The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Mattress

You’re ready for a new mattress—but do you stick with the same model or try something different?

Replacing your mattress often means navigating pushy sales pitches in-store or scrolling through endless options online.

But it doesn’t have to be a headache!

Key Takeaways

• Choosing a suitable mattress starts with knowing your needs. Consider your bedroom space, mattress size, type, firmness, and sleeping habits to find what really suits you.
• Quality sleep doesn’t have to break the bank. A higher price doesn’t always mean better sleep—focus on finding a balance between comfort, durability, and affordability.
• Test before you commit. Whether through an in-store trial or a home sleep trial, giving your mattress time to adjust is the best way to ensure it’s the right choice.

The search gets much easier when you know what matters. Budget, mattress size and type, firmness, sleeping habits, and customer reviews all come into play, but it ultimately comes down to your comfort. 

This guide will help you choose the right mattress for your sleep needs—minus the hassle.

Jump to a section:

• How to Choose A Good Mattress
• Can You Return a Mattress?
• Recycling Your Old Mattress
• How Long Should a Mattress Last?

How to Choose A Good Mattress

While we can go all day in describing what makes a mattress good, only you can decide if it’s the right fit. It should match your space, support your sleep habits, and meet your comfort needs.

Knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Here’s what to consider before making your choice:

• Assess Your Bedroom Space
• Mattress Size
• Mattress Type
• Firmness Level of the Mattress
• Your Body Type
• Your Sleeping Position (+ Your Partner’s)
• Set Your Budget
• Test It Out
  

Assess Your Bedroom Space

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, buying a mattress is a big decision—you’ll be sleeping on it for years.

You will know how to choose a mattress when you know your bedroom layout. Get your tape measure to know if a mattress will fit in the space you need it to.

A bigger bed might sound appealing, but if it overwhelms the space, you’ll end up sacrificing comfort in other ways. Measure your room and make sure there’s enough space to move around freely. After all, a good night’s sleep starts with a well-balanced bedroom.

Mattress Size Matters

Once you’ve measured your room and planned your layout, it’s time to think about mattress size.

The right fit isn’t just about sleeping comfortably—it also needs to work with your space. A bed that’s too large can make your room feel cramped, while one that’s too small might not provide enough support.

Here’s a breakdown of the five most common mattress sizes in Australia:

Mattress Size	Dimensions (W x L)	Best For
Single	92 cm x 188 cm	Kids, teens, and solo sleepers in small rooms
Long Single	92 cm x 203 cm	Taller solo sleepers who need extra legroom or growing teenagers
King Single	107 cm x 203 cm	Taller solo sleepers or growing teenagers
Double	138 cm x 188 cm	Solo sleepers who want more space or couples who don’t mind a snug fit
Queen	153 cm x 203 cm	Most couples, offering a balance of space and practicality
King	183 cm x 203 cm	Couples who love extra room or families who co-sleep

Note: Beyond sleep comfort, think about the practical side of mattress size. Will it fit through doorways and hallways when delivered? If space is tight, consider a mattress-in-a-box—it’s easier to manoeuvre and expands once unboxed.

Understand the Mattress Types

Once you’ve settled on the right size, the next step is choosing the type of mattress that suits your sleep needs.

It’s not just about how big your bed is—it’s about how it feels. With different materials and constructions available, the best choice depends on your sleeping style, comfort preferences, and level of support you need.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options:

Hybrid Mattress

✅ Minimises motion transfer, durable, and offers a balance of support and cushioning

A hybrid mattress blends the support of innerspring coils with the cushioning of foam layers. This combo provides a mix of bounce, breathability, and pressure relief, making it a great choice for couples with different sleep needs.

Plus, hybrids are designed to minimise motion transfer, so you won’t feel every toss and turn from your partner.

Innerspring Mattress

✅ Firm support, breathable, and budget-friendly

Innerspring mattresses feature a core of metal coils topped with a comfort layer. They’re known for their firm support, which can be beneficial for back sleepers. However, they tend to transfer motion and may creak over time, making them less ideal for light sleepers or couples.

Memory Foam Mattress

✅ Contours to the body, relieves pressure, and isolates motion
Memory foam mattresses contour to your body, offering excellent pressure relief and motion isolation—great for those with back pain or restless partners. However, foam tends to trap heat, so hot sleepers might find it less breathable than other options.

Latex Mattress

✅ Supportive, hypoallergenic, and highly durable

Latex mattresses offer a mix of support and bounce, making them a great option for those who prefer a slightly firmer feel without sacrificing comfort. They’re also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Plus, natural latex is eco-friendly and highly durable, often outlasting other mattress types. 

The downside? They tend to be pricier—but for many, the longevity and comfort are worth the investment.

Think about the Firmness Level

When we say firmness, we’re talking about how a mattress feels when you lie down—and how well it keeps you supported through the night.

The right firmness helps prevent aches by evenly distributing your weight, but what feels “just right” varies from person to person. Your body type and sleeping position can help guide you toward the best fit.

Not sure which firmness is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Firmness Level	Best For
Soft	Side sleepers who need extra cushioning for pressure relief
Medium-Soft	Combination sleepers who switch positions often
Medium	Back sleepers and those who move around at night
Medium-Firm	Back and stomach sleepers, plus couples needing balanced support
Firm	Stomach sleepers and heavier individuals needing extra support

Soft

🛏️ Common Types: Memory foam, plush hybrid

A soft mattress contours to your body, cushioning pressure points like your shoulders and hips. It’s a great pick for side sleepers who need extra give to keep their spine aligned.

Medium-Soft

🛏️ Common Types: Memory foam, hybrid with plush mattress topper

If you like a bit of cushioning but still want some support, medium-soft strikes a good balance. It’s ideal for combination sleepers who switch positions throughout the night.

Medium

🛏️ Common Types: Hybrid, latex, responsive memory foam

Medium-firmness mattresses provide a mix of support and comfort, making them a solid choice for most sleepers—especially back sleepers and those who move around at night.

Medium-Firm

🛏️ Common Types: Hybrid, firm memory foam, latex

A medium-firm mattress offers more support without feeling too stiff. It’s great for back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface to keep their spine in check. Couples often find this level works well for both partners.

Firm

🛏️ Common Types: Innerspring, firm latex, extra-firm foam

Firm mattresses have minimal give, making them ideal for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals who need extra support to prevent sinking. They also suit those who simply prefer a more rigid feel.

Since firmness levels can vary between brands and models, testing different options—either in-store or with a sleep trial—can help you find the perfect fit.

Consider Your Body Type

Your body type affects how a mattress feels and supports you.

Factors like weight distribution, pressure points, and spinal alignment all come into play when figuring out how to pick a mattress that suits you best.

Sleeper Type	Weight Range	Recommended Firmness
Lighter Sleepers	Under 60 kg	Soft to Medium-Soft
Average Weight	60–100 kg	Medium to Medium-Firm
Heavier Sleepers	100 kg and above	Medium-Firm to Firm

Lighter Sleepers (Under 60 kg)

If you have a lighter build, you won’t sink as deeply into the mattress. Softer to medium-soft options work best, as they provide enough contouring for pressure relief without feeling too firm.

Average Weight Sleepers (60–100 kg)

Most sleepers in this range find medium to medium-firm mattresses ideal. These offer a balance of comfort and support, keeping your spine aligned while cushioning pressure points.

Heavier Sleepers (100 kg and Above)

Heavier sleepers need extra support to prevent excessive sinking, which can throw off spinal alignment. Medium-firm to firm mattresses provide a sturdier surface that maintains comfort without compromising support. A high-density foam or hybrid mattress with reinforced support layers can also help.

Consider Your Sleeping Position (and Your Partner’s!)

The way you sleep determines the level of support and comfort you need in a mattress.

And if you share a bed, choosing the right one can bring you and your partner closer—literally. A 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that couples who regularly sleep together experience 10% more REM sleep than those who don’t.

Understanding both your sleep habits makes it easier to find a mattress that works for both of you.

Sleeper Type	Recommended Mattress Type
Side Sleepers	Memory foam or hybrid with contouring layers for pressure relief
Back Sleepers	Mattress with balanced support to maintain spinal alignment
Stomach Sleepers	Supportive mattress that prevents midsection sinking
Combination Sleepers	Latex or hybrid mattress for adaptability and easy movement

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers put more pressure on their shoulders and hips, so a softer mattress helps cushion these areas and keeps the spine aligned. A memory foam or hybrid mattress with contouring layers can be a great choice.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need balanced support to maintain spinal alignment. A medium to medium-firm mattress provides enough cushioning for comfort while keeping the lower back properly supported.

Stomach Sleepers

A firmer mattress prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply, which can strain the lower back. Stomach sleepers typically do best with medium-firm to firm mattresses that keep the body properly aligned.

