Mattresses

The Best Mattress in Australia for 2023

Or how to get up on the right side of the bed every morning.

The Best Mattress in Australia for 2023
Sarah Idle
Updated 
Mar 31, 2023
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In this guide

Buying a new mattress used to take hours of driving around showrooms, forking out thousands, and battling staircases. Nowadays, buying a mattress online is as easy as ordering a pizza (but, alas, not as delicious). Especially when we've done all the hard work for you in choosing the best mattress in Australia.

The right mattress for you is as personal a choice as the person (or pet) you choose to share it with (or not). By which we mean: there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mattress shopping.

That's why you can trust us to deliver you the best of the (mattress) bunch. Our team of experts has done hours of research, including hours of sleep testing (it's a hard job but someone's got to do it). We've dug deep into features, materials and even hand-tested delivery and return processes. So we're confident that we've rounded up a great range of mattresses to suit every budget, need and wish. Got a cranky back? Or you're a committed side sleeper? Want to try memory foam, or latex, or a hybrid? After a firm night's sleep - or an affordable one? We've got a mattress for it all.

Eva Comfort Classic Mattress
Best value
(
4.8
/5)
Eva Comfort Classic Mattress
Queen
$1200.00
$1200.00
Check brand for promotional pricing
Firmness:
Medium-Firm
Quality
Value
Ease of use
Comfort
Perks
See best price
The Koala Mattress
Best for side sleepers
(
4.6
/5)
The Koala Mattress
Queen
$999.00
$999.00
Check brand for promotional pricing
Firmness:
Medium-Firm
Quality
Value
Ease of use
Comfort
Perks
See best price
Emma Comfort Mattress
Most affordable
(
4.1
/5)
Emma Comfort Mattress
Queen
$1,499.00
$1,499.00
Please check brand for current promotions
Firmness:
Medium-Firm
Quality
Value
Ease of use
Comfort
Perks
See best price

What's the best mattress in Australia?

Through our hours of research and hands-on testing, we reckon the best mattress in Australia for most people is the SD Mach II Mattress. With over 250 different customisation options, we believe everyone can find their perfect mattress feel. We also love that it's cool and breathable, which we think is really important for most Aussies thanks to our hot nights.

If you're looking for something simpler (working through 250 customisation options isn't everyone's cup of tea), there are a range of mattresses to suit your needs. If budget is a consideration, consider the Eva Mattress. It starts from $600 and is a deep, plush hybrid mattress with breathable materials for cool sleep. The most affordable mattress we've found in Australia when on sale is the Emma mattress. However, our hands-on experience with it wasn't... the greatest. Cosier design leader and co-founder Daniel and his family thought it was far too firm. The free trial covered it though and their money was promptly returned.

Bad backs might find relief on the Ergoflex 5G. This 5-layer memory foam mattress is Australian doctor-backed and is designed to cradle and support backs. Side sleepers, who need a supportive surface for their necks and backs, should try the Koala mattress. Cosier writer Elese, a side sleeper, dubs it 'one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever slept on'.

The Onebed is our pick for the best memory foam mattress. We love that you can move the 3 layers around at home to find your perfect firmness with no need to order replacement layers.

If you're tempted by a hybrid mattress (hey, it's the best of all worlds), try the Noa mattress. We're impressed by Noa's commitment to safety, with certification that proves their materials, including the foam, are free from harmful chemicals. Although Noa says it's around the 7 on the 1-10 firmness scale, we think this has more of a soft-medium feel.

For those chasing the naturally supportive feel of latex there's the Peacelily mattress. Eco-friendly, it's made from 100% certified natural, non-toxic latex ethically sourced from Sri Lanka. It also boasts 2 firmness levels which you can flip between to find your ideal firmness.

The best firm mattress goes to the Ecosa mattress which packs multiple layers of foam, including memory foam. The 3 layers are interchangeable, offering a medium, medium-firm or firm feel.

The 9 best mattresses in Australia

  1. Eva comfort classic mattress - best value mattress
  2. Koala mattress - best mattress for side sleepers
  3. Emma comfort mattress - most affordable mattress
  4. Ergoflex 5G mattress - best mattress for bad backs
  5. Ecosa mattress - best firm mattress
  6. Noa mattress - best hybrid mattress
  7. Peace Lily mattress - best latex mattress
  8. Onebed original mattress - best memory foam mattress
  9. SD mach II - best mattress in a box

Best value mattress

34
Eva Mattress
(
4.8
/5)

Eva Comfort Classic Mattress

Queen
$1200.00
$1200.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

Price

It starts from $900 for a single, making it the most affordable mattress we reviewed and great value for money.

Cool

So cool! From the cooling gel memory foam top layer to the breathable materials.

Hybrid

The mix of foam and springs makes a supportive, sinkable mattress. The fact it’s a hybrid yet still affordable impresses us.

Naturally dust-mite resistant

The use of latex keeps dust-mites to a minimum, making the Eva great for allergy sufferers.

Low partner disturbance

I can confirm that the Eva’s great at minimising partner disturbance. Probably because it’s so comfortable that my partner never leaves the bed because they’re sleeping so soundly.

Edge support

The extra edge support means I don't feel like I’m sinking into it when I’m putting my socks on. Plus, it lets us sleep across the entire surface, not just the middle.

Handles

For easy rotating.

12-year warranty

Which is longer than most mattresses we reviewed, but not quite the dizzying heights of Peacelily’s 25 years.

Cons

32cm depth

Because it’s a hybrid, it’s deeper than other mattresses in a box (it’s the deepest one we reviewed although the SD Mack II is close at 31cm).  Although this makes it feel deliciously plush, you might struggle to find fitted sheets. I ended up using queen size sheets on our double.

1 firmness level

I feel like the Eva is softer than the medium-firm Eva claims it is. With no customisation, you have 365 nights to try it.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Hybrid
Warranty
10
years
Sleep Trial
365
nights
Delivery
1
day(s)
Certifications
CertiPUR-US®, B Corp Certified
Customisable Comfort
No
Firmness
Medium-Firm
Single
W 188 x L 92 x H 32
King Single
W 203 x L 107 x H 32
Double
W 188 x L 138 x H 32
Queen
W 203 x L 153 x H 32
King
W 203 x L 183 x H 32

With prices starting from $900, the Eva is the best value mattress in Australia. Which is surprising because it’s a hybrid mattress, which is normally more expensive.

This hybrid mattress packs a lot in. It’s got 5 separate layers. The top is cooling gel memory foam, to keep you both cool and comfortable thanks to its pressure-relieving properties. Then there’s latex foam. This gives extra firmness and support, while being dust-mite resistant. It’s then got density foam for more firmness and support. It all sits on a 5-zone pocket spring, to minimise partner disturbance. Finally, it’s got edge support so you can enjoy sleeping on all areas of your mattress.

Not only do we rate the Eva for its value for money, it’s also our pick for best for hot sleepers. I (Cosier writer Elese) have reviewed an Eva mattress and found it super cool and breathable. My partner runs hot, but we’ve slept comfortably on the Eva through the beginnings of Melbourne summers, even with a medium-weight doona.

I think this is thanks to the open structure of the gel memory foam, combined with latex and pocket springs. It makes it feel like an impressively well-ventilated mattress. The Eva is much cooler on warm nights than other mattresses I’ve used. I don’t get clammy, which is surprising given there’s no air con.

Eva reckons their mattress is a 7-8/10 in terms of firmness, making it medium-firm. But I reckon it’s softer than that and sometimes I feel like I'm rolling into the middle of the bed.

Not only do I love it, but it was recommended by CHOICE in June 2020 too.

See our Eva mattress review

Best mattress for side sleepers

34
Koala Mattress
(
4.6
/5)

The Koala Mattress

Queen
$999.00
$999.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

Perfect for side sleepers

Thanks to the supportive foam, it reduces pressure on side sleepers’ bodies.

No partner disturbance

It absorbs pressure well and in my experience this means I don't get disturbed when my partner gets up.

Removable, washable cover

I love the Tencel cover that feels soft and luxurious, yet also breathable. Being able to remove and wash it is really helpful.

Minimal packaging

The eco footprint of a mattress in a box, with metres of plastic wrapping, isn’t always great. I love that the Koala has minimal packaging. Because the cardboard box was minimally dyed and had no plastic lining, I composted it. If you want to be environmentally friendly, the Koala mattress range is a good choice.

Cons

No handles

Again. Sigh.

