An Ultimate Guide to Buy the Best Mattresses in Australia

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Without any exaggeration, buying a mattress is among the most important decisions of your life. You practically spend a third of your life in bed. And if you don’t, that’s a matter of concern because most experts agree that you should sleep 7-9 hours a day.

However, it is not only the quantity of your sleep that matters but also the quality of it. A good sleep helps you wake up fresh, well-rested, and ready to go. That is where best Australia mattresses come in to play.

There was a time when buying a mattress meant that you had to drive from showroom to showroom all across Australia, looking for a lie that, at least, wasn’t too bad and didn’t hurt. Those mattresses of olden days used to cost a fortune and when all was said and done, the exhausting task of pushing them up the stairs still remained. All in all, it was a tremendous drain on time, money, and energy. Nowadays, it is as easy as calling a cab. However, you still need to have a general idea of what you’re looking for. That is why using the right mattress guide comes in handy. In this article, we are going to go through a list of best mattresses in Australia for 2021. You will be able to make an informed decision, once you have gone through them.

Table of Contents

List of Top Mattresses in Australia (2021)

Here is the list of best mattresses in Australia (2021):

Now that we have a list of best mattresses in Australia for 2021, let’s go into a bit of detail for each one of them.

1. Sleeping Duck

Image Credit: Sleeping Duck

The Sleeping Duck mattress is among the top 2 mattress brands vying for the title of best mattress in Australia. It has got 5/5 stars on ProductReview.com.au. The extraordinary architecture has also bagged it a Good Design Award for its innovative design.

The secret to its success lies in its adjustable firmness level. You can start by choosing between medium and firm mattresses. After a necessary 21-night minimum testing period, you can change between the two or make a slight adjustment.

You can also choose a half-half mattress which gives you and your co-sleeper the option to have different firmness on both sides. You can customize the firmness even further by, for example, adding a firmer foam piece under the back or hip area. It is great for back and side sleepers and also for couples.

Unlike many other mattresses, the Sleeping Duck has a unique design consisting of four layers. The top layer is a breathable and anti-microbial bamboo cover. It is followed by the Hyper-Adaptive foam.

This Hyper-Adaptive foam layer is 8 times more breathable than either memory foam or latex mattress. It is, practically, made for the Australian climate. The final layer is made of 5 zone pocket springs and carries the body weight.

Features:

Price: $1449
Warranty: 10 years
Free trial: 100 nights
Delivery: Free

For more details read our in-depth Sleeping Duck mattress review

2. SleepMaker

Image Credit: comfortforall

Along with Sleeping Duck, the SleepMaker is the best brand for mattresses in Australia. It has achieved a perfect score in customer reviews- a rare feat. All customers laud its sleep quality, comfort, support, durability, and value for money.

It has a specially-designed “Dream Foam” for enhanced back support. Hence, it is great for those looking for back and hip comfort. If you are a back sleeper, go for the SleepMaker.

Features:

Price: $799
Warranty: 5-10 years (depending on mattress type)
Free trial: 60 nights
Delivery: fees apply based on your location and retailer

3. Eva Mattress

Image Credit: Eva Mattress

The Eva mattress is a hybrid mattress that is uniquely designed to keep you cool in the hottest of weather. This is achieved by a unique multi-layered design. The first is a gel-infused layer of memory foam which provides support and relief for pressure points. The second layer has an open-cell design made of natural latex.

Unlike other memory foam mattresses, it keeps you cool without compromising on support. Its low-price tag also makes it one of the best value mattresses in the market. If you are a back or side sleeper who wants a comfortable and dry sleep without being robbed of your money, Eva is the best choice for you.

Features:

Price: $900
Warranty: 12 years
Free trial: 120 nights
Delivery: Free

For more details read our in-depth Eva mattress review

4. Fern Mattress

Image Credit: fernearth

If you are environmentally conscious and the planet’s future is on your mind, the aptly-named Fern mattress should suit you just fine.

It is composed of natural and non-toxic latex. No synthetic latex or chemical glues are used. You also don’t need to worry about what happens to your mattress once you are done with it. The material is both biodegradable and recyclable. The GOTS certification lends credibility to the company’s claims.

