Mattress test: What is the best mattress for you?
Finding good mattresses can be difficult. This is because everyone has different needs. We give you tips on what to look out for when buying a mattress.
24.03.2026
iStock/Ihor Bulyhin
1. How can I find a good mattress for me?
Before you buy, you should ask yourself a few questions:
What is my preferred sleeping position?
What level of firmness should my mattress have?
What material should the mattress be made of?
How much may the mattress cost?
Do I need the option to try out the mattress?
The interactive mattress purchase guide helps you to find the find the right mattress. However, it only provides an initial overview and is not a substitute for professional advice.
2. How much does a good mattress cost?
Healthy sleep is affordable: for a few hundred francs you can get a mid-range mattress. The price varies depending on the material, brand and size.
Discount mattresses sometimes cost less than CHF100 – and in some cases are no worse than more expensive mattresses. However, the selection is usually smaller. This is because some materials are more complex to manufacture, such as latex mattresses. That’s why they are often more expensive than, for example, foam and spring mattresses.
Luxury mattresses can easily cost several thousand francs. These mattresses often have exceptional features, materials and technologies.
3. What types of mattress are there?
Should it be a cold foam, memory foam, spring core or latex mattress ? Here you can see the pros and cons of popular mattress types.
| Mattress type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cold foam mattress |
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| Memory foam mattress |
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| Pocket spring mattress |
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| Latex mattress |
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| Box spring beds |
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Why is choosing the right mattress so important?
We spend about one third of our lives in bed. During sleep the body regenerates. A high level of sleeping comfort is important – which makes the choice of mattress and slatted frame equally important.
Cold foam mattresses are extremely popular. Inside, they contain layered polyurethane cold foam materials. The special sandwich principle results in high point elasticity. In addition, the body is optimally supported.
In most cases, there are air chambers and ventilation ducts for the removal of moisture. At the same time, the material and layering ensure long-term heat retention.
The material has a pronounced spring-like behaviour: if you change position while sleeping, the mattress returns to its original shape right away.
When buying, pay attention to the density of the foam. The higher the density is, the higher the quality and durability of the mattress is likely to be.
Memory foam is a special material that comes from NASA research. The material produces a memory effect, which responds to body heat and pressure and thus adapts optimally to the body. This promises high pressure relief and a soft lying comfort.
Only the uppermost layer of the mattresses is made of memory foam; the lower layers are made of cold foam elements.
Spring core mattresses are made of metal springs. Manufacturers distinguish between two types: the Bonnell spring mattress and the pocket spring mattress.
In the case of a pocket spring mattress, fabric pockets cover the springs. This system only yields at certain points and offers strong support. This makes the mattress feel stable – and your spine is well supported.
With a Bonnell spring mattress, all the springs are connected to each other. The mattress is elastic over its entire surface and feels soft. Body weight is distributed over a large area, which results in a slight feeling of sinking in.
Which is better – Bonnell spring or pocket spring?
Which spring core you prefer is a matter of your personal preferences, which spring model you prefer. In general, pocket spring mattresses offer better support.
Both types offer good temperature regulation. In addition, spring-core mattresses regulate heat and moisture well. This is why these mattresses are also suitable for people who sweat more at night.
Latex mattresses are produced in a chemical process called vulcanisation. This makes the latex resistant. These mattresses are based on natural and synthetic rubbers. The higher the percentage of natural latex is, the higher the quality.
These mattresses offer good body support through balanced point and surface elasticity. When you move, the mattress quickly regains its original shape.
Latex mattresses usually cost a bit more than spring or cold foam mattresses. They are also extremely heavy, weighing up to 25 kilograms.
Box spring beds are popular sleep systems that have a spring base frame as a foundation instead of a slatted frame. On top of this there is generally a combination mattress consisting of spring core and foam elements. This layering allows uniform pressure distribution when lying down. This creates the popular floating sensation.
A high-quality box spring bed usually costs around 1,500 to 3,500 francs, depending on the size and features..
Box spring beds offer a comfortable height for getting into bed and, when combined with a suitable mattress topper, a high level of heat retention. They are suitable for people with moderate to high warmth needs.
4. What firmness level should a mattress have?
Soft, normal or firm? What matters is that your body is optimally supported is supported optimally. Your body weight and height play a central role when choosing a mattress. People who weigh more tend to need a firmer mattress.
If your torso sinks into the mattress, your spine is in a curved position. This can lead to back pain and sleep disorders. If your torso is higher than your head and legs, the mattress is again too firm.
