How to Choose a Mattress — The Australian Buyer's Guide
How to Choose the Right Mattress for Your Home
Choosing a mattress is one of the more considered purchases you'll make for your bedroom — and with so many types, sizes, and firmness levels available, it's easy to feel uncertain about where to start. The right mattress depends on a combination of factors: your preferred sleeping position, the size of your bed frame, your comfort preferences, and how the mattress will be used.
This guide covers the key decisions clearly and practically, so you can compare options with confidence and choose a mattress that suits your needs. Browse mattresses at Greenora Living once you've worked through what you're looking for.
1. Choose the Right Mattress Size
Australian mattress sizes follow local standards, which differ slightly from US and UK sizing. The commonly used sizes are:
- Single — typically around 92 × 188 cm. Suited to children's rooms and compact single-sleeper spaces.
- King Single — typically around 107 × 203 cm. A longer option suited to taller individuals or teenagers.
- Double — typically around 138 × 188 cm. Suits solo sleepers who want more room, or couples in smaller bedrooms.
- Queen — typically around 153 × 203 cm. The most widely used size for Australian couples.
- King — typically around 183 × 203 cm. Maximum width for couples who want generous sleeping space.
These dimensions are a general guide. Actual dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, so always confirm the specific measurements of both the mattress and your bed frame before ordering. The mattress label and the bed-frame label matching (e.g. both "Queen") is a useful starting point, but checking the actual dimensions is the only reliable way to confirm compatibility.
2. Understand Mattress Firmness
Firmness is one of the most personal aspects of choosing a mattress. There is no single firmness level that suits everyone — the right choice depends on your sleeping position, body size, comfort preferences, and support requirements, and these vary considerably between individuals.
As a general orientation:
- Softer mattresses tend to allow more contouring and pressure relief, which some sleepers find comfortable, particularly those who sleep on their side. However, individual preferences vary significantly.
- Medium firmness is often described as the most versatile option and is a common choice for couples with different preferences or for combination sleepers who change position during the night.
- Firmer mattresses provide more surface resistance and less sink, which some back and stomach sleepers prefer. Again, individual preferences vary.
If you're unsure, a medium firmness is often a reasonable starting point — but the best approach is to read individual product descriptions carefully and, where possible, check customer reviews from people with similar sleeping preferences to yours.
3. Compare Different Mattress Types
The internal construction of a mattress affects how it feels, how it performs over time, and how it handles temperature and movement. The main types available in Australia are:
Memory Foam
Memory foam contours closely to the body in response to heat and pressure, which many sleepers find comfortable for pressure relief. It also tends to absorb movement well, which can be useful if you share a bed. Memory foam can retain heat in some constructions — check the product specifications for details on how a particular mattress manages temperature.
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses use a connected coil system. They tend to be responsive and provide good airflow. Construction quality and feel vary considerably between products.
Pocket Spring
Pocket spring mattresses use individually wrapped coils that move independently of each other. This construction provides targeted support and generally reduces motion transfer compared to traditional innerspring designs. As with all mattress types, performance varies between individual products.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine a spring system (typically pocket springs) with one or more foam or other comfort layers on top. The aim is to combine the support and airflow of springs with the pressure relief of foam. Hybrid mattresses vary considerably in construction and feel — check the specific product details.
Latex
Latex mattresses offer a responsive, buoyant feel that differs from the closer contouring of memory foam. Natural and synthetic latex options are available, with different properties. Check the product specifications for details on the specific latex type and construction used.
No single mattress type is universally better than another. The right type depends on your personal comfort preferences, sleeping habits, and the specific product's construction and quality.
4. Consider Your Comfort and Sleeping Preferences
Beyond firmness and mattress type, think about how you actually sleep and what you find comfortable.
Do you tend to sleep hot? Check whether the mattress has features designed to manage temperature, such as open-cell foam, breathable covers, or a spring system that promotes airflow — and read the product specifications rather than relying on general claims about mattress types.
Do you share a bed? Consider how well the mattress handles motion transfer if your partner moves during the night. Pocket spring and memory foam constructions are often noted for reduced motion transfer, but performance varies between products.
Do you have specific support requirements? If you have back, hip, or joint concerns, consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance on what to look for, rather than relying solely on general mattress marketing claims.
5. Consider Motion Transfer and Temperature
For couples, motion transfer — how much movement on one side of the bed is felt on the other — is a practical consideration. Pocket spring and foam-based constructions generally handle motion transfer better than traditional connected-coil innerspring designs, but the degree varies between individual products.
Temperature regulation is another consideration, particularly in warmer Australian climates. Mattresses with open-cell foam, breathable covers, or spring systems that allow airflow tend to sleep cooler than dense, closed-cell foam constructions. Check the product specifications for details on how a specific mattress is designed to manage temperature.
6. Check Mattress and Bed Frame Compatibility
A mattress performs best when it's properly supported by a compatible bed frame. Before purchasing, check:
- Mattress dimensions vs. bed-frame internal dimensions. Confirm the actual measurements of both — don't rely solely on size labels.
- Recommended foundation type. Some mattresses are designed for slatted frames; others perform better on a solid base. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific mattress.
- Slat spacing, where applicable. If using a slatted frame, check the mattress manufacturer's guidance on maximum slat spacing. Requirements vary between mattress types and products.
