Made up of initial body support (male and female average, 30%), change in body support over time (25%) stabilisation (15%), change in height and firmness (10%) permeability (10%) fatigue (5%), smell (new and fortnight average, 5%).

We conduct body support tests for both dorsal (on back) and lateral (on side) positions.

We conduct body support tests for both dorsal (on back) and lateral (on side) positions.

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years' use. Then, based on sleeping assessment in dorsal and lateral positions.

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years' use. 

We roll a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years' use. 

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 usage of approximately eight years. Then, we measure height and firmness straight out of the box, and again after this test to note any differences. The lower the score, the greater the difference.

We assess permeability and water intake. Lower scoring models absorb more fluids which can cause damage and odor buildup over time.

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

A lower score equals stronger packaging odour.

Assessed after two weeks of use. A lower score means the mattress still retained packaging odour after a fortnight.

The level of firmness based on our tests.

The level of firmness claimed by the retailer.

How warm does the mattress get? 

We recommend mattresses with a score of 70% or more. However, we cannot recommend the top-scoring Whitehaven model, as it exhibited rust when cut open for assessment.

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

Recommended retail or typical retail price for "retail" mattresses as of November 2017. Recommended price for bed in a box models as of November 2018.

Price paid by CHOICE in November 2018. This mainly applies to mattresses sold by traditional retailers, as bed in a box brands typically sell at a lower set price.

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.

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

If applicable. Bed 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.