Just because you have the planet on your mind doesn’t mean that you have to settle for a lower level of comfort or poorer sleep quality. To cater to all kinds of sleepers, Fern provides them with two firmness settings; gentle medium and firm.

The first variety is better for side sleepers who prefer a softer surface that sinks a little. The second option is best for back sleepers that need more firmness to maintain proper spinal alignment. All you need to do to alternate between the two settings is to flip the mattress over.

Features:

Price: $1,249 (Queen)
Warranty: 25 years
Free trial: 100 nights
Delivery: Free

5. Koala Mattress

Image Credit: Koala Mattress

The Koala mattress is a newer entry into the Australian mattress market but has achieved the best mattress award from many prestigious reviewers. It has a uniquely designed Kloud cell technology that keeps the sleeper cool. Its foam gives you comfort and a lush feel while not compromising on the support.

The Koala mattress lands on medium-firm (6.1/10) on the firmness scale making it suitable for a variety of sleepers. Most back sleepers appreciate its firm yet soft feel. Similarly, most back sleepers also give positive reviews.

However, it has been found to be the best choice for side sleepers as it provides good alignment for the neck and spine.

In spite of the breathable Kloud cell foam, some reviewers still found it a little too warm for their liking. That is something to keep in mind if you live in Queensland or the Northern Territory.

The Koala company is also environmentally conscious of GECA certification for its mattresses. 1% of all annual sales goes to charities.

Features

Price: $1050 (Queen)
Warranty: 10 years
Free trial: 120 nights
Delivery: Free

For more details read our in-depth Koala mattress review

6. Ecosa mattress

Image Credit: Ecosa Mattress

Ecosa mattress is a foam-based, bed-in-a-box mattress that is specially designed for water and fireproofing. Its comfort, customizable firmness, and durability have allowed it to become one of the best mattresses in Australia.

The Ecosa mattress is a great choice for a wide variety of sleepers owing to its adjustable firmness levels. You can choose between medium, medium-firm, and firm settings. This means that most back and side sleepers enjoy sleeping on it. However, not all stomach sleepers may feel that way. Nevertheless, it has been reported as useful for pain relief as well.

Most importantly, it is the best mattress for kids on this list. The advantages of its waterproof cover are obvious to any young parent. Similarly, its breathability is a great asset for kids before they have a harder time cooling down than adults.

It owes this trait to its G7 gel-infused foam and the ECO-Tex open-cell foam. Both of them are more breathable than memory foam.

Finally, the cover also protects from mites and bacteria. This is very advantageous for kids with allergies. One little damper for our enthusiasm is that some reviewers said that the Ecosa mattress takes some getting used to.

Features:

Price: $899 (Queen)
Warranty: 15 years
Trial period: 100 nights
Delivery: Free

For more details read our in-depth Ecosa mattress review

7. Sleep Republic

Image Credit: Sleep Republic

The Sleep Republic mattress is also among the best mattresses in Australia (2021). It is a premium bed-in-a-box option for most sleepers.

The cover is made of cashmere-knitted fabric. Needless to say, it has a silky smooth and lush feel to it. Underneath this plush surface is the heavenly combination of 100% pure natural latex and memory foam that provides soothing pressure relief. This makes Sleep Republic mattresses one of the best in the hybrid world and it does not end there.

There are up to 2,250 pocket springs in the support layer which is nearly double the usual number. This gives the mattress a remarkably low partner disturbance and great edge support. Simply put, it is a matchless combination of luxury and quality. Almost all users love it.

On the downside, some users find it too soft even though it is advertised as medium/firm (7/10) on the firmness scale. This may be due to the soft cashmere cover. Nevertheless, if you don’t adjust to it in the 100-night trial period, you don’t have to feel guilty about returning it as they are donated to charity.

Features:

Price: $1249 (Queen)
Warranty: 12 years
Free trial: 100 days
Delivery: Free

8. Onebed

Image Credit: Onebed

The Onebed mattress is arguably the best memory foam mattress in Australia. Like all memory foams, it is supportive while being soft. The top latex layer is dense and firm which provides good spinal support. On the firmness scale, it lands between 7 and 8. The memory foam hugs you while the latex provides the bounce. All of these qualities make the Onebed mattress ideal for side and back sleepers.

