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How to choose a mattress: firmness, material and the total

This guide explains how to choose a mattress by bed size, body weight and sleeping position, what foam, springs and a topper mean, and what to do when a mattress bought online does not suit you.

Published October 8, 2026 · updated October 8, 2026 · prices in the text are today's

Three picks by budget

From today’s verified prices: in the low, middle and top third, the product with the best forDeal score (popularity, shops, price against the average, ratings). Live prices, total with shipping.

  • Waterproof mattress protector 90x190 cm Terry Shelly – douceur d'intérieur

    Budget pick

    Waterproof mattress protector 90x190 cm Terry Shelly – douceur d'intérieur

    CZK 388

    at 1 shop

    Compare offers →
  • Firm/medium firm foam double-sided mattress 90x200 cm Tandem – Materasso

    Best middle ground

    Firm/medium firm foam double-sided mattress 90x200 cm Tandem – Materasso

    CZK 5,358

    at 1 shop

    Compare offers →
  • Firm/medium firm spring double-sided mattress 100x200 cm Standard Pocket – BENAB

    No compromise

    Firm/medium firm spring double-sided mattress 100x200 cm Standard Pocket – BENAB

    CZK 9,558

    at 1 shop

    Compare offers →

The picks side by side

ModelTotal todayShopsShop ratingforDeal score
Budget pickWaterproof mattress protector 90x190 cm Terry Shelly – douceur d'intérieurCZK 38814 / 5 · Bonami31 / 100
Best middle groundFirm/medium firm foam double-sided mattress 90x200 cm Tandem – MaterassoCZK 5,35814 / 5 · Bonami31 / 100
No compromiseFirm/medium firm spring double-sided mattress 100x200 cm Standard Pocket – BENABCZK 9,55814 / 5 · Bonami31 / 100

Prices in charts

How many products sit in each price band today
23under CZK 5,00020CZK 5,000 – CZK 7,50023CZK 7,500 – CZK 15,0008over CZK 15,000

Totals with shipping, verified offers only.

Waterproof mattress protector 90x190 cm Terry Shelly – douceur d'intérieur: price since October 3, 2026
CZK 3293 Oct7 Oct10 Oct

What to look at

  • Size: the mattress must match the slatted base; the most common are 90×200, 140×200 and 160×200 cm. For a double bed consider two separate mattresses if you each sleep differently.
  • Firmness: every maker labels it their own way (grades, letters, words). A heavier person and back or stomach sleeping usually need a firmer mattress, a lighter person and side sleeping a softer one.
  • Two-sided firmness: a mattress with two sides (e.g. firm and medium) lets you try both without another purchase.
  • Material: cold foam is light and springy, memory (visco) foam shapes to the body and runs warmer, pocket springs ventilate well.
  • Height: a taller mattress usually spreads weight better; check it fits the bed frame and the sheets.
  • Cover: a removable washable cover extends its life; allergy sufferers should ask about the washing temperature.
  • Topper: a thin top layer changes how the bed feels for a fraction of a new mattress, but does not fix a sagging one underneath.

Price bands today

The lowest band holds mattress protectors, toppers and children's mattresses. The middle band holds foam mattresses for a single bed. At the top are wide double-bed mattresses and spring or multi-zone models. Always compare the same size.

Recommended models

Bracketed prices are today's totals; mattresses often ship as bulky goods, so shipping differs more between shops than for other goods.

ModelWhat it isFor whom
Moravia Comfort Bianca 90 (from CZK 4,581)Single mattress, 90 cm wideA basic mattress for a single room
Materasso Tandem 90×200 (from CZK 5,358)Two-sided foam, firm and medium sidesWho does not know which firmness to pick
Moravia Comfort Seniora 90 (from CZK 5,336)Single mattress, 90 cm wideA comparison within the same width
Moravia Comfort Norka Plus 140 (from CZK 9,941)Mattress 140 cm wideA double bed or a wide bed for one
Moravia Comfort Topper Visco 4 (from CZK 3,947)Memory-foam topperSoftening a firm mattress

When the mattress does not suit you

A mattress bought online can be returned within 14 days of delivery without a reason. The EU Court of Justice ruled (case C-681/17) that removing the protective film from a mattress does not rule out withdrawal; you are liable, though, for any loss of value beyond normal trying.

You pay return shipping of bulky goods unless the shop says otherwise; for a mattress that can be a noticeable sum. Some shops voluntarily offer a longer trial; their terms say so.

Common mistakes

  • Comparing prices of different sizes or heights.
  • Choosing by the word 'orthopaedic'; it is not a protected term.
  • Putting a new mattress on an old sagging base.
  • Not counting bulky shipping and the cost of returning it.
  • Throwing away the packaging right after unpacking; it helps with a return.

Frequently asked questions

How firm a mattress should I choose?

A heavier person and back or stomach sleeping usually need a firmer mattress, a lighter person and side sleeping a softer one. A two-sided mattress lets you try two firmness levels.

Can I return a mattress after removing the film?

Yes. Under EU Court of Justice judgment C-681/17 removing the film does not rule out the 14-day withdrawal.

Does a topper help?

It changes the feel, typically softening a firm mattress. It does not replace a sagging or damaged one.

Why are protectors among mattresses?

Shops file them in the same category; always compare the same type and size.

Sources

Fordeal earns a commission when you buy through a link; it never changes the order of offers. Every price carries its capture time on the product page.

Products named in this guide

Today's lowest totals, shipping included, at rated shops.