We recommend mattresses with a score of 75% or more. Our previous cutoff of 70% has been increased to 75% as of May 2021. This has been retroactively applied to all previously tested mattresses. Mattresses that score between 70% and 75% are still worth considering.

This is made up of: brand new unused mattress comfort score (male and female average, 30%); comfort retention after eight years score (30%); stabilisation score (15%); sagging score (10%); sweat repellent score (10%) and usage wear or damage score (5%). Remaining smell scores don't contribute to the CHOICE Expert Rating.

Average score of support assessments for men and women sleeping on their backs (dorsal) and on their sides (lateral) when the mattress is brand new.

We conduct body support tests for both dorsal (back) and lateral (side) positions based on male body types only when the mattress is brand new.

We conduct body support tests for both dorsal (back) and lateral (side) positions based on female body types only when the mattress is brand new.

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years of use. Then, comfort is assessed based on sleeping assessment in dorsal (back) and lateral (side) positions. The higher the score, the closer the mattress will feel to how it did when it was brand new. Note that this score is not an average of the male and female results. It's a separate test that assesses combined male and female use of the mattress at the same time.

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years of use based on male body types only. Then, comfort is assessed with the same body type based on sleeping assessment in dorsal (back) and lateral (side) positions. The higher the score, the closer the mattress will feel to how it did when it was brand new.

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years of use based on female body types only. Then, comfort is assessed with the same body type based on sleeping assessment in dorsal (back) and lateral (side) positions. The higher the score, the closer the mattress will feel to how it did when it was brand new.

Using an oscilloscope we measure the movement of the mattress after a standard impact (17.5kg), simulating the turning body of a sleeping person. We also count the number of bounces up and down before the mattress is calm again. Higher-scoring mattresses exhibited fewer bounces and less movement during standard impact.

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years of use. We measure height and firmness straight out of the box when the mattress is new, then again after this test to note any differences. Mattresses with a higher score show less sagging over time, while lower scoring mattresses show increased sagging.

We assess permeability and water intake. Lower scoring mattresses absorb more fluids, which can cause damage and odour buildup over time.

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years of use. Visible damage such as cracking, broken springs or pilling contributes to the fatigue score. A higher score means less damage.

This is determined by applying a specific pressure to the centre of the mattress, then recording the impression created at three points. These results are interpreted into a hardness value. It is based on the CSN EN 1957 standard which is covered in our "How we test mattresses" article.

How warm the mattress feels during use.

'Tested models' should still be available in shops. 'Discontinued models' may still be available second-hand or online.

The recommended retail price at the time of testing.

Mattresses sold at traditional retail stores are often on sale, or you can score a steep discounts by haggling. This data is designed to illustrate the steep markups that are applied to mattresses by retailers and the amount you can save by waiting for a sale and asking for a deal. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are often on sale, but they're typically sold at a lower price point so savings aren't as significant.

The level of firmness claimed by the retailer.

Mattresses are cut open to count springs.

A corner of the mattress is cut to count layers and note layer types. A visual cross-section of each mattress is included in the gallery of each product page.

Measured in centimetres.

Some mattress-in-a-box brands will charge a pickup fee in rural areas, if you wish to exchange the mattress. This varies based on location.

Most mattress-in-a-box brands will organise a free pickup in metro areas, if you wish to exchange the mattress.

Mattress-in-a-box brands offer home trial periods that range from 30 to more than 100 nights. If you're unhappy with your purchase, you can exchange the mattress for a different model (if available) or a full refund.

Occasionally, you'll encounter brands that charge an exchange fee, on top of the pickup costs, if you wish to exchange the mattress.

A mattress with more handles is easier to rotate, flip and move.

Many spring mattresses include a memory foam layer. This is often unadvertised.