Usually, the biggest drawbacks of memory foam are that it is too hot and soft for some. The Onebed mattress has avoided these complaints by using an adjustable multi-layered structure.

The Onebed mattress has customizable top layers that allow for alternating between firm, medium, and medium-firm firmness levels. All of these layers are made of latex and memory foam. Latex allows the air to move more freely and makes the mattress more breathable.

Features:

Price: $799 (Queen)
Warranty: 15 years
Free trial: 125 nights
Delivery: Free

For more details read our in-depth Onebed mattress review

9. Ergoflex

Image Credit: Ergoflex

The Ergoflex mattress was among the first mattress-in-a-box products. It is a memory foam known for its firm and dense mattress. This provides adequate support and pressure relief. Moreover, it gets an 8/10 on the firmness scale. Keeping all this in consideration, it has rightly been named among the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Moreover, the TENCEL cover is anti-allergic, washable, and breathable.

Ergoflex scored nearly 5 stars on ProductReview.com.au. You will be hard put to find a bad review. Many people have credited it with helping them with their back, hip, and joint pains.

The only downside you can think of is its price and relatively shorter trial period. Nevertheless, it is much more affordable than its arch-rival Tempura (a rich snob, like England. Sorry!).

Features

Price: $1499 (Queen, $1049.30 with code “SLEEP”)
Warranty: 10 years
Free trial: 30 nights
Delivery: Free

For more details read our in-depth Ergoflex mattress review

10. Zenna

Image Credit: Zenna Latex Mattress

The Zenna mattress is a natural latex mattress. Along with FERN mattresses, they are the most eco-friendly option on this list of best mattresses in Australia.

As it’s a latex mattress, it is firmer and provides good spinal support. Moreover, it is medium-firm which means that it is a good option for back sleepers. A lot of customers have reported improvement in back pain too. Anyway, you can give it a good test during the 100-night trial period to see if you like it or not.

Additionally, as natural latex comes from rubber trees, it is biodegradable. The Zenna latex has Oeko-Tex certification too which means that it does not contain 100 dangerous substances.

For allergic people, natural latex is a godsend as it repels mites and mildew. Like many other online mattress brands, Zenna offers a 100-day trial, so you can give this mattress a good test-run first.

The only real downer is its price which does not make it one of the most affordable mattresses in Australia.

Features:

Price: $1595 (Queen)
Warranty: 10 years
Free trial: 100 nights
Delivery: Free

11. Sommuto

Image Credit: Sommuto

The Sommuto Mattress is the final entry on this list. It makes the cut for best mattresses in Australia with its combination of premium foams.

The unique combination of gel, high-density, and memory foam gets its marks for both comfort and support. It is mostly liked by back and side sleepers.

Couples also have a good choice in the Sommuto mattress as partner disturbance is at a minimum. Edge support, compared to other foam mattresses, is also decent. It is a good choice for people looking for a foam mattress-in-a-box with average firmness.

Features:

Price: $949 (Queen)
Warranty: 10 years
Free trial: 100 nights
Delivery: Free

Factors to Consider when Buying a New Mattress in Australia

The most obvious thing to consider when shopping for a mattress is to know which size you need. Most companies provide you a variety of sizes including Single, Double, Queen, and King size. Some people also like slightly different variants of these traditional sizes such as King Single and Super King.

Once you’re done deciding that, other, more subjective, parameters come into play. The following five are considered the most important ones:

Quality of sleep (most important)
Comfort
Durability
Value for money
Support

The quality of sleep has been recognized as the major priority of most sellers. This includes comfort, support, and feeling well-rested in the morning after. These three, after all, are the real purposes of buying a mattress.

A smart investment in a good mattress can contribute to a significant improvement in your sleep quality.

When Should You Replace Your Mattress?

The longevity of a mattress depends as much on its quality as it does on the duration and manner of its use. It is good practice to replace your mattress every 7-8 years even though many high-quality mattresses last twice as long as that.

There are, however, some signs commonly associated with the deterioration of your mattress. You may wake up tired or have continuous hip, neck, or back pain. Your sleep may feel unpleasant and you may wake up many times a night. There may be obvious sagging and dips in the mattress. All of these could signal the need to change your mattress.

Types of Mattresses Available in Australia

According to construction, there are 4 main types of mattresses. However, continuous innovation in mattress technology has led to unique combinations of different technologies. These are called hybrid mattresses.

