Metro News

Finding and buying the best mattress in Australia isn’t easy. With so many brands, types, sizes, and materials to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

You also have to take into account your personal preferences. This includes your ideal sleeping position, budget, level of firmness, and ailments. You may also need to consider the needs of a partner as well. Plus, you have to decide whether to buy online, or from a physical store.

That’s a lot to think about! That’s why this handy guide has been created. To take the stress out of mattress shopping, help you make an informed choice, and ensure you get the best possible deal.

Ready to rediscover the joys of sleep? Let’s get started.

Cost factors of a new mattress

The most common factors that influence the cost of a new mattress are:

• Type of mattress

• Size

• Quality of materials

• Shipping costs

• Mattress return and exchange policy

Let’s take a closer look at each one in more detail.

Mattress type

The four most common mattress types to choose from are Innerspring, Memory Foam, Latex, and Hybrid.

Each of these mattress types vary in cost due to a range of factors, such as the use of materials, construction, and overall lifespan.

Here’s what makes each one unique:

Innerspring

An innerspring mattress is made up of an internal support system of metal coil springs.

This type of construction offers great airflow and breathability, as the space between each coil spring allows the air to naturally flow through. Generally speaking, the more coil springs the mattress has, and the thicker the coils are, you’ll enjoy a higher level of comfort and support.

More advanced innerspring mattresses also have additional layers to provide extra comfort and support.

Average lifespan: 7 to 8 years

Average price range: Less than $200 to $1,200+

Memory foam

As the name implies, this mattress is primarily composed of memory foam. Made from polyurethane, the same material found in most sofas, car seats, and spray foam, the material lets you ‘sink into’ the mattress and conform to your natural sleeping position.

Memory foam is also hypoallergenic, as there’s no large open spaces for mould, dust mites, and pet hair to thrive in.

These days, most memory foam mattresses have an additional open cell or gel-infused layer, both of which are designed to provide extra support and airflow to help you stay cooler while you sleep.

Keep in mind, cheaper memory foam mattresses may not have these layers, which means you’ll have less support and the mattress will be hotter to sleep in.

Average lifespan: 10 to 12 years

Average price range: Less than $400 to $1,400+

Latex

While memory foam is made from synthetic materials, latex is made from 95-97% pure natural latex.

As a result, latex mattresses offer the same high level of support and comfort of memory foam, yet they contain no harsh chemicals or strong odours. Plus, latex mattresses are highly breathable and they’re able to relieve certain pressure points, which ensures you sleep cool and wake up feeling refreshed.

However, they are prone to oxidization, which means they may discolour and crumble as the years go on.

Average lifespan: 10 to 15 years

Average price range: Less than $500 to $1,600+

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress is a combination of both innerspring and memory foam.

While the springs are less bouncy, they still provide great comfort and support. Meanwhile, the memory foam provides the same contouring motion and cushiness that a standalone memory foam mattress has to offer. Plus, the memory foam helps target and relieve specific pressure points.

The downside? Most hybrids have a shorter lifespan than their standalone counterparts.

Average lifespan: 6 to 7 years

Average price range: Less than $600 to $1,600+

Size

Generally speaking, the larger the mattress, the higher the price tag.

Keep in mind, most companies offer a budget mattress in each size category, which makes it easy for you to get the size you want at a fair price.

As a useful reference, here are the exact dimensions of each mattress size:

• Single 92cm x 188cm

• Long single 92cm x 203cm

• King single 107cm x 203cm

• Double 138cm x 188cm

• Queen 153cm x 203cm

• King 183cm x 203cm

• Super king 203cm x 203cm

Quality of materials

By choosing a mattress made from higher quality materials, you’re more likely to enjoy a consistently good night’s sleep, and ensure that you get the most out of your investment as well.

Of course, if you’re on a budget, most companies offer reasonably priced mattresses without compromise on comfort and support.

Below are some of the key differences for each mattress type:

• Innerspring: An innerspring mattress with a higher spring count, and a thicker coil gauge, is usually more expensive. On the plus side, you’ll enjoy a greater level of comfort, support, and a longer lifespan.
  
  

• Memory foam: The higher the foam density, the more you can expect to pay. The inclusion of an open cell or gel-infused layer will also raise the price, but you will enjoy better support and sleep cooler at night.
  
  

• Latex: There are two manufacturing processes to create a latex mattress. First, the Talalay method, which involves pouring tree sap harvested from rubber trees into a mold, but only partially. The rest of the mold is filled with air using a vacuum. Secondly, the Dunlop method, fills the mattress mold completely with tree sap. This results in a lighter top and a denser bottom. Generally speaking, the Talalay method is a bit softer than the Dunlop method, as it is more forgiving on curves and pressure points.
  
  

• Hybrid: The price of a Hybrid mattress depends on the amount of layers. Generally speaking, the inclusion of memory foam or latex, a gel-infused layer, and polyfoam will be more expensive. Of course, the level of comfort and support will be greater, and a potentially longer lifespan too.

Shipping cost

Shipping costs vary based on your shipping address and the company you buy from. Some company’s offer express shipping across Australia, but this isn’t guaranteed. Be sure to get a shipping estimate before you place an order.

Mattress return and exchange policy

Online mattress sales have exploded in recent years.

According to industry resources and competitive data experts at Digital Commerce 360, mattress retailers grew online sales by 60.6% in 2017. Naturally, this trend has only increased since.

This means, more people are buying new mattresses before they actually have a chance to try them. Strange? Yes. However, online mattress retailers have come up with a clever way to ensure customers are satisfied with their purchase.

Companies like Chiropedic offer a 100 Night Comfort Guarantee across most of their product range. This gives people enough time to become accustomed to the mattress at home, and find out if it’s suitable based on their needs.

If not, at no extra cost, they can return it and get a full refund, or exchange it for a different mattress of the same size.