- Weight and support specifications. Check the bed frame's weight capacity and support specifications, particularly for heavier mattresses or for two sleepers.
- Manufacturer instructions. Always read the care and support instructions for the specific mattress you're purchasing, as requirements vary.
Explore our range of bed frames to find a compatible foundation for your mattress.
7. Consider Your Budget and Intended Use
Mattress prices in Australia vary considerably depending on the type, construction, size, and brand. As a general orientation:
- Entry-level mattresses tend to suit guest rooms, short-term use, or situations where budget is the primary consideration.
- Mid-range mattresses typically offer a broader range of construction types and comfort options for everyday use.
- Higher-priced mattresses often use more complex constructions, premium materials, or longer warranty periods — but price alone is not a reliable indicator of quality or suitability for your needs.
Consider how the mattress will be used: a guest room mattress used occasionally has different requirements to a primary bedroom mattress used every night. Match your investment to the intended use.
8. Check Product Specifications Before Buying
When buying a mattress online, the product specifications are your primary source of information. Before purchasing, check:
- Exact dimensions (length, width, height/depth)
- Construction and materials
- Firmness rating and how it's described
- Recommended foundation/support type
- Care and maintenance instructions
- Warranty terms and conditions
- Delivery information, including timeframes and any charges applicable to your location
Delivery availability, timeframes, and charges can vary by product and location — check the relevant product page and delivery information before ordering.
9. Pair Your Mattress with the Right Bed Frame
The bed frame you choose affects both the performance of your mattress and the overall look of your bedroom. Key considerations:
Slatted frames allow airflow beneath the mattress, which can be beneficial for foam and latex mattresses. Check the slat spacing against the mattress manufacturer's recommendations.
Solid platform bases provide an even, firm surface. Check whether the specific mattress you're purchasing is suited to a solid base or requires airflow from slats.
Gas lift frames incorporate under-bed storage, which can be useful in smaller bedrooms. Check the weight capacity and support specifications for the mattress you intend to use.
Always confirm that the bed frame's internal dimensions are compatible with your mattress dimensions before purchasing both. Explore our bed frames collection to find a matching frame for your bedroom.
10. Mattress Buying Checklist
Before you finalise your purchase, work through this checklist:
- ☐ Required mattress size — confirmed against your bed frame's internal dimensions
- ☐ Available bedroom space — measured to confirm the mattress and frame fit comfortably with adequate clearance
- ☐ Firmness preference — considered in the context of your sleeping position and comfort preferences
- ☐ Mattress type — foam, pocket spring, hybrid, latex, or other construction reviewed
- ☐ Bed frame compatibility — foundation type and slat requirements checked against manufacturer guidance
- ☐ Product dimensions — actual measurements confirmed (not just size label)
- ☐ Care requirements — maintenance and care instructions reviewed
- ☐ Warranty information — warranty terms and any conditions reviewed
- ☐ Delivery information — delivery timeframes and any charges confirmed for your location
- ☐ Budget — matched to the intended use and frequency of use
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right mattress?
Start with the size you need, then consider your firmness preferences, sleeping position, and whether you share the bed. Compare mattress types based on their construction and how they're described, check the product specifications carefully, and confirm compatibility with your bed frame before purchasing.
What mattress size do I need in Australia?
The most common sizes are Single, King Single, Double, Queen, and King. Queen is the most widely used size for couples. Dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, so always confirm the actual measurements of both the mattress and your bed frame rather than relying solely on the size label.
How do I choose mattress firmness?
Firmness is highly personal. Consider your sleeping position, body size, and comfort preferences as a starting point, but be aware that individual preferences vary considerably. Reading detailed product descriptions and customer reviews from people with similar preferences can help. If you're unsure, medium firmness is often a reasonable starting point.
What is the difference between pocket spring and foam mattresses?
Pocket spring mattresses use individually wrapped coils that move independently, providing targeted support and generally good airflow. Foam mattresses (including memory foam) contour closely to the body and tend to absorb movement well. Hybrid mattresses combine both. Performance varies between individual products regardless of type — check the specific product specifications.
Does my mattress need to match my bed frame?
Yes — the mattress and bed frame need to be compatible in size and support type. Confirm the actual dimensions of both, and check the mattress manufacturer's recommendations for the type of foundation required.
Can I use any mattress with any bed frame?
Not necessarily. Some mattresses require a slatted base for airflow; others are designed for a solid platform. Slat spacing requirements also vary. Always check the mattress manufacturer's guidance on compatible foundations before purchasing.
What should I check before buying a mattress online?
Check the exact dimensions, construction and materials, firmness description, recommended foundation type, care instructions, warranty terms, and delivery information for your location. Don't rely solely on size labels — confirm the actual measurements against your bed frame.
Shop Mattresses and Beds at Greenora Living
Choosing the right mattress is easier when you start with the specifications. Compare mattress dimensions, construction, and firmness carefully, confirm compatibility with your bed frame, and check the delivery and warranty information before you order.
Explore Greenora Living's bedroom collections to find everything you need:
- Mattresses — a curated range of mattresses for Australian homes
- Beds — contemporary bed frames to pair with your mattress
- Bedside Tables — compact bedroom storage to complete the room
- Dressers — bedroom storage for a cohesive, considered look