How to Test a Mattress In-Store (And Actually Walk Away With the Right One)

Most people spend more time choosing a pair of jeans than they do testing a mattress. You wander in, give it a quick sit, maybe lie down for thirty seconds, and make a decision that will affect a third of your life for the next decade.

At Mazon, we've been handcrafting beds and mattresses in New Zealand for over 50 years. And one thing we know for certain: the way most people test a mattress in-store isn't giving them the full picture. Here are three expert tips to make sure your next mattress purchase is one you'll love long after the new-bed novelty has worn off.

Try Every Mattress - Even the Ones You Think You Won't Like

This is the biggest mistake shoppers make. They walk in with a fixed idea: "I only sleep on firm" or "I've always had a soft mattress, so that's what I need." Then they spend all their time on one or two mattresses that confirm what they already believe.

The problem? Your preferences, your body, and your sleep needs change over time. A firm mattress that felt perfect ten years ago may be contributing to the back pain you're waking up with today. And a plush mattress isn't automatically "too soft" – it depends entirely on your body type, weight distribution, and sleep position.

Common myths we hear in-store:

• "Firm mattresses are better for your back" – Not necessarily. Spinal alignment is what matters, and that looks different for a side sleeper versus a back sleeper.
• "Soft mattresses don't offer support" – A quality plush mattress, like the Smart-Coil Ultra Plush Mattress, featuring HybridFlex Gel and 180mm Durapedic® coils, contours to your body while still providing targeted support exactly where you need it.
• "Memory foam sleeps hot" – Modern materials have come a long way. The Align range uses Belgian-developed Triform technology, combining copper, carbon, and cooling gel to actively regulate temperature all night long.

Our advice: Try at least three or four different feels. You might be surprised which one your body actually responds to.

Lie Down Properly - And Take Your Time

This sounds obvious, but most people don't do it. Here's what properly testing a mattress actually looks like:

• Leave the bulky jacket at the door. Winter shopping in New Zealand means most people walk in rugged up with thick coats, heavy knitwear, and chunky boots. All of that adds artificial padding between you and the mattress, masking how it actually feels.
• Get into your natural sleeping position. If you sleep on your side, lie on your side. If you're a back sleeper, lie on your back. Don't just sit on the edge or do the "fall back" test – your body needs to be in the same position it's in for eight hours a night.
• Stay on it for at least five to ten minutes. Pressure points don't reveal themselves in thirty seconds. Give your body time to settle and notice how your lower back, hips, and shoulders feel.
• If you share a bed, bring your partner. Motion transfer, edge support, and overall comfort all change when two people are on the mattress.

At Mazon, there's no rush. Our team is here to guide you, not hurry you through the process. Take the time you need.

Think About What This Means for Your Pillow

Here's something almost no one thinks about when buying a mattress – changing your mattress will almost certainly change your pillow needs.

Because the firmness and height of your mattress affects the gap between your head and the surface you're sleeping on. Switch from a firm mattress to a plush one and your head will sit lower, meaning a thicker pillow may suddenly feel too high. Go firmer and you may need more loft to properly support your neck.

A quick guide by sleep position:

• Side sleepers need a firmer, higher-loft pillow to keep the spine aligned, such as the Mazon Airfibre Hi-Loft Pillow.
• Back sleepers do best with a medium-height pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck.
• Stomach sleepers need a low, soft pillow to help reduce neck strain.
• Combination sleepers benefit from something adaptable, like the ActiveCool Contoured Pillow, designed to support your head, neck, and shoulders as you move throughout the night.

When you find a mattress you love in-store, ask our team about pillow pairing. It's one of the most overlooked – and most impactful – parts of creating a better sleep setup.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

The right mattress is out there – you just need to give yourself the time and permission to find it. No rushing, no preconceived ideas, and no bulky jackets.

Browse the full Mazon mattress range online, or visit one of our stockists across New Zealand to try them in person. Our team will guide you through the options, including which pillow pairs best with the mattress you choose.

Find your nearest Mazon stockist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend testing a mattress in-store?

At least five to ten minutes per mattress, in your normal sleeping position. Thirty seconds isn't enough time for your body to register how a mattress feels under sustained pressure. Take your time – a good retailer will never rush you.

Is a firm mattress really better for back pain?

Not necessarily. The most important factor is spinal alignment, which depends on your body type, weight, and sleep position. Many people with back pain actually find greater comfort on a medium or plush mattress.

Should I bring my partner when buying a mattress?

Yes. If you share a bed, testing the mattress together lets you assess motion transfer, edge support, and overall comfort for both sleepers.

Do I need new pillows when I get a new mattress?

Often, yes. Your mattress height and firmness affects how much pillow loft you need. Ask a Mazon team member about pillow pairing when choosing your new mattress – it can make a significant difference to your sleep quality.

What's the difference between pocket springs and memory foam?

Pocket springs, like Mazon's Durapedic® Air technology, use individually wrapped coils that contour to your body, reduce partner disturbance, and allow airflow. Memory foam responds to body heat and pressure to create a more enveloping feel. Mazon's Align and Chateau ranges combine both technologies for the best of both worlds.

How do I know which Mazon mattress is right for me?

The best way is to try them in person. If you're shopping online, consider your primary sleep position, whether you sleep warm or cool, and whether you prefer a more responsive or cushioning feel. Our team is always happy to help with advice and enquiries.

Mazon has been handcrafting beds and mattresses in New Zealand for over 50 years. Explore our complete range of mattresses, including the Smart-Coil, Eco-Coil, Hybrid, Hampton, Woola, Chateau, and Align collections, available in-store and online.

Find a stockist near you.