Mattresses

How to buy a mattress: size, firmness, springs and price

Updated 21 October 2026

Firmness is chosen for your body, not for the advert

There is no "best" mattress for everyone. Lighter people usually feel better on a softer one, heavier people on a firmer one, otherwise the body sinks in. Sleeping on your stomach often suits a firmer mattress, on your side a medium one. If there are two of you with different weights, look at a model with independent springs or at two separate mattresses. And if you have back problems, talk to a doctor: "orthopaedic" on the pack is not a substitute for advice.

Types of mattress

• Independent (pocket) springs — each works separately, so less rocking with two sleepers.
• Bonnell (linked) spring unit — simpler and cheaper, with connected springs.
• Springless — latex, coir, memory foam: different feel and firmness.
• Topper — a thin mattress overlay that freshens up an old bed.
• Futon — thin, usually for sofa beds.

A tall mattress is not always better: look at the layers, not just the height.

How it works with BlaBlaPrice

Model names differ from shop to shop, even though the materials are often similar, so prices are hard to compare. You write one request with the size, type and firmness, and sellers reply in the chat: which model, made of which layers, at what price, how they deliver. They can see where their offer stands and can improve their terms. It is free for the buyer, and only the one you choose gets your contacts. More: how it works.

What to put in your request

• Size — 90×200, 160×200 or non-standard.
• Type — pocket springs, Bonnell, latex, coir, memory foam, topper.
• Firmness — soft, medium, firm or different sides.
• Load — the maximum weight per sleeper.
• Features — orthopaedic, hypoallergenic, removable cover, height.
• Brand or model, if you have already looked.
• Quantity.
• New or second-hand.
• Delivery city and method.
• Budget.

Example: “I need a new 160×200 mattress, independent springs, medium firmness, rated up to 120 kg per person, removable cover. Courier delivery to Auckland. Budget up to NZ$530.”

What to look at when comparing

Ask for the layers to be listed: what is on top, what is in the middle, the foam density, the number of springs per square metre. The name will not tell you what is inside. Check the warranty and whether you can return the mattress if it didn't suit you, because you will understand the feel not in a minute in a shop but after a few weeks. Ask about the cover: a removable, washable one is better than a fixed one.

A mattress may be delivered rolled up in vacuum packing: after unpacking, give it time to expand. Check that the size matches the frame: see beds. And for a full set, choose bedroom furniture.

One easy mistake to avoid: buying a mattress on price without thinking about the age of the old one. Replace your sleeping surface when it has sagged, regardless of offers.