How to buy a new mattress

How to buy the right mattress - summary

To choose the perfect mattress in New Zealand, focus on these five key steps:

• Size up your sleep space: Go as big as your room allows. While a Queen mattress is the NZ standard, upgrading to a King or even a Cali King will give you a better sleep and reduce partner disturbance. For growing kids, look past a standard Single and consider a King Single or Double for longevity.
• Find your mattress feel: Your comfort preference dictates the mattress feel. Choose a firm mattress with less "give" if you prefer a robust feel, a plush mattress for a softer, sinking sensation, or a balanced medium mattress (the most popular choice in NZ).
• Compare sleep technologies: Consider your sleep needs when you compare internal materials. If you sleep hot, look for temperature-managing technologies and natural fabrics in the quilting. If you have back problems, look for advanced support systems. If you share a bed, start your search with pocket springs.
• Match the bed to its purpose: Invest in high-durability support or a premium Luxury range for everyday sleepers. For spare rooms and guest beds, maximise flexibility with space-saving trundler beds, foldaway mattresses, or more affordable Lifestyle mattresses.
• Test before you buy: Go in store and lie on mattresses with your partner in your usual sleeping positions for at least 10 minutes to test spinal alignment and pressure relief.

Ready to simplify your search? Try our Sleep Selector to get personalised recommendations tailored to your exact sleep style.

Starting your mattress search

So you’re looking for a new mattress? Want to know the best way to buy mattresses in New Zealand? We’re going to help! First things first. Try Sleep Selector. Simply answer a few quick questions about how you sleep, and get recommendations for SleepMaker mattresses that suit your individual needs.

How to choose the perfect mattress size

When it comes to mattresses, bigger is definitely better (assuming you have the space!)

The most common mattress size in New Zealand is the queen mattress. In fact, many people settle on a queen bed when buying their first ‘big’ bed and never size up. However, if you have the room and your budget allows, why not give yourself the gift of more space? You won’t regret it. When you have the room to spread out and move around without disturbing other sleepers, everyone gets a better night’s sleep. Check out our SleepMaker mattress sizes and queen bed dimensions to see if you have room to upsize. 

What bed should I choose for my child?

For children, choose a King Single or Double if space allows. Why? Most parents default to choosing a single bed for that first ‘big bed'. But kids grow fast, and you might find yourself going through this again in a few years’ time if they outgrow the single. A good mattress will easily last 10 years, so to get the most use out of it, go as big as you can.

Understanding mattress feel: firm vs plush

The comfort layers – foams, latex etc – under the top quilt layer determine a bed’s feel. A firm feeling mattress will have fewer or thinner comfort layers, or use foams that give the mattress a firmer feel with less ‘give’. If you prefer to sink into your mattress, then plush or ultra-plush feels will be more your style: these mattresses have more comfort layers or use softer foams. For the record, the most popular bed feel in NZ is (probably unsurprisingly) a balanced medium feel.

SleepMaker makes firm mattresses and plush mattresses, and everything in between, because we know the ‘perfect’ Goldilocks feel will be different for everyone. We highly recommend you go in-store with your partner and test a few different mattresses before buying one, so you know you’re going to be sleeping comfortably every night. 

An easy guide to SleepMaker mattress technologies

The next stage of the bed buying process is comparing differences across ranges and models. This is where you’ll encounter an encyclopedia of mattress technologies that might leave you a little confused.

That’s why we’ve made an easy to understand glossary of SleepMaker technologies. It explains the different springs, foams, science and sleep systems you’ll find inside your SleepMaker mattress.

• Different support systems - pocket springs being the most popular - provide you with a different level of support and motion isolation.
• Foams and latex contribute comfort, while fabrics help with airflow and breathability.
• The addition of materials like gel, graphene, and diamond particles prevent mattress foams from overheating as you sleep.
• ComfortKool coatings actively regulate temperature in your bed, warming up and cooling down as necessary.
• And our mattress layers are treated with Ultra-Fresh, an antimicrobial that protects against common allergens.
  

How much to budget for a new mattress

Budget up to $500 for basic mattress models, up to $1,000 for everyday models, up to $5,000 for mid-range mattresses, and $10,000+ for Luxury models*. Expect 8–10 years of use from a quality NZ-made mattress - more for higher-end models. Whether you’re looking for an affordable mattress or an ultra-lux option with all the bells and whistles, there is a SleepMaker to suit, all protected by SleepMaker’s manufacturer warranty for your peace of mind. If you take good care of your bed, use a mattress protector, and follow instructions for regular rotation, you should get a full 8-10 years or around 30,000 hours of fantastic sleep. A good mattress is a meaningful investment in your health & well-being. 

*Exact pricing will vary between retailers and any currently running promotions, so be sure to check!

How to choose the best guest bed for your home

For guest beds, prioritise flexibility. Choose a foldaway mattress for easy storage, a trundler for sleepovers, or a Luxury model if you host frequently and have the budget. Most of us only use a spare bed for guests one or two nights a year, so choose a mattress that will give your guests a comfortable night away without going over the top on a bed that won’t see much use.

What do you want from your new mattress?

I just need something to sleep on

There are thousands of cheap, affordable, or budget mattress options, and they’re not all comfortable. If you’ve ever slept on a slowly deflating air mattress, then you’ll know this very well.

Air mattresses are a great emergency option for one-off visits or when your budget and space are limited, but don’t expect them to last, or to offer a great night’s sleep. Sofa beds are a step up, and are generally more robust and less… bouncy… to sleep on than an air mattress. But the truly budget options will have you negotiating foam gaps, metal support bars, and creaky wire all through the night. If you’re leaning towards convertible furniture, you’ll also want something that’s comfortable for relaxing on while you watch TV, which can quickly elevate the price out of the affordable range.

For a good night’s sleep on a quality mattress that won’t break the bank, consider SleepMaker’s Lifestyle and Go ranges. If you don’t have room to spare, then consider a pop-up or kitset bed frame that you can store away when the visit’s over. If you have no spare room and not much storage space, then you’ll appreciate a foldaway mattress from the SleepMaker Go range, which folds away in a suitcase-sized bag when not in use. Much better than that flat air mattress!

I want a super flexible sleep option

Trundler beds are a great flexible bed option that’ll also be comfy for those unexpected guests who show up without warning. Trundler beds give you the beauty of king single bed that hides another single mattress on a popup frame underneath. Quickly pop up another single mattress, or set the two up side-by-side for a double guest bed that fits two. These beds are especially great for kids: the king single gives more space to sleep than a regular single, and the extra popup bed really comes in handy for sleepovers.

I'd like to bring the 5-star hotel experience home

Hosting guests for an extended stay? Budget and space no problem? If you want to create something really special, SleepMaker has you covered. The SleepMaker Luxury collection is the best of the best. These mattresses feature our most advanced thermal management technologies, our most comfortable materials, and our best support systems. Every SleepMaker Luxury mattress is crafted with attention to detail and premium inclusions: all-natural fibres, NZ-made springs, multi-stage cooling… the list goes on. Every model in the Luxury range is a little bit different, but they’re all amazing. If you really want to treat your guests to a memorable stay, this is the range for you.

Shopping tips for buying a new mattress

Purchasing a new mattress can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Follow these tips and find the mattress that is right for you.

1. If you share a bed, make sure you’re both involved in shopping - and this includes testing beds in-store.
2. Do your research. Check out the different mattress options available at different price points and learn about the different technologies inside.
3. Be clear on what you’re looking for. What do you like about your current mattress? What don’t you like? Why are you now shopping for a new one?
   
4. Shop at a retailer you trust. Know your retailer’s return, exchange, and warranty policies before you buy so there are no surprises.
   
5. Try out different mattresses with your partner. Wear comfortable clothes, and test mattresses by lying down in your usual sleep position for at least 10 minutes. You need to get a good feel for how comfortable it is and how well supported you feel.
   
6. Put price in perspective. You will spend 1/3 of your life in bed, so a new mattress is an investment in your health. Remember that a new mattress will last around 10 years: that’s around 30,000 hours of sleep!
   
7. Once you’ve invested in your new mattress, take care of it. Make sure your mattress is on a suitable base, and use a quality mattress protector.
   
8. You’ll probably benefit from a new pillow when you upgrade your mattress, so be sure to try out a few when you’re testing your mattress in store. Check out our tips for choosing the right pillow. 
   

Buying a new mattress - FAQs

What is the most popular mattress size in New Zealand?

The Queen mattress is by far the most popular bed size in New Zealand, making it the go-to choice for couples and first-time home buyers. However, if your bedroom space and budget allow, sleep experts recommend upgrading to a bigger size to maximise personal sleeping zones and significantly reduce partner disturbance.

How do I know if I need a firm or plush mattress?

Your ideal mattress feel depends on your preferred sleeping position and how much ‘give’ you prefer in your mattress. A firm mattress has less give, making it ideal for stomach or back sleepers who prefer to feel consistent support across the entire body. A plush mattress will allow side sleepers to sink in, relieving pressure on the heavier shoulder and hip areas. If you are unsure, a balanced medium mattress offers a middle ground and is the most common preference across NZ.

What is the difference between mattress feel and mattress support?

A common mistake when buying a bed is assuming a firm mattress will always provide the best back support. In reality, mattress support comes from the internal support system that keeps your spine neutrally aligned, whereas feel is determined largely by the comfort layers. A plush mattress and a firm mattress in the same range often feature the exact same support system! The right mattress for you will keep your spine properly aligned, with enough cushioning to prevent painful pressure points on your shoulders and hips. You might need more cushioning or less depending on your body type and comfort preferences, and this is why we make different feels.

What mattress technologies help with night sweats and overheating?

To prevent overheating at night, look for thermal management materials built directly into the mattress layers. Key mattress technologies include phase change gel, graphene, or diamond-infused memory foams, breathable natural fabrics in the top quilting layer, and active temperature-regulating treatments like ComfortKool coatings that dynamically warm up or cool down to maintain a balanced sleep environment.

How long will a quality New Zealand-made mattress last?

A high-quality, NZ-made mattress is a long-term investment in your well-being and is designed to deliver optimal support for 8 to 10 years (roughly 30,000 hours of sleep). To protect your manufacturer's warranty and extend the lifespan of your bed, always use a premium mattress protector, ensure it sits on a structurally supportive base, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for regular rotation.