Mattress Recommendations 2025 | 8 Key Factors for Choosing a Mattress Brand (Including Reports from Hong Kong and International Consumer Councils)

In today's market, there is a vast selection of mattress brands, making it challenging for consumers to determine which mattress best suits their needs while also offering the greatest value for money. A suitable mattress is essential for maintaining good health, and in recent years, more people in Hong Kong have started recognizing the importance of investing in a quality mattress. However, selecting the right mattress is no easy task.

 

 

 

The Hong Kong Consumer Council tested 25 single mattresses available in the local market and rated them based on various performance factors. To assist you in purchasing the most suitable mattress, we have compiled the following mattress recommendations based on the Consumer Council's report.

 

Mattress Recommendations from the Consumer Council Report

 

 

The Consumer Council tested 25 single mattresses sold in Hong Kong, evaluating their performance in terms of body support, comfort, and durability. The results were surprising—nearly half of the tested mattresses scored only 2.5 out of 5, indicating that most mattresses available in Hong Kong barely met the standard of quality, with some even falling below acceptable levels.

 

The report also noted that mattress ratings varied depending on changes in body weight, body shape, and sleeping position. This highlights the fact that simply lying on a mattress for a short trial in a retail store is not sufficient to determine its comfort and suitability. Fortunately, many mattress brands now offer at-home trial experiences, allowing customers to return the mattress for a full refund if they find it unsuitable during the trial period. This service ensures that consumers can test their mattress in the comfort of their own home before making a final decision.

Consumer Council Mattress Comparisons

The Consumer Council compared mattresses based on the following key aspects:

1. Mattress Price

The tested mattress brands varied significantly in price. The most expensive mattress cost over HK$6,000, while the cheapest was priced at just over HK$1,000.

Interestingly, the top five mattress brands in the rankings included both high-priced and lower-priced options, proving that price alone is not an accurate indicator of quality. Given the high rental costs in Hong Kong, some mattress brands set their retail prices at 10 to 12 times the production cost to increase profits. While price does not necessarily reflect mattress quality, the rise of online mattress retailers has allowed brands to focus more on developing new technologies. Therefore, when purchasing a mattress, it is crucial to ensure that your money is spent on high-quality materials and excellent customer service rather than inflated retail costs.

2. Mattress Firmness

According to a sleep quality survey conducted by the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong residents prioritize mattress support, yet many remain unclear about the key factor that affects support—mattress firmness. The survey found that while over 80% of respondents recognized the importance of mattress suitability for sleep quality, misconceptions about mattresses persisted. One of the most common misconceptions is that firmer, spring-based mattresses provide the best support.

However, the number of springs in a mattress does not necessarily determine its level of support. The Consumer Council also warned consumers that a mattress that is too firm may increase pressure on certain points of the body, restricting blood circulation and causing discomfort. Conversely, a mattress that is too soft may lack sufficient support for the lower back, leading to back pain.

 

In summary, the Consumer Council recommends mattresses with medium firmness, as they generally enhance sleep quality and reduce pain. However, individual preferences and body types should still be taken into account when selecting a mattress.

 

 

For example, lighter individuals may find firm mattresses unable to conform to their body curves, resulting in insufficient support for the neck and lower back. On the other hand, heavier individuals may experience lower back pain if a mattress is too soft and lacks adequate support. The ideal mattress should provide enough support to ensure that the spine remains in a neutral position when lying down, evenly distributing pressure from the neck to the lower back.

 

 

Emma understands that different body types and preferences affect mattress selection. That is why we recommend Emma mattresses, which feature a dual-sided design with different levels of firmness. If you wish to adjust the firmness, you can simply flip the mattress to the desired side, ensuring optimal support regardless of your preference.

 

 

3. Mattress Types

The Consumer Council focused on testing spring mattresses and memory foam mattresses.