In this particular session, we shall address the 4 basic types of mattresses (based on construction):

Innerspring / Coil Mattress

These are the commonest, cheapest and traditional kinds of mattresses. They provide support using metal coils in a variety of configurations. The two basic kinds of innerspring mattresses include open-coil and continuous mattresses.

Open-coil mattresses are made of a number of wires connected to one main wire whereas a continuous coil mattress consists of a single wire that is turned into strings. They have poor durability and the sleepers experience a gradual reduction in mattress support.

Independently pocketed springs were developed to address these problems. It divides movement and weight on individual coils.

Two parameters are used to estimate mattress quality; wire gauge and a number of coils. Firmer mattresses have a lower wire gauge. The number of coils gives an estimate of the possible contouring of the mattress to your body.

To top it all off, these coils are covered by stuffing, foams, and pads. Sometimes, memory foam and latex are also used. Let’s rush through some pros and cons:

Pros

Cooler sleep
Better durability than foam and pocket coil mattresses
Cheaper

Cons

Loss of mattress support over time
Poor motion isolation.

Latex Mattresses

These mattresses are completely made of latex which makes up both the upper comfort layer and a lower support layer. However, the latex itself might be natural, synthetic, or a combination of both. Many sleepers prefer natural latex variety because of its eco-friendliness, hypoallergenic traits (reduced allergy risk), and durability.

However, the natural latex mattress is also more expensive than the other types. Based on the manufacturing process, there are two types of latex mattresses that are as follows:

Dunlop: This is the original method of manufacturing latex mattresses and produces more durable and firmer results.

Talalay: This is a modified method that produces a more consistent and homogenous product. They often cost more than their Dunlop cousins even though customer reviews are similar.

Here are its most important pros and cons:

Pros

Among the most durable mattresses in the industry (15+years)
Improved sleep reported by reviews

Cons

Not as commonly found as other varieties.
Relatively expensive.

Related Article: Best Latex Mattresses in Australia

Memory Foam Mattresses

Any long-term relationship is bound to be defined by memories and that is what this mattress takes its name from. Memory foam mattresses are molded by the shape of your body. It is akin to the proverbial hand fitting into the glove. The foam ‘memorizes’ your body shape.

Of course, only the upper layer is made of memory foam which is supported by a denser foam under it. Had it all been memory foam, you would simply sink to the bottom of it.

The most important quality parameter is foam density. Low-density foam is less durable and provides less support. Meanwhile, a high-density foam might be a little too firm for your liking. Memory foam mattresses can be divided into three main types:

Standard: It uses the traditional polyurethane foam and has a long response time.

Plant-based: It is made of naturally-occurring oils that make the mattress more breathable and has a shorter response time.

Gel-infused: It contains a combination of memory and gel foam. You get a markedly cooler sleep on this mattress.

Let’s run through some of its pros and cons:

Pros

Durability
Good motion isolation
Back pain relief

Cons

Poor breathability (hot and sweaty sleep)
Relatively expensive

Adjustable Air Beds

They contain an adjustable air chamber which allows for different firmness levels. Interestingly, the firmness level can be different for both sides of the bed. This is the product’s main selling point. The most famous brand of an adjustable air bed is Sleep Number.

Pros

Durable
Adjustable firmness levels

Cons

Relatively expensive
Higher maintenance requirements

The Type of Mattress you Need

A majority of the people wrongly believe that a good mattress is necessarily a firm mattress. Before you go off shopping for your new mattress, you should know that the most important thing deciding if a mattress suits you or not is your sleeping position. There are three major types of sleepers; stomach, side, and back sleepers. The main purpose is to keep your spine straight and aligned neutrally. Here the mattresses best suited to different types of sleepers:

Stomach sleepers: These people prefer a firm mattress that provides their spine maximum support.
Back sleepers: They prefer medium to medium-firm mattresses that provide both comfort and support.
Side sleepers: They prefer a soft mattress that adjusts to the shape of their body and gives relief to pressure points such as the shoulders and hips.

More than ⅗ sleepers prefer a medium mattress (a popular choice). The firm mattresses, with ¼ of the customer support, come in second whereas soft mattresses are opted for by only 1/10 of the people.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the popular questions about mattresses:

Which brand of mattress is the best?

