Walk into any mattress showroom and you'll be faced with a spectrum of firmness options — from cloud-soft to board-firm. It's one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a new mattress, yet most people aren't sure where to start.
At New Zealand Bed Company, we've helped Kiwis find their perfect firmness match for nearly 40 years. Here's our practical guide to getting it right.
Understanding the Firmness Scale
Mattress firmness is typically rated on a scale of 1–10:
- 1–3 (Soft): Deep contouring, pressure relief, plush feel
- 4–5 (Medium-Soft): Gentle support with noticeable give
- 6 (Medium): The most popular choice — balanced support and comfort
- 7–8 (Medium-Firm): Solid support with minimal sink
- 9–10 (Firm): Very little give, maximum support
Most sleepers fall somewhere in the medium to medium-firm range, but your ideal firmness depends on several personal factors.
Factor 1: Your Sleep Position
Your sleeping position is the single biggest predictor of the firmness you'll need:
- Side sleepers need a softer surface (medium to medium-soft) to cushion hips and shoulders and keep the spine aligned
- Back sleepers generally do best on medium to medium-firm, which supports the lumbar curve without letting the hips sink
- Stomach sleepers need firmer support (medium-firm to firm) to prevent the lower back from arching uncomfortably
- Combination sleepers benefit from a medium firmness that adapts across positions
Factor 2: Your Body Weight
Body weight significantly affects how a mattress feels in practice:
- Under 70kg: You may find firm mattresses feel harder than their rating suggests — lean toward medium or medium-soft
- 70–100kg: Medium to medium-firm typically works well
- Over 100kg: A firmer mattress will provide better support and durability over time
Factor 3: NZ's Climate
New Zealand's climate varies dramatically — from the subtropical warmth of Northland to the cool, damp winters of Southland. This matters for mattress choice:
- Warmer regions (Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty): Look for mattresses with breathable latex or wool comfort layers that wick moisture and regulate temperature
- Cooler regions (Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, Southland): A slightly softer mattress with wool insulation can feel warmer and more comfortable in winter
- NZ-made mattresses with natural wool are particularly well-suited to our climate — wool is naturally temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and resistant to dust mites
Factor 4: Couples with Different Preferences
If you share a bed with a partner who has different firmness needs, consider:
- A medium-firm mattress as a compromise that suits most sleepers
- Split mattresses (two singles zipped together) for couples with very different needs
- Pocket spring mattresses with individual coils that respond independently to each sleeper
The Best Way to Choose: Try Before You Buy
No guide replaces the experience of lying on a mattress yourself. We recommend spending at least 10–15 minutes on any mattress you're considering — in your actual sleep position, not just sitting on the edge.
With 20 showroom locations across NZ, New Zealand Bed Company makes it easy to test a wide range of firmness options with expert guidance from our sleep specialists.
Our Recommendation
If you're unsure where to start, a medium-firm mattress is the safest choice for most adult sleepers. It provides enough support for back and stomach sleepers while offering sufficient cushioning for side sleepers — and it tends to suit couples well.
Browse our mattress collections by comfort level: