Start With Your Sleeping Position

Mattress firmness should match how you sleep. Getting this wrong is the leading cause of mattress dissatisfaction.

  • Side sleeper: Need cushioning at the shoulder and hip — these are pressure points. A softer mattress (medium-soft to medium) lets these points sink in slightly, keeping the spine aligned. Too firm causes pressure pain at shoulders and hips.
  • Back sleeper: Need support through the lower back without letting the hips sink too far. Medium to medium-firm is the sweet spot for most back sleepers.
  • Stomach sleeper: Need a firm surface to prevent the hips from sinking and arching the lower back. Medium-firm to firm. Note: stomach sleeping itself stresses the neck and spine — it is the least recommended sleep position.
  • Combination sleeper: A medium firmness works for most combination sleepers. Look for a responsive material (latex or coils) that adjusts quickly as you move rather than slow-conforming memory foam.

Mattress Types — What They Feel Like

  • Pocket spring (innerspring): Individual coils move independently. Good support, breathable, bouncy. Suits combination sleepers and those who sleep hot. Most traditional mattresses are this type.
  • Memory foam: Moulds to your body shape, excellent pressure relief, isolates motion well (one partner moving does not disturb the other). Can sleep warm. Best for side sleepers and those with joint pain. Slow response makes it less ideal for combination sleepers.
  • Latex: Natural or synthetic rubber. Bouncy and responsive like springs but conforms like foam. Naturally cooling and durable. More expensive but considered by many to be the best material. Hypoallergenic.
  • Hybrid: Pocket spring base with foam or latex comfort layers on top. Aims to combine the benefits of both. Currently the most popular category in Australia.

Other Factors to Consider

  1. 1

    Size

    Single (92x188cm) for one person. King Single (107x203cm) for taller single sleepers. Double (138x188cm) for couples who do not need much space. Queen (153x203cm) — the most popular size for couples. King (183x203cm) for couples who want space. Always check your room dimensions first.

  2. 2

    Test in-store whenever possible

    Lie on the mattress in your actual sleeping position for at least 10 minutes. This feels awkward in a showroom but is essential — photos and descriptions cannot replicate how a mattress feels. Bring your partner if you share a bed.

  3. 3

    Trial period and warranty

    Most Australian mattress brands now offer 100–365 night sleep trials. Use them — it takes weeks to properly assess a mattress. Minimum 10-year warranty is standard for quality mattresses. Check what the warranty actually covers.

  4. 4

    Budget

    Expect to pay $800–2,000 for a quality queen mattress from a reputable brand. Under $500 queen mattresses exist but the materials and durability are typically poor. A mattress is used for 8+ hours every day — it is worth investing in quality.

Popular Australian mattress brandsEmma, Koala, Ecosa, Sleeping Duck, Noa Home and Ergoflex all offer strong online mattress options with generous trial periods. Sealy, Beautyrest and Sleepmaker are the major traditional brands sold in stores. Read recent verified reviews rather than relying on brand marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every 7–10 years for most mattresses. Signs it is time: you wake up sore or stiff, the mattress sags visibly, you sleep better in hotels or at other people's houses, the edges have collapsed, or you can feel springs. High-quality latex mattresses can last 15–20 years. Memory foam typically lasts 7–10 years before developing permanent indentations.
Not necessarily — the research is more nuanced. Medium to medium-firm mattresses are consistently shown to reduce back pain for most people. Very firm mattresses can actually worsen back pain for side sleepers by creating pressure points at the hips and shoulders. A mattress that keeps your spine neutral in your sleeping position is the right firmness, regardless of the number.