In addition to height and weight, your sleeping position is also important: people who sleep on their side usually prefer softer mattresses. For people who sleep on their backs or stomachs, harder mattresses tend to be more suitable.
Good to know: Information about the firmness of a mattress is not subject to any standards. Each manufacturer has its own definition.
Only by testing mattresses can you determine which degree of firmness is right for you. Lie on the mattress with your whole body and get into different sleeping positions. Pressing on the mattress with your hand won’t give you a good enough impression of its firmness and comfort.
5. Choosing the right mattress for double beds
For double beds one person may need a different mattress than the other – for example, due to different body weights. In that case, it is best to buy two single mattresses.
Depending on the size of the bed, a mattress width of 80 or 90 centimetres may be suitable. Make sure that both mattresses are the same height . You can bridge the gap between the mattresses with a mattress topper or what is known as a love bridge for mattresses.
Good to know: There are also double mattresses available with two different degrees of firmness. This allows you to meet the needs of both people with just one mattress.
6. Do I need a slatted frame?
A comfortable bed needs more than just a good mattress. You should use a slatted frame – except with box spring beds. Slatted frames have two essential tasks: supporting the mattress and ensuring adequate ventilation.
Slatted bases with additional features
A flexible slatted base offers special features flexible slatted base. It helps to provide ideal support for individual parts of the body and to balance out movements. With the help of slat sliders, up to seven individual zones can be set firmer or softer. A flexible base makes sense for thin foam and latex mattresses.
You can look forward to special comfort with an adjustable slatted base – either manually or electrically at the touch of a button. This allows you to adjust the head and foot areas exactly to your needs.
What is a plate slatted base?
Some slatted bases do not have actual slats, but instead have movable square modules. These «plate» slatted bases are made of plastic and are available in different degrees of firmness.
The modules yield elastically and are flexible in all directions. This ensures optimised adaptation to the body. Module bases are also available in a combination of slats and modules.
How much a slatted base should cost depends, among other things, on the size and the desired features it offers. The table provides an overview of price ranges. It is for guidance only.
| Type of slatted base | Single bed/narrow (up to 100 cm) | Double bed/wide (from 120 cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid slatted frames | from approx. 55 francs | from approx. 100 francs |
| Manually adjustable slatted bases | from approx. 90 francs | from approx. 120 francs |
| Electric slatted bases | from approx. 300 francs | from approx. 570 francs |
| «Plate» slatted bases | from approx. 280 francs | From approx. 450 francs |
7. Conclusion: which mattress should I buy?
There is unfortunately no general answer to this question. Every body is different and needs vary significantly.
A specialist will advise you on the choice of material, firmness, heat storage and climate compensation of the mattress. It’s also worth trying the mattress in store. Trying the mattress in store is also worth it. Depending on the retailer, you may be allowed to test the mattress and slatted frame at home for some time and, if necessary, exchange them within a certain period.
8. FAQs on the subject of buying a mattress
There is no general rule for mattress firmness based on body weight. That’s because your height, build and sleeping position also play a role in choosing a mattress. The following table provides approximate guidelines for mattress firmness based on weight – however, it is not a substitute for professional advice.
| Body weight | Firmness | Comfort when lying down |
|---|---|---|
| Up to approx. 60 kg | H1 | Very soft |
| Approx. 60–80 kg | H2 | Soft |
| Approx. 80–100 kg | H3 | Medium |
| Approx. 110–130 kg | H4 | Firm |
| From approx. 130 kg | H5 | Very firm |
There is also a formula, that can guide you in determining the right degree of firmness. Calculate your height minus 100. Your height minus 100. After that, the following applies:
If the result is greater than your body weight, you need a soft mattress.
If the result is about the same as your body weight,, you need a medium-firm mattress.
If the result is less than your body weight, you need a firm mattress.
Important: There is no standard for firmness levels – each manufacturer defines them itself. That’s why you should always try out mattresses.
Whether cold-foam or pocket-spring mattresses are better depends on your personal needs.
The following table shows you the advantages and disadvantages of cold-foam and spring-core mattresses.
| Mattress type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-foam mattress |
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| Spring-core mattress |
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Essentially, there is no «best» type type of slatted frame. As with the mattress, the choice of slatted frame depends on your needs. However, good sprung wood frames offer a good standard – these are slatted bases with flexible slats and zones.
In general, your choice of slatted base also depends on your typical sleeping position. This is because, depending on your sleeping position, different areas of the body should be supported by the base. The type of mattress you have also plays a role – for example, adjustable slatted bases are not suitable for some spring-core mattresses.
Get expert advice from a specialist, if you are unsure when buying a slatted base.
This article was first published on 05.02.2014