1 firmness

It’s around 7 on the firmness scale. It feels quite firm to me, because it’s so supportive. If you’re looking for something harder or softer, the Koala isn’t customisable. You get 120 nights to try it though.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Foam
Warranty
10
years
Sleep Trial
120
nights
Delivery
3
day(s)
Certifications
GECA, CertiPUR-US, Tencel
Customisable Comfort
Yes
Firmness
Medium-Firm
Single
W 92 x L 188 x H 24
King Single
W 107 x L 203 x H 24
Double
W 138 x L 188 x H 24
Queen
W 153 x L 203 x H 24
King
W 183 x L 203 x H 24

The Koala mattress is our pick for the best mattress for side sleepers because it provides excellent alignment for side sleepers' necks and spines. We know this because I (Cosier writer Elese, me again) am a side sleeper and I’ve reviewed a Koala mattress. I love it because it offers a supportive softness that I’ve found great at relieving pressure on my body. Plus, because it absorbs pressure so well, my partner can get up in the night without disturbing me. I comfortably sink into it, without needing a search and rescue team to roll me out of bed in the morning. In fact, I reckon it’s one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve ever slept on.

While some mattresses can be too hot, the Koala mattresses are made with breathable Kloudcell foam. The open-cell design of this foam ensures air can move around during Aussie summers without compromising on the bounce factor. Honestly, I’ve found it a little hot during the Melbourne nights, especially compared to the Eva mattress which I’ve also tested. So, if you live in Queensland or the Northern Territory, it may not be your best choice (check our Eva review - it’s our pick for best for hot sleepers).

The lack of partner disturbance is a big plus from me. Although it makes it a little too easy to justify a glass of pinot with my Sunday arvo Netflix sesh... I reckon now all Koala needs to do is include a gap to accommodate a spooning arm, and it'll be a side sleepers' dream.

See our Koala mattress review

Most affordable mattress

34
Emma Comfort Mattress
(
4.1
/5)

Emma Comfort Mattress

Queen
$1,499.00
$1,499.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

Price

When on sale (often), the Emma is the most affordable mattress in a box.

3 layers of foam

Each layer has a specific purpose and it’s designed to support every body and sleep style.

Award-winning

We think it’s great, and so do lots of other places - it’s got more than 20 awards under its belt and it came out on top in CHOICE testing in 2020.

Cons

Medium-firm feel only

The Emma only comes in 1 firmness (medium firm) which is like a lot of our other picks, including the Ergoflex 5G, Noa, Koala and Eva. Our hands-on experience suggests that it’s actually very firm, which might not suit everyone.

‘Eco-friendly’

It might be but Emma doesn’t provide any evidence to back this up.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Foam
Warranty
10
years
Sleep Trial
100
nights
Delivery
1
day(s)
Certifications
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 - Class 1
Customisable Comfort
Yes
Firmness
Medium-Firm
Single
W 92 X L 188 X H 25
King Single
W 107 X L 203 X H 25
Double
W 138 X L 188 X H 25
Queen
W 153 X L 203 X H 25
King
W 183 X L 203 X H 23

We noticed during our research that when on sale, the Emma Original mattress is the most affordable mattress in Australia. But spending less doesn’t mean you get less - the Emma Original offers the same 100-night trial and 10-year warranty as the far more expensive SD Mach II. However, it doesn’t offer the personalization of the SD Mach II. You don’t get a choice of firmness - it’s medium firm. That’s it.

We’re impressed by the materials that go into the German-engineered Emma Original. It’s got 3 layers of foam, each with a distinct function. The base layer is point-elastic foam that’s designed to support your lower back and minimise partner disturbance. The middle layer relieves pressure on your body with 7 different support zones targeted. The top layer is eco-friendly foam that’s breathable and moisture wicking. This is finished with the machine washable elasticated cover that stays on throughout the night.

Honestly, the materials aren’t the fanciest. The cover is polyester for example, rather than a cool and breathable cotton. But given you don’t sleep on the cover, it’s probably not a deal-breaker. We’re also not fans of the ‘eco-friendly’ foam because Emma gives zero details about what makes it a green choice. Compared to our other picks, Emma doesn’t give much specific information about materials. (Although we’re keen to point out that all foams comply with the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 - Class 1. This guarantees that the Emma Original is free from harmful chemicals and other nasties.)

Cosier design leader and co-founder Daniel and his family tried the Emma Original. It didn’t work out for them as they all found it far too firm. They were able to take advantage of the free trial and get their money back, although it took around 3 weeks for the mattress to be picked up. (This was during the Covid19 pandemic however.)

See our Emma Comfort mattress review

Best mattress for bad backs

34
Ergoflex 5G Mattress
(
/5)

Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress

Queen
$1,699.00
$1,699.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

Good for bad backs

An optimal firmness (medium firm) combined with 3 layers of memory foam makes this highly supportive for bad backs.

Premium materials

You’ll find the highest graded foam density of any mattress in a box in the Ergoflex 5G. This should ensure your mattress lasts.

3 layers of foam

Memory foam shapes to your body, supporting you whatever sleeping position you're in. The bottom 9cm layer of foam acts as support for the layers above, ensuring it stays firm for its entire life.

Keeps you cool

The middle layer aims to stop heat building in your mattress and keep air flowing around it so you stay cool on hot nights.

Antibacterial removable cover

If you’ve got allergies, or want to keep things clean, the removable cover is machine washable and naturally antibacterial (it’s made with Tencel).

Mattress-in-a-box pioneers

They’ve been around longer than their 10-year warranty and were the first brand to deliver their mattresses in a box. They know their stuff.

Cons

Price

Starting from $949 and going up to $1,799, they’re not the most affordable mattresses we reviewed.

No handle

Even with the premium materials, the basics are overlooked - like a handle.

1 firmness

It’s medium-firm only (although our research shows this is ideal for back pain).

30-night trial

You get just 30 nights to try it which is the lowest trial period we found.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Foam
Warranty
10
years
Sleep Trial
30
nights
Delivery
1
day(s)
Certifications
CertiPur-US®, OKEO-TEX® 100 certified
Customisable Comfort
No
Firmness
Medium-Firm
Single
W 92 X L 188 X H 23
King Single
W 106 X L 203 X H 23
Double
W 137 X L 188 X H 23
Queen
W 152 X L 203 X H 23
King
W 183 X L 203 X H 23

Before we dive into why the Ergoflex 5G mattress is the best mattress for bad backs, let’s look into the science of bad backs and mattress.

Traditionally, it was thought that firm mattresses were best for bad backs. But a recent study shows that people with lower back pain who sleep on very hard mattresses report the poorest sleep quality. Soft mattresses also aren’t great for back pain as you can sink in too much, causing your joints to twist. Which lands us on medium to medium-firm mattresses that support proper spinal alignment - like the Ergoflex 5G.

From a personal perspective, Cosier Editor Sarah has scoliosis and has struggled with back pain for years. She’s got a medium mattress and has found that she’s no longer waking up in the morning, or through the night, with a sore back #win.

Ergoflex 5G goes one step further than just having the optimal firmness for a healthy back. They've teamed up with Australia’s Dr Mark Craig (The Back Doctor). He recommends it as part of a treatment plan for back pain. We reckon part of the recommendation is because of the 5 layers this memory foam mattress packs.

It starts with a 9cm layer of foam that’s designed to support the upper layers and ensure the mattress lasts. It’s then got a 5cm airflow layer that helps air circulate, prevents heat from building up in the mattress and regulates your temperature. The top layer is 9cm memory foam that shapes to and supports your body and reduces partner disturbance. Finally, there are 2 covers: 1 to protect the mattress and 1 breathable, naturally anti-bacterial, removable and washable cover. Phew.

Unlike some of their competitors, Ergoflex has been around longer than the 10-year warranty of their product: this mattress was originally designed in 2006. Plus, they were the first manufacturer to deliver mattresses in a box. They’re true mattress-in-a-box pioneers. They’re loved by Aussies too, where they rack up almost 5 stars from over 1,500 reviews on ProductReview.com.au.

As you’d expect for such a premium product, it’s not the cheapest mattress. Prices start from $950. We’re a bit disappointed by the free trial period. You only have 30 nights to try it - the lowest of all the mattresses we reviewed. We guess they assume that 30 nights is enough to fall in love with it.

Best firm mattress

34
Ecosa Mattress
(
4.2
/5)

Ecosa Mattress

Queen
$1,150.00
$1,150.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

Adjustable firmness

Swap the layers around to find your perfect firmness, from medium, to medium firm, to firm. Thousands of reviews say that this is a firm mattress. If that’s what you’re after, give it a go.

Breathable

Breathability is built into the Ecosa - it’s got tiny holes in all layers to ensure good airflow and non-sticky nights.

Waterproof cover

Not only does this protect your mattress from spills and moisture, it keeps dust mites out too.

Cons

Too firm?

We’ve come across the term ‘rock hard’ more than once. Mattress firmness is so subjective. Our best recommendation is to take advantage of the free trial.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Foam
Warranty
15
years
Sleep Trial
100
nights
Delivery
1
day(s)
Certifications
CertiPUR-US Certified, Oeko Tex 100 certified
Customisable Comfort
Yes
Firmness
Medium, Medium-Firm, Firm
Single
W 92 X L 188 X H 25
King Single
W 107 X L 203 X H 25
Double
W 138 X L 188 X H 25
Queen
W 153 X L 203 X H 25
King
W 183 X L 203 X H 25

The Ecosa mattress packs multiple layers of foam, including memory foam. This choice of material makes it firmer than other mattresses. We’re not alone in thinking this. The thousands of Ecosa reviews we read frequently mention how firm this mattress is. It’s adjustable though. Like the Onebed, you can move the 3 layers around, swapping it from medium to medium firm and finally to firm.