There is no single correct answer to this question. The best brand of mattress for you depends on how you sleep, your requirements, and your budget. However, we have prepared a list of best mattresses in Australia for 2021 which is as follows:

Sleeping Duck
SleepMaker
Eva
Fern
Koala
Ecosa
Sleep Republic
Onebed
Ergoflex
Zenna
Sommuto

In our analysis, the Sleeping Duck and the SleepMaker were the overall winners and the best mattresses of 2021. Both achieved good scores for comfort, support, durability, and sleep quality.

What mattress has the highest customer satisfaction?

Tempur, the original memory foam mattress producer, scores the highest marks for customer satisfaction. With its impressive collection ranging from full foam to hybrid mattresses, it secures the satisfaction of 81% of the users. It has the Cloud option for people who like a softer feel, Hybrid and Sensation varieties for the mid-rangers, and Original range for the people who like firmer lies.

What’s better: foam or spring mattress?

If there was ever a question as old as the hills in the mattress industry, this is it. There is no one correct answer to this. It all depends on your sleeping position, your requirements, and your budget. If you are a side sleeper, want chronic pain relief, or a couple that wants undisturbed sleep, a memory foam mattress will do the trick for you. However, you will have to put up with a hotter sleep and a bigger price tag.

If you are a heavy sleeper with chronic pain looking for a firmer and more affordable lie, a spring mattress will work just fine for you. It is also more breathable.

What’s a mattress in a box?

It is a newer and unique method of mattress packaging and delivery adopted by newer companies like Sleeping Duck and Koala. The mattress is compressed, up to less than a fourth of its expanded size, and simply put in a box that you can transport in the trunk of your car.

Such mattresses are also referred to as ‘bed in a box’. Buying a mattress becomes as easy as ordering groceries. Most of these mattress-in-a-box varieties are latex or memory foam mattresses however, a few use pocket springs too.

These mattresses are often bought straight from the manufacturer through the website rather than retailers or from showrooms. The elimination of the “middle-man” reduces prices too. According to CHOICE, these lies are just as comfortable as the old school mattresses. This too is without having to haul them upstairs (a nightmare).

Should I buy a mattress online?

In this day and age, buying yourself a mattress online is a no-brainer. It is both a time and a cash-saver.

The elimination of the middle-man has taken out all the commissions and made mattresses more affordable. You also don’t have to deal with the pushy salesmen who look like they are right out of a commercial. Moreover, online reviews from customers also allow you to narrow down your choice.

Similarly, delivery and shipping are also quick and free. Some companies even set your mattress up in your bedroom.

One little downer is that you can’t test them out in the showroom like you used to back in the day. Luckily, most online sellers have a trial period of 1-3 months with free return and replacement.

As most of the mattresses are either latex or memory foam mattresses, spring mattress lovers can have a hard time finding anything that they like. Nevertheless, some companies such as the Sleeping Duck have a wide range of adjustable firmness levels. According to some people, traditional mattresses are also more durable than their online cousins.

How easy is it to return a mattress in a box?

Returning a mattress in a box, just like buying one, is the easiest thing in the world. As most of the companies making them don’t have any showrooms, you can’t try them out before buying them. However, almost all such companies offer significant trial periods (usually 3 months) along with minimum use periods. That is to give you and the mattress a chance to adjust to each other.

Nevertheless, after this minimum use period, some people just aren’t feeling it. If you are one of them, simply drop the company an email and they’ll pick it up from your house and replace it for free. However, if you live in a remote area, you may have to pay for the pickup.

On the bright side, most of these returned mattresses are donated to charity. If not, they are recycled to make carpets.

How firm should my mattress be?

Among all questions about mattresses, this is probably the most important and most hotly debated. The simple answer to that is there is no mattress that is perfect for everyone; to each, his own. The firmness of the mattress should be based on the type of sleeper.

Most side sleepers prefer softer mattresses so that their pressure points (hips and shoulders) can sink in a little. The logic behind it is that their weight, unlike back and stomach sleepers, is concentrated on one side of the body. However, most back and stomach sleepers like firmer lies to keep their spines aligned. Most mattresses have medium firmness which falls right in the sweet spot and is the most popular firmness level.