  • Spring mattresses are among the most common types available. They are generally more affordable and contain metal springs that provide firm support. Typically, the more springs a mattress has and the thicker the coils, the better the support it offers. However, compared to memory foam mattresses, spring mattresses generally have lower contouring ability and lower motion isolation, meaning that movements during sleep may cause disturbances to a sleeping partner.
  • Memory foam mattresses, which have gained popularity in recent years, offer high contouring ability, conforming to the body's curves and alleviating pressure points. Additionally, memory foam mattresses feature excellent motion isolation, ensuring that movements during sleep do not disturb a partner. This makes them a preferred choice for those seeking superior comfort and support.

However, comfort is subjective, so the Consumer Council evaluated mattresses based on lumbar support, breathability, heat dissipation, and stability. The test results showed that spring mattresses scored higher in breathability and heat dissipation, while memory foam mattresses excelled in stability. Given that both types have their unique advantages, consumers should select a mattress based on their specific sleep needs.

 

 

International Consumer Council Mattress Recommendations

In addition to the Hong Kong Consumer Council’s recommendations, you may also consider international consumer reports when selecting a mattress.

Most of the tests conducted by the Hong Kong Consumer Council follow EU standards, making European mattress reviews highly relevant. Several European consumer councils test and compare mattresses based on user feedback and recommendation rates, providing valuable insights. These organizations also use large-scale testing equipment and multiple test subjects to ensure fair and accurate evaluations.

Notably, at least seven European consumer councils have rated Emma mattresses as the best choice. Beyond the standard testing criteria, many European reports also assess the following factors:

 

1. Anti-Dust Mite Technology

Emma mattresses feature Purotex® technology, which infuses the mattress fabric with 100% natural probiotic microcapsules. These probiotics can eliminate up to 90% of allergens within two weeks, offering natural dust mite resistance and humidity control.

 

2. Breathability

Hong Kong’s humid climate makes breathability a crucial factor in mattress selection. Some thick mattresses have poor ventilation, causing heat buildup during sleep.

Emma mattresses incorporate Airgocell® patented open-cell technology, which helps regulate temperature and humidity. The UK Consumer Council rated Emma’s breathability at 4 out of 5, making it an excellent choice for Hong Kong’s climate.

 

 

3. At-Home Trial

Chiropractors also recommend that people who are thinking of changing their mattress should have the support of the mattress tested. When the support of the mattress is sufficient, it will not sag. If you feel muscle soreness or fatigue after waking up for several consecutive days, it may mean that the support of the mattress has been damaged and you should consider replacing it with a more supportive mattress. To avoid wasting money on an unsuitable mattress, we recommend that you choose an online mattress retailer that offers a home trial service to accurately assess whether the mattress is suitable for you and your family.

Many online mattress retailers today offer a 30- to 100-day in-home trial service, so you can be sure to choose the most suitable mattress. Emma offers a free trial period of up to 100 days. If you are not satisfied within 100 days of receiving the mattress, we will pick it up for free and give you a full refund.

 

 

4. Mattress Warranty

The University of Hong Kong found that Hong Kong residents replace their mattresses approximately every seven years. A mattress does not have a fixed lifespan, so choosing one made from high-quality materials with an extended warranty is essential.

Emma mattresses come with a 15-year warranty, ensuring long-term durability and peace of mind.

 

5. Mattress Materials

Hong Kong's humid climate can affect the breathability of mattresses, particularly those made from low-quality materials, which may promote bacterial growth. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to the materials used in a mattress. Additionally, consider whether the mattress is easy to clean, allowing for effortless stain removal and regular maintenance.

 

Furthermore, selecting a dust mite-resistant mattress can help reduce allergic reactions caused by dust mites. If you suffer from nasal allergies or sensitive skin, using a mattress with anti-dust mite properties can effectively prevent these issues.

 

 

6. Mattress Size

Given the limited living space in most Hong Kong homes, it is important to carefully measure the available area before purchasing a new mattress. Choosing a mattress that is too large may create a cramped atmosphere and make the space feel restrictive.