The combo of memory foam and support foam means this is a good choice for a firm, supportive night’s sleep. Tiny holes throughout all the layers means air flows well so you don’t feel hot as you sleep.

We really love the waterproof inner cover. This is the only mattress we reviewed with this feature. Goodbye accidental spills. This cover also keeps dust mites out. So, if you’re wanting to use this for young kids or if you’ve got allergies, the Ecosa is a great choice. The outer Tencel cover is breathable, removable and washable too.

The Ecosa ticks a lot of boxes. Not only is it firm and supportive, it’s adjustable, waterproof and protects against bacteria and dust mites to keep your mattress (and sleep) healthy and happy for years to come.

See our Ecosa mattress review

Best hybrid mattress

34
Noa Mattress
(
3.6
/5)

The Noa

Queen
$1,199.00
$1,199.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

Cool

The materials and layers have been designed to keep you cool all night, from the breathable natural cover to the cooling gel memory foam.

Softness

Our research shows that Aussies love how soft the Noa is.

Safe as possible

Lots of attention has been paid to getting the Noa safe, including materials that meet global standards.

15-year warranty

This is longer than the standard 10-year warranty of most of our picks.

Cons

Firmness

Noa reckons this is medium-firm but Aussies rave about its softness. It seems that the best way to check the firmness is to give it a go - you’ve got a 100-night free trial.

28cm depth

Noa reckons the 28cm depth (one of the deepest we’ve reviewed, only beaten by the 32cm of the Eva and the 31cm of the SD Mack II) gives it a plush, luxurious supportive feel. We reckon you’ll need to check the depth of all your fitted sheets.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Hybrid
Warranty
15
years
Sleep Trial
120
nights
Delivery
2
day(s)
Certifications
US CertiPur-US certification
Customisable Comfort
No
Firmness
Medium-Firm
Single
W 92 X L 188 X H 28
King Single
W 107 X L 203 X H 28
Double
W 138 X L 188 X H 28
Queen
W 153 X L 203 X H 28
King
W 183 X L 203 X H 28

If you’re looking for the best of all worlds, look no further than the Noa. The Noa hybrid mattress features latex, cooling gel memory foam and supportive pocket springs. As well as being the best pocket spring mattress, we think it’s also the best choice for those after a soft mattress. Here’s why.

It starts with the soft, breathable natural Tencel pillow-top. This is followed by open-cell latex to cradle your body. Then there’s a cooling gel memory foam layer for more contouring and cushioning. (It also helps keep you cool as you sleep.) Then there’s more foam to help minimize partner disturbance. Finally, you’ve got a layer of pocket springs.

Noa’s paid a lot of attention to making sure their mattress is as safe as possible for you. The Tencel cover and latex is OEKO-TEX certified. This means it’s proven to be free from harmful levels of over 100 chemicals. The foam layers are REACH certified. This is an European standard, similar to OEKO-TEX. All materials are low in emissions and the foam layers are stuck together with gentler water-based adhesives.

This is supposed to be around a 7 on a firmness scale of 1-10. From our research, we’re not convinced that’s quite true. Most Aussies on ProductReview.com.au rave about its softness and comfort and how it’s ‘not too firm’. It gets a whopping around 4.5 stars from over 350 reviews.

Like most of our other picks, you get 100 nights to try it. It has a slightly longer than average warranty though, of 15 years.

See our Noa mattress review

No items found.

Best memory foam mattress

34
Onebed Mattress
(
4.2
/5)

Onebed Original

Queen
$1,390.00
$1,390.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

  • The adjustable firmness levels, from medium through to medium-firm and firm.
  • The removable, washable cover to keep things smelling sweet.
  • Quality materials, including latex and memory foam.
  • Thousands of happy Aussie sleepers.

Cons

  • Lack of details, including shipping and basic stuff like weight.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Foam
Warranty
10
years
Sleep Trial
125
nights
Delivery
1
day(s)
Certifications
CertiPUR-US Certified, Oeko Tex 100 certified
Customisable Comfort
Yes
Firmness
Medium, Medium-Firm, Firm
Single
W 92 X L 188 X H 25
King Single
W 107 X L 203 X H 25
Double
W 138 X L 188 X H 25
Queen
W 153 X L 203 X H 25
King
W 183 X L 203 X H 25

The Onebed Original is one of the best memory foam mattresses you can buy online in Australia. Memory foam is known for its support and sinkability. Two of memory foam's drawbacks are that it retains heat, and can be too soft for some. The Onebed cleverly side-steps these problems with its interchangeable layers, so all types of sleepers can sleep soundly no matter the season.

