Choosing a mattress can feel confusing – there are so many options and lots of jargon. At The Best Furniture Shop in Christchurch, we keep it simple and help you find a mattress that suits how you actually sleep, not just how it looks in a brochure.
Below are a few easy things to think about before you choose your next mattress.
1. Who is the mattress for?
Start with the person (or people!) who will be sleeping on it most nights:
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Kids: A good-quality single or king single mattress is usually enough. Look for support and durability rather than lots of extra layers.
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Teens & young adults: A king single or double gives a bit more space for growing bodies. Think about how long you want it to last and whether it might eventually move to a spare room.
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Couples: Queen and king mattresses are most popular. If one of you is a light sleeper and the other wriggles, pocket springs can help reduce partner disturbance.
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Spare room: You may not need the top-of-the-range model, but it still needs to be comfortable enough that guests actually sleep well.
2. Choose the right size
It sounds obvious, but the mattress has to fit both the room and the people using it.
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Single: Great for kids’ rooms, bunks and smaller spaces.
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King Single: A little wider and longer than a single – perfect for teens or taller kids.
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Double: Good for older teens, single adults or smaller guest rooms.
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Queen: The most popular size for couples in New Zealand – fits most standard bedrooms.
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King: Extra width for couples who like more space, or for larger master bedrooms.
Make sure you measure your room, especially if you’re adding bedside cabinets or have tight doorways and stairwells for delivery.
Tip: If you’re not sure, bring your room measurements into our Christchurch showroom and we can help you work it out.
3. Comfort feel – soft, medium or firm?
Everyone’s idea of comfort is a little different, but here’s a simple guide:
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Soft to medium: Good if you’re lighter in weight or mostly sleep on your side and like the feeling of “sinking in” a little.
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Medium to firm: Suits most people and most sleeping positions – a good starting point if you’re not sure.
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Firm: Can work well for heavier sleepers or people who like a very supportive feel, but it’s not always the best choice for everyone.
Whenever possible, lie on a mattress in-store for a few minutes in your usual sleeping position. Your shoulders and hips should feel supported, not jammed, and your lower back should feel relaxed.
4. What’s inside the mattress?
Mattresses can look similar from the outside, but the inside makes a big difference:
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Bonnel or continuous coil springs: Often used in budget-friendly mattresses. They can be a great choice for kids, spare rooms or lighter adults.
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Pocket springs: Each spring moves more independently, helping to reduce partner disturbance and give more targeted support. Common in mid to higher-range mattresses.
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Comfort layers: Foam, latex or pillowtop layers add softness and cushioning on top of the springs.
There’s no single “best” type for everyone. It depends on your body, budget and how often the bed will be used.
5. Do you need a new base as well?
A good mattress needs a supportive base. A tired, sagging base can shorten the life of your new mattress and make it feel less comfortable than it should.
We have mattress-and-base sets as well as mattresses on their own, so you can:
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Upgrade everything at once, or
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Keep a solid base you already have and just replace the mattress.
If you’re not sure whether your current base is still okay, ask us – you’re welcome to bring a photo or measurements into the showroom.
6. Think about budget and how long you want it to last
Mattresses are one of those purchases where you really do “sleep on your investment” every night. As a rough guide:
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Budget options are great for children, teens, rentals and guest rooms that aren’t used every day.
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Mid-range mattresses usually give a good balance of comfort, support and lifespan for everyday use.
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Higher-end models often have more advanced spring systems and comfort layers for people who are very particular about their sleep or have specific support needs.
You don’t need the most expensive mattress in the store to sleep well, but it’s worth choosing the best quality you can comfortably afford, especially for a bed you’ll use every night.
7. Try in-store or shop online
At The Best Furniture Shop we stock a range of mattresses in all standard New Zealand sizes – from great-value options to NZ-made pocket spring models. You can:
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Visit our New Brighton showroom in Christchurch to try different feels and ask questions, or
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Shop online and have your new mattress delivered to your home.
If you’d like help choosing, just get in touch – tell us who the mattress is for, what size you’re thinking about and your budget, and we can narrow down the options for you.