 

 

7. Sleeping Partners

If you share a bed with a partner, it is advisable to test the mattress together to ensure it meets both of your comfort and support needs. Additionally, if you are easily disturbed by your partner’s movements during sleep, we recommend choosing a memory foam mattress with high motion isolation, which can help minimize disturbances and ensure a restful night’s sleep.

 

 

8. At-Home Trial Service

Before purchasing a mattress, it is ideal to spend as much time as possible testing it. However, trial periods in retail stores are often too short to accurately determine whether a mattress is truly suitable.

 

We recommend choosing a mattress brand that offers an at-home trial service. The longer the trial period, the better, as this allows you to properly assess the mattress in your own home environment and ensure it meets your comfort and support requirements.

 

8 tips for buying a mattress

Based on the Consumer Council's reports and various surveys, we have put together the following tips for buying a mattress:

 

 

1. Support performance

If you want a mattress that is good for your back, then the mattress's support performance is naturally very important. The Consumer Council deliberately tested the support performance of mattresses before recommending mattress brands. It was found that some mattresses performed better when lying on their backs but performed poorly when lying on their sides. Therefore, the Consumer Council recommends that consumers test the mattress in their usual sleeping position to find the most suitable mattress.

A mattress with sufficient support will not sink in. If you wake up with muscle soreness or fatigue for several consecutive days, it may mean that the support of the mattress has been compromised. You should consider replacing it with a mattress with better support to avoid harming your spine.

 

2. Breathability

The Consumer Council recommends mattresses with high breathability. Hong Kong has a humid climate, and if the breathability of the mattress is insufficient, you may feel hotter and hotter while sleeping, and you may even sweat all over.

 

When buying a mattress, you should pay attention to the scientific research technology used by the mattress brand in the research and development of the mattress, and choose a mattress that uses scientific research technology to improve the breathability, comfort and performance of the mattress.

 

 

3. Durability

The Consumer Council tests the durability of mattresses by rolling a 140 kg roller over the mattress, but it is difficult for ordinary consumers to do this test when trying out mattresses. Therefore, we recommend buying mattresses with a warranty. Some mattress brands now offer home trial services, combined with a warranty of more than ten years, which proves that these mattress brands are confident in the quality and lifespan of their products.

Emma mattresses offer a 15-year quality guarantee and 100-night free trial sleep, so you can buy your mattress with confidence.

 

4. Firmness

A mattress that is too hard may impede blood circulation in some parts of the body, while a mattress that is too soft may not provide sufficient support. A mattress that is moderately firm generally improves the quality of sleep, but you should still choose the right mattress for your individual needs.

You can also choose a mattress that can change its firmness. Emma mattresses have two sides, so you can flip the mattress to change its firmness. No matter which side you choose, the Emma mattress will provide you with the best support.

 

5. Mattress material

The weather in Hong Kong is humid, and poor-quality materials can affect the breathability of the mattress and make it easy for bacteria to grow. Therefore, do not underestimate the materials used in the mattress, and also pay attention to whether the mattress is easy to clean, so that you can easily remove stains and clean the mattress regularly.

At the same time, choose a mattress with anti-bed mite function to reduce allergic reactions caused by dust mites. If you suffer from nasal allergies or skin allergies, using a mattress that is anti-bed mites can directly prevent the above conditions.

 

6. Mattress size

Hong Kong homes generally have limited space, so when buying a new mattress, we need to measure the actual area that can be accommodated in advance to avoid buying a mattress that is too large, which will make the home feel cramped and give a sense of oppression.

 

7. Sleeping partner

If you sleep with a partner, you should try the mattress together to find the right one for both of you. If you are easily woken up by your partner turning in their sleep, we recommend a memory foam mattress with high disturbance resistance to prevent waking your partner.