A bit like the SD Mach II, you can customize the top layers for a firm, medium, or medium firm feel. Unlike the SD Mach II, you don’t order replacement layers to swap in and out. Instead, you change the order of the 3 layers. This makes it super easy to try to find your perfect firmness.

These three top layers are made of memory foam and latex. By using latex, air moves more freely around the mattress' surface, improving breathability. On the flipside, the mattress is coolest with the latex layer at the top, so you may have to toss up between firmness and temperature. Covering them is a plush, removable, washable cover for extra comfort.

Customisation and coolness aside, one of the other major reasons we rate it as the best memory foam mattress is the thousands of happy Aussie consumers. It also comes with a 15-year warranty, which is longer than most beds you can buy in a box, although every mattress on our list has at least a 10-year warranty.

See our Onebed original mattress review

Best mattress in a box

34
SD Mach II Mattress
(
/5)

SD Mach II

Queen
$1,649.00
$1,649.00
Please check brand for current promotions

Pros

Personalization

With over 250 combinations to choose from, you're bound to find your perfect fit.

Materials

Move over memory foam, the Sleeping Duck Mach II uses AntiGravity surface foam - no more sinking, sucking feeling.

Cool on hot nights

Not only does AntiGravity surface foam move with your body, rather than mould to it, it’s more porous than memory foam. Which means you should feel cooler on hot nights.

Reinforced edges

Mattresses in a box can feel flimsy at the edges, like you slip off as you perch on them to pull on your socks. The Sleeping Duck Mach II has reinforced edges to stop this happening. Plus, these strong edges mean you can sleep right up to the edges and not be squished in the middle.

Support system

It’s a hybrid mattress, which means it has a foam layer that sits on top of a pocket spring system. This ensures you’re well supported, all night long.

Easy care

The cover is removable and machine washable so you can keep it fresh. Plus, the foam can be removed and vacuumed too, making this a good choice for allergy sufferers too.

Cons

Price

At around $2,000 for a king, it’s not the most affordable mattress.

Specifications

Mattress Type
Hybrid
Warranty
10
years
Sleep Trial
100
nights
Delivery
1
day(s)
Certifications
Global Green Tag Certified Foam
Customisable Comfort
Yes
Firmness
Medium, Firm
Single
W 188 x L 92 x H 31cm
King Single
W 203 x L 107 x H 31cm
Double
W 188 x L 138 x H 31cm
Queen
W 203 x L 153 x H 31cm
King
W 203 x L 183 x H 31

The SD [Sleeping Duck] Mach II is a clear winner for the title of Australia’s best mattress. Why is it Australia's fave? We reckon its secret lies in its firmness. Or, more accurately, the personalisation of its firmness.

Let’s start with when you buy it. You get the choice of medium, firm or half-half (1 half medium, 1 half firm). You've then got 100 nights to customize your mattress to your needs, for free - no other mattress we reviewed offers this. There are a whopping 256 different combos to choose from.

You can swap out 1 side for a different firmness (there are 4 to choose from: soft, medium, firm and extra firm). You can also swap out different body sections, so you might choose to go soft on your legs but firm on your shoulders. Each side can be different for you and your partner.

This personalisation impresses us. It certainly stands out from the other mattresses we reviewed. The only other ones that come close to this personalisation are the Onebed and the Ecosa but that’s just swapping layers around.

Moving onto materials, it’s made with AntiGravity surface foam. This foam provides cushioning and pressure relief, which is good for aching joints and bodies. Although memory foam moulds to your body, AntiGravity foam moves with your body. This means you can move around freely, without feeling like you've been sucked into the foam - a common issue with memory foam. It's also 8x more porous than memory foam, which means you should stay cooler all night. Finally, it's got a BreatheTech cover that wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry. It's also machine washable for easy care.

The sci-fi sounding Motherboard is the Sleeping Duck Mach II's main support structure. Featuring multi-zone steel springs, it reduces partner disturbance, provides support to different areas of your body (like your neck, shoulders and hips) and has a reinforced edge which means you can sit on the edge without sliding off.

We’d be surprised if the Sleeping Duck mattress doesn’t work for you. Over 4,300 Australians give this mattress almost 5 stars on ProductReview.com.au, and it's also the first mattress to win CHOICE’s Best Overall Mattress 3 years in a row.

Oh and did we mention Sleeping Duck comes from the minds of 2 Aussie engineers (you might have seen them on Shark Tank back in the day)? It’s a proudly Aussie company. Although the mattresses are made and assembled in China, some components, like the Antigravity surface foam, are made here.

With prices starting from $999, the SD Mach II is one of the most expensive mattresses we reviewed. But with everything it crams in (including a 10-year warranty and a 100-night free trial) and the personalisation it offers, we reckon it’s worth the investment.

How we picked the best mattresses

We had a big task ahead of us finding Australia’s best mattress. We started with our first-hand experience, which we have a lot of in our team. I, Cosier writer Elese (hi!), have tried both the Koala and the Eva mattresses. I dubbed the Koala ‘one of the most comfortable mattresses we've ever slept on’ so I knew that was bound to be a crowd pleaser. While the Eva’s breathability and support impressed me, making it ideal for hot sleepers.

Cosier design lead and co-founder Daniel and his family tried out the Emma mattress, which got a honourable mention for being one of the cheapest online mattresses.

With those personal insights under our belts, we turned our attention to what we felt were key features to look for in the best mattress in a box:

  • Mattress type: was it (memory) foam, latex, or a hybrid? As each material boasts its own benefits, we wanted a good spread of types.
  • Firmness: mattress firmness turns everyone into Goldilocks - what’s just right for someone, is too soft or too firm for someone else. While we felt customisation was the most important when it comes to firmness (which is where the SD Mach II really shone), a medium-firm feel should suit most sleepers.
  • Price range: although you might think an online mattress is cheaper than a traditional one, especially without the mattress retailer markup, the prices can creep up. The SD Mach II costs up to $2,000 for example. We wanted to ensure a good range of prices, suitable for every Aussie wallet.
  • Depth: sounds silly but it’s an overlooked small detail that can make the difference between using your existing sheets and having to dash out to buy bigger ones.
  • Handles: like traditional mattresses, it’s best to rotate your online mattress to keep it in top condition. Each manufacturer recommends different turning frequencies. With most mattresses weighing over 20kg, strong handles can make them much easier to turn.
  • Removable cover: traditional mattresses usually don't have a removable cover. But some online mattresses do. We won’t go into the facts about how much skin you shed while you sleep plus the number of dust mites that live in your mattress (shudder)... let’s just say being able to remove and machine wash your mattress cover is a very good thing.
  • Trial length: unlike traditional mattresses where you get to lie on it in a showroom for a few minutes before making a decision, you can trial mattresses in a box in the comfort of your home. A standard trial length is around 100 nights. This gives the mattress enough time to bed in (pun intended) and for you to get used to it. The Ergoflex 5G stands out for all the wrong reasons when it comes to trial length, giving you just 30 nights.
  • Warranty: the expected lifespan of a traditional mattress is 7-10 years. All the mattresses in this guide have a 10-year warranty, minimum. (The Peacelily has a whopping 25-year warranty.) Which means online mattresses should actually last longer than a traditional mattress. Colour us impressed.
  • Australian company: we awarded bonus points to companies that align with our shop local focus by being a proudly Australian company. Take a bow Sleeping Duck, Eva, Peacelily, Koala and Ecosa.

Taking all of those features into account and combining them with our personal insights, we decided on the 9 best mattresses in Australia.

What makes a good mattress

Sleep position

If you sleep on your side, you need a mattress that supports the correct alignment for your neck and spine and offers pressure relief. For that, a foam, memory foam or hybrid mattress could be your best choice. If you don’t like the feeling of being cradled or sinking into your mattress, opt for latex. If you sleep on your back, your spine is naturally aligned which can help reduce pressure on your body. A hybrid mattress that includes a supportive layer of pocket springs might be best for you. If you’re a stomach sleeper, again a hybrid mattress is a good option. The pocket springs offer support for your spine while the top comfort layers are soft enough for your chest, belly, hips and knees.

Firmness

Mattress firmness is so subjective. Plus, it’s easy to confuse firmness with support. A mattress might be soft, but it can still be supportive.

A firm mattress is a good choice for stomach sleepers. Medium-firm is ideal for back sleepers who need neck, back and spinal support. But medium firmness also allows back sleepers enough softness for comfort and pressure relief.

A softer mattress could work for side sleepers because you can sink in comfortably. The logic here is that your weight is concentrated on one side of your body, whereas stomach and back sleepers spread their weight out over a wider area.

But at the end of the day, it’s whatever feels most comfortable for you. The best way to figure that out is to take advantage of the free trials all online mattresses offer. Remember if your bed is too firm, or too soft, you can always balance it out with a mattress topper.

Partner disturbance

f you have a bed partner, it’s worth considering how well mattresses deal with partner disturbance. It’s not great to be woken up every time your bedfellow twitches their legs or goes to the loo. Most online mattresses undergo the ‘wine test’. This is when a glass of wine is placed on the mattress and then someone jumps on the mattress. It should show how well movement is minimised.

We rate the Koala mattress for its lack of partner disturbance. But again the best way to see how good it is for you is to try it out.

Breathability

Most mattresses are made up of several layers which are glued together. If these layers aren't breathable, you may end up feeling too hot. Moisture-wicking covers made from Tencel or bamboo fabric can also help with breathability, as can wool or gel-infused mattress toppers.

Versatility

A couple of the mattresses on our list have customisable firmness (hello SD Mack II, Onebed and Ecosa), including some with different firmnesses for each side of the bed. Cheaper mattresses tend to have only 1 firmness level. If your mattress doesn't have this option, you can always try a mattress topper.

Types of mattresses

The right mattress material for you depends on what you’re after. Here’s a lowdown on the 3 types of mattresses you can buy online that we’ve covered in this guide: memory foam, latex or hybrid.

Memory foam mattresses

Most online mattresses are made of memory foam. It's a supportive material with a medium softness that moulds to your body, relieving pressure. Gel-infused memory foam is common here as it's more breathable during hot summers. If you're used to a traditional mattress with springs and coils, you might find a memory foam one takes a little getting used to, as it absorbs force instead of bouncing back.

See our guide to the best memory foam mattresses

Latex mattresses

If you like the idea of memory foam, but want something firmer, or more natural, consider a latex foam mattress. Natural latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree, which means it's biodegradable. Synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals, and feels less springy than natural latex. Like memory foam, latex moulds to your body for support and pressure relief, but it's not temperature sensitive. This makes it firmer than memory foam.

See our guide to the best latex mattresses

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses, like the SD Mach II, Eva and Noa, are a combo of memory foam, latex, and/or pocket springs. Hybrid mattresses can be a little pricier because of all the materials. But they offer the benefits of 2 or more materials combined.

If you want a sinkable and pressure-relieving feeling, try memory foam. If firmness is your priority, try latex (natural latex if you’re eco-conscious). If you want the feel of a more traditional mattress, try a hybrid as it includes pocket springs.

Common questions

Should I buy a mattress online?

We reckon so, yes. Buying a mattress online can be a real time and money saver - no more borrowing your mate’s ute, schlepping around mattress retailers or pushy salespeople. Delivery is usually much less painful too, especially given that most sellers offer free shipping. The bad news is someone has to be there to sign for delivery, and you can't try before buying. But most sellers allow a 1-3 month free trial period.

How long should a mattress last?

Traditional mattresses should last around 7-10 years. All the mattresses on our list have warranties of 10 years or more. Even though this means they should last at least 10 years, you might need to replace it sooner, especially if your mattress is lumpy or sagging. Waking up sore is a good sign that it's time for a new mattress. Extend the life of yours by using a mattress protector and rotating it regularly.  As a rough guide, pocket spring mattresses should be rotated every 3 months, and memory foam, hybrid and latex mattresses should be turned every 6. For more info, see your mattress manufacturer.

What’s a mattress in a box?

Sometimes called a 'bed in a box,' you buy a mattress in a box directly from the manufacturer, instead of a retail store or showroom. Mattresses are shrink-wrapped and shipped in boxes, and usually delivered for free. Cutting out the middleman means that mattress in a box companies can pass savings onto you. They’re normally more affordable yet just as comfortable as traditional mattresses.

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

It should be really easy. All online mattress sellers across our research offer a trial period of around 100 days although the mattress has to be in good shape. Most brands ask you to use a mattress protector to prevent damage during the trial period. Usually, these trials are free - all your money will be refunded. But you might need to pay for pickup if you live in a rural area.

Sources

  1. 'Best Mattresses', Product Review
  2. 'Mattress Reviews & Ratings', Canstar Blue
  3. 'How to buy the best mattress', CHOICE
  4. ‘How Long Should A Mattress Last?’, Sleep Foundation
  5. 'What type of mattress is best for people with low back pain?', Harvard Health Publishing