If your discomfort isn’t that bad, you can use a softer mattress top to go along with your mattress.

How much should I spend on a mattress?

Mattress prices range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. The amount of money you spend on buying one depends on your budget and requirements. While there are cheaper options that work just fine, there are also more expensive mattresses with great customer reviews. However, there is a rule of thumb to go by. You should be able to buy a comfortable and durable mattress that gives you good value for your money in 1000 dollars.

Naturally, the online stores have mattresses cheaper than those found at showrooms because you buy them straight from the company. The elimination of the middle man makes them more affordable.

Nevertheless, more expensive mattresses are also good investments that pay off in the long run.

How long should a mattress last?

Most mattresses come with at least a 10-year warranty. You should be wary of those that don’t. Regardless, it is good practice to replace your mattress every 7-8 years. Some may become saggy and lose their shape earlier needing replacement. Moreover, consistently uncomfortable sleep may also be a sign that it is time for a change.

Just like everything else, you can expect your mattress to last longer if you take care of it. Flipping your mattress every few months goes a long way towards achieving by distributing the wear and tear on all sides. However, unlike mattresses of the old, most modern mattresses only need rotating. That is because they have proper tops and bottoms.

Sometimes, wear and tear have got nothing to do with wanting to replace your mattress. Occasional spills and accumulated odors, especially if you have young kids, can make your mattress a wonderful exhibition of modern art.

Memory foam and latex mattresses are better at absorbing these substances than other mattresses. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to use a mattress protector

Best Mattress in Australia Under 1000

Just because you can’t afford an expensive mattress does not mean that you have to settle for a bad one. There are many brands that offer mattresses of great quality and comfort at more affordable rates. The following is a list of best Australian mattresses below a $1000:

Noa mattress
Eva mattress
624 mattress
Zinus mattress

The Noa mattress is the best of the lot with an all-round sleeper acceptance, a 15-year warranty, and a 100-night trial period. The Eva mattress is also not far behind with its medium firmness (liked by side and back sleepers), 12-year warranty, and 120-night trial period. The 624 and Zinus mattresses are also among the best budget mattresses in Australia. Hence, you don’t have to break the bank just to have a good night’s sleep.

Best Mattress for Hip Pain in Australia

Chronic pain in the hips, shoulders, and back should not just be “shaken off”. It can be a sign of an inflammatory condition such as osteoarthritis. However, it can also simply be the result of the rigors of the day catching up with us at night time. A suitable mattress goes a long way towards giving you relief from such pains. Some of the best Australian mattresses for hip pain include the following:

Ergoflex mattress
Ecosa mattress
Koala mattress
Sleeping Duck mattress
Sommuto mattress

Most of these products come with either fixed firmness or adjustable firmness levels which helps with the pains. The Ergoflex memory foam mattress takes the proverbial cake with its orthopedic pressure relief along with the hospital-grade materials. It is molded by the body contours themselves and helps keep the spine, shoulders, and hips properly aligned. Many sleepers report pain relief.

Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers in Australia

Nobody likes to wake up in the middle of the night wet and sticky. Most brands address this issue by making their mattresses more breathable so that you can have a cool and dry sleep. However, some people have a tendency to sleep ‘hot’. The following list is especially for them:

Silent Night Onyx mattress
Himalayan mattress
Cloud 9 Posture Gel mattress
Neoluxe Vantage Silver mattress
Sleep Republic mattress

The Silent Night Onyx mattress is an exceptional choice for you sleepers. Its unique “ICE-TEK Cooling Knit” technology has been designed specially to ensure a dry and cool sleep. Similarly, the Himalayan mattress (the name gives it away, doesn’t it?) has a cool gel memory foam designed to help those people who are prone to get overheated during the night. The Cloud 9 Posture Gel mattress has a medical-grade Posture Gel™ layer that does the same. All of them are excellent choices for hot sleepers.

Conclusion

With the market being flooded by innovative designs every day, an almost limitless number of choices, and attractive delivery and return policies, there was never a better time to buy yourself a comfortable mattress that ensures good sleep. Anybody who has gone through this list of best mattresses in Australia for 2021 will be able to find, at least, a couple that catches his eye. All you need to do is to sit back, order what you like and you’ll be sleeping on it before you know it. Sleep tight!