 

8. Home trial service

You should spend as much time as possible trying out mattresses before buying them. However, the time you can spend trying out mattresses in retail stores is often not long enough to know whether the mattress is really suitable for you. We recommend that you choose a mattress brand that offers a home trial service. The longer the trial period, the better, to ensure that you can choose the most suitable mattress.

 

Emma Mattress Recommendation: 3-layer technology combines to provide the best sleep experience

If you are interested in memory foam mattresses, remember that the quality of memory foam mattresses on the market varies greatly. To ensure you buy a high-quality mattress, it is best to buy from a reputable brand. The Emma Hybrid mattress, made with German craftsmanship, is made with different breathable and moisture-reducing designs, including: AeroFoam cotton layer, specially designed breathable MemoryAdapt memory foam and E2E Infinity improved pocketed springs. The combination of these three technologies just solves the needs of different mattresses in Hong Kong's changeable weather.

 

1. AeroFoam cotton layer

Emma understands that everyone wants to have a perfect sleep. The combination of AeroFoam technology and an adjustable memory surface layer reduces pressure on the spine and the impact of your partner turning over in the middle of the night, providing a unique level of comfort.

 

2. MemoryAdapt memory foam

Different body shapes naturally have different concerns when choosing a mattress. In view of this, the new MemoryAdapt memory foam can take into account the unique body shapes of all consumers, so that your weight can be evenly distributed on the mattress, and you can completely relax; enjoy a whole new cloud-like comfort and full-body relief.

 

3. E2E Infinity improved pocketed springs

Compared to a regular mattress, Emma's Hybrid mattress has 7 different zones (head, shoulders, upper back, waist, hips, thighs and feet) with independent pocket springs, each with a specific support method to provide support for all parts of your body. The improved pocket springs not only provide support for you but also allow you to enjoy a less sweaty sleep.

 

 

In addition, the Consumer Council's tests also mentioned that when buying, you need to consider the degree of moisture wicking and heat dissipation. Many mattresses have mold or become a home for dust mites just a few years after purchase, and buying a new mattress undoubtedly costs consumers a lot of time and money. Moreover, the weather in Hong Kong is becoming increasingly unstable, with heat warnings occurring frequently. Relying on air conditioning is only a temporary solution; buying a mattress that dissipates heat is the long-term solution. In recent years, heat dissipation, comfort and breathability have naturally become one of the core needs of Hong Kong people. In addition to Emma Hybrid, the new Emma Zero Gravity 2.0 mattress is also a smart choice.

 

 

The Emma Zero Gravity Space Zero Sense Mattress 2.0 not only inherits all the advantages of the Emma Hybrid but also uses the latest AirGrid technology to bring you a cooler and more comfortable zero gravity sleep experience. The unique “Zero Gravity” feeling can be considered to be well received by buyers, who unanimously agree that the product gives them a unique feeling. This feeling is thanks to the exclusive AirGrid technology, which dissipates heat better and faster than a regular mattress, so you can sleep one degree cooler than other consumers, whether it's a hot summer day or a partly cloudy spring day. Your body can feel an unparalleled cool sensation. In addition, when you fall asleep, the air ducts in the AirGrid layer can enhance air circulation to dissipate heat and help your body maintain an ideal temperature, reducing the possibility of being awakened from sleep by night sweats, so you can sleep peacefully. Finally, AirGrid has been tested to ensure continuous support and comfort for 10 years, so you can enjoy it for many years to come. You get relative quality assurance for every dollar you spend.

 

Remember that different people have different needs for mattresses, and the most suitable mattress can only be found by trying it out for yourself. Made in Germany, Emma mattresses have been recommended by the European Consumer Council and outperform other mattress brands in many aspects. They also come with a 100-day hassle-free trial and a 15-year quality guarantee. Buy an Emma mattress today and experience the award-winning mattress recommended by the European Consumer Council!

 

 

Further reading

Hong Kong Pillow Recommendation 2025

Hong Kong Bed Sheet Size Guide and Bed Sheet Recommendations 2025