Your mattress plays an important role in your life—more so than you might realise. It affects your body and your sleep, which in turn, impact your health, your mood, your productivity at work, your relationship, and more. With so much at stake, shopping for a new mattress is not something to do on a whim.
There is a lot to consider when comparing top mattress brands, from comfort preferences and support needs to special features and budget. With so many technical terms and different materials, narrowing down the best mattress isn’t always evident. In this article, we will break down the jargon and explain popular mattress features so that making an informed purchase is quick and easy.
These are the most recommended mattresses:
Types of Mattresses
Are you looking for something springy and buoyant or do you prefer a mattress that cradles you and hugs your body? Knowing which type of mattress you are looking for can save you time when shopping. The most comfortable mattress will depend on your preferences.
- Memory Foam – A memory foam mattress is an all-foam mattress featuring one or more layers of memory foam, which responds to your body’s temperature, weight, and shape to provide body-contouring comfort. It is highly supportive and provides a soft, enveloping sleep surface that adapts to relieve pressure points so you wake up free of aches and pains. It also reacts quickly to isolate motion, making it one of the best mattress options for couples.
- Hybrid – Hybrid mattresses combine layers of foam and springs. These mattresses tend to be the most versatile, catering to all kinds of sleepers. Most hybrid mattresses feature pocket coils, which support pressure points along the spine while also providing a slight bounce. Meanwhile, foam layers on top of the springs act as a comfort barrier for sleepers. Hybrid mattresses also tend to be much more durable than foam mattresses and may last up to twice as long.
- Latex – Latex mattresses are made of all-natural latex, which comes from the sap of certain rubber trees. It is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, making it one of the best mattresses options for sleepers with allergies or sensitive skin. In many ways, latex offers similar comfort to memory foam, hugging and contouring to the body. Unlike memory foam, though, latex is known for its cooling properties, is more durable, and snaps back to its original form more quickly.
- Innerspring – The innerspring mattress is the most traditional, basic, and affordable mattress type. It features a main layer of springs that are interlaced to maintain form, along with a thin layer of foam on either side of the springs to protect sleepers from feeling the jab of coils against their bodies. Innerspring mattresses offer very poor support and little to no motion isolation. They are rarely the best option for any sleeper.
Special Features
Once you’ve decided the best mattress type which offers the comfort and support you need, it’s time to consider special features. Modern mattresses are equipped with various innovative technologies designed to improve sleep for all kinds of sleepers.
- Cooling Technology – Heat is the enemy of quality sleep, which is why all the best mattresses come equipped with cooling features to regulate mattress temperature. Some of the materials known for their cooling abilities include cooling gel, bamboo charcoal, organic wool, organic cotton, latex, and springs.
- Dual Coil Systems – Some hybrid mattresses feature a dual coil system, which combines a layer of individually-wrapped pocket coils with a layer of micro-coils. The pocket coils provide a strong, durable foundation and standard pressure relief, while micro-coils offer advanced comfort and enhanced responsiveness. Combined, these two layers provide phenomenal support and maximise breathability throughout the mattress.
- Support Zones – Different parts of the body require different levels of support. Many of the best mattresses use support zones to address those requirements specifically. This may involve varying the firmness of the foam in memory foam mattresses or the responsiveness of the springs in hybrid mattresses. People who suffer chronic back and neck pain might benefit most from a mattress with zoned support.
- Perimeter Edge Support – Reinforced edge support prevents sagging and makes it easier for sleepers to get in and out of bed, which may be beneficial to elderly sleepers who make frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night. Other benefits of edge support include improved durability and maximised sleep surface.
- Removable Mattress Cover – For the sake of keeping your mattress fresh and clean, you should look for a mattress with a cover that can be removed and machine washed. Not only does this prevent your mattress from smelling funky, but it also helps prolong its lifespan.
Questions to Consider when Mattress Shopping
The following questions will help you better understand which of the top mattresses brands you should consider and which you should rule out.
What level of firmness do you need?
Firmness determines the kind of comfort you will experience sleeping on a mattress. It is often described on a numerical scale, with 1 being the most plush and 10 being the most firm. Otherwise, it is described as plush, medium-plush, medium, medium-firm, or firm.
As a general rule, back sleepers and stomach sleepers are most comfortable and best supported on a firmer mattress, while side sleepers are better off with medium to plush firmness.
What size mattress do you need?
In Australia, the top mattress brands offer five standard sizes: single, king single, double, queen, and king. Below are the most common dimensions per size, though they may vary slightly by brand.
- Single Mattress – 92 x 188 cm
- King Single Mattress – 107 x 203 cm
- Double Mattress – 138 x 188 cm
- Queen Mattress – 153 x 203 cm
- King Mattress – 183 x 203 cm
A single mattress is a good size for a child or a small guest bedroom. A double mattress or a queen mattress is recommended for an average-sized guest room. Couples should choose a queen mattress or a king mattress.
Do you sleep with a partner?
Couples shopping for a mattress should look for the following features:
- Good motion isolation
- Enhanced perimeter edge support
- Responsive individually-wrapped pocket springs
- Temperature regulating capabilities
How long do plan to have this mattress?
If you are looking for an affordable, short-term mattress, consider a memory foam or other foam mattress. However, if you want a mattress that will last a long time, we recommend a hybrid mattress. Looking at the mattress warranty is a good way to determine how long a mattress may last.
Can you try before you buy?
It takes days—months even—to truly break in your mattress. To ensure that you’ve made the right purchase, look for a mattress with a generous trial period of 100 nights or more. Many of the top mattress brands offer free returns and full refunds if you decide that the mattress you’ve purchased does not offer the support and comfort that you need.
What is your price range?
Before you get your heart set on a mattress you can’t afford, set a price range that you are willing to pay. In general, innerspring mattresses and foam mattresses are the least expensive, while hybrid mattresses and latex mattresses are the most expensive. We recommend checking our website regularly, as the top mattress brands regularly have mattress sales.
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Why Buy A Mattress Online?
Shopping for a mattress online may seem unconventional at first, but ordering a mattress in a box is actually much more practical than shopping in stores. Here’s why:
- Easier to compare – Shopping online makes side-by-side mattress comparisons easier and less abstract so that you find what you are looking for faster.
- You save money – One of the many benefits of ordering a mattress in a box is that it cuts out the cost of the middle man and, sometimes, storage, leading to mattresses that are significantly more affordable.
- Try before you buy – Since you don’t get to test out the mattress in store, almost all online mattress brands offer extensive at-home trial periods.
- Free shipping – No need to haul your mattress from the store to your home. When you order your mattress online you can get it shipped straight to your door for free.
Conclusion
You know the jargon and you know what you’re looking for—it’s time to start looking for the best mattress in Australia for you! Keep this article handy as a reference as you undertake your online mattress hunt, which you can start right here on our site! Read full mattress reviews and compare all of Australia’s best mattress brands.