Combination Sleepers

If you shift positions throughout the night, a medium mattress offers the versatility you need. Responsive materials like latex or hybrid designs can help with easy movement and adaptability.

Set Your Budget

Mattresses range from budget buys to high-end splurges. Setting a budget helps you focus on options that fit your needs without overspending.

A cheap mattress might save you money upfront, but quality sleep is priceless.

On the flip side, a high price tag doesn’t always mean better quality. The trick is finding that sweet spot where comfort, durability, and price align.

Here’s a general guide to mattress price ranges in Australia (for a queen-size mattress) and where they fit best:

Price Range (AUD)	Ideal For
$249 – 399	Spare rooms, guest beds, kids’ beds—good for occasional use
$549 – $899	Budget-conscious buyers looking for a balance of comfort and affordability
$999 – $1,499	A high-quality mattress designed for long-term comfort and durability

The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune. Plenty of well-made mattresses offer comfort, durability, and great value—all without draining your wallet.

Test It Out

Once you’ve considered your budget, sleeping position, firmness preference, and mattress type, it’s time for the final step—putting it to the test.

If you’re shopping in-store, lie down in your usual sleeping position for a few minutes. Feel it out. Pay attention to how the mattress supports your body and whether it relieves pressure points.

If you’re buying online, a sleep trial lets you test the mattress in the comfort of your home. It takes time for your body to adjust, so give it a fair chance before making a decision.

Did it check all your boxes? If it feels comfortable, provides the right support, and fits your lifestyle, you’ve found the one!

Can You Return a Mattress?

Buying a mattress online or in-store comes with a big question—what if it’s not the right fit?

Several brands offer return policies, often through a sleep trial period that lets you test the mattress at home.

Here’s how it usually works:

• Sleep Trial Period – Most mattress brands provide a trial period (typically 90 to 100 nights) so you can properly test the mattress.
• Return Conditions – Returns are usually accepted if the mattress is in good condition and within the trial period. Some brands may require a minimum trial period before allowing a return, as it takes time for your body to adjust to a new mattress.
• Making a Warranty Claim – This can be tricky, as issues like comfort and sagging may be considered subjective or part of ‘normal wear and tear.’ Most mattresses have a 10-year warranty, but the fine print is often packed with conditions and exclusions. So, always check the terms before making a claim.
• Pickup & Refund – If you decide to return it, brands often arrange a free pickup and issue a refund.

Recycling Your Old Mattress

So, getting rid of an old mattress? Don’t send it straight to landfill—recycling gives it a second life while keeping waste to a minimum.

Here are a few ways to recycle your mattress responsibly:

• Donate it if it’s still in good condition – Many charities accept gently used mattresses to help those in need. Organisations like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity may take donations, but it’s always best to call ahead and check their requirements.
• Use a mattress recycling service – Australia has dedicated recycling programs like Soft Landing (available in NSW, ACT, VIC, and WA) and SUEZ (operating in Sydney, NSW). These services break down mattresses into reusable components rather than adding to landfill waste. In New Zealand, Andoo partners with All Heart NZ to recycle and repurpose mattresses, while EcoDrop in Christchurch offers drop-off options.
• See if the manufacturer has a take-back program – Some brands offer recycling initiatives for their products. If you’re unsure, reach out to the manufacturer to see if they provide a sustainable disposal option.

At Ecosa, we’re all about sustainability—so much so that we created a recycling program to help Aussies reduce, reuse, and recycle at home. We’re more than happy to recycle your old mattress and bed sheets!

How Long Should a Mattress Last?

A good mattress is also an investment—but like anything else, it won’t last forever.
On average, most mattresses last 7 to 10 years, depending on the materials and how well you care for them.

Want to get the most out of your mattress? Here are a few simple ways to keep it in top shape:

• Rotate it regularly – Swapping head and foot positions every few months helps prevent sagging and wear.
• Use a mattress protector – A waterproof, breathable mattress protector shields your mattress from spills, dust mites, and everyday wear, keeping it fresher for longer.
• Clean it properly – Vacuum it occasionally and spot-clean spills immediately to prevent stains and odours.
• Give it proper support – A sturdy bed frame or base ensures even weight distribution, preventing dips and uneven wear.

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Check out Ecosa’s mattress collection and discover how to choose a mattress in Australia that fits your comfort, support, and budget needs—without the hefty price tag!