proof of this is this mattress which offers a good alternative for those who prefer a firm rather than a soft firmness level. Available in all sizes, the Sleep Support Classic features a combination of foam and springs that guarantee robust support regardless of your sleeping position. Moreover, its premium hypoallergenic materials ensure long years of trouble-free use.

SleepMaker Sleep Support Classic Queen Mattress Key Features

Recommended for: any application or use case
Mattress Feel: firm
Mattress Type: hybrid
Available Sizes: all sizes
Warranty: 5 years

3. Best Soft Mattress: King Koil Intimate Phoenix Soft Californian King Mattress

More details: King Koil Intimate Phoenix Soft Californian King Mattress
Pricing: From around $5,997 (reference price for Californian King size)

What We Like	What We Dislike
Unparalleled spinal support Breathable pressure-relieving comfort Micro Comfort Coils Cool to touch Gel-infused memory foam Made in New Zealand	Quite expensive Rarely in stock

If you are looking for maximum comfort regardless of your sleeping position, this is the ideal mattress. This sophisticated mattress, proudly made in New Zealand, incorporates all kinds of technologies and premium materials to guarantee you a restful night's sleep. The combination of gel-infused memory foam and Micro Comfort Coils allows it to conform to your body shape while regulating the temperature to always feel cool. Furthermore, its unique design provides maximum spinal support to the point of being endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association. All in all, if your budget allows, this is one of the best mattresses available in New Zealand.

King Koil Intimate Phoenix Soft Californian King Mattress Key Features

Recommended for: Couples looking for utmost comfort
Mattress Feel: soft
Mattress Type: hybrid (gel, natural fibres, coils)
Available Sizes: all sizes, from single to Californian King
Warranty: 10 years

4. Best Extra Firm Mattress: Sealy Posturepedic McKinley Extra Firm Double Mattress

More details: Sealy Posturepedic Extra Firm Double Mattress
Pricing: From 4,947 (reference price for Super King size)

What We Like	What We Dislike
SmarTex fabric for better moisture control Incredible structural support Made in New Zealand	Somewhat expensive

There are times when a firm mattress is not enough, either because of a condition or because you prefer an extreme level of firmness. In such cases, a mattress like the Sealy Posturepedic Extra Firm may be a good option. This mattress features a spring system that responds to your body weight and keeps you in an aligned position for a more restful night's sleep. Its SmarTex fabric also provides excellent body temperature control to keep you cool throughout the night. Finally, its Unicased edge support gives you a larger surface area and unbeatable support.

Sealy Posturepedic Extra Firm Mattress Key Features

Recommended for: People who require an extra firm mattress
Mattress Feel: extra firm
Mattress Type: springs
Available Sizes: all sizes, from single to Californian King
Warranty: 10 years

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of mattress is best for me?

The type of mattress that is best for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Some common types of mattresses include memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and airbeds. Memory foam mattresses are known for their contouring and pressure relief, while innerspring mattresses are known for their support and durability. Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam and innerspring features, and airbed mattresses can be adjusted to your desired level of firmness.

How much should I spend on a mattress?

The amount you should spend on a mattress will depend on your budget and the type of mattress you choose. Mattresses can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars (and more). It's a good idea to set a budget and shop around to find the best deal, and our guide is designed to help you understand what's important.

How long should a mattress last?

The average lifespan of a mattress is about 7-10 years, though some higher-quality mattresses may last longer with proper care.

How do I know if a mattress is comfortable?

The best way to determine if a mattress is comfortable is to try it out in person. Most mattress stores and online retailers offer a trial period during which you can try out the mattress in your home and return it if it is uncomfortable. It's a good idea to spend at least 15-20 minutes lying on the mattress to get a feel for it.

Can I return a mattress if I don't like it?

Not always - stores and online retailers offer a return or exchange policy for mattresses that are faulty or not to standard. However, for 'change of mind', mattresses are often specifically excluded. For this reason it's essential to carefully choose.

How do I care for my mattress?

To care for your mattress, use a mattress protector to protect it from spills and stains, and rotate it every 3-6 months to evenly distribute wear and tear. You should also vacuum the mattress regularly to remove dust and debris.

Can I wash my mattress protector?

Most mattress protectors are machine washable and can be laundered according to the care instructions on the packaging. It's a good idea to use a mild detergent and wash the protector in a cold or warm setting, as hot water can shrink or damage the fabric.

Is it better to buy a firm or soft mattress?

The firmness of a mattress is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people prefer a firmer mattress for support and alignment, while others prefer a softer mattress for pressure relief and comfort. It's a good idea to try out a few different firmness levels to see what feels most comfortable for you.

What is a memory foam mattress made of?

Memory foam mattresses are made from a special type of foam that is highly responsive to pressure and body heat. The foam is made from polyurethane, a synthetic material that is derived from petrochemicals, and may also contain other additives such as plant-based oils, gels, and fragrances.

Can I flip a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam mattresses do not need to be flipped like traditional innerspring mattresses, but some manufacturers recommend rotating them 180 degrees every 3-6 months to distribute wear and tear evenly. It's a good idea to refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for specific guidance on how to care for your memory foam mattress.

What is a hybrid mattress?

A hybrid mattress is a type of mattress that combines the features of both memory foam and innerspring mattresses. The top layer of a hybrid mattress is typically made of memory foam or another type of foam, while the bottom layer is made of innerspring coils. Hybrid mattresses are designed to provide the pressure relief and contouring of memory foam with the support and durability